In 1981, Apolinaria Masangkay, Soledad Borromeo-Buhler, and the other heirs of General Guillermo Masangkay, one of the original members of the Katipunan, donated to the Asian Center historical artifacts which previously belonged to General Masangkay. The items donated were 16 busts of Filipino national heroes made by the Graciano Nepomuceno, a renowned Filipino sculptor and santero (icon maker). Since then, the UP Asian Center became the home of these historical artifacts.

Recognizing and understanding the significance of these items in strengthening and solidifying Filipino heritage and identity, the Asian Center seeks to preserve, promote, and permanently exhibit these objects of artistic and cultural significance for public consumption.