The National Museum of Natural History: Lolong's New Home
There was a time when I wondered about our National Museum. Where it is, what's in there, etc. You see, most countries that I have been to have a national museum that is really well designed, well thought of, and contains great items, etc. Say for example, the National Museum of South Korea which is a multi-story structure and contains antique items, archaeological finds, and other items that tell about the history of Korea. And every day, guests and tourist flock there. Which shows that people are willing to pay for a well-maintained, educational and informative museum.
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| The "Tree of Life" is the centerpiece of the main lobby that welcomes guests to the museum |
So imagine my delight when finally, we have a world-class National Museum that we can be proud of, and not just one, but four types that feature different themes: Our National Museum is actually a complex consisting of The National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, the National Planetarium and the National Museum of Natural History. The most recent one that I visited is the Museum of Natural History which formally opened to the public in May 2018.
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| Lolong's stuffed remains located in the 5th floor of the museum Location The Museum of Natural History is located in Rizal Park in the City of Manila. It used to be the headquarters of the Department of Tourism until 2015. But back in the 1940s, upon its completion it was known as the Agriculture and Commerce Building. The main attraction here is the remains of the famous crocodile, Lolong. Lolong was declared the biggest crocodile in captivity after being caught in the waters of Agusan in 2011. With a length of 20.3 ft, Lolong was bigger than Cassius, the crocodile that was caught in Australia who Lolong displaced. Unfortunately, Lolong succumbed to multiple organ failure in 2013. Because of his death, the Philippines lost a very important national symbol. |
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| Front view of Lolong's stuffed remains exhibited in the 5th floor of the museum |
There are six (6) floors here: And each floor can be described as follows:
First Floor: The main lobby where guests can see and admire the architectural design of the Tree of Life. Curious why it's the Tree of Life? It depicts a DNA strand, the hereditary material of almost all organisms. This structure has a dome that serves as the ceiling of the atrium. There is also an elevator that is equally worth experiencing. From the elevator one gets a great view from top to bottom and the surroundings of the museum.
Second Floor: Lolong's skeletal remains hang from the ceiling. The sheer length of it is awesome. It is regrettable that Lolong passed away after just 3 years in captivity. Now, the people can only admire his remains within the National Museum of Natural History which is his new home. There are 2 galleries found here: Gallery XI which is about Our Natural Inheritance and XII where we can find temporary exhibitions.
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| Sideview of Lolong's stuffed remains. Guests flock to see him. |
Third Floor: On this floor, you'll find our marine and wetland resources. You'll also find a mangrove diorama containing different kind of species living in our mangroves and seas.
Fourth Floor: Galleries in this floor are dedicated to our mountain and forest resources. Also on display is a replica of a rainforest and different animals that live here. It is just awesome to see our native animals on display.
Fifth Floor: Learn about our biodiversity and Philippine minerals from the geological displays.
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| Various stuffed remains of local animals such as the giant turtles and tamaraw which is endemic in Mindoro |
1. Taking pictures is allowed, just don't use a flash.
2. It is best to start from the top floor, so take the elevator located in the Tree of Life. The view from the lift is stunning.
3. There is a restroom in each floor and well-maintained too. So those with active bladders need not worry.
4. Wear comfortable footwear, as you will be doing a lot of viewing and walking. Luckily, the airconditioning here is really reliable.
5. Don't bring big bags (bigger than a short bond paper) because you are required to leave that at the package counter.
6. Eating inside the museum is prohibited.
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| Known as the biggest flower, rafflesia, is endemic in countries in south east asia. Here in the Philippines, it has been sighted in the forests of Samar-Leyte and Laguna |
7. Taking videos is not allowed, but selfies are, as long as there are no wacky and disrespectful poses.
8. Don't use monopods, selfie sticks or tripods.
9. No sharp objects allowed.
10. Remove head gears.
11. Strictly no smoking. The museum is fully airconditioned.
12. Don't attempt to bring wrapped items.
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| A miniature rainforest showing the Philippine Monkey Eating Eagle, the country's national bird |
Is there an entrance fee? Admission is totally free. Students, adults, children, foreigners can all enter the museum (after a long queue, that is). Therefore, expect large crowds especially during weekends.
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| This big mouth with very sharp teeth is said to belong to the meg, a specie of shark that has gone extinct |
Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Mondays - closed
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| Lolong's skeleton hanging from the ceiling of the second floor reception hall |
Museums are records of the country's history, resources and culture. I believe people should take time to visit their local museums and if they ever go on vacation to another country, they should always spend time in that country's museum because they reveal the history of that country, and the development of its arts and culture.
In my first visit to the National Museum of Natural History, I felt proud that we have this amazingly conceptualized complex of museums. I was even more amazed that the queue at the entrance to the museum was very long. Students, foreigners, children, families, were waiting for their turn to enter. It seems that the Filipinos have learned to appreciate the meaning and purpose of museums. Finally.
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