Even though our climate is more temperate, the rising trend in the temperatures of our major cities, borne out by Istat data, is easily confirmed by our daily personal experience.13 To counter the rise in temperatures due to the greenhouse effect, humanity must reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, first and foremost those of CO2.
Our pre-colonial collection provides insights into a glorious past we Filipinos can be truly proud of: •  first, that we had a distinct culture and art tradition that resulted from a fusion of indigenous and diverse foreign influences;  •  second, that our ancestors had both the artistry and the technical ingenuity to craft these magnificent and complex gold pieces that remain much-admired by contemporary artisans; and  •  third, that we had a flourishing economy with active domestic and international trade conducted through barter and gold payment.