History takes on a more personal perspective at “LOLO MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO,” an exhibition exploring the life, sacrifices, and legacy of Filipino reformist, journalist, and lawyer Marcelo H. Del Pilar.

The exhibition runs from September 4 to October 17, 2026, at the 2F Lobby of Ayala Museum’s Diorama Experience Gallery. Presented by Pax Pineda, Del Pilar’s great-great-great-grandson, in collaboration with Ayala Museum and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the exhibition brings together artifacts, letters, and artworks connected to one of the key figures of the Philippine Propaganda Movement.

Rather than focusing only on Del Pilar as a historical figure, the exhibition looks at him through a more personal lens—as a journalist, lawyer, husband, father, and Filipino who made significant personal sacrifices for his beliefs and advocacy.

Pineda said the exhibition provides an opportunity to share another side of his ancestor’s story, particularly the experiences of Del Pilar’s family. Del Pilar left the Philippines in 1888 amid persecution and continued his reform campaign in Madrid. He became closely associated with La Solidaridad, contributing as a writer and editor while also providing financial support for the publication during difficult periods.

Known by his pen name Plaridel, Marcelo H. Del Pilar was among the leading figures of the Propaganda Movement, which advocated reforms and greater rights for Filipinos during the final years of Spanish colonial rule. His writings, including Dasalan at Tocsohan, and his work with La Solidaridad remain important parts of Philippine history.

The exhibition also highlights the personal challenges behind his public work. Born in Bulacan, Del Pilar studied law before pursuing journalism, writing, and reform advocacy. His decision to leave the Philippines resulted in years of separation from his family while he continued his campaign in Spain. He later died of tuberculosis in Barcelona in 1896.

Ayala Museum curator Tenten Mina noted that Del Pilar’s story remains relevant as the country observes the Year of Diplomatic History and Diaspora during History Month 2026. His experience of being separated from family while pursuing a larger cause also offers an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of many Filipinos who live or work away from their loved ones.

For Jorell Legaspi, Senior Director for Arts and Culture at Ayala Foundation, exhibitions like this create opportunities for younger audiences to engage with Philippine history and heritage. The museum continues to support projects that encourage conversations about historical figures and events from different perspectives.

The artifacts featured in “LOLO MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO” are on loan from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and were transported from the Marcelo H. Del Pilar Shrine in Bulakan, Bulacan, a national shrine and museum dedicated to the Filipino propagandist, journalist, and lawyer.

According to Ayala Museum Associate Director Aprille Tijam, the exhibition is envisioned as one of the museum’s continuing curatorial projects exploring important people and events in Philippine history beyond those featured in its permanent collection of 60 Dioramas of Philippine History.

Through personal artifacts and family perspectives, “LOLO MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO” offers visitors an opportunity to understand Marcelo H. Del Pilar beyond his place in textbooks and recognize the personal experiences behind his historical legacy.