I first visited Museo Sugbo during my junior high days for a school assignment. However, back then, I didn't appreciate the museum deeply, given that I'm not really a fan of history and anything related to the past. Two years ago, I revisited the museum for a college assignment, and it was during that visit that I truly appreciated the museum and its significance in preserving our culture. There is an entrance fee and students like me can enjoy a discount so I only had to pay 25 pesos.
These pictures attached to the wall depicted notable places in Cebu, like the Capitol and the Fuente Osmeña fountain, showcasing the peaceful, clean, and uncluttered surroundings from earlier times.
Entering the galleries near the main entrance, I was already excited. I found a boat-shaped object which was used as a coffin (seen in the right picture).
There were Bantayan finds like iron tools and clay net sinkers. Also, other decorated earthenware which were used as burial accompaniments.
Different historical items looked so exquisite, truly making me feel like I was back in earlier times.
ALCOHOL JAR
This was produced by Elliots and Australian Drug Ltd. of Sydney ca. 1890s. It may have been used during the late Spanish Period.
There were historical facts as well that reminded me of classroom teachings, especially regarding events like the Battle of Mactan and the Discovery of Cebu by Magellan.
At noon of April 7, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan and his Spanish crew entered the harbor of Cebu. And on April 27, 1521, the Battle of Mactan took place. Faced by a force of some 1,500 Mactan warriors led by the chieftain LapuLapu, the Spaniards lost and their leader, Ferdinand Magellan, was killed. Thus, ended the attempt of foreign invaders to conquer the Cebuano.
Antique statues, coal, and weapons were on display, and despite most of them being rusty, seeing them in person was truly an exciting experience.
Historical documents confirming Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as the Governor of Cebu were also fascinating to see, especially due to the uniqueness of their handwriting.
Moving upstairs, a spacious gallery featured artifacts from the War of Cebu, covering the Japanese colonization and American Occupation era. The first part focused on artifacts from the American Occupation era, showcasing dresses, a Victrola record player, and different typewriters.
In one display case, I found the used pistols and saber of Lieutenant Gregorio Abellana along with the brass buttons and an insignia of a soldier kept as mementos. It was intriguing to imagine how these items were used and the feelings of the people in the past during the war.
Blickensderfer Portable Typewriter
The world's first portable typewriter, the Blickensderfer No. 5, was made in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, and was a favorite among travelers. While we have a yet no precise information, typewriters like this may have been used by American officers during the Spanish American War and the subsequent Philippine-American War to write reports from the field of battle.
Kodak Brownie No. 3-A Folding Autographic Camera
Manufactured in 1909. This camera produced postcard size images using 124 mm film rolls and had an 14 Bausch and Lomb meniscus lens.
The other side of the room ,near the floor exit, was dedicated to artifacts from Japanese colonization.
Display cases exhibited Japanese Imperial Army Sake Cups, Japanese "Kura" (invasion money), and Type 30 Japanese bayonet.
Early 1940's Columbia Westfield Military Themed Bicycle Edition
I liked the ambiance of this section of the room, due to the fascinating array of displayed items-the Japanese military uniforms, canteens, substantial weapons, and the presence of the Japan's flag. Just right next to them were stacks of money.
Going down to the next room downstairs, I found bicycles, document papers, an antique maritime lamp, old suitcases, and cast-iron safes.
The Museo Sugbo is actually big, and it has this large central area that's perfect for events.
The next gallery I entered was focused on Cebu Journalism and Journalists. I had to walk along a middle-sized pathway to reach it.
I was greeted by standees of Bobby Nalzaro and Leo Lastimosa, both prominent news broadcasters in Cebu.
The gallery was filled with different equipment, printing machines, broadcast microphones, radios, and sculptures.
The last galleries I explored centered on the happenings of the Spanish colonization and narratives about Badlit Cebuano, tattoo culture of the Visayan, and the use of wooden musical instruments even in pre-colonial times.
Karakoa
A karakoa was a colossal Southeast Asian warship with an elevated deck, called burulan, in the middle for at-sea combat. Mounted on outrigger supports are platforms, called daramba, on which rows of paddlers are seated. Karakoas were equipped with portable bronze called the latanka. These warships were usually elaborately carved and decorated with colorful banners or plumage to signify victories attained.
The last gallery was what stood out to me the most because the room was visually appealing and filled with a comforting scent of wood, and the artifacts were housed within transparent glass cases, situated inside a large boat-shaped structure with a wooden esthetic.
The Pintados were a society of warriors. They displayed the patok on their bodies as a symbol of rank and bravery.
The Visayan House
A typical house building of early Filipinos, especially in the Visayas, was an elevated structure supported by wooden posts and protected by steep roof-qualities that respond to the tropical climate and heavy rains. It had wide windows to brighten the interiors and provide ample ventilation. The house is made of light materials: nipa for walls, bamboo for floors and posts, and cogon for roofing. The entire building is a big room, the place for all household activities-family conversations, meals, sleep and rest, among others. Later, this structure was called the bahay kubo because of its cube form.
Even though they differ from modern items, I loved the old-fashioned charm and rarity. The museum's dedication to preserving artifacts that highlights Cebu's culture and their priceless value made my experience truly special. I believe the transformation of the jail into a museum was iconic- truly a gem of Cebu.
There were supposedly more galleries I could've explored however; during that time the other galleries were under renovation. I wanted to revisit the Museo, but recently, they have temporarily closed the museum for further renovations. Hopefully soon!
If you wish to visit Museo Sugbo once it reopens to the public , you can find it at 731 M. J. Cuenco Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.
The photos were captured from both my phone and my friend's.
I hope you enjoyed reading my blog and seeing the pictures, sweeties! Until the next blog!
