Which Philippine museum are you?
Our favorite museums say much about us—from the artists we adore to the books on our shelves, and maybe even our favorite food and drink. Letting imaginations run amok, here are vignettes of 10 Philippine museums that might just align with your own personality.
1. National Museum of Anthropology: The lore lover
You might’ve had a phase in high school where you wrote notes in Baybayin. Maybe you’re adept at playing the kulintang. And while your collection of traditional weaves is not one to scoff at, you might gently correct anyone who calls inabel “boho.”
The look: A handwoven Yakan vest over an oversized tee, vintage dark-wash denim, vintage leather boots
Favorite artists: Kidlat Tahimik, Brenda Fajardo, Grayson Perry, and anything ancient, from prehistoric cave paintings to the Manunggul Jar
On the bookshelf: “Barangay: Sixteenth-Century Philippine Culture and Society” by William Henry Scott, “People of the Philippine Cordillera: Photographs, 1934-1956” by Eduardo Masferré, and ethno-linguistic journals
The pairing: Benguet coffee or Tsokolate Ah with heirloom rice bibingka
2. National Museum of Fine Arts: The salon intellectual
A little high-brow and theatrical in disposition, you like to lurk in dark corners and marvel at chiaroscuro. You also know the messy 19th-century drama between Juan Luna and Maria de la Paz Pardo de Tavera better than your own family history.
The look: Wingtip brogues, pleated trousers, crisp linen button-down, silk neckerchief, and a vintage leather satchel
Favorite artists: Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Guillermo Tolentino, Caravaggio, John Singer Sargent, Artemisia Gentileschi
On the bookshelf: Nick Joaquin’s “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” and Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “The Shadow of the Wind”
The pairing: A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, truffle tagliatelle, and warm churros dipped in dark chocolate
3. MCAD: The conceptualist
You speak fluent critical theory, never miss an Art Fair PH VIP preview, and probably work in “creative direction.”
The look: Monochrome Issey Miyake-style pleats or a super-boxy oversized blazer, Maison Margiela Tabis or chunky Prada platform loafers, and architectural silver jewelry
Favorite artists: Poklong Anading, Pio Abad, Maria Taniguchi, Hito Steyerl, Olafur Eliasson, Marina Abramović
On the bookshelf: “Relational Aesthetics” by Nicolas Bourriaud, “Ways of Seeing” by John Berger, and back issues of “e-flux”
The pairing: Natural orange wine or a matcha espresso tonic with a deconstructed small-plate tasting menu
4. Ateneo Art Gallery: The critical modernist
Effortlessly sharp with Katipunan intelligentsia energy, you have much to say about Filipino modernism, and deliver blistering sociopolitical critique as the coffee gets cold.
The look: A structural Carl Jan Cruz piece, wide-leg trousers, leather mules, and handcrafted brass drop earrings
Favorite artists: Fernando Zóbel, Geraldine Javier, Cy Twombly, Agnes Martin, Mark Rothko
On the bookshelf: Resil Mojares essays, Purita Kalaw Ledesma critique, and Susan Sontag’s “Against Interpretation”
The pairing: Single-origin pour-over or Earl Grey tea, sourdough toast topped with whipped ricotta and heirloom tomatoes
5. Destileria Limtuaco Museum: The cultured night owl
Unapologetic and ever-charming, you best appreciate heritage, art, and history with an open bar and a cold, sweaty, locally-brewed drink in hand.
The look: Silk slip dress beneath an oversized vintage leather jacket, crimson lipstick, kitten heels, and a chunky gold cocktail ring
Favorite artists: David Medalla, Pacita Abad, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Tracey Emin
On the bookshelf: Anthony Bourdain’s “Kitchen Confidential,” “Palayok,” “Sarap,” and “Tikim” by Doreen Fernandez
The pairing: Paradise Mango Rum Sour or Amadeo Coffee Liqueur on the rocks, sizzled sisig tacos, and fresh oysters
6. Palacio de Memoria: The Old Manila aristocrat
Bringing back the glamour of Roxas Boulevard, you bid on European silver at auctions, drink champagne inside a restored vintage aircraft, and demand gilded frames for absolutely everything, be it a newly acquired painting or family photos.
The look: Tailored tweed Chanel blazers at openings, silk Rafikimono robes at home, pearl strands, velvet loafers, and only Tom Ford glasses
Favorite artists: Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, Isabelo Tampinco, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Gustav Klimt
On the bookshelf: “The Great Gatsby,” “Myself, Elsewhere” by Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil, and both León Gallery and Sotheby’s auction catalogues
The pairing: An extra dry gin Martini, artisanal charcuterie with jamon iberico de bellota and 24-month aged Manchego, and caviar bumps
7. Pinto Art Museum: The garden romantic
You rush off to Antipolo for slow, languid Sundays. Partial to art naturally well-lit photos taken en plen air, you have a penchant for Filipino paintings with social realism.
The look: Flowy white linen dresses, always
Favorite artists: The Salingpusa collective, Elmer Borlongan, Mark Justiniani, Manny Garibay, Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, Paul Gauguin
On the bookshelf: “All Creatures Great and Small” by James Herriot, “Protest/Revolutionary Art in the Philippines, 1970-1990” by Alice Guillermo
The pairing: Iced hibiscus kombucha with wood-fired truffle-and-mushroom pizza
8. Ayala Museum: The corporate creative
Equally fascinated by pre-colonial gold artifacts and clean, modern layouts, you balance your day job in corporate strategy with time for art and history appreciation.
The look: Structured blazer, Longchamp bag, Apple Watch
Favorite artists: Fernando Zóbel, Arturo Luz, Yayoi Kusama, Piet Mondrian
On the bookshelf: “Alahas: Philippine Heritage Jewelry,” back issues of Monocle magazine
The pairing: Iced oat milk Spanish latte, avocado toast with microgreens
9. The M: The urban avant-gardist
Always tuned into both the local and global art scene, you’re a proper hybrid armed with art history expertise, while also totally fluent in Gen Z speak.
The look: Either a full-color or monochrome outfit, Salomon XT-6 sneakers, and geometric jewelry
Favorite artists: Jigger Cruz, Leslie de Chavez, Leeroy New, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, Gerhard Richter
On the bookshelf: Phaidon contemporary art archives and street-art monographs
The pairing: Nitro cold brew with tonic, truffle fries, and spicy vodka rigatoni
10. National Museum of Natural History: The scientific romantic
Every weekend, you’re either diving in Anilao and doing beach clean-ups, or finding another mountain to climb. Or, you’re camping and finding indigenous flora to sketch in your field notebooks—not to mention, avian life during bird-watching.
The look: Vintage utility vest, earth-tone cargo pants, New Balance sneakers, and a canvas tote
Favorite artists: Historical botanical illustrators, Charles Darwin field sketches, Martha Atienza, Ernst Haeckel
On the bookshelf: “The Secret Life of Plants” by Peter Tompkins, biodiversity conservation handbooks, and natural history essays
The pairing: Cold-pressed green juice, artisanal trail mix, and a fresh berry tart
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