The school year has officially started, and most students are now back to some form of face-to-face classes after two years of virtual education. I’m sure it must be exciting for students to see their teachers and friends (and finally meet in person their virtual classmates).
With some semblance of normalcy, libraries are now open to receive visitors and students. Libraries will be once more “alive” with students who will do their research and studies in silence.
Among all libraries in the Philippines, the National Library of the Philippines is the foremost. Located along Kalaw Avenue in Ermita, Manila, it holds two of the most important books in our nation’s history. These books helped ignite historic Philippine revolutions and produced countless unsung heroes and prominent national heroes we look up to in this day and age.
After its public announcement of a special exhibition in time for History Month last August, I was excited to learn that the National Library of the Philippines is exhibiting the original manuscripts of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, written by none other than our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
On a gloomy afternoon, I parked near the entrance of the National Library and proceeded to the second floor where the special exhibition was being held. It was my first time entering the National Library, considered the mother of all libraries in the country. Its history can be traced back to the establishment of Museo-Biblioteca de Filipinas (Museum-Library of the Philippines) during the Spanish colonial period, which was once situated in Intramuros.
I was thrilled to see up close the original manuscripts of what can be called the crown jewels of our National Library. I couldn't believe that I saw in person what I only read in textbooks and taught by my history teachers during my student years. Lo and behold, in the middle of the exhibit, lay the original manuscripts of the book that Dr. Rizal bravely wrote. With those books, he proved that the pen is mightier than the sword.
It was very fortunate that these original manuscripts were not lost forever unlike other rare Filipiniana books and collections of the National Library, which burned when World War 2 broke and the City of Manila was ravaged under a carpet of bombs.
As I went through each display, I also learned that other than the original manuscripts of Dr. Rizal are also his original letters to Ferdinand Blumentritt, his school documents, and artworks. There was also an exhibit of the old Holy Bibles used by our new and former presidents during their inauguration. There was also the controversial Murillo Velarde map, the old proclamation of our 18th-century Constitution, old colonial Philippine coins and bills, an old musical piece of the former national anthem, as well as literary art pieces of eminent writer Lope K. Santos, and some old photos.
Before I left the exhibition, I even got the chance to touch and browse the replica of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, a chance that every guest would experience in this special exhibit.
This trip was quite special and memorable, especially seeing valuable books that have shaped our country’s history. The National Library of the Philippines' special exhibit is in line with its 135th founding anniversary. Though the exhibit has already concluded, it doesn’t mean that you can’t visit the library any time soon. Even if you are not a student, there is much to see and learn inside a library. Take an afternoon off and drop by the library, there is a world waiting for you to discover there.