The Aquino Center and Museum is a non-profit, non-government owned facility located in Tarlac City and is solely funded and managed by the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation. It houses a museum containing memorabilia of the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. and President Corazon "Cory" Aquino.
We were supposed to visit the Aquino Center last year in time for the 30th death anniversary of Senator Ninoy Aquino. But due to habagat rains, Metro Manila-wide flooding prevented us from traveling north to Tarlac. This year, our planned visit finally became a reality.
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| Photo courtesy of the Aquino Center |
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| Photo courtesy of The Aquino Center |
Joining us on our visit was Ms. Karen Nina Lacsamana-Carrera, manager of the Aquino Center. She walked us through each section of the museum detailing different time lines in the lives of Ninoy Aquino and Cory Aquino. From their childhood in Tarlac, to their marriage, to the rising political career of Ninoy. It continues to the declaration of Martial Law, to Ninoy's imprisonment in Fort Bonifacio and Nueva Ecija, his exile to the US, up to his return to Manila where he was assassinated in 1983. The uprising of the Filipino people, to the EDSA Revolution in 1986, to the presidency of Cory Aquino, and finally to the death of Cory in 2009. Some of the most important artifacts of the museum are the very clothes that Ninoy wore when he was assassinated, blood-stained and enclosed in a glass case. The museum also houses some of the gifts given to Cory by foreign dignitaries during her presidency.
Note that taking photographs is only allowed at the common areas of the museum. For security reasons, the cameras are not allowed inside the main gallery. We highly encourage that you visit the Aquino Center yourself so you can see the museum pieces firsthand. Minimum donation for adults is P100.00 while minimum donation for students is P50.00. Donations will be used for the maintenance of the museum. Note that not a single peso is provided by the government for its maintenance thus the museum relies mainly on donations.
The Aquino Center also has conference facilities that can host government of private functions, seminars, and other social events. The huge ballroom can accommodate 150-350 pax and is ideal for big functions or celebrations such as wedding receptions or corporate parties. Seminar and function rooms fit 20-90 pax.
The Aquino Center is conveniently located beside Microtel Luisita so if you're staying at the hotel either for leisure of business, do take time to visit the center. There's a foot path at the back of the hotel leading to the center. If you will be holding your functions or celebrations at the Aquino Center, Microtel Luisita is the ideal hotel to house your guests coming from out of town.
How to get to the Aquino Center and Museum
By private vehicle, take SCTEX and exit at the Luisita Access Road. The Aquino Center is located on your right side coming from SCTEX. By public transportation, take any a bus from Cubao or Pasay bound to Dagupan or Alaminos (P190.00 per person) and tell the conductor to drop you off at Robinsons Luisita. You can also take buses bound for Laoag or Baguio, just double check with the driver if the bus will pass by Robinsons Luisita before you board. Travel time is 2.5-3.0 hours. At Robinsons Luisita, take a tricycle to the Aquino Center (P10.00 per passenger).
Aquino Center and Museum
Luisita Industrial Park Road (Luisita Access Road)
Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City, Tarlac
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Contact Numbers: (045) 985-0968; (45) 985-0969
Email: aquinocenter@ncaf.ph
Facebook: facebook.com/AquinoCenterAndMuseum
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