BADOC, ILOCOS NORTE – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will open the modernized Museo nina Juan at Antonio Luna at Rizal Street, Badoc, Ilocos Norte on 27 April 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
The Luna brothers engaged in the reform and the revolutionary movements aimed at securing Philippine independence. Juan Luna became renowned for his excellence in painting. Many of his works, such as the Spoliarium, the Blood Compact, and the Death of Cleopatra, won awards in various expositions abroad. In 1898, he became a diplomat of the Philippines. At the request of his brother Antonio, he designed the uniforms of the Philippine army.
Antonio Luna, an accomplished pharmacist, was active in the Propaganda movement in Spain. He was arrested for suspected complicity to the revolution in 1896. After his release, he joined the Philippine revolution as editor-in-chief of the revolutionary newspaper La Independencia, as a member of the Malolos Congress, and a general of the Philippine army. His 150th birth anniversary will be commemorated on October 29.
The museum, located in the reconstructed brick house of the Luna family, relates the life and career of the brothers through various displays and interactive exhibits. A reconstruction of Juan’s Paris studio and an augmented-reality simulation of trench warfare are among the museum’s new features. The museum also has an e-learning facility where students can access the NHCP’s online lessons on Philippine history.
Maria Isabel Ongpin, a descendant of Juan and Antonio’s brother Jose, is guest of honor.
The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through its museums, research and publication, and preserve the nation’s historical heritage through conservation and the marking of historic sites and structures.