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A)Portal to the Filipino Artist's Mind: Pinto Art Museum

B) Escape to a Dreamworld: Pinto Art Museum

One of the most awaited things to see in this magazine which is one of the Highlights of the Tour
in Antipolo is the EXTRAVAGANT Pinto Art Museum. It was established and constructed on the early
2000's by Dr. Joven Cuanang; a neurologist and patron of art. At first it was supposed to be only a
storage space for contemporary artworks, but it was developed by Artist Antonio Leano. The Structures
are embodied with Mediterranean Atmosphere but all the artworks are no doubt pure Pinoy. The
Museum has been envisioned to display or exhibit the vast collection of artworks collected by Dr.
Cuanang, which he acquired the last 25 years. This vast collection started with the book authored by
Manny Baldemor; a well-known Author, artist, sculptor all over the world.

The Gallery or Museum which I would like to call is erected on the top of a hill in Antipolo Rizal
with a commanding view of the Metropolis and Laguna de Bay. The view is marvelous especially in the
afternoon when the view is bathed in the golden-orange rays of the sun. Also add, in the premises of the
Museum there are Beds outside in which you get comfy with while enjoying the awe-inspiring scenery of
nature and urban combined. "Pinto" when translated into English means door, in which case I think of
this museum as a portal, doorway to another world; the world of the artist with the great combination
of Nature and Urban. Just being there hearing the wind blows soothes my mind. Not to mention there
are café's which serve great food, but the price is high though. It was formally opened to the public on
December 2010. It is placed within the Silanganan Garden, a hectare wide garden that serve as Dr.
Cuanang's retreat.

Upon entering the premises of this Garden, you will definitely be inspired by the vibrance of
nature with the sculptures and structures in it. The Main Building is the collection of paintings, most of it
be social-realist, though you will also find that will pique your interest due to its peculiarness. The whole
museum is composed of six buildings. The whole Gallery consists of over 400 artworks in different
medium and genre. The Architectural Master plan by Artist Leano is created by interweaving display of
spaces suggesting an open plan and usage of high ceilings for the ventilation, also for natural lighting for
eco-friendly consumption of electrical energy. It gives you perfect lighting for photography which is what
the Pinto Museum is famous for.

Gallery One at my perspective is the best one due to most of the artworks are Social-Realism.
Well it depicts most of the social problems present in the Philippine Society. Though it is mostly
problematic I am amazed that Artist of the last generation tried to pass on the message to us; the youth.
That we need to resolve such problems and also this only means that artists are trying their best to help
increase awareness to their fellow people though most of us are ignorant and naive to it. Gallery Two is
composed of mixed media perspective, also it displays the hardworking artist of the Filipino Race
because most of the artworks are inventive and hard to create at the same time. Gallery Three was all
about the Sculpture "Oblivious" in which you can see a man and a woman holding each other, it could
be interpreted in many ways by many people but overall it is about the two sexes. Gallery 4 is more of a
historical paintings and socially constructive, one of the artworks is the "Mawalang Galang po". Gallery 5
is composed mostly of Abstract Paintings showing movement.
 Great Philippine Contemporary Artists such as Elmer Barlongan, Emmanuel Garibay, Mark
Justaniani, Jose John Santos III, Constantino Zicarelli, the Orencio Brothers, Plet Bolipata and many more
filled much of the galleries with their amazing artworks. Every piece sends a message, a feeling that is
personal to each individual viewing. I can see their passion to improve our culture and art and the part
of their soul they try to impart to those who see it. All in all the view and interpretation depends to us
individually. After all "Art is what you make others see".

One thing I really appreciate about Pinto Art Museum is that it manages to make the artwork
and all the structures cohesive with the environment. Unlike formal museums which preserve art pieces
in controlled air-conditioned rooms, all the buildings here are open-air structures, which keeps
everything natural. It was refreshing to see art pieces not only hanging in the walls, but integrated in the
seating areas and gardens as art installations. The same goes for all the natural elements like a tree
growing out from the middle of a stairway and rocks in the middle of one of the galleries floors. I also
appreciate the fact that photography for personal use is allowed here unlike some other museums.

In the end I consider the Pinto Art Museum as portal or doorway to a dreamworld. I regret that I
didn't fully explore the whole premise. In the near future I will make sure to go back there not only
because of the artworks but also the Inspiration I see in that place. I can never forget the memories I
planted there.

Add to the amazing collection after you explore, you can relax to the scenery and have great
food at a great price. The restaurant have a wide range of gourmet food. To those interested in visiting
this unique and great place, Pinto Museum is open 9am to 7pm, Tuesdays to Sundays. And is located at
No.1 Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights, Antipolo City, Rizal.