January 25, 2025 – As part of the continuing efforts of the Philippine Global Explorers (PGE) to make education more accessible through meaningful experiences, the second installment of the Lakbay Aral project brought 40 students from the Upskills Foundation and Purple Community Fund on a full-day educational tour to two important cultural institutions: the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila and the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center in Marikina.
Led by PGE Project Lead Ryazan Tristram and Tour Leader Anne Virtudazo, and with the support of Upskills Foundation staff Angela Villacorta and Tess Sarmiento, the tour aimed to expose the students to Philippine history, heritage, and the value of literature and cultural diversity.
READ MORE: Lakbay Aral Sa Baguio: Supporting Education through Travel
First Stop: National Museum of the Philippines
Location Map of the National Museum of the Philippines
The tour began at the National Museum of the Philippines, a key cultural institution that safeguards the nation’s artistic, historical, and archaeological collections. Here, students were introduced to a wide range of exhibits that told the story of the Philippines—from pre-colonial artifacts to contemporary works.
A highlight of the visit was the Spoliarium by Juan Luna, an iconic piece in Philippine art history that sparked thoughtful reflection and discussion among the students. They also explored the Baybayin Gallery, which showcased the country’s ancient writing system, and the Archaeological Treasures Gallery, where they saw burial jars, tools, and pottery from early civilizations.
The museum experience allowed the students to visually and contextually connect with the lessons they often hear in classrooms—offering a tangible view of the country’s diverse and layered past.
Second Stop: Book Museum cum Ethnology Center
Location Map of the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center
In the afternoon, the group traveled to Marikina for a visit to the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center. The museum houses a private collection of books and cultural artifacts curated by Atty. Dominador Buhain, reflecting his travels across the Philippines and more than 200 countries.
The students were introduced to rare printed materials, including one of the smallest books in the world and first editions of important historical texts. A key learning moment was understanding how books preserve knowledge, shape history, and influence cultural identity.
In the Ethnology section, the students observed items from various indigenous groups in the Philippines, learning about tribal customs, tools, and textiles. This exposure sparked interest and appreciation for the country’s cultural diversity, especially for those who have had limited opportunities to travel beyond their own communities.
Continuing the Lakbay Aral Mission
This educational tour is the second in a series of Lakbay Aral projects initiated by PGE, with the goal of using travel as a platform for learning. The experience not only allowed students to engage with Philippine history and culture firsthand, but also encouraged curiosity and reflection that will help guide their academic and personal growth.
PGE and its partners remain committed to fostering education through travel—making knowledge more accessible, relevant, and engaging for underserved Filipino youth. As the students returned home with new insights and stories to tell, the day stood as a clear example of how experiential learning can plant seeds for brighter futures.
