NMP-Cebu: Exploring Cebu's very first national museum

Hello, Hive!

We've finally reached the odd uneven time of August, as Sylvia Plath so poignantly described. Be it going outdoors to celebrate the National Mountain Climbing Day or staying at home on Book Lover’s Day, we all have different ways of making the most of month's golden light.

As for me, I've had a unique month kickstarter when James and I went to the newly opened National Museum here in Cebu.

On July 28, 2023, the National Museum of the Philippines inaugurated its 16th component museum in the country. National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu (NMP-Cebu) is hosted at the Malacañang sa Sugbo building which is also considered one of Cebu City's architectural treasures, along with the nearby Fort San Pedro and Plaza Independencia. The museum officially opened its doors to the public last August 1.

It was past lunch time when James and I arrived at the port area. Since it's a weekend, I was a bit worried that the place would be jampacked with toursist. Thankfully, it wasn't. There were families, couples, and several groups of Gen Zs frolicking here and there, but we were still able to explore each gallery with contentment.

NMP-Cebu features five main galleries that highlight Cebu's rich history, culture, biodiversity, local arts, and more.

Cebu's maritime history and industry

The first gallery we went to features Cebu's maritime history and industry. Here, there's a showcase of the different fishing practices and implements used by locals.

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The tour then moves onto the maritime trade from the 19th century to dating as far back as the 13th century. We saw a miniature model of the San Diego galleon which used to be a merchant vessel in the 17th century before it was converted into a warship in the 1600. Its wooden remains were the first evidence of Spanish shipbuilding in the Philippines.

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Cebu's archaeological treasures

The second gallery features a trove of archaeological treasures that enriches the province's heritage. Here, there's an array of display of several shipwreck finds from China, Spain, Vietnam, Japan, and more.

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They also have an artillery collection as well as maps of Cebu from different timelines.

Cebu's natural wonders

The third gallery centers on Cebu's natural wonders. Here, guests can choose to examine the province's plant and animal wildlife, or its geological resources.

A. Under the sea

This section features Cebu's marine life and reef community. The most interesting point that James and I learned here was about the Magallenesia canaliculata rudist reefs which were found under the Cretaceous sea 100 million years ago in present-day Pulangbato, Cebu City.

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B. Above the land

This section features Cebu's endemic flora and fauna. Did you know that the province has its own dwarf water buffalo? Cebu Tamaraw, scientifically known as Bubalus cebuensis has lived between 10,000 to 100,000 years ago. Although now an extinct species, it's amazing to learn that these animals once roamed the island.

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C. Beneath the Earth

This section features Cebu's energy sources and geologic features. There was a display of the different rocks found in the province as well as the minerals found in the Earth's crust.

Cebu's artistic prowess

The fourth and fifth galleries are located on the second floor of the museum. It features the artworks of leading Filipino artists in the '70s, as well the works of Carcar's renowned painter Martino "Noy Tinong" Abellana."

Another interesting thing about NMP-Cebu is its interior. It will make you feel like being in an ancestral house with its sliding windows in latticework panels, huge double doors separating each gallery, wooden floor planks, wide stairways with wooden balusters, and hanging chandeliers.

There are still some sections of museum that are off limits to visitors but overall, it's a great way to break away from the demands of social media. You can learn and have fun at the same time. Aside from the museum shop, everything can be enjoyed for free. 😁