One Saturday morning found Cayla, my youngest, and me back at Museo Pambata in Manila for a Bloggers’ Event I was invited to. Thank you for having me, Ms. Chie and Ms. Jiana!
I love how her face lighted up upon entering the museum. She couldn’t wait to start exploring again! Truly, it’s a big playground.
One area that was closed when we visited the first time was the Aklatang Pambata or Children’s Library. It’s bright and cheerful. It’s colorful and welcoming! I wanted to go there again one day, by myself, to sit down and read all day. Even if the books were for children. Haha!
A few minutes later, we were led to the Old Manila exhibit area for a storytelling in Filipino, a short lesson on Filipino musical instruments and a dance presentation by the Bayanihan, The National Dance Company of the Philippines. These were some of the fun ways to learn more about our country’s rich culture.
The members of the Bayanihan donned such beautiful costumes and their performance really brings out the best of the country’s cultural dances! The music was also lively. They invited some children to dance with them and learn some moves, especially while dancing the Tinikling.
Visiting a museum only once wasn’t enough. There are more to discover, some that I have missed before, some that are worth the second look. Mostly, I follow Cayla’s lead as to where to go next.
Did you know that Museo Pambata is the first hands-on children’s interactive museum in the Philippines? It was founded in 1993 and its vision “is to be a children’s discovery museum and resource center promoting Filipino culture, children’s advocacies and creative educational programs with linkages to global communities.”
Cultivate Children’s Creativity & Cultural Awareness at Museo Pambata
Children’s creativity and cultural awareness can be cultivated by going through the museum’s theme rooms. There are seven:
- Kalikasan/Environment
- Maynila Noon/Old Manila
- Bata sa Mundo/Children in the Global Village
- I love my planet Earth
- Katawan Ko/My Body Works
- Paglaki Ko/Career Options, and
- Pamilihang Bayan/Marketplace
Kids can play pretend with costumes and props, miniature vehicles, church and house, learn about the environment and saving the planet in an interesting way, solve puzzles, marvel at dolls wearing different costumes, read various books.
Aside from the interactive exhibits where children can learn through their various senses, kids can also participate in Museo Pambata‘s activities designed to educate, entertain and develop the creativity of their young visitors. These include:
- Haraya Storytelling Hour – volunteer storytellers share exciting stories from well-loved Filipino children’s books
- Paglaki Ko, Gusto Kong Maging… (When I Grow Up, I Want To Be…) – a talk by successful career men and women
- Ang Bayanihan Sa Museo – Bayanihan is the Philippine National Folk Dance Company
- PHSA Shadowplay @ Museo – a puppet show bringing shadows to life
- Musikahan sa Museo – listen to classical music pieces and chorale ensembles
- Museo Pambata Guides’ Corner – arts and crafts demonstrations using recyclable materials
- From Page To Stage – take part in a theatrical performance as the Sipat Lawin Ensemble retell various Filipino children’s stories through theater
Now, we have more exciting reasons to visit Museo Pambata!
If you and your family have no idea what to do during the weekends, I suggest you visit Museo Pambata.
It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM (March to August) and Sundays, 1 PM to 5 PM. It’s closed on Mondays and holidays.
Good news for Manila residents with valid ID! You can go in for free every Tuesday and you get 50% off on other days. Isn’t that wonderful?
My eldest kid’s birthday is coming up. If we hadn’t already booked at the play place in Podium, I would seriously consider Museo Pambata‘s party packages. It would be a nice alternative to the usual party programs in popular fastfood chains, no?
For more information about the activities, schedules and party packages, please head over to the Museo Pambata Facebook page.
I haven’t been to Museo Pambata. I do hope people get to museums more to know about our culture…let’s start with the young ones!
Yes, the children need to be exposed to our culture.
I love this…I wish there were more libraries in our country so that families can bond more on places like this rather than the malls! Thanks for giving us an idea where to bring our kids on a weekend!
I know! Malls encourage unnecessary spending. Welcome!
Thanks for posting, our last visit was last year and we enjoyed the museum very much. Kulang ang time for Ashton, time for us to go back 🙂
Mommy Lace recently posted..Tagaytay: Domicillo Boutique Hotel Experience
I agree with you about kulang ang time!
Love the pics of Cayla sitting on the bahay kubo steps! Sooo cute also with the fish headdress on her! Thank you, Cym and Cayla for coming back to Museo Pambata. It’s great to finally meet you in person! – Chie and Jiana
I want to visit the place but it was far from our place. But the truth, I don’t know how to go to that place. hehehe
Allan recently posted..No more plastic bags in Science City of Muñoz
It’s a bit far… But it’ll be worth it! Matt would enjoy it! There’s Waze! 🙂
Oh how I wish my second baby is already big enough so I can take her there. My eldest loves Museong Pambata.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen recently posted..How to Find Amazing Food During Your Travels
It would surely be fun for your eldest to enjoy Museo Pambata with her sibling.
Museo Pambata is really a great place for lakbay aral, this is a fun learning place that can help homeschoolers like me.
Yes, they could see their lessons in action.
Glad to know about Museo Pambata. I should take my family there, it would be a great bonding and learning experience for us. Thanks for blogging about this.
Welcome! Hope you visit Museo Pambata soon!
I love this place, I hope I can take my son here someday. Nowadays kasi, with the technologies, sometimes, Filipino stuff are less often introduced to little ones.
Nilyn Matugas recently posted..NATE TURNED 1 YR & 2 MONTHS
I know! Museo Pambata helps them appreciate the Filipino culture.
I wish i can bring my kids in this place soon! for sure they will love it. So much fun and at the same time,truly educational experience.
ron recently posted..Wedding Photographer Fired By Client For Supporting Gay Marriage. His Epic Response May Just Bring Him More Gigs!
Yes, very educational!
I have been to Museo Pambata only once. I wish I can bring my nephew there someday.
Katrina Centeno recently posted..10 Reasons Why Coron is such a Charming Destination
I think he will love it.
That’s a wonderful experience, I wonder will I be invited in bloggers event…nah who knows soon…
It is!