12/13/2014 1:11:34 PM
It was a sunny day at the Metro despite numerous weather reports about typhoon Habagat (or locally known as Ruby) when yours truly, along with other invited bloggers, went to the nearby Riverbanks Center as the Marikina City’s premier shopping destination introduced us to their sets of different museums located along the vicinity.
Next stop was the two-in-one place known as The Spirit of Bethlehem and the Museum of Miniatures.
The Bethlehem gallery comprised of about half-a-thousand sets of Nativity dioramas which features the manger where Jesus Christ was born. Also, the exhibit features posters, paintings, and even sculptures.
Most of the collection was owned by Gigi Abaya-Carlos, a long-time devotee of Infant Jesus, while others displayed were donations by her friends; and some of the materials exhibited at the museum came from other countries such as China, the United States, Spain, Israel, Africa; as well as from the different parts of the country.
Also, about 80 percent of these dioramas were proudly Philippine-made.
Meantime, let’s switch to the other side, and I’m, taking about the Museum of Miniatures, where about 60,000 pieces of miniature models (yes, 60 thousand, folks) with a 1:1 scale.
The late Aleli Vengua made this Liliputian-comprised exhibit more possible, as the artist handcrafted most of them using several scrap materials such as aluminum, fabric, grass, plastic, and wood.
As I spot them on, you could only appreciate the art and entire effort of how Carlos’ collection was brought to life even further. It’s no joke to collect such huge number of nativity sets and display them in a public place such as Riverbanks.
And same actually goes for the miniature museum. They’re not just bunches of “cute” pieces or bits you usually see. They’re built with perfection in a very authentic setting. I recommend checking out their cabinet-sized dioramas and savor the experience and appreciation.
You can visit the websites of their museums (http://riverbankscenter.com/learning-center/spirit-bethlehem and http://riverbankscenter.com/learning-center/museum-miniatures) to learn more info and the reservation slots as well. They are open from Thursdays to Sundays. Also, please like their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/museumforthemindandspirit
Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions
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