The Diorama Experience is an encounter with the dioramas of Philippine history that have been a prominent attraction of Ayala Museum since its completion in 1973. Carved by artisans from Paete, Laguna, the dioramas are unique achievements in woodcarving as well as in miniature painting and decoration. They depict sixty major events and themes in history, from prehistoric Philippines to the recognition of Philippine independence by the United States in 1946. The exhibit culminates with People Power, a multimedia presentation that chronicles significant events, including the tumultuous 1950s and the riotous martial law years, that led to the First EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986.

Palawan Tabon Cave
Circa 50,000-6000 B.C.

Excavations made at the Tabon Caves in Lipuun Point, Palawan revealed a wealth of human bones, fossils and artifacts that proves the appearance of the modern man, Homo sapiens in the Philippines more than 50,000 years ago. The earliest human fossil remains are the skullcap, mandible and dentition of a woman that dates 23,000 years old. Jars, porcelain and stoneware indicate that the caves were continuously inhabited for thousands of years.

Trade with the Chinese
Circa 1000 A.D.

Chinese traders began sailing their junks to the Philippines as early as the 9th century, bringing their famed silk, porcelain, beads, and lead sinkers. In exchange for these, the natives offered coconut products, yellow wax, pearls, tortoise shells and abaca cloth. It soon became clear that the Chinese favored this country as a trade port, since the quality of Philippine goods and Filipino integrity was unparalleled. In 1225, a Chinese merchant named Chau Ju Kua wrote a testimony praising the natives’ honesty, stating that whatever price for goods was agreed upon by trading parties was always delivered as promised.

The First Mass in the Philippines
1521

On Sunday, the 31st of March 1521, Fray Pedro de Valderrama celebrated the first mass in the Philippines on the island of Limasawa. Valderrama was a chaplain who arrived with the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. In the name of the Spanish king, Magellan invited the local chieftains Raja Awi and Raja Kolambu to attend the mass with the people, as well as the members of the Spanish expedition. In commemoration of the first step towards Christianity and conquest, a cross was raised on the site.

The Revolution Against Spain Begins
Manila, 1896

On the 19th of August 1896, Spanish officials discovered the existence of the Katipunan. They took immediate action, ordering the mass arrest of prominent Filipinos suspected of complicity. Spain’s overreaction to the Katipunan’s discovery lost her the allegiance of many among the indio and mestizo elite families who were unjustly persecuted. A discussion between Bonifacio and his captains led to the decision to gather for a march from Barrio Kangkong to Pugadlawin. On the 23rd of August, at Pugadlawin, Bonifacio cried a challenge to his men--a challenge to fight to the very end. It was a cry that resounded through the breasts of all men present: "Long live the Philippines! Long live the Katipunan!" As they cheered, the Katipuneros tore up their cedulas (or tax certificates), which had long been a symbol of servitude to Spain.