Museo Pambata: Your Next Playdate Venue Part 1

Playdates are important in a child's development. They learn to socialize with other children of different ages which helps them discover learnings, identify different emotions, and how to appropriately behave with other little people like them. I look forward to playdate because what challenges our condo living is finding playmates for Enzo. 

Last two weeks ago, an overdue playdate with my other Mommy bloggers finally happened. We decided to visit Museo Pambata because its the nearest playdat venue for all of us, and we haven't been there yet. Although I have been there twice already, I was super excited that time because it was Enzo's first time. 

Museo Pambata is a children's discovery museum and resource center promoting Filipino culture, children's advocacirs and creative educational programs with linkages to global communities. 

Enzo and I came a little early so he had aome time to toam around the entrance and lobby while I took some photos. 

At the ride part of Museo is a playground and a helicopter display. Enzo got interested and curios to play on it but I got hesitant at first because it looked kinda worn out and the grass was already tall. I was afraid he might get bruised by the metals on the playground and catch dengue because of the grass and the water from after the rain. I hope they do something about it too.

So anyway, we decided to enter the museum as we wait for our other playmates and Enzo was getting a little excited to see what was inside and it was also getting hot by that time. We wete there by 1pm so the sun was really scorching hot. 

What's inside Museo Pambata? 

Maynila Noon/Old Manila 

The first exhibit at the right side of the lobby is a journey back to turn-of-the-century Manila! There is a tranvia, a Spanish Galleon with different herbs and spices, a miniature Cathedral and bahay na bato. 

Kalikasan/Environment 

Adjacent to the Maynila Noon, is the Kalikasan/Environment room. It has a simulated rainforest, rice field, and seabed that teaches children to preserve the Mother Nature. The kids spent a lot of time running around this room plus the slide was a total hit. The tunnel that looked like a burrow was also an instant play area to the kids and they looked like creepy creatures er... Cute creatures actually!;) 

At the second floor of the museum, the other remaining five (5) galleries are there. At the left side of the stairs is the Katawan Ko/My Body Works. It was one of the most interesting galleries for em as I enjoyed all of the activities there. The place looked like an inside of the mouth literally. It helps children understand how he different body organ works in harmony to keep he body functioning. 

The kids and us mommies stayed a lot longer here because of the tunnels and the shadow play. The entire place was a body at large and lessons about the organs were endless. The kids really enjoyed their time there. 

Please stay tuned on my next post about the other galleries and exhibits in Museo Pambata. There are fou (4) more interesting places inside that will keep your children's minds stimulated and their creativity and imagination challenged. See you all tomorrow!;)

7 Places to Learn History in Manila

Just recently my mommy blogger friends and I went to Museo Pambata for our playdate. Will share more details about that on my next post, so please keep on reading my blog. ;) 

Anyway, I have been wanting to write about places to visit here in Manila to learn history and at the same time kid friendly too. I don't know why I couldnt get myself to write but like a message from the universe I saw this in Museo Pambata: 

This is just great! Excellent, even! My family and I now have our checklist to visit here in Manila. We've been living here for more than a year and all we can bring Enzo to is the near malls around the vicinity. Gets a little boring now, especially as Enzo's growing up already. 

1. Museo Pambata 

The first hands-on discovery for children in the Philippines. With interactive exhibists on history, culture, the environment, science, health, and career options as well as special shows and programs, it is the ideal place for alternative learnig, family fun and wholesome environment. 

Entrance fee: 

FREE for Manila residents with ID 

Php150 for adults

Php120 for children 

2. Manila Zoo 

Manila Zoo is situated in Quirino Avenue Adriatico Street Malate Manila, home to a variety of animals seen here in the country. One of the controversial animals here is Maali, a 40 year old elephant. Some animal activits fight to free Maali into its natural habitat. Manila Zoo although stands firm to keep Maali in their care. 

Entrance Fee:

Php20 for Manila residents

Php100 for adults

Php50 for children

Php75 for students

3. Luneta 

Luneta is home to Jose Rizal's statue and a must see place for every Filipino and tourists as well. Luneta Park offers a lot of activities fit for all members of the family. It has alot of other places to see within it like the butterfly garden, Chinese garden etc. There are free events and activities that happen there that everyone can enjoy. 

4. Intramuros

From the story of Noli Me Tangere, Anak ng Pasig songs, and geandest weddings in Manila Cathedral, Intramuros is a repository of history and stories. It has the nicest scenic views, scrumptous streetfood and unique restos. Concerts also happens in this four walled streets. 

5. Quiapo Church 

                  Photo from      

       mikeajero.blogspot.com

Quiapo church is known for the Miraculous Black Nazarene. Devotees pray religiously in the Black Nazarene as it is believe to favor their prayers and desires. The Feast of the Black Nazarene is also one of the grandest as devotees come together to pay tribute to him. My father is a devotee and I remember him joining the crowd and walking barefoot. 

6. National Museum Planetarium 

             Photo from National

     Museum Planetarium FB Page

National Museum Planetarium is a projet of former First Lady Imelda Marcos in 1975. Its main function is to disseminate astronomical information through shows, lectures, and galleries. At the moment, Planetarium shows are closed to public but their galleries are free for all visitors. 

7. Malacanang Palace 

     Photo searched from Google 

Malacanang Palace is one of the tourist spots in Manila where the president resides. You can walk from San Miguel ave and see the walls of the palace. 

Out of all the seven places, my family and I have been to only two of it. What I love about lists is that I always have a new place to go and I don't have to think too much!;) Will post about our Museo Pambata and Manila Zoo trips next time. 

Do you have other places to suggest for us to visit? Comment away!;) 

Balay Indang (The Red Ginger Farm) A Serene Place in Cavite

Have you ever been to a place where you enjoyed the entire stay and felt like it was a home away from home? Or to a place where you miss it already even if you are still there? A place where you promised to bring your family and friends to? 

I have found that place in Balay Indang. There's no exaggeration needed because I had an amazingly wonderful stay for our office retreat last weekend.

Main House. 

Directional signs signaling there's a lot to discover in this place.



We came in early so we were asked to stay in Elizabeth's Hall first and was served our morning snacks. We had corn dog, Sotanghon and Iced tea! The corn dog was awesome, I ate three of it haha!:)


Hallway of the comfort rooms. It has a lot of mirrors on display. The mirrors are made from recycled or refurbished door cabinets. Cool idea, right?

Girl's CR. It has two toilet and 1bath.








A little drama. Feeling like a Princess in this furniture. Fell asleep while waiting for us to check in hihi.

Our session at King Solomon Portico. The girls were housed in Bahay ni Jacob with three rooms namely Reuben, Joseph and (sorry could not remember the last one)

Anyway, the rooms are very vintage and traditional. It has the capiz type of windows and curtained beds making you feel like a Princess. Each room also has its own toilet and bath. The design for the bath and toilet also compliments the entire design of the place. It was designed with rocks, and artistic pieces inside.
















The view from our window. Lots of greens, and places to rest.


Our toilet and bath. So nice right? It's very spacious and clean. Though it had a lot of windows which made it a little uncomfortable for me. But the windows can be closed so it was still appropriate to bathe on.

Afternoon snack. Lugaw with mushroom and Halohalong Turon. The lugaw was delicious!!! I had two servings even though I already ate lunch. It was exciting to taste lugaw with mushroom, because it was a little unusual but it gave great taste to the dish.



Main Dining Room. Notice the door handle. Little things matter and this gives added taste to the entire place.


 The dining room forms part of the main house. It can accommodate about 50 guests I think. It had about 11 long tables inside. During our stay there were other companies having their events too and we did not feel congested inside. They also have other dining rooms outside and the other rooms so a big number of guests is not a problem in Balay Indang.

I'll do another post about their food because it deserves a separate post. You would know why when you read it, so stay tuned!:)

Anyway, sharing with your bits of arts and ingenious designs in the area.

Fish pond near the Main Dining Room


Fountain in the Main dining room, pathwalk to the Secret Garden leading to the Bahay Ni Jacob and Hebron Valley, a bridge leading to the Elizabeth Hall.


Buddha pieces were abundant in the place.


It was my first time to see a Pomelo Tree.


Used bottles made into ashtrays, and bamboo designed faucet.


Kalesa.


Entertainment area. They have videoke and a lot of chairs
and tables for the guests to dine and have fun.

More seats and play area for the whole family.


You can also use their swimming pool.

You know what else they have and what will make especially us, Mommies feel giddy and excited?


Little Isaac is a play room for little kids. It has storybooks, educational, and development toys.

Nice right? All ages will find something special for them here.


Just outside is a playground and a barefoot path, were kids and kids at heart can play.

Balay Indang is a place for all members of the family. Adults can have their much needed rest and relaxation while kids and babies can find a special spot to enjoy their stay as well. Balay Indang has planned this place rather well keeping in mind all members of the family. You would definitely feel the love and care given to this place in your stay. It is remained clean, green and in touch with the earth. If you are in search for calmness and peace, Balay Indang can be your getaway.

For more information, like them on their facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Balay-Indang/170250326413547

Please watch out for my food review of our overnight stay in Balay Indang!:)