MUSEO ORLINA

Museo Orlina perspective from the ampitheater

What is it about mountains and wide open spaces that spur artists' creativity? Is it the rugged terrain? is it the cool mountain air? The temperate climate? the scenic vistas? All of the above? No one really knows... But often, artists tend to seek respite from the maddening crowd and in their solace find a cradle of inspiration for their craft.

Mr Orlina on the stairway

If Baguio has the BenCab Museum, Tagaytay now has Museo Orlina! Conveniently nestled in in idyllic hillside with a commanding view of Taal Volcano, this spanking new museum/art gallery gives one a glimpse of Ramon Orlina as a person and an artist. Needless to say, Ramon Orlina's work has been hailed internationally and his glass sculptures have earned him accolades and top prizes in art competitions the world over.

one of the galleries

I first met Mr. Orlina when I was a contributing writer for Lifestyle Asia. I was doing an article on exclusive art pieces to decorate Manila's finest homes. That required a visit to his studio in Sampaloc, Manila to view the artistic process of cutting, polishing and finishing designs. I would bump into him every now and then and sometimes exchange pleasantries (sometimes through text messages.) So when the opportunity to do a tour of Tagaytay came up, I decided to get in touch with him again to inform him of my tour group's impending visit. 

Thai guests

The museum is a  multi-level  building situated in Tagaytay's "sweet spot". Four stories of galleries each one named after his four children, the  place is kept immaculate by a friendly staff ready to answer questions if needed. It has an ampi-theater that can hold small concerts and events and a garage that has souped-up vehicles with an indelible stamp of the artists who enhanced (personalized?) them. 

Sabel- inspired Beetle by Benab

color blocked Volvo by Orlina

Some items in the gallery are for sale. His pieces are of different media, but naturally, his glass sculptures are at the fore front of it all. There are even consigned works by other artists who have become his friends over the decades. His museum is so well planned and conceived his touches can be seen everywhere. An architecture graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he used his knowledge in building by taking note of Tagaytay's humidity... Even the walls of his museum absorb moisture and the mist and dew are funneled down to ducts within the building. 

a sculpture entitled Pilita with the moisture absorbing walls in the background

He made the visit more meaningful by personally regaling my guests with personal anecdotes and stories to complement the art pieces they were viewing. One particular art piece was for the UST's Quadricentennial  which is now in the university campus. My guests being Thai, he related the story of how he found this factory in Bangkok that does the execution of his installations in the international art market. He even showed us his inner sanctum; his hide-away of sorts when he wants to isolate himself to work. we would have stayed longer during our visit, but we had a lunch appointment elsewhere so we had to made our leave at half past twelve.

scale model of UST sculpture

The Museo Orlina is located at Hollywood Street, Hollywood Subdivision, Tolentino East, Tagayatay City. You can't miss it if you're going there via the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay road. Your landmark should be the Econo-Inn with its viewing deck. It's worth a go-see!