The Book Museum cum Ethnology Center of Marikina City

Other than the Shoe Museum, Marikina City is also host to another impressive museum--the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center, said to be the first in Asia. The museum houses the personal collection of reading materials from around the world and Philippine artifacts accumulated by Atty. Dominador D. Buhain. Atty. Buhain's love for books is no surprise as he is Chairman and President of Rex Book of Companies. He has also held various posts in different publishers association and is one of the most traveled person in the world.

The entrance to the museum with baybayin,
the pre-Spanish Philippine script engraved on the door

Currently, only a quarter of the owner's collection of books are in the two floors of the museum. More are expected to be added later.

Books from around the world

There are enough books to captivate you, most likely ones you've never seen in your life as they are rare.

The smallest book in the world
contains The Lord's Prayer in several languages

The smallest tablet visible only through
a magnifying glass

Visit the museum to see one of the oldest copies of classical books including Uncle Tom's Cabin and the second printed book in the Philippines, the Doctrina Cristiana Explicado. 

Filipino comics during and post-Spanish era 

But wait, I shrieked in glee when I saw these! I used to read these pocketbooks in high school.

There are other contemporary books in the museum classified under various topics including family, marriage, business, management, finances, religion, politics, and many others. Visitors who frequent the place are allowed to stay and read the books on display.

Outside the Book Museum building are two separate buildings where artifacts from Northern and Southern Philippines are on display.

Traditional wear of tribes from the north

Drums from Southern Philippines

It is so apt that the museum's symbol is that of a foot, signifying readiness, mobility, and progress. A readiness to learn through reading and traveling leads to an individual's growth and development, and a citizen that's continually improving can contribute to national and global progress. As an author of books and someone who loves to travel, I was inspirited by that tour at the Book Museum. I'm itching to write some more and to travel farther. Like other museums, the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center reminds us to preserve the past for posterity, yet it also challenges us to keep going and to keep learning.

The Book Museum cum Ethnology Center is located at 127 Dao St. Marikina Heights, Marikina City. Visit their Facebook page for schedules and other inquiries. Thank you to Ms. Sherleen Bautista for the warm welcome and tour.