CHAPTER 2
Review of Related Literature & Studies
According to nationalmuseum.gov.ph (Feb. 2014), the idea of building Planetariums in Manila
was formed in 1970s by Godofredo Alcasid Sr., the Museum Director, with the assistance of Mr.
Maximo P. Sacro Jr. of the Philippine Weather Bureau, and one of the founders of the
Philippines Astronomical Society. The project was introduced by Ms. Imelda R. Marcos the
chairman of the National Parks and Department Committee, and this became one of its priority
projects. The construction began in 1974 and it took nine months to finish it. In October 8, 1975,
it was inaugurated and in September 30, 1975 the planetarium status was affirmed by the
Presidential Decree No. 804-A. The planetarium ‘s function is to spread information about
astronomers by shows, lectures, etc. It has also unique features that can be imaginable to
viewers. Through years, planetarium has been improved and it will continually be developed.
According to Ivy Jean Vibar (March. 2017), Starting in this weekend, visitors of National
Planetarium in Manila can be fond of full-dome shows, in where the offerings were chosen for
the entertainment of the young and old alike so that the whole family are able to visit and enjoy
the program as well. The shows will be giving free of charge up to April 30. The shows are a
first for the National Planetarium, as it only lately installed an upgraded version of its 1975
projector, as well as a new digital system that was both developed by a Japanese company.
Moreover, these are the highlights of what you can find in Planetarium: Firstly, Pioneering
Technology. The new hybrid projection system is combining the 1975 analog projector with as
digital projector. Next, Stars. In where the Planetarium’s dome can let you experience that you
almost imitate the virtual reality of 3D cinema viewing experience, without needing of headgear
or special glasses. Plus, the slight tilt to your chair can really make you believe that falling
upwards into the space. Thirdly, no age limit to learn. Anyone can learn new things from the
Planetarium even grandfathers too can still learn. Next, help nurture interest in astronomy. As for
today astronomers especially girls are in demand since there are only four women astronomers in
the country. Said Pabunan, if a child has an interest in stars and galaxies, you might take them to
one of the country’s exhibit dedicated to astronomy. Lastly, Admission is free. Visitors can
watch the full-dome shows free of charge until the end of April.
According to Rizelle “Rei” Leaño (June. 2017), National Planetarium in Manila is an earthly
place in where it will give you an impressive out earth tour. The ambiance of this place will give
you clues of how the universe start, you will learn the importance of astronomy in the lives of
our ancestors, all the planets of the solar system, the constellations, and galaxies. Planetarium
was weekly academic shows that people can watch for small admission fee. The place is located
in Padre Burgos Drive in the National Museum Complex.
According to Rosie W (November, 2010), Planetarium aims toddler, young school children and
older school kids and when you visit a planetarium you could learn about black holes, aurora,
summer sky, stellar evolution and so much more and they show it by having a dome-shaped
theatre and interesting astronomical shows to encourage audiences to learn. Most planetarium
provide shows to general public and 1990s, 3-D Digital planetarium has been made to have a real
depth to the whole experience of the viewer. We have a planetarium to show and demonstrate the
layout of the solar system & beyond. For example, a planetarium can now “fly” the audience
towards one of the familiar constellations such as Orion, thus having interaction to the viewers.
This experience can be much more educationally beneficial than demonstrations particularly for
those people who are especially visual or spatially-aware.
