Bonifacio Day is fast approaching, so if you are looking into commemorating in your own way the birthday of Andres Bonifacio and his contributions to Philippine history, the Urban Roamer suggests you check out the Museo ng Katipunan, so far the only museum dedicated to the life of Andres Bonifacio and the movement he founded, the Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, which we all know better as the Katipunan.
Opened in 2013, (in time for Bonifacio’s 150th birth anniversary) the museum is located not in Bonifacio’s birthplace in Tondo, Manila. Rather, its location is just beside the vast Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan, the site where Bonifacio and his men launched what was considered to be the first major battle of the Philippine Revolution on August 30, 1896.
The museum houses some memorabilia, particularly letters by Bonifacio and others associated with the Katipunan, Katipuan-related documents, artillery and weapons, even amulets or anting-antings used by some Katipuneros to protect them in battle.
It also features a gallery of some notable individuals who have either joined or supported the Katipunan, as well as their contributions to the movement and to the Philippine Revolution as a whole.
There are also some dioramas, some made in life-like sizes to better illustrate some aspects of the Katipunan like the initiation rites, as well as notable events in its history, and of the greater Philippine history as a whole, like the Cry of Pugad Lawin.
The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM-4 PM with no entrance fees being charged. So do take time to check it out and appreciate Bonifacio anew.
