Daytrip Manila - Seafood Galore and National Museum of the Philippines

I'm reliving one of my memorable trips of 2012 hehe. One of them happened to be a daytrip to the newly renovated National Museum! I'm fond of going to museums abroad and, surprisingly, this was the first time to visit our very own in Manila =) The trip was worth it because I'm all grown up and I can appreciate history more and the things before me now hahaha. What made the trip even memorable was that I drove all the way there and it was a rainy day hehe. I also looked for the seafood restaurant (for lunch) that my dad used to take me to when I was young near Manila bay and found my way to Intramuros (for dinner) because I had a craving for adobong balut in Illustrado then we went to the newest hip Lucky Chinatown Mall in Downtown Manila! Here's a fun itinerary for a daytrip in Manila =)

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

Lunch - Okay, I was a little too late for this one. The old restaurant (called Seafood Wharf) where my dad took me to for some yummy bamboo razor clams in tausi sauce was already closed. We went to the one beside it Harbor View Restaurant - food was so-so (they didn't have the razor clams) but the ambiance and experience was as wonderful as I expected. They have this extension out into the water.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

And on the left view of this picture - voila! the fallen Seafood Wharf. These restaurants are beside Manila Ocean Park left side if you go in through Roxas Blvd.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

We ordered the (seafood) soup of the day (P65 + SC),

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

the Sizzling Squid Chili (P245 + SC),

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

and this yummy (which was the best of the three) Mixed Seafood (P350 + SC).

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

They offer desserts in a cart.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

I would suggest that you eat out here on open air instead of inside the restaurant. There's pay parking by the way. I wonder what the view will be at night..

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

Main Event - The main building of the National Museum (the National Art Gallery, NAG) was just near the restaurant. I parked inside the gates of NAG.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

I will head over to the Museum of the Filipino People (MFP) in a while. Here are the entrance rates below. Ehem - FREE ON SUNDAYS! Hehe.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

They don't allow bags in by the way. But small cameras are okay. You can find Juan Luna's huge Spoliarium here.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

The carnage depicted will haunt you and the sheer size of the painting will leave you dumbfounded for a while. But the people can get a little distracting.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

There are little galleries with various works of art (from our National Artists) in display.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

I liked the paintings of Vicente Manansala, 

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

particularly this one below =)

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

Carlos (Botong) Francisco's The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines is also kept here and takes up an entire showroom! These large-scale works of art were originally made for the inaguration of the Philippine General Hospital. Now, these massive originals have found a new home here at the National Art Gallery.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

The National Museum closes at 5 p.m. and I didn't have time to look for the entrance of these pocket gardens haha. It is still kind of freaky to go down the dark corridors where there were no people (yes, I kind of chickened out and I wasn't sure if it was allowed haha).

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

We crossed the street to the other building at the back to the Museum of the Filipino People. I was more at home here, where things are for the curious and were not as abstract haha.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

Like this Ifugao house =)

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

Go up and you'll find this.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

We went up the elevator to go from top to bottom.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

We were a bit lost and saw a room or two full of jars and stuffed animals from a hole / door crack. OMG. I was having a Madagascar moment hahaha. 

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

What will you do if you saw crates upon (animal?) crates of Fragile and This Side Up containers?! hahaha. Unbelievable! Hahaha. Wow! *Note: I'm sorry we just got lost, don't attempt and deliberately find these. Authorized personnel only. I hope one day they would invite me in to be amazed more.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

We finally found our way to an exhibit of fossil shells and other marine life specimens!

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

This pretty one was found in Catanduanes, Philippines!

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

The collection gave us an idea of what the Philippines was like before according to expert studies.

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

I also got excited when I saw this - the Philippine National Herbarium! We have that? hahaha. Maybe this was what the restricted room was all about!

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

"The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its culture." - Thomas Jefferson

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

Here are samples of jars,

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

how you would know if a mushroom is poisonous

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

and the medicinal plants found in different parts of the Philippines like Baler in Aurora!

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

I would love to show you more things to find at the National Museum of the Philippines. This post is super long so I have to cut it! Feel free to read the next post - The Museum of the Filipino People, A Day Trip in Manila!

In the meantime, you can tell me below: Have you been to the National Museum of the Philippines? Which one would you go to: the National Art Gallery or the Museum of the Filipino People and why? What kind of museums do you go to anyway? Any good ones worth visiting (where)? If you have a recommendation, please suggest seafood restaurants in Manila! I would love to hear from you! =)

Details:

national museum day manila national art gallery and museum of the filipino people herbarium and zoological collections art collections day tour of manila itinerary http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2013/01/daytrip-manila-national-museum.html

Harbor View Restaurant in Manila Bay
Manila Bay, Rizal Park
514-6339 / 359-0570

National Museum of the Philippines - National Art Gallery & The Museum of the Filipino People
Open Tuesdays to Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
National Museum Philippines Website and Info
National Museum Facebook

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30 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 8, 2013 at 5:40 PM

    Please visit Pinto Museum in Rizal. :) Anyways, I've been to National Museum but it was like a decade ago when I was still in HS so I kinda forgot the experience :) You can try the Dampa in MOA but just make sure you'll order scallops for a complete experience :)

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    1. Melody CoApril 18, 2013 at 3:28 PM

      thanks for your suggestions! will keep them in mind =)

      Delete
  2. PhinkyMommyJanuary 8, 2013 at 9:47 PM

    I haven't been in National Museum of the Philippines yet but of course, I'd love to visit if given a chance. I would visit both the National Art Gallery & the Museum of the Filipino People because I love arts (anything basta arts hehe) and it would also be great if I also have an additional knowledge about the Filipino People. I'd love to visit a science museum (it's really cool to see those inventions of some Filipinos) and The Art Gallery especially paintings.

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    1. Melody CoApril 18, 2013 at 3:28 PM

      yes yes go! maybe you can try The Mind Museum at the Fort!

      Delete
  3. UnknownJanuary 9, 2013 at 1:09 AM

    The last time I went to National Museum was when I was in highschool, we had fieldtrip there. One og the best seafood restaurant I've been is in Shylins, they have branch in Dampa Parañaque but they're now at along Seaside MOA also Claire Dela Fuente's Seafood place ;)

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    1. Melody CoApril 18, 2013 at 3:29 PM

      cool! another foodie suggestion =) thank you!

      Delete
  4. UnknownJanuary 9, 2013 at 7:39 AM

    Yes' I've been to the National Museum of the Philippines when I was in high school, i think 1993? I'd rather go to the National Art Gallery because I do appreciate paintings. I'm not particular with the kinds of museum I go to. Outside Manila, I went to Casa Gorordo Museum in Cebu since it was a must-go in Cebu. In Paris, I went to Louvre Museum, to see the spot where Hanks movie was shot. In Jeju, there are also a lot of museum, and I went to a few. In Germany I went to BMW museum which is also a different kind since it's more of cars and motors. Locally, try the one in Cebu, there are lots of good museums there. Outside Phils, of course Paris can be on the bucket list :) I'd go for Dampa when it comes to seafoods.

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    1. Melody CoApril 18, 2013 at 3:30 PM

      Let me note Casa Gorordo Museum.. Thank you! =)

      Delete
  5. Jelo ManongsongJanuary 9, 2013 at 11:00 AM

    Yes, I've been to National Museum. I rather go to Museum of the Filipino People because I like to see old image of Filipino back then. :)

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  6. Chris BelisonJanuary 10, 2013 at 4:02 PM

    1. Have you been to the National Museum of the Philippines?
    - Yes, but way back in the late 90's! I'd love to visit it again, soon.

    2. Which one would you go to: the National Art Gallery or the Museum of the Filipino People and why?
    - I'd visit both because both cater to different interests I have. It's also a great way of "travelling" and "exploring" the country because it reflects art and culture of the whole Philippines in a single area.


    3. What kind of museums do you go to anyway?
    -Being a Biology major, I frequent scientific museums and research-related observatories. Being an artist also, I make it a point to try and visit art galleries and museums whenever time and schedule permits.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melody CoApril 18, 2013 at 3:31 PM

      "It's also a great way of "travelling" and "exploring" the country because it reflects art and culture of the whole Philippines in a single area." - Agree!

      Delete
  7. UnknownJanuary 11, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    1. Have you been to the National Museum of the Philippines?
    - Yes, but it's almost two decades ago. Planning to visit this Summer thogh.

    2. Which one would you go to: the National Art Gallery or the Museum of the Filipino People and why?
    - I'd definitely visit both. They show various culture that I want to share with my nieces and nephew. Will give them a "field trip" soon.


    3. What kind of museums do you go to anyway?
    -Having Tarlac as my hometown, I used to visit Ninoy Aquino Museum to tour our guests but honestly, I want science oriented museums like Mind Museum and Wax Museum.

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  8. UnknownJanuary 11, 2013 at 8:21 PM

    Yes, I've been to National Museum. I like to go both i want to see the old memorable things in the past.

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  9. UnknownJanuary 11, 2013 at 10:25 PM

    Im a Museum lovers everytime i visit the museum i always remember the past i feel the happyness to see old paintings old art work!!!

    i want to try seafood to Harbor View Restaurant to experience the ambiance sa view pa lang busog na aq hahah!!!

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2013 at 8:01 PM

    I have been to the National Museum once only because there was a seminar for teachers there and I accompanied my mom. We didn't get to tour the place. I prefer the National Art Gallery as I prefer art. I also like exhibits. If you're into toys and are in SG, the Mint Museum of Toys (it's near the National Library) is worth visiting. Oh, last December, before the mayan end of the world date, we passed by the National Museum and there was an ark on their grounds. Aliw!

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    1. Melody CoApril 18, 2013 at 3:32 PM

      oh nice nice. Mint Museum of Toys in Singapore, noted!

      Delete
  11. mhoie1325January 14, 2013 at 2:03 PM

    Yes, I have been to the National Museum when I was still in grade school if I remember it right. I think I would probably go to the Museum of the Filipino People because I am not into the arts and the like though I am from Angono, Rizal which is the Arts Capital of the Philippines. If given the chance I would like to go to The Mind Museum in BGC. Here in Angono, we have the Blanco Family Museum. I suggest the Seafood Market and Restaurant at J. Bocobo Street, Manila because I have been hearing good reviews about it.

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    1. Melody CoApril 18, 2013 at 3:35 PM

      I like this post haha. So many museum suggestions in the comments!!! Blanco Family Museum, noted =)

      Delete
  12. UnknownJanuary 14, 2013 at 7:40 PM

    Yes, when I was in highschool. I'd love to visit again with my kids and I choose them both, National Museum of the Philippines and National Art Gallery so they can explore and know something about our arts and history.. When it comes
    to fresh seafood I recommend Harbor View Filipino Seafood Restaurant. It offers very wide variety of Filipino and great views of Manila Bay. You'll surely go back because food was great!

    ReplyDelete
  13. vetaJanuary 14, 2013 at 10:48 PM

    One of these days makapunta rin ako sa mga museums diyan sa Manila. Here in my city, may tinatawag kaming Heritage Center. I'll visit it one day.

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  14. akosiyaJanuary 15, 2013 at 12:33 AM

    I've never stepped foot inside the National Museum even though I pass by it every week. It looks deserted and only recently have I known that the building is the Museum (I thought it was the post office). BGC's Mind Museum has been getting good reviews ever since it opened it's doors to the public as well as SM MOA's Discovery Center.

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  15. purpshellayJuly 12, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    hi, I would like to know if may baggage counter ang National Museum? You mentioned they do not allow bags inside, eh magcocommute lang ako. If meron, may fee ba?

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    Replies
    1. Melody CoJuly 12, 2013 at 10:01 AM

      Hi purpshellay. Yup! no fees. just make sure you get it before that museum building closes =)

      Delete
  16. UnknownOctober 7, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    free ang entrance fee kapag month ng OCTOBER, is it true?

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    1. Melody CoOctober 7, 2013 at 6:47 PM

      this year yup! =) see here: http://www.girl-kuripot.com/2013/10/free-entrance-to-museum-galleries-national-museum-manila-october.html

      Delete
  17. SupladoJune 2, 2015 at 7:18 PM

    Where to park?

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    Replies
    1. Melody CoJune 3, 2015 at 8:33 AM

      there's parking inside the gates near the main entrance (guarded).

      Delete
  18. Sheenah TanDecember 1, 2015 at 12:13 PM

    October is Museum Month kaya anyone can go to big museums in Manila for free. I'm thankful that NM was made more accessible since more and more young Pinoys are appreciating history and culture. I suggest din you check out Geronimo De Los Reyes Museum in Cavite. It's roadtrip+food trip+a trip down memory lane din. :)

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  19. UnknownApril 8, 2016 at 12:56 PM

    You may also want to check out the Geronimo B. de los Reyes, Jr. Museum in Gen. Trias, Cavite. We have one of the most extensive collection of photographs of the Philippines during the 1800s.

    http://www.gbrmuseum.com.ph/

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Hi. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I'd love to hear from you =)