The GERONIMO BERENGUER DE LOS REYES, JR. FOUNDATION is devoted to a variety of Philanthropic activities addressing poverty, community development and education. A major Foundation endeavor has been the acquisition, preservation and exhibition of rare materials pertaining to Philippine and World history, culture and the arts. Occasionally, the museum may exhibit other objects, materials or items related to a segment of a specific industry such as that which is being shown today in two pavilions; the air transportation, from its inception in the 19th century to the present. These are depicted in the paintings, prints and scale models of aircrafts and rockets from the invention of the "flying machine" by the Wright brothers and today's advanced jets of which some are the "Concorde" and the "Space shuttle" bringing its significant payload over land and space for a multitude of applications beneficial to man. Air transportation and its multi-shaped vehicles foretells of man's quest to seek out and discover new frontiers in the universe and the ultimate desire of possibly uncovering other forms of life in space. Man's insatiable pursuit for discovery has catalyzed the impetus to explore in greater measure the vastness of the universe and what lies in store for us. This museum further embodies a mission of history with its presentation of Philippine antiquarian 19th and 20th century photographs and the most dramatic image taken of the execution of our National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the old Bagumbayan, now called Rizal Park. Photographs of he old Manila, its environs and many of our national Heroes are shown in two pavilions. Additional photographs covering the Philippine-American War and the beginning of the American period will soon be exhibited. These Photographs will project the country's historical evolution after 300 years of Spanish rule and influence, culminating in the Philippine-Spanish war at the end of the 19th century. Indeed the previous centuries were a momentous period in our history which brought Spanish customs and traditions, education and Christianity to our shores.

On the other, we adopted the democratic principles with a Basic Constitution the formation of the Executive, Judicial and the Bicameral Legislative bodies of government patterned after that of United States of America. These took place only after the end of hostilities in the Philippine-American war in the early 20th century. The introduction of all these enhanced the Filipinos' way of life as he had already been trading in commerce with other Asian countries such as China, Japan and Vietnam. The introduction of Western Civilization further broadened our peoples knowledge in commerce and culture. My personal interest in my ancestor, Don Crisanto Mendoza de los Reyes and his participation in the Cavite Mutiny of 1872, with a memorial has been erected in his honor and all the participants in this insurrection against Spain, led me to acquire antiquarian materials documenting his life and that of the Philippines. I dedicate this museum to the Filipino people and, with much gratitude, to my researchers, staff and employees who have unselfishly contributed their time, skills and effort to this invaluable undertaking. It is my foremost wish that this museum will contribute meaningfully towards our knowledge and pride of country: by relieving our past and strengthening our resolve to work together in a multitude of productive endeavors. As we have entered the 21st century of nationhood and while realizing the youthfulness of our republic, I believe that the staunch heart of the Filipino, buttressed with his perseverance and an unyielding faith to the Almighty will carry this country thru its worst travails and ultimately attain the economic success the Filipino so richly deserves. I welcome you all to our glorious past and the promise of a greater, and more rewarding tomorrow. Geronimo Berenguer de los Reyes, Jr. February 2001.