This spacious gallery on top of the mountains has been a favorite go-to place of art and photo enthusiasts for quite some time now. We’ve planned on visiting Pinto Art Museum since last year but only got to do so this March 2017. Before heading to Antipolo, I checked blog entries from other sites and discovered on our way that there have been few changes that any Manila millennial should know before getting lost in the zigzags of Rizal (or in the terminals of Cubao).

 

Before anything else, make sure you leave the house early so you can spend more time inside the gallery. It’s open from 9 AM – 6 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. They’re closed every Monday.

How to get there:

• Ride MRT3 to Araneta-Cubao station (less than P25)
• Go to the UV Express terminal in front of Farmers Market, just below the MRT station
• Ride the van going to Antipolo Church (P50 per head) or take a jeepney at the other side of Farmers Market
• Ride a tricycle to Pinto Art Museum at the drop-off point (P25 per head, previously P20 only)
• Total: P100/ head

When all else fails, use Waze or take an Uber/Grab from your location (approximately P350 from Cubao, minus the surge).

Address:  1 Sierra Madre Street, Grand Heights Subdv. Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo, Rizal

How to go home: Just follow the steps above, from end to start!

What to do: 

Wear comfy clothes. Make sure you’re ready to walk around for hours! Galleries are not air-conditioned but the Antipolo breeze is enough to keep you cool throughout your adventure. You have 6 galleries to conquer, plus mini collections at the side.

Pay the entrance fee (P200 for adults, P180 for senior citizens/PWDs, P100 for students) and register at the Museum Shop near the entrance. The staff are friendly enough to entertain your questions even though the basics are already in the map that they’ll be providing after you pay the registration fee.

Bring necessary items like your millennial OOTD kit — camera, monopod/tripod, phone — and a bottle of water if you don’t want to spend much. Backpacks are not allowed inside, but you can deposit your things for free. Take note: Food and drinks are not allowed inside the galleries.

Quench your thirst for art. I can assure you that the place is picturesque enough for your Instagram aesthetic needs, BUT remember that this is an art museum and not a studio. Take time to appreciate all forms of art in every nook and cranny of this 1.3-hectare gallery.

Watch the sunset from the roofdeck. Pinto Art Museum offers a breathtaking view of the Ortigas skyline (correct me if I’m wrong) and the sunset! You’ll find this near their pool by the entrance to the Museum of Indigenous Art.

Eat and drink at Cafe Rizal. This is IF you’re willing to spend at least P500 for food and drinks. Everything on the menu may be quite pricey but they’re worth it! Don’t forget to try their Green Mango Shake for only P100.

Don’t get lost. You’ll receive a map after paying the entrance fee, so use it wisely! For your reference, I’ve included mine here so you can plan your route as early as now.

What NOT to do:

• Don’t smoke inside the premises.
• Don’t bring food and drinks inside the galleries.
• Flash photography is a no-no.
• No pets allowed (but they have resident dogs and cats lurking there if you’re looking for furry pals).
• Changing of clothes and bringing props are prohibited.

More photos:

I don’t want to spoil the surprises that await you so I didn’t upload my entire Camera Roll here, but here’s a peek inside the museum. Enjoy!

Here are some of the names of featured artists, in case you’re looking for particular pieces: Joel Alonday, John Paul Antido, Elmer Borlongan, Ruel Caasi, Pablo Capati III, Igan D’Bayan, Danny Dalena, Jose Tence Ruiz, Carlo Saavedra, Jaypee and Jerson Samson, Jose Santos III, Pam Yan Santos, Victor Santos, Tammy Tan, Kiko Escora, Dennis Gonzales, Rodel Tapaya, Marina Cruz Tapaya, Juanito Torres, Riel Hilario, Mark Justiniani, Neil Manalo, Jim Orencio, Anthony Palomo, and Elmer Roslin.

The verdict: Your P200 entrance fee is definitely worth it! I’ll definitely go back once they add more collections or galleries.

Where to go (side trips):

After Pinto Art Museum, why not explore nearby places as well? Since we left the museum at around 6 pm, we only had enough time for two spots: Antipolo Cathedral and a bulalo place called Alekz & Aren’s, located just a street away from the jeepney terminal to Cubao.

Of course, visiting the church is free unless you’d like to light a few candles after saying your prayers. The place is very peaceful even though it’s beside a school. You’ll even find pigeons flying around the area!

For a meal for two, we only spent around P210 for a bowl of Bulalo, rice, and drinks. Alekz & Aren’s Bulalo and Sizzling place looks like a barrio resto with kawayan walls and wooden tables. They have really affordable Pinoy food — from sizzling favorites to ihaw.

Only P1000 was shelled out for this afternoon trip. We got there at around 3:30 pm, so I urge you to be at Antipolo earlier for more side trips. Don’t forget to grab their specialty suman on your way home!

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*All photos were taken using Huawei P9 Lite. No filters.