A MUSEUM, A MEMORY

By Marie. July 1, 2025

In my most recent post, I shared a quick visit to Molo, thanks to an invitation from my friend, Joanne Abrasusa. She brought me to The Molo Mansion, where we enjoyed a bowl of Pancit Molo (of course!) and browsed for souvenirs at Kultura.

Did you know that The Molo Mansion—a well-loved heritage site—also serves as a museum? It beautifully showcases the architectural elegance and layered history of Iloilo City. In fact, the city is home to several remarkable museums, each offering a glimpse into its rich cultural tapestry.

Speaking of museums, there’s one visit in particular I’ll never forget.

My quiet morning visit to the National Museum of Malaysia turned out to be more than just a leisurely stop. It became one of those quiet personal resolves—discovered in the stillness of a gallery, surrounded by hushed narrations of history—that mark a turning point in how you see yourself.

The guided tour lasted two hours, yet I left feeling like I’d only just begun. I needed more time. But it was my final day in Kuala Lumpur; the next morning, I would be on my way to Thailand. I promised myself I’d return.

Sadly, that promise was left suspended. The pandemic intervened, and I never made it back—at least, not yet.

What about you—have you ever promised to return to a place, only to find that promise quietly suspended in time?