Though it’s located right in the heart of the ultra-modern Gateway Business Park in Barangay Javalera, the GBR Museum gives visitors a window into the past. With five pavilions dedicated to showcasing Philippine history, the evolution of air transportation, and works from world-renowned artists, the GBR Museum helps visitors see the Philippines in a new light.
Did you know?
On exhibit at the GBR Museum are photographs of significant figures in history, such as Jose Rizal, Juan Luna, and Andres Bonifacio. One of the most prized images in the museum is a photograph of Rizal’s execution on December 30, 1896.
Fly Through History at the GBR Museum
Though it’s located right in the heart of the ultra-modern Gateway Business Park in Barangay Javalera, the GBR Museum offers its visitors a window to the past. With five pavilions dedicated to showcasing Philippine history and the evolution of air transportation, as well as works from world-renowned artists, the GBR Museum will help visitors see the Philippines in a new light.
The Cavite Mutiny Memorial
A memorial of the Cavite Mutiny of 1872 stands at the entrance of the museum. GBR Museum’s founder, Geronimo Berenguer de los Reyes Jr. (GBR), is a descendant of Crisanto de los Reyes, a businessman who was implicated as one of the supporters of the mutiny.
The mutiny involved a mutiny of Filipino military personnel at the Spanish garrison Fort San Felipe in Cavite. However, the mutineers’ plans were thwarted, and the Spanish authorities quickly cracked down on the fort until the rebels surrendered.
Crisanto de los Reyes, along with his close friends Maximo Inocencio and Enrique Paraiso, was charged with instigating the rebellion and was banished to a penal colony in Spain for ten years. Filipino priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora (known collectively as Gomburza), were also implicated as accomplices of the mutiny and were executed by garrote. Though the bloody uprising was unsuccessful, many historians believe this event to be the catalyst that would eventually lead to the Philippine Revolution.
A Peek into the Past
The GBR Museum has an impressive collection of photographs from the 19th to early 20th centuries, giving visitors an enlightening glimpse into the past. Visitors will be able to see what the Philippines looked like hundreds of years ago, from the historic Calle Colon in Cebu to the Biak na Bato headquarters in Bulacan.
Also on exhibit are photographs of significant figures in history, such as Jose Rizal, Juan Luna, and Andres Bonifacio. One of the most prized images in the museum is a photograph of Rizal’s execution on December 30, 1896.
The museum also exhibits images from the American occupation of the Philippines. Many commemorate notable events such as the surrender of Emilio Aguinaldo during the Filipino-American War, General Douglas MacArthur’s 1945 landing in Leyte, and the devastating bombing of Manila towards the end of World War II.
Taking Flight
Two of the GBR Museum’s pavilions are dedicated to showcasing the history of aviation. With over a hundred model airplanes donated by Geronimo Berenguer de los Reyes Jr. from his personal collection, the museum takes visitors from the birth of aviation to space travel.
Many of the model planes come from countries all over the world, such as France, Germany, and the United States. Apart from model airplanes, the aviation exhibits also house rare prints and replicas. Paintings of airplanes by the American painter Stan Stokes are also on display.
Visiting GBR Museum
The GBR Museum is open from 8 am to 5 pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, including holidays. The entrance fee is P100 for regular visitors, and P80 for senior citizens and students (with IDs). Student tour groups can avail of a special discount. For more details, call (046) 509-4111, 509-4149, (046) 433-0313, 433-0021/(02) 892-2916.
How to Get There
Head southwest on CAVITEx, then after the Binakayan-Kawit Toll Plaza, take the left exit toward EPZA. Merge onto Binakayan Diversion Road. After 8.5 kilometers, turn left onto General Trias Drive. Turn right at the four-way junction onto Gov. Ferrer Drive. Continue for 11 kilometers, then continue onto Crisanto M. De Los Reyes Avenue for 3 kilometers. Turn left into the Gateway Business Park, then keep going until you see the GBR Museum to your left.
Sources: GBR Museum, http://www.gbrmuseum.com.ph/.
