RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

1600, 510 Eusebio, Pasig, 1600 Metro Manila

A.Y. 2020-2021

FIELD REPORT
MERRIMENT AND MUSINGS IN MUSEO ORLINA
TAGAYTAY, CAVITE PHILIPPINES

Subject: GE-ELEC14 - Technical Communication

Professor: Ma’am Babylyn Retanan
Schedule: Tuesday & Friday // 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Submitted by:

ALBANIA, Meriel Joan T.

PCBET 17-602A
 I. Introduction

The main objective of this field report is to showcase Museo Orlina's

extravanagance in its exhibit of glass sculptures through the ingenuity of Ramon
Orlina. "A visionary, Orlina saw beyond the humble origin of this industrial glass
residue. The result is an exultant body of works that, through the decades, have
dazzled the art scene and prized by numerous collectors. Triumphantly, Orlina
has transformed the medium by elevating it to the dignity and respectability of
art... Orlina’s contribution to society both to its spirit  and the economy, is
witnessed by the major commissions he has received. The first, ARCANUM XIX,
Paradise Gained, greeted me in the foyer of the  Silahis Hotel on the first day of
my first visit to the Philippines in 1976. In the 1970s, few large-scale
contemporary glass works existed anywhere in the world. This work gave the lie
to the popular notion that contemporary glass was a creature of Europe and
North America (the work is now on loan to the National Museum)."1

Other works by Philippine art masters are also on display. If Baguio has the now-
popular BenCab Museum, this is Tagaytay's response to incorporating culture
into the region.
Ramon Orlina is best known for his abstract glass sculptures, for which he has
received numerous awards both locally and internationally. He is, however, a
master of bronze sculptures and canvas works.
His works are highly sought after by art collectors and industrial designers both
locally and globally. His one-of-a-kind works of art can be found in finer
residences, offices, commercial establishments, and reputable art galleries. His
works range in price from four digits to millions of pesos.

This trip is completed by means of bearing the purpose of visiting the cool city of
Tagaytay along with with family and friends on December 28, 2018.

1
(https://www.museo-orlina.org/museo-orlina.html)
 II. A Brief Review of Museo Orlina's History

"The Museo Orlina opened its doors in 2014 at Ramon Orlina’s former residence
crested above Taal Lake. It is Tagaytay’s answer to Baguio’s Bencab Museum.
The modern, three-storey building has been successfully transformed into an art
museum.
Ramon Orlina, who hails from Taal town, is the Philippines’ internationally
acclaimed sculptor who works primarily with glass. He pioneered the practice of
carving solid slabs of glass – as opposed to the usual techniques of hand-
blowing and casting from a mold."2
" “I’ve always wanted to build a museum to promote art and tourism,” says
Orlina. Luckily, a friend offered him a property with a fantastic view of Taal Lake.
The artist then purchased the lot and created his dream museum.
The building is located directly at the end of the Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, just
beyond the Tagaytay Econo Inn.
“It was my daughter Ningning’s idea actually. It was initially meant to draw in a
more youthful crowd to the museum, and to feature new artwork. It became a
huge success. My daughter Anna is an artist as well, and Ningning loves music,
so it was a great combination. The festival also makes good use of the
amphitheater here.”
Museo Orlina was originally planned to be in Taal, Batangas, the hometown of
Orlina. But the artist thought better of it since the Filipiniana-esque design of his
ancestral house is dissonant to the moderne aesthetic of his glass sculptures.
“Besides, I see things there,” the artist playfully quips, alluding to the possible
haunted nature of their house in Taal.
The initial aim of the museum was to present the artistry and skill of the Orlina
glass sculptures, but beyond that, the museum also aims to feature the works of
young and upcoming artists. “We wanted to give them a venue where they can
show and promote their work. We need to support our young artists,” says
Orlina.
The sculptor walks the talk since Museo Orlina is also the venue of Tagaytay Art
Beat, now on its third iteration. The all-day music and art festival is a big hit, and
drew in thousands of guests to the museum last May." 3

2
(http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/museo-orlina-a-glass-act#:~:text=The
%20Museo%20Orlina%20opened%20its,transformed%20into%20an%20art
%20museum.)
3
(https://metro.style/culture/art-theater/iconic-glass-art-museo-orlina-
tagaytay/12401)
 III. Attributes of Museo Orlina

Museo Orlina is filled to the brim with artistic expression in the form of sculptures
and poetic care into his own work.

As we enter the building, at the Reception Lobby, we are gereted by fatherly love
as the 1st Level is named after his eldest daughter Naesa.

"Situated here is the Reflections Gallery. It is a choice space devoted to

changing exhibitions, reflecting the vitality and dynamism of contemporary
Philippine art. The exciting plurality of various styles, themes & directions is
singular proof of the Filipino artists’ genius, renewal and re-invention.

The Reflections Gallery spills onto the Lower Level that opens up 

through a doorway to the sculpture garden." 4

We now proceed to the 2nd Level of the building, named after Orlina's second
daughter, Ningning*. "One gallery exhibits the early pieces that paved
distinct directions to the immense potentiality of glass. The other gallery
exhibits his more recent works, a veritable treasure trove of unrivalled Orlina
masterpieces."5

Upstairs at the 3rd Level, we are now greeted by Anna, Orlina's youngest
daughter. "The gallery showcases the maquettes and photographs of Orlina’s
monumental indoor and outdoor works here and abroad over a span of three
decades."6

As you reach the rooftop of the building, you are then greeted bu the calm, cool,
and collected winds of Tagaytay thaat is almost a trademark in and of itself.
"Named after the único hijo [Michael],  the only male Orlina progeny, the
windswept terrace opens up to the Museum with a view of the Taal lake and
volcano."7
When i visited therooftop back in 2018, there was a colossal mural covering one
of the walls. It is a painting of a woman with flowing hair with a delightful teal hue
as her skintone. The glass windows you can look through from the rooftop gives
a more third-person perspective on the art along the stairs, as well as the
enchanting light apparatus hanging on the ceiling.

4
(https://www.museo-orlina.org/level-1---naesa-gallery.html)

*“It was my daughter Ningning’s idea actually..." (https://metro.style/culture/art-

theater/iconic-glass-art-museo-orlina-tagaytay/12401)
5
(https://www.museo-orlina.org/level-2---ningning-gallery.html)
6
(https://www.museo-orlina.org/level-3---anna-gallery.html)
7
(https://www.museo-orlina.org/michael---roof-deck.html)
If you are now getting more and more overwhelmed by the elaborateness
exuding from the 1st Level all the way to the rooftop, I'll have to tell you to wait
because there is, indeed, more.
Join me as we walk outside and take in fresh air along with the creative
atmosphere that the Sculpture Garden and Ampitheater has created. It is
described as;
"- Wide, exhilarating outdoor space
is the perfect pedestal for solid
sculptural forms nestled on their own
earthbound haven.

- On stage are theatrical, dance

and musical presentations rounding off
a wholistic artistic experience at Museo
Orlina."8

There was, what seemed like, a mettallic sculpture of cows swimming in shallow
waters, washing the dirt and worries of the day away. There was a magnificent
horse, all by its lonesome, made by intricately woven wires. There was also a
sculpture of some creature, I could not perceive waht kind of creature, built
somewhere in the middle there that seemed to reach the sky. The garden also
has bench like stairs where you can comfortably sit and be an audience, should
there be a performance being staged.

We now come to a close with the Carport below Ampitheater Stage, "Museo
Orlina displays automotive vehicles that literally served as canvas for Ramon
Orlina, National Artist BenCab and Elmer Borlongan. When careening
down the highway, these cars are transformed into virtual kinetic rolling
sculptures."9

A brief look into the some of the most interesting exhibits to be seen at Museo
Orlina:

"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.

8
(https://www.museo-orlina.org/sculpture-garden--amphitheater.html)
9
(https://www.museo-orlina.org/art-cars.html)
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)."10

" The museum has four levels, named after each of his children. A rooftop deck
offers a splendid view of the azure lake. Lunch at one of the nearby restaurants
and a visit to the museum make a perfect afternoon excursion from Manila." 11

10
(museo-orlina.org/blog)
11
(https://www.afar.com/places/museo-orlina-tagaytay#:~:text=From%20a
%20beautiful%20point%20above,after%20each%20of%20his%20children.)