Prior to our visit to the GSIS museum, we have already heard about Juan Luna's "The Parisian Life". We happened to be a few of the people who believed that its purchase has been a big mistake, considering its extravagant cost. The Philippines, after all, could use Php 45 million for other more important things. It could feed millions of impoverished mouths, build at least two well-equipped public schools, or perhaps even facilitate the construction of infrastructure that could help alleviate the traffic situation in our country. 45 million pesos is worth a lot of developments. .
When we first came face to face with painting we got even more frustrated that the GSIS would even consider wasting that much money on such a small, insignificant-looking painting. However, when we started reading its description and symbolisms, we slowly began to think, what the heck, Juan Luna is, after all, a revered, national artist. We went on to listen to the GSIS director's account of Juan Luna's life, his artwork, and most important of all, "The Parisian Life". As his speech progressed we were beginning to understand why GSIS made a great risk and spent that much money on a single painting. It is not only an investment. It is the epitome of an essential part of our history and the core of the Filipino culture and heritage. .
We have always known about the magnitude of Juan Luna's "Spoliarium" to Philippine history. This same amount of importance must also be given to "The Parisian Life". There is no doubt in our minds that its purchase would no longer be dubitable if people are able to see just how much of our culture and heritage that single painting holds and consequently reflects. .
