Other pieces of Philippine art masters are also on exhibit. If Baguio has it's now popular BenCab Musuem, this is Tagaytay's answer to adding culture as part of the city.
Ramon Orlina, a multi-awarded artist both locally and internationally, is best known for his abstract glass sculptures. But he is also a master in bronze sculptures and canvass pieces. His artworks are coveted , both locally and internationally, by avid art enthusiasts and industrial designers. His unique art pieces grace the finer homes, offices , commercial establishments, and respected art galleries. His pieces range from 4-digit prices to multi million pesos each.
This is his second museum. The first being at his ancestral home in Taal, Batangas (Casa Gahol). An architect by profession, he had a late calling to sculpture. Ever since, he has been creating unique works that had put the Philippines in the International Art Map.
The museum held a soft opening last November. The structure is in a 4-storey modern glass and concrete box type building. The building is divided into two. The museum faces the Taal ridge affording visitors a lovely vista of the famed lake and volcano. From the main road, one can only see the museum sign, but the museum itself is hidden at the back. The road-side part of the building looks empty. Work and finishing is still in progress , but the place is open to the public who are treated to fantastic art works on display.
The museum also has an amphitheater at the ridge side (where plays, events, and other special occasions may be held for a fee). They also have a Sculpture Garden-- an outdoor garden of art piece installations where visitors may take a leisure walk thru the exhibit while enjoying both the Tagaytay breeze and ridge view.
The roof deck will be a coffee shop that will be run by Green Bean (still closed). This visit, the coffee machines were there but some minor finishings were still being done. The coffee shop is scheduled to open at the same time when the museum formally opens on January 26, 2014. Once opened, diners may enjoy quality coffee while enjoying the breathtaking view of Taal volcano.
There is an entrance fee of Php 100. The fee includes a guided tour. This visit, our guide, Paulo, was very knowledgeable and eloquent. He shared very interesting trivia regarding some of the art pieces and the artist. He made the tour animated, informal, but very informative.
I liked the fact that the exhibits have nameplates and a short explanation of the art piece. Quite informative.
What I loved with Orlina's work was his use of angles , illusions, and the fine lines and colors of his masterworks.
All artworks are only for display except for a room where artworks (most of which are Orlina 's works and some renowned artists) while on display are available for public auction ---part of the proceeds shall be donated to the victims of Yolanda.
My Favorite pieces:
A five foot tree-like Glass sculpture that doubles as a wine/champagne fountain and chandelier (center photo). It was recently used when they soft-opened to the art patrons and friends of the artist last November. Gallons of champaign were poured in the sculpture and flowed out through minute holes in the glass leaves. Was told, they will use it again when they formally open to the public on jan 26 (opening day-by invitation only).
Fully restored vintage Volkswagen Beetle, with artwork painted by National Artist Ben Cabrera (Bencab)--- aptly called Sabel.
Fully restored, retrofitted, and accessorized (complete with ref, champagne and glass holders, dividing in-door windows, leather seats) by Orlina -vintage Volkswagen stretch Limousine with Orlina stained glass artwork---can be rented out as a bridal car
The Blue Sapphire - a ring like blue sapphire and black,glass sculpture.
Maria--a two dimensional glass sculpture of a woman's head (looks very much like Mama Mary) that looks different from various angles. And from the back angle, the sculpture's eyes give the illusion to follow and watch you as you move.
Interesting and lovely pieces:
A 5 1/2 foot glass water fountain
A black glass sculpture of a naked woman's torso commissioned by Richard Gomez and sculptured by Orlina. Currently on loan for the museum's display called "Dawn". Speculations have been raised on whose torso was used as model to create the masterpiece.
The bronze studies of the UST quadricentennial sculpture (supposedly one of Orlina's most expensive art works). The study includes a face bronze sculpture of the artwork's male model- Piolo Pascual.
A fully restored and "art" painted vintage Volvo owned and accessorized by Orlina. His signature colors (orange, green, white, and blue) painted all over the car's body in an interesting cubist-abstract hue.
Framed artworks and sketches from other renowned Philippine artists- Sanso, Borlongan, Bencab, etc.
A study of the PBA tournament trophy (the Championship trophy was made by Orlina).
Other glass sculptures made in different colors and hues of glass and crystals (pink, yellow, orange).
These are only a few of the lovely and interesting artworks on display.
The museum is a just few meters across the Sta Rosa-Tagaytay road. Landmark is the Econo Hotel. It is inside Hollywood Subdivision.
This museum certainly adds another great venue of interest in Tagaytay. Prior to this, Tagaytay has been a haven for some chilling out, foodie trips, and other what-nots. The museum adds a certain refined and cultured option to Tagaytay visitors and weekend residents. Highly recommended to art enthusiasts and to people looking for something unique while enjoying the cooling breeze and lake vista.