Whether we want to go back in time through historical pieces or simply get a glimpse of those artworks created by Filipino legends, we go to museums to “unwind” for a moment or two—and the National Museum of the Philippines has always been a go-to.
With the mission of “protecting, preserving, and disseminating the legacy of the Filipino people”, the National Museum is home to a wide range of objects from the past reflecting the country’s history and culture. Paintings, for instance.
But how would you feel if, amid an ordinary visit, you suddenly saw someone who looked exactly like you?
Lookalike of Ambeth Ocampo’s mom
Just recently, museum visitor Veronica Balayo was taking time to appreciate the masterpieces at the National Museum of Fine Arts when she came across a foto-óleo of a woman who looks exactly like her. Back in the 19th century and long before color photography existed, foto-óleo was a popular art form executed by applying oil paint directly on black and white photographs to make it more life-like.
“Visited National Museum and found this photo of a girl, and it kinda looks like [me],” Veronica wrote.
The woman in the portrait happened to be Belen Ocampo, the mother of the respected historian Ambeth Ocampo. Ambeth, who also saw the viral video posted by Veronica which already has over five million views on TikTok as of writing, shared his amazement at the young lady’s resemblance to his dear mom.
Scarlet Snow’s resemblance to Juan Luna’s child
Years ago, beauty doctor Vicki Belo’s daughter Scarlet Snow Belo ‘s resemblance to a child in a National Museum painting wowed visitors and social media users alike. A photo of her beside the portrait was even uploaded on the museum’s page.
The little one was Andres Luna de San Pedro, fondly called “Luling”, and the portrait was painted by his father, Juan Luna, one of the first recognized Philippine artists.
Reincarnation or mere coincidence? We’ll never know. But the next time you visit the National Museum, take a closer look at the paintings because who knows? You might find a doppelganger of yours who existed decades or even centuries ago!
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