QUEZON CITY — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Metro Manila Cluster of Historical Museums has officially opened its latest pop-up exhibition, Artifact in 360 (Ai360): Gamble of Compassion, at the Quezon Memorial Shrine. The exhibition offers visitors a profound look into a remarkable chapter of the nation’s history, shedding light on humanitarian leadership during one of humanity’s darkest hours.
Exploring History Through an Unconventional Lens
In celebration of Museums and Galleries Month (MGM) 2026 under the theme “Bridging Divides: Preserving the Present for Tomorrow,” this year’s installment of the flagship Ai360 program specifically aligns with the agency’s broader thematic focus on Diplomatic History and Diaspora.
Rather than relying solely on traditional documents, the exhibition uses an unconventional lens to examine history by featuring President Manuel L. Quezon’s original, autographed poker cards as central historical artifacts. Through these unique items, the exhibit explores how strategic decision-making, humanitarian leadership, and diplomacy shaped the Philippines’ pivotal role in welcoming Jewish refugees fleeing persecution during the Holocaust. This creative approach invites visitors to reflect on the weight of leadership decisions made behind closed doors and their profound, life-saving consequences.
Opening Ceremonies and Key Insights
The grand opening ceremony brought together cultural advocates, students, and government officials. A keynote message was delivered by Assistant Secretary Indhira Banares of the Office of the Middle East and African Affairs—representing Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria. The address emphasized the historical depth of Philippine diplomatic relations and discussed their continuing social and economic relevance in contemporary society.
This collaborative public history initiative was made possible with the active assistance of the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde – Service Learning Unit and the Bachelor of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations program, showcasing the power of youth and academic involvement in heritage preservation.
Plan Your Visit
The exhibition is designed to be accessible to students, researchers, and the general public as part of the NHCP’s ongoing commitment to promoting and preserving Philippine history and heritage through research, public education, and museum administration.
- Location: Quezon Memorial Shrine, Quezon City
- Admission: FREE
- Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Duration: Open to the public only until the end of the year.
