Museo Orlina Revisited - The Mecca of Art In Tagaytay

One of the places one could escape the city life is in Tagaytay, being located strategic and scenic location made it a favorite for tourists and explorers. Thus became a choice city to get away from the urban life. There are a lot of places one could go, and one of the latest attractions in the city is Museo Orlina. The Museum is where the prized pieces of the renowned glass sculptor Ramon Orlina, who  will be celebrating this 40th year in creating this unique kind of art. 

We visited Museo Orlina 2 year ago when it was first opened to the public. The museum has 3 levels containing his works which he crafted through the years. His works are known to be displayed in prominent places and some are now considered as landmarks like the Quattromondial at UST, and the Cross at Greenbelt Chapel. He also hosts art galleries for other artists which gives a variety of artforms in the museum. There is also a collaboration art with National Artist Ben Cab wherein they transformed a Volkswagen beetle into a canvas and it was dubbed as the “Sabel Car” named after one the series of paintings of Ben Cab.

Mr. Orlina still creates new art and has also unveiled a new collection in his Reflections Gallery. The gallery showcases clear glass sculptures which are made from transparent clear glass blocks that has been cut, smoothed, and polished to curves and angles and let light pass through. The property makes the art unique with various ways of perspective and adaptability to light and colors. He uses backgrounds like the tiles and paintings to blend in with the sculptures which are made by other artists. 

Museo Orlina is not only limited to visual art, it also opened doors to the performing arts with an open amphitheater which is also filled with more art. Ballet Philippines and the Reo Brothers, to name a few, are some of the performers who have contributed in bringing the forms of art into one place.

Mr. Orlina’s family are also hands-on with Museo Orlina with handling, marketing, curating, and even collaborating with him in art. He indeed has established a art center at the best location with a supportive and loving family. So would there anything missing? A National Artist recognition perhaps?

The Museum is also placed on a very prime location which is near the main highway, the market, and also has one of the best scenic view of Taal Lake from the rooftop. From its gates, the garage, the garden, and the actual building all around it is a work of art. It continues to evolve with the times and gives a new unique impression with every visit.