The number of visitors to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Museo ng Singing during the first 11 months of 2008 increased by 61 percent to 112,132 visitors from 69, 658 visitors recorded during the same period in 2007.
GSIS President and General Manager Winston F. Garcia expressed elation over the robust growth figure.
“We are happy with the increasing number of visitors to the Museo as this shows a heightened awareness on our thrust to promote and insure our cultural heritage through the arts,” he said.
Based on the data provided by the Public Relations and Facilities Department (PRFD) of the GSIS, patrons of the Museo came from provinces like Iloilo, Benguet, Baguio, La Union, and Pangasinan. As in previous years, majority of the visitors of the Museo were elementary students.
“At an early age, we want our kids to appreciate our cultural heritage because these tangible works of art we inherited reflect who we are at different points in our history,” added Mr. Garcia.
The Museo houses a significant number of paintings and other art pieces, the most highly prized being Juan Luna’s “Parisian Life.” One of the country’s national treasures, this painting was done in 1892 and the very first Filipino painting that won a silver medal at the St. Louis Exposition (World Fair) in 1904.
Paintings of national artist Fernando Amorsolo are also exhibited at the Museo. Best known for his illuminated techniques, Amorsolo’s paintings often portrayed Filipino customs, culture, fiestas and occupations. As part of efforts to preserve Amorsolo’s paintings, the Museo launched the restoration of his painting titled “Awit” last October.
Works of other national artists such as Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Vicente Manansala and Hernando Ocampo are also displayed at the Museo.
The Museo also holds monthly exhibits of visual art works of contemporary artists. Next year, artists like Dexter Bigayan, Raul Dumawal Jr., Jason Samson, and Tony de Zuñiga, among others, will showcase their creative outputs.
In addition, the Museo spearheads an annual Painting Competition that serves as a venue for the discovery of future national and world-class artists.
This year, a record 649 entries vied for the top prize which eventually went to Antonio Ylanan from Cebu for his oil-on-canvas painting dubbed “Likod Likod.” Nine other entries in different categories were likewise awarded. Several of these winning pieces are also in display at the Museo.
Admission to the Museo is free. For large groups who are interested to take a visit, they may call the GSIS-PRFD at 891-6161 local 4859.
