Musical composition student Hans Gabriel Dela Cruz coined what might be among the best descriptions of a usable past, something that will be understood by casual fans and those steeped in Star Wars lore: History embodies the Force, and maybe history IS the force, the way it surrounds us, binds us, and explains to us who we are though not necessarily who we might be and what the world ought to be in the future. Because tomorrow? That’s up to us.

It’s certainly what the writer Chuck Baclagon noted when he shared his thoughts on the subject as the #PastsRevisited exhibit closed last Saturday.

“Behind me: a small archive of dangerous ideas. Which is a fancy way of saying books–objects that still, in 2026, have the power to make people nervous, the way a lit match makes people nervous in a dry forest.

“Here’s a thought: history is not an inheritance. It’s not [READ]

APPLE WITH APOLONIA: Apple and Jedd visit #PastsRevisited just before everything is dismantled! Umabot! It’s been great to introduce #RenatoConstantino and [READ]

Love birds with love birds who now hold books of poems by that much loved poet, Allan Popa. Bea and James managed to catch the exhibit minutes before we began the egress process. #RenacimientoManilaLove #PastsRevisited [READ]

Thank you everyone for the feedback, the joys shared, the happinesses, the questions, the provocations! Promote #UsableHistory, because if the past is not usable, what’s the point!

We’ve had a wonderful time working with colleagues in the Yuchengco Museum. More than sharing love of history and a commitment to the nation’s future, we have developed new friendships and initiatives that we know will bear sweet fruit soon, as our collaboration deepens. And now the exhibit runs till August 8. So many insights to gain, so many perspectives to acquire from the 3rd floor and 4th floor shows of the museum. Drop by and take in everything!

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