El Bohemio Visits the Pinto Museum

  There was a 100% chance of rain in the forecast for last Sunday, October 8, 2017 and it was really pouring the night before. I thought that this trip will not push through. But we woke up to an overcast weather. So Shah, George, Jaret, and myself, we took our motorcycles up to Antipolo hoping the weather will just stay that way - cool and cloudy.

   I've been wanting to go to Pinto Museum since I learned about it a couple of years ago (or more) and I'm glad this group agreed to do a short ride just to check the place out. Originally, the plan was to ride around Rizal after this art-watching field trip haha but we spent around 5 hours in this romantic place.

    So I'm gonna share to you some pictures I took of this very unique museum. It truly is a place for someone who appreciates art, gardens, and traditional architecture.

The Architecture
    Well, it's Mediterranean. They will remind you of Santorini minus the blue accents. Blue is replaced with earth colors such as terracotta and sienna, and a lot of greens provided by our lush tropical flora. I personally love this style or architecture with its roughly plastered, dull-cornered wall finish; niches, and built-in seating. I remember dreaming of a house like this. If I'm lucky to have my own house built, it will have this same rustic charm.

The Gardens
     Lots of open spaces here and the plants are allowed to grow freely - no tree or bush cut into a topiary, or plants arranged in a Zen like manner. They cascade in the sloping terrain along steps and pathways that lead you to a lot of artful surprises. Impressive sculptures of clay, cast stone, and metal will greet you while you explore the museum grounds.

The Galleries
     They have galleries as small as a cellar and as large as a warehouse. The museum's rustic style is consistent inside and out. One gallery will lead you to another, not only by turning left or right but climbing up or down. The steep terrain on which the galleries are built added to the appeal of this museum. Some galleries are even "landscaped" with large rocks.

The Cafes
     All that walking uphill and downhill will sure make you thirsty and hungry. You can't bring your own grub in here and have a picnic on the grass or under a tree haha.  You know how that can ruin the picturesqe ambiance of the place.  But there are two cafes in the museum complex where you can grab a bite. One is Cafe Rizal which is closer to the entrance, and the other is the museum's very own Pinto Cafe where we had lunch. The food in the menu cost P275 and up and I'd say it's worth it. I had the creamy chicken pasta pesto and a glass of raspberry iced tea.

The Museum of Indigenous Art
    This part of the museum is new, we are told, and I'm glad to have seen it in full swing as the galleries are full of artefacts. There are two galleries in separate buildings. One is dedicated to our native people from the Cordillera region in the North, and the other from the Maranao region in the South.

   So we got to see everything and started to head for the exit at around 2:30 in the afternoon. It did rain though, while we ere inside the galleries. The weather was kind enough to let us ride to Pinto Museum and take pictures of the outdoor features. I actually took a total of 86 photos and you can view them all by clicking the image below.

   If you haven't been to this awesome place start planning your trip now! Entrance is only P200 for adults with discounts for students and senior citizens. To know more about the museum, visit www.pintoart.com/museum.

 Oh and thank you Cha for showing us around! ^_^