Revisiting the Aquino Center and Museum in Tarlac

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – We are currently in a dark era where spreading disinformation, fake news, and historical revisionism are becoming a trend. Still, as well-informed citizens, we all know that denying the truth doesn’t change the facts, and the truth is irreplaceable.

36 years ago, one of the most iconic and historical events in human history took place right at the heart of the Philippines. For four (4) long days, millions of Filipinos dedicated their hearts and souls to take part in a peaceful protest with hopes to overthrow the Marcos Administration and ultimately end their 21-year reign of dictatorship over the country. Led by the ever-beloved Corazon C. Aquino, who later became the first-ever female President of the Philippines, millions marched along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue or EDSA without minding the platoon of soldiers and tanks standing in their way.

This historical gathering echoed around the world and thus became an ultimate reminder to the world that the freedom and democracy of Filipinos will always prevail. This is the People Power Revolution. In light of its 36th anniversary in 2022, let us look back to the colorful lives of two of our national heroes who kept the beacon of freedom alive, the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and his wife, President Corazon Aquino, by visiting one of the most beautiful museums dedicated to their heroism, the Aquino Center and Museum in Tarlac.

This grand museum is located in the Aquino Family’s hometown in Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac, where visitors can witness a massive collection of photographs, documents, and other memorabilia commemorating the historical contributions of the Aquino family also including the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino or PNoy who recently died in 2021. The Aquino Center and Museum is a non-profit and non-government facility funded through the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation.

Aside from the vast collection of historical artifacts stored in the museum, it’s also a top choice to host private functions, seminars, and other social events. So, are you ready? Join me as we both tour and explore history here at the Aquino Center and Museum!

Sections of the Museum

All the sections of the museum are arranged and organized according to the different timelines during the lives of both Ninoy and Cory. Starting from their childhood, early lives, marriage, simple family life, and the challenging political career of then-Senator Ninoy Aquino. The gallery then continues to the dark era of Martial Law, the death of Ninoy, the People Power Revolution, and the indictment of Cory Aquino as the first female President of the Philippines.

The Aquino Center and Museum also include lots of historical artifacts throughout the span of the Aquino administration, the death of Cory in 2009, and finally, the administration of their son Noynoy Aquino as the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines. The museum recently included significant artifacts throughout the PNoy’s administration following his death in 2021.

Interesting Finds at the Museum

Just like what I’ve mentioned earlier, the Aquinos played a significant role in our country’s rich political history. Their times leading our country are why we enjoy the freedom we have right now. They were also part of some of the most critical events in our country’s history. The evidence of those phenomena is beautifully displayed here at the Aquino Center and Museum. Here are the amazing and interesting finds at the museum you shouldn’t miss!

1. Bloodied Clothes of Senator Ninoy Aquino 

Senator Benigno “Ninoy Aquino is one of the national heroes of our country because of his relentless courage to fight President Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship. He strived to fight for democracy and what is right, and that’s exactly the reason why he was killed. On August 21, 1983, Ninoy was assassinated on the tarmac of Manila International Airport, now known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Although it was never confirmed, countless historians and scholars believed that the Marcos Administration orchestrated Ninoy’s death.

This incident sparked the iconic People Power Revolution, and the rest is history. Ninoy’s clothes, his all-white attire, shoes, and watch are displayed at the Aquino Center and Museum as a reminder to every Filipino that there was once a man who never gave up on fulfilling his promise even in the face of death itself. Indeed, “The Filipino is worth fighting for.”

2. Family Photos of the Aquino Family 

It’s already not surprising that the Aquino family has been through the worst. With their parents’ major involvement in Philippine politics, the family was in the spotlight more times than anyone else. All of the significant events of their lives, such as the election of President Cory, President PNoy, their life in America, the death of Ninoy, and so on, are all beautifully displayed in the museum. And every Filipino, especially students, should all take their time and visit the Aquino Center and Museum.

3. Gifts that were given to Cory and PNoy during their times as President

The President of any country is the highest representative of its citizens whenever an international personality visits, and they are most likely the ones entitled to receive unique gifts. Well, with Cory and PNoy’s time as presidents, there sure have been lots of these extraordinary gifts!

Entrance Fee

The Aquino Center and Museum is a non-profit and non-government organization. It is only funded by a private charity, the Ninoy and Cory Foundation, to let all Filipinos come and explore an important part of our history. Therefore, it is absolutely FREE to visit and enter this museum!

However, donations are also accepted to further maintain and improve the museum’s facilities and sections. Minimum amounts of donations are P50 for students and P100 for adults.

Museum Schedule

• Everyday from 8am to 5pm
• Closed on New Year’s Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.
• For other holidays, please contact the Museum

How to Get There

The Aquino Center and Museum are located along MacArthur Highway, Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City. It is easily accessible through several modes of transportation and is only about two to three hours away from Manila. By private vehicle, just take the Luisita Access Road along SCTEX, and it should be located on your right side coming from the expressway.

By public transportation, you can choose to take a bus bound to Dagupan or Alaminos. You can also ride a bus heading towards Baguio or Laoag, but you have to make sure that you’ll be able to drop off at Robinsons Luisita. From there, you can already ride a tricycle towards the Aquino Center and Museum.

Every Filipino, especially the new generation who don’t understand how the Aquinos changed the flow of history during their times, should take time and visit the Aquino Center and Museum in Tarlac. Aside from learning more about our country’s history, it’s also a perfect time to appreciate the freedom we’re enjoying right now and respect the people who laid out their lives so that we, ordinary citizens, can live ours to the fullest.

36 years ago, we fought for democracy. Let us not put those efforts to waste in the coming years of our country and make the most out of the time we’re given as Filipinos.

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