Seeing tradition with new eyes is the challenge any artist or designer wants to take. How does an artist recreate an expression rooted in the past? How does a designer weave one’s spirit into a traditional form, giving it a new life and relevance?

The museum has invited 19 artists and designers from various creative disciplines to—with full creative freedom—create new works inspired by the manton de Manila’s form, motifs, and story. Artworks on view range from illustrations, paintings, fine prints, and photographs to couture, installations, and décor.

Participating artists, designers, and other creative thinkers are Paz Abad Santos, Ambie Abaño, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Marina Cruz, Araceli Dans, Steve De Leon, Dopy Doplon, Margarita Forés, Danilo Franco, Jeanne Goulbourn, Katrina Goulbourn-Feist, Dan Lichauco, Tats Rejante-Manahan, Maxine Syjuco, Michelline Syjuco, George Tapan, Wig Tysmans, and Ann Wizer.

Contemporary Inspirations from the Manton de Manila is part of the major exhibit Draped in Silk: The Journey of the Manton de Manila.

Fernando Amorsolo had mastered the Filipino genre painting, with its idyllic renditions of country life against lush landscapes. He was an aesthete who hoped to emphasize the finer qualities of his country and people, from the beauty of nature to the natural grace of its people.

Amorsolo particularly celebrated the dalagang Filipina. His earliest paintings already featured fresh-faced beauties in rural settings, and this fascination remained throughout his career. Even in works that focus on life in the fields, Amorsolo betrayed his penchant for highlighting the dalaga.

Transplanting Rice ostensibly celebrates farming life and the majesty of the sunny Filipino landscape. But perhaps what it really celebrates is the charms of the dalaga. Amid the row of workers planting rice, the only upright figure is the dalaga, whose face becomes the only one visible among the crowd.

This Amorsolo painting is just a few of the works in the Yuchengco Museum's permanent collection. Transplanting Rice is on view at the museum's Masters Gallery, which showcases the fine works of three master painters: Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Carlos "Botong" Francisco.

Plan a class field trip that your students will cherish. The Yuchengco Museum is the perfect destination for school group visits. Our exciting exhibits, staff-guided tours, special events, and Books & Gifts Corner assure teachers and pupils an enjoyable experience.

Groups of 10 or more receive a discount on admission. Discounted rates are PhP 90 for adults, PhP 45 for students, and PhP 22.50 for children and senior citizens—that's 10% off our regular fees!

Group visits must be booked in advance to enjoy the discount. To book your tour, e-mail us at info@yuchengcomuseum.org or call 889-1234. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We look forward to seeing you soon!

114 x 114 cm, excluding fringe (for black);
140 x 140 cm, excluding fringe (for other colors)

PhP 2,950 for black; PhP 3,950 for other colors

Get your own modern-day manton sold exclusively by Tesoro’s Philippine Handicrafts. Embroidered with floral designs and framed by long fringe, each silk shawl is reminiscent of the mantones de Manila on view at our Draped in Silk exhibit.

Available in a variety of colors:
•   Pink, with pastel florals
•   Light blue, with pastel florals
•   Yellow, with white florals
•   Black, with white florals
•   White, with red florals and fringe
•   White, with yellow ochre florals

Visit our Books & Gifts Corner at the museum lobby or call us at 889-1234 for more gift items.