Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF TOURISM, HOSPITALITY, AND
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

REACTION PAPER
Philippine Culture and Tourism Geography

I have visited several museums before but those were a long time ago so when I heard that we’ll
be having a tour to a museum of our choice, I became excited because finally I’d get to visit one again. Our
group decided to take a tour to The National Museum of Natural History. From Pureza station, we took the
LRT Line 2 to Recto then the LRT Line 1 going to United Nations. That was my first time to travel via LRT
and I consider that as a stepping stone in becoming a Tourism student.
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
COLLEGE OF TOURISM, HOSPITALITY, AND
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

Before we’ve begun our Museum adventure, We took some photos outside the mesmerizing white
exterior of the Museum. From there, we went from being excited to being super excited! Entering the
museum, we have been more stunned by the colossal architecture that stood before our eyes. Everything
was white. Everything was pleasing to the eye. We were wonderstruck. At the left side of the museum
below the stairs, We have viewed different artifacts, and also preserved body of different birds that
originated from the Philippines. Seeing them made me appreciate our country’s own species.There was a
room that showed a clip of some indigenous people showing their culture of parading underwater while
wearing capes and stripped metallic paper around their waists replicating the Sto. Nino. The experience
was made more realistic by the life-size screen that projected the video. We have explored every floor in
the museum and have discovered more about our country’s history specially the past illustrations of our
map. While examining the maps we have seen, we tried to locate the regions and provinces but it was so
struggling because the names were different back then and also, the divsions where not yet what it is in the
present time.

As an animal lover, I’ve been ecstatic to find both replicated and taxidermized animals around the
museum specially the unique-looking birds and gigantic turtles, crabs and alligators, butterflies and bug
collections, bats, and more. But behind the feeling of excitement, I felt really sad and worried about them all
because of the fact that almost all of them are going extinct and it is because of the activities being done by
illegal hunters and also the loss of their habitat caused by the Civilization of humans. With the lifeless
displays of the animals of our own, my eyes were opened more than before. I wanted to help save the
remaining lives in my own little way.

The displays in the museum is vivid and detailed to the point that you’ll mistaken an imitation into a
real one just like the display of different types of sea floors in the Philippines. Some activities such as
tracing unique leaf samples inside the museum are available for the viewers too which made it even more
interesting specially for kids. There were audio-visual rooms in different floors where informations were
discussed and explained through videos.

Intramuros was the next stop of our group. There, we have made a major foot exercise for we
didn’t ride any vehicles at all not only to save money but also to be able to see everything in detail. Kalesas
were everywhere as well as tourists from different countries.

We first visited the Manila Cathedral which had a really dark history. It was destroyed 7 times by 7
different earthquakes that struck the location and after that it was shattered again because of World War II.
Imagine the effort people have exerted just to restore Manila Cathedral over and over again and atlast after
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
COLLEGE OF TOURISM, HOSPITALITY, AND
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

several restorations and adjustment throughout the years, it was open for the public since 2014. Inside the
Cathedral, we have seen different religious sculptures and also world-class interiors. Also, there were two
guard dogs on the entrance named Ashley and Toto which we have petted for a few minutes. After praying
and roaming around the Church, we proceeded to Fort Santiago.

At first, I was hesitant to pay for the Entrance fee at Fort Santiago because I thought it was just a
plain, boring park. But inside, as we crossed the greenish-lake and explored the place, we have discovered
a glass door that was unexpectedly a museum. We were filled with energy because hey, we’re gonna start
another adventure again. After logging in, we rushed to see what’s inside. It was a museum about our
National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. It was filled with different facts about him, hidden truths, and also discoveries
about his life. My favorite part was his replica inside his cell because it was so realistic and also, the lighting
gave the complete effect.

Reading some of his letters to his family and lovers, I felt pain in my heart. He didn’t deserve to die
for Filipinos. He didn’t deserve anything he experienced because he was just a simple, intelligent man who
had a great love of his country. He became accused of something he didn’t do and payed for it with his own
life.

The exhibit showed amazing stuffs like his actual clothing during his sword fights, and also a part of
his bone enclosed on a lamp-like storage. There are also antique objects which was used by him and his
family. And the last part was the photobooth where you can wear a black hat and hold a baston to mimic
Jose Rizal’s iconic fashion sense.

After we exit the museum, we have discovered underground passageways and realized it was the
cells where prisons where placed by the conquerors. It was dark, cold, and creepy. We imagined how
prisons lived their everyday life most especially when the Pasig river rises and fill their cells. Heartbreaking.

Another exhibit catched our eyes. It was an exhibit of different structures in Intramuros but with a
twist because it was made by nothing but Legos! Though it was made from a children’s toy, it was
surprisingly detailed and well-buit!

After a long tiring day of exploration and amazing adventures, It was time to go home. During my
trip home, I thought to myself how much significant it is to me to know the stories behind our country and
it’s land. How much impact will it do to me as a tourism student or as a Filipina. Then I’ve realized that our
country is not just a country. It is not only our home but also it holds the most interesting and amazing
treasures that we, Filipinos should be proud of. Treasures not only pertaining to gold, but also of the natural
resources all over our islands. Islands that holds a history so unique that no one could ever replace.
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
COLLEGE OF TOURISM, HOSPITALITY, AND
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

I’m lucky and glad as well to visit The National Museum of Natural History and Intramuros because
It helped me open my thoughts and realize things about our beginnings.I’m looking forward to explore more
in the Philippines and wish I will never run out of energy in discovering more informations and discoveries
about our country.