I HAD the chance to navigate on the large collection of artworks that spanned in the great walls of the Museo ng Sining established and maintained by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) central office in Pasay City under president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas, a Negrense.

Artworks by renowned Filipino artist/portraitist Fernando Amorsolo, particularly a mural painting about the history of Philippine music, was first displayed at the Metropolitan Theater in 1931. However, the said property was foreclosed and was taken over by GSIS. This mural was heavily damaged when it was transferred, but it was restored for the appreciation of the future generation.

It was told that this Amorsolo mural is worth P115 million now.

The museum also houses a commissioned copy of the mural made by Amorsolo regarding the history of Philippine dance which was later named as the "Ritual Dance" re-created by Roger San Miguel.

The original piece was missing in 1972. Upon knowing it, former first lady Imelda Marcos commissioned San Miguel to re-create it.

Aranas said 11 years ago, GSIS held a yearly art competition to help launch the careers of many aspiring artists in the country.

From 200 entries in 2004, it rose to close to 1,000 now.

It is one of the highly regarded art competitions in the country with their long-standing partnership with the Art Association of the Philippines.

All the entries are being displayed at the Museo ng Sining.

People are fascinated by the artworks.