The Filipino Museum of Beauty

Mission Statement: TFMB aims to educate consumers of Filipino beauty standards over time, analyzing the effects of colonization and globalization in the Philippines.

Goals: The museum facilitates conversations surrounding Filipino beauty standards by:

• Analyzing the use of clothing and makeup that communicate assumptions of beauty
• Contributing to discussions regarding the portrayal of beauty in media

Galleries:

1. this is beauty, perspectives of contemporary filipino beauty
Pinch your nose, scrub your skin—did anyone tell you you’re getting fat? There is immense pride that comes with being Filipino, yet differences continue to be nitpicked or pointed out. What do we consider beautiful? What do we consider ugly? When do we decide this? Through the impacts of globalization in the Philippines, beauty has been altered to mimic those in power. This gallery aims to explore varying perceptions of beauty in the Philippines stemming from Eurocentric beauty standards.
2. how so, cultural cloth of the philippines
Historically, societal norms have shaped our perceptions of beauty, influenced by cultural, religious, and historical values. These values are visually represented in different ways, through accessories and clothing. Garments do not just reflect personal style; they are a deep reflection of identity and culture. The Philippines’ history with colonialism and the proliferation of Christianity are both testaments to this. Through delicate embroidery and diverse textiles, the cultural attire of the Philippines continues to evolve on the islands.
3. beautiful world, take a look at the philippines!
The Philippines is renowned for its beautiful archipelago landscapes. Yet, how often do we recognize the beauty of the people who inhabit these islands? Through modernity, we often forget about the natural beauty that hasn’t been seen by the mainstream. This gallery depicts Filipino beauty through a lens that encapsulates daily life.
4. show yourself, my own “filipino-ness”
In America, we are the representation of our culture. Yet, we face scrutiny; being born in America means that we are less Filipino than those who are born in the Philippines. That we can look Filipino, but my heart is American. This gallery displays how Rojun represents his Filipino heritage in America.
5. what now, current filipino beauty standards
Through current efforts to break down the colorism that runs rampant in the Philippines, many continue to move away from the eurocentric ideals put on the Filipino people. This gallery aims to celebrate current perceptions of beauty in the Philippines that alter the way we perceive the rich and vast culture.

This museum was curated by Rojun Andres.

Rojun Andres is graduating this summer quarter, earning a BA in Psychology at the University of Washington. With hopes to study social psychology at the graduate level, Rojun is interested in studying how cultural identities shape our world perspectives. This is his first (and unfortunately last) year with Knowledge Kapamilya, dissecting the rich history of the Philippines with his fellow Filipino-American cohort.

Focusing primarily on beauty for this museum, Rojun was interested in the evolution of beauty standards stemming from colonial practices. Rojun hopes to entice viewers through personal statements and historical facts, shedding light on our individual and societal perspectives of beauty.

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Bibliography

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Clutario, Genevieve A. 2023. Beauty Regimes: A History of Power and Modern Empire in the Philippines, 1898–1941. Durham: Duke University Press.

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Nepomuceno, Artu. Apo Whang-Od. April 2023, digital image. Vogue.

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WalterMart Delivery. Likas Papaya Beauty Herbal Soap. Digital image. https://www.waltermartdelivery.com.ph/shop/shopbycategory/healthbeauty/bodycare/likaspapayabeautyherbalsoap_135g/p/8195377

“Miss Universe Catriona Grey “Reflection” Gown “Inspiration & Details.” Attract Tour December 9, 2019. https://attracttour.com/2019/12/miss-univer-catriona-grey-reflection-gown-inspiration-details/