🏛️ Calapan City Museum: A Window into Mindoro’s Past

✨ The first time I walked into the Calapan City Museum, I didn’t expect much—it’s tucked away inside the New City Hall complex in Brgy. Guinobatan. But what I found was a treasure trove of stories: photographs of leaders who shaped the city, coins and stamps that survived wars, and even a life-sized ossified statue of the tamaraw 🐃—Mindoro’s most iconic creature.

Located within the new Calapan City Hall in Brgy. Guinobatan, the museum houses interesting memorabilia of the rich and colorful history of Calapan. These include old possessions of past leaders, must-see photos of old Calapan, and other bits and pieces of history that will surely pique your interest.

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🎨 What’s Inside the Museum

Though modest in size, the Calapan City Museum is neatly arranged into three themed sections:

• 📸 Visuals of the Town – Vintage photographs, including portraits of Calapan’s past mayors dating back to 1901.
• 👤 Faces from the Past – Stamps, memorabilia, and old possessions of municipal and city leaders.
• 💴 Birth of a New City – Coins, banknotes, and relics from the American and Japanese occupation eras.

And of course, the highlight that greets you at the entrance:

• 🐃 The Tamaraw Statue – A symbolic reminder of Mindoro’s identity and resilience.

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📜 My Experience at the Museum

When we were brought there by kuya driver, we honestly weren’t expecting too much. But the moment we arrived, the warm welcome and hospitality of the staff touched our hearts. One of them even became our tour guide—personally explaining the significance of the displays and sharing fun trivia about Calapan’s history.

It felt less like visiting a museum and more like being invited into someone’s home, where every artifact had a story waiting to be told. That human connection made the experience unforgettable.

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📌 Visitor Information

• 📍 Location: Inside Calapan New City Hall, Brgy. Guinobatan, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
• 🕗 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• 🎟️ Admission: FREE
• ☎ Contact: (043) 288-1623
• 📧 Email: [email protected]

💡 Update (2025): Entry remains free, but guests are encouraged to register at the front desk. Pair your visit with the Mangyan Heritage Center nearby for a deeper dive into Oriental Mindoro’s culture.

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🌿 Travel Tip & Mini Itinerary

Here’s how I like to spend a half-day in Calapan:

1. 🏛️ Visit Calapan City Museum – start your journey with history.
2. 🌾 Explore the Mangyan Heritage Center – learn about indigenous culture.
3. ☕ Grab coffee or snacks in one of Calapan’s cozy cafés near the plaza.

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📣 If you’re ever in Calapan—even for just a quick stop—don’t skip the museum. 🏛️

It may be small, but between the artifacts, photos, and the warmth of the staff, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation of Calapan’s past and present.

👉 Add it to your Oriental Mindoro itinerary today—you’ll be surprised how a simple visit can leave such a lasting impression.