Museo Pambata, Manila

May 3, 2013

One would think that being adults, we'll surely get bored inside a kid's museum but what the heck, don't know if i should get embarrased in admitting that we were still amazed at the interactive stuff we've witnessed inside. And really, our only regret was not charging our cameras beforehand thereby giving us no choice but to take pixelated pics using our cellphones. 

Museo Pambata is one cool museum for kids of all ages including the kids at heart. The entrance fee of 100 pesos (unlimited time) is quite cheap considering the 60 pesos per 30 minutes rate for small spaced "playgrounds" found in malls. 

As shown from the brochure below, the museum has 8 theme rooms:

Theme Room #1: Kalikasan

"Be inspired to take action to help Mother Nature, by learning from a  simulated rainforest and coastal area! We also have a herbal garden where you can learn more about plants and their various uses." - www.museopambata.org

Theme Room #2: Old Manila

"Take a whimsical journey back to turn-of-the-century Manila! Put on clothes your grandparents wore, ride the tranvia, board a Spanish galleon, or step into a miniature cathedral and bahay na bato (stonehouse)."

 - www.museopambata.org

Theme Room #3: My Body Works

"Journey inside the human body through a tunnel maze! Understand how our different organs work in harmony to keep our bodies functioning." 

- www.museopambata.org

Theme Room #4: Career Options

"What do you want to be when you grow up? Discover infinite possibilities and visualize yourself in a career of your own choice! (Currently features AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS)"                                                                                      - www.museopambata.org

Theme Room #5: Pamilihang Bayan
Your favorite neighborhood shops are all here! Pretend to shop in a row of play stores and practice your entrepreneurial and budgeting skills!- www.museopambata.org

Theme Room #6: I Love My Planet Earth

"Let's all help in saving Mother Earth! View exhibits on climate change and other environmental issues, and how you can do your part in saving our planet." - www.museopambata.org

Theme Room #7: Global Village
"Get a glimpse of children around the world! See dolls in national costumes, toys and musical instruments from different countries and play indoor games!" - www.museopambata.org

Theme Room #8: Karapatan Hall
"A hall dedicated to the Rights of the Child where various arts and cultural activities for children are held." - www.museopambata.org

Additional Photos

 Restrooms are clean and attractive to kids ...

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Gibitngil Island, Medellin Cebu

May 1, 2013 (Labor day)

Best known as the FUNtastic Island, now I understand why they call it as Cebu's
 best kept secret. Crystal clear waters that allow you to peep on your toes even in
neck-deep level. Rock formations, plus a castle-like array of cottages on one of these 
rocks. Gibitngil Island is really as unique as its name and its beaches are literally fantastic. 
Try it to believe it! :)

How We Got There

      Bus fares for Cebu City-Medellin routes are usually around 150 pesos, but in our case, we hired this van for Php 4,500 and divided the cost among 14 members. You'll know you're in the right direction when upon reaching Kawit, Medellin, several people will meet your group and offer to take you to the island. In our case, the deal was for 1,500 pesos and as a bonus, they also offered to watch out for our van while were away. Nevertheless, our driver opted to stay in spite of our insistence and our guess was that he just didn't want to take the risk.

Kawit, Medellin

     Fortunately for us, we had to walk farther towards the shore to go where the boat was docked and thus, we were given the opportunity to witness Kawit Beach's own beauty. Check out the pic and judge for yourself. :)

This is a panoramic view of Kawit beach with our boat at the center.

 Sorry, can't help but pose for a pic. ;D

On our way to the Island

    Except if your a swimmer, chances are that you'll be feeling a little anxious during the ride as the boat is smaller than the usual ones we use for island hopping and since you know that the water is extra clear in these parts, its dark bluish color would tell that your on really deep sea.

Thankfully though, those peculiar rock formations veered our minds away from any dark thought and allowed us to enjoy the trip. And just like that, Gibitngil Island appeared before us...       

Gibitngil Island

"Best known as the FUNtastic Island, now I understand why they call it as Cebu's 

best-kept secret. Crystal clear waters that allow you to peep on your toes even in 

neck-deep level. Rock formations, plus a castle-like array of cottages on one of these 

rocks. Gibitngil Island is really as unique as its name and its beaches are literally fantastic.

 Try it to believe it!" :)  

Dig the mini-bridges stalked with colorful flaglets. Ingenious isn't it?

        The small hut on the rock shown below serves as the starting point for their zipline. Don't know if it's any consolation but if something untowards shall happen, at least you'll be falling into the water and not into the usual rocky landscape or forest. hehe ;D

This portion of the beach is the usual area for kayakers (Php150/hr).

Of Food & Cottages

    All the cottages were already occupied when we arrived so we just rented a makeshift tent owned by the locals, a table and several benches included. Plus we got to use the other ones not yet taken so it was still pretty comfortable for us. 

   We've heard that there were no food stores around so we just brought our own food and bought fish from the locals then grilled it. Actually though, there's already a small sari-sari store selling mineral water, biscuits, junkfoods and the like but nothing major such as rice or viands.

    For more info on the rates, here's a pic of their signboard. 

   Luckily for us, expenses for the boat fare, cottage, and entrance fees were all shouldered by our department head Ms Arlene Ouano Rentuza. Yup, you got it. Freeloaders galore! ahehe :D

FUNtastic Beach!

    We were all singing praises for such beauty. White sand, crystal clear water, perplexing rock formations, mesmerizing scenery, plus a portion of the island's rocks extended to form a smooth seabed delivering a pool-like feel in some areas.

    Go on, admire your well-manicured toes. There's no hiding anything in these waters.

Swimming lessons, anyone? :D

        Those boulders do have their uses...

     These ladies sure are an exception to the saying, "Time & tide wait for no man". High tide or low tide, they keep awaiting for their knights in shining armor. Jack Sparrow, or a castaway perhaps? But really, a rich foreigner or a seaman will do. ;p

The Rest of the Shore

     The shore is considerably long relative to the # of visitors and most opt to swim near their respective cottages so groups can practically choose their own swimming area quite a distance from the others.

     We've met a group of acquaintances who stayed overnight so basically it's possible and you have the choice of renting the cottages or bringing your own tents. Fresh fish abound so you can just have it barbecued, grilled, or smoked.

   Gibitngil Island is highly recommended for group outings or reunions. It's like having the whole island to yourselves especially during slack season. We went there during summertime and on a holiday at that, but the number of people was still very modest.

    The Province of Cebu has long been known for its beautiful beaches and in fact, many have been developed into expensive beach resorts practically reserved for foreigners and wealthy folks who'd like to stay away from the crowd. But there's still a lot more to Cebu's long coastline and islets waiting to be explored and trust me, this is one of Cebu's best kept secrets. Try it! ^_^