In this dual exhibition co-presented by the UP Vargas Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila feature a comprehensive collection of important Philippine art masterpieces and other archival documents and memorabilias from the pre- and post-war eras.
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Fascination with Filipiniana: The Vargas Museum Collection and In the Wake of War and the Modern: Manila, 1941 to 1961 present a variety of paintings, books and archival documents, and memorabilia such as canes with intricate carvings and inlays, ashtrays gathered from various locations, and a number of 'salakot' fashioned into different styles. Both exhibitions highlight the outstanding collection of Filipiniana paintings he accumulated through time, complemented with pieces from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Art Collection.

(Check out who's been to the opening of this dual exhibition at the Met Museum)

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A vast majority of the Vargas family graced the event to honor their patriarch in support of his legacy. Jose Mari Ledesma Vargas, Nena Vargas Tantoco, and Marina Eduque-Castro three of Jorge Vargas’ over 60 grandchildren shared memories of their late grandfather during the opening reception. The family was most appreciative of the two exhibitions for bringing recognition to the contribution of Vargas in nation-building and in enriching the consciousness on Philippine Art to a wider audience.

Also present as Guest of Honor was Former Senator Edgardo J. Angara, who talked about the acquisition during his speech. He was the President of the University of the Philippines in Diliman when the Vargas Museum was established and the Vargas Collection was donated to the university. On behalf of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, MET President Tina Colayco, expressed sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support in making these collaborative exhibitions happen.

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Above Jorge B. Vargas (oil on canvas by Fernando Amorsolo)

Fascination with Filipiniana: The Vargas Museum Collection and In the Wake of War and the Modern: Manila, 1941 to 1961 explore the history of Philippine art collection in the context of institutions such as the Vargas Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, University of the Philippines, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. It bespeak the intertwining role of Vargas as a civic leader, an art collector, and a Filipiniana connoisseur. With a historical figure passionate in both the arts and politics, the relevance of Vargas’s place in Philippine art history expands beyond the birth of a museum to rebuilding a nation from the ravages of war.

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Above Salakot collection
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Above Amorsolo, Fernando Cueto Kawilihan 1944 Oil on Masonite 49.8 x 89 cm
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Above Amorsolo, Fernando Cueto Rizal Avenue on Fire 1945 Oil on masonite 40 x 60 cm _ Castañeda, Dominador Ravaged Manila Undated Oil on canvas 32.2 x 45 cm
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Above Ash tray collection
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Above Vicente Dizon, "Day Begins", Oil on canvas, 1942
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Above Document of support to the Japanese Imperial forces
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Above Amorsolo's "Fishing Scene"
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Above Fernando Cueto Amorsolo, "Harvest Scene", Oil on panel, 1942
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Above Materials related to the works of Fernando Amorsolo purchased by or gifted to Jorge Vargas.
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Above Propaganda poster for Philippine National Bank produced by the Philippine Executive Commission
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Above Ricarte Puruganan"Bullfight", Oil on canvas, 1941
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Above Simplicia Laconico “Nena” Saguil, "A Sunken Japanese Ship at Manila Bay", Oil on canvas board, 1945
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Above Trophies of Jorge Vargas
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Above Cane collection
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