Written by Marielle Irathelle A. Trinidad

There’s no doubt and I wouldn’t lie; we love free cuts. A short break from all the chaos ensuing within your mind while classes are ongoing, a time to cram, or your wanted sleep due to staying up all night. It’s like Rapunzel’s long-awaited run from the huge tower, except that there’s no evil stepmother keeping you out or a prince to save you. It’s just you and the limitations probably hindered too with not-so-nice circumstances.

As a child and up to now, I loved sneaking out. I usually ran away from my naps to go out and play with my cousins. Well, things haven’t changed that much. During my stay in Manila, I found comfort in a place just steps away from the tower I’m in; The National Museum, particularly the exhibit for Fine Arts. I’d walk there alone, seeing a museum filled with children on their field trips, couples that I want to shout “Sana all” at, several university students scanning the artworks for their Arts quiz, friends who hang out around, and people like me who found comfort in the place.

The curators would greet you with a warm smile, several ushers who go around to check on museum-goers, may occasionally warn if several people go overboard with noise. At first, you’ll be greeted with the huge centerpiece, Spoliarium, which could make you feel things I could never explain coherently with words. I loved walking through the halls filled with paintings, sculptures, murals, and more, situated in multi-colored themed rooms. I’d take time reading the descriptions, taking several pictures along the way.

I missed the quiet museum; the silence filled with various unspoken and unheard emotions. It was enough for me, surrounded by artworks I love so much, filled with stories told by various people, in their own strokes, curves, and colors, establishing an unexpected connection, making you feel more human. It was enough for an introverted person who hated draining crowds but wanted human interactions once in a while. It was enough peace and rest for me, for someone who wanted an escape from the tower

I am in.

But life is not all rainbows and sunshine, and sometimes the rain pours down hard.

The pandemic and the incompetent government and their non-existent solutions make us suffer. Now, we are unable to run away, limited by screens and figuratively inside our own towers, living through whatever circumstances we might be in, fighting the villains in our lives. But through all of this, I hope everyone can find a museum of their own, filled with wonderful things that comfort you through the noise and chaos around. A museum that is just several steps away from your tower, enough to make you feel okay. Enough to give you peace and rest. Enough love and happiness, enough to be the reason to keep going, enough to remind you that life goes on.

Side note: If you miss the National Museum of Fine Arts, they are launching a virtual exhibit! They have partnered with various organizations including our very own UP Manila Chorale, performing Usahay, a Visayan love song throughout the whole exhibit.

Here’s the link http://pamana.ph/ncr/manila/NMFA360.html