LIFESTYLE

History outside classrooms: Finding kid-friendly historic spots in Manila

BY Jacqueline Beatrice M. Dejesa and Shaira Mae Gabornes | NOVEMBER 11, 2023

After celebrating the Museums and Galleries Month last October, here are some of the hidden museums rich in culture and history around Manila that families can visit all-year round.

Come on, grab your kids! Mommies and daddies, titas and titos, we compiled some of the must-visit places within Metro Manila that are sure to develop your children’s love for history.

Teaching history as a social science discipline is vital in fostering children’s understanding of cultural diversity and how the past affects our present ways of living. It is pivotal that young people develop the knowledge to prevent the same mistakes from happening, establish better paths for our society, and oppose the current historical distortions.

However, this academic course can be challenging for most kids because, despite its captivating lessons, historical events tackle topics that may cause discomfort or can trigger emotions. Also, discussing such ideologies requires massive efforts to relate it to kids' level of understanding.

Each individual has different learning styles and knowledge is gained in various ways. Still, activities outside the typical classroom or homeschool setup can significantly improve their learning experience, especially if the learner is a child who is curious and energetic.

Learning history doesn't have to be limited to textbooks. Museums and heritage sites are here to engage your kids and the entire family!

How museums came to be

Inspired by intricate Greek temples for the Muses—goddesses of arts and sciences; the first museum was built in Mesopotamia in 530 BCE containing wondrous artifacts from different times and places that were neatly organized and labeled.

Evidently, the ancient Mesopotamians also valued their past, wanted to pay tribute to their gods, and intended to immortalize their civilization's vast history. From then on, the collection, preservation, and exhibition of various cultural and historical resources developed into our modern museums.

Places that hold significant historical events to cultural legacies become heritage sites that are being preserved and managed by the national government. These locations may be recognized and designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Historical sites are located almost all over the Philippines, but with the hustle and bustle of life, parents don’t have the luxury of time to travel far. Fortunately, Metro Manila has these four spots teeming with old-age information the whole family can visit to exercise their minds and learn more about Philippine history:

1. Apolinario Mabini Shrine (PUP)

Up for a quick time travel inside a campus? Why not visit Bahay ni Mabini for the next celebration of National History? It is located inside the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Manila Campus. Even though it is temporarily closed due to major rehabilitation works, here’s what to expect in setting foot on the same bahay kubo na hindi munti!

The said place is where the sublime paralytic once resided, it is located near the Nagtahan Bridge but was then transferred inside the PUP due to the widening of the Pasig River.

Have a great time roaming around with your kids as you get a glimpse of Mabini's life. The hero's house will make you go back in time with the original photographs of him displayed throughout the house, accompanied by furniture and items he owned, such as wreaths, benches, convalescent chairs, and a writing desk called escritoire in French. You may also see different artworks inside, such as the “The Capture and Transfer of Apolinario Mabini” depicting how people brought the hero in a hammock to Aguinaldo's camp.

Want more? You can also visit the Museo ni Apolinario next to his house, which offers a variety of interactive modern displays that everyone can enjoy. The kids will surely admire how they exhibit Mabini's life in a touch terminal for everyone to assimilate history easily. After the whole tour, they’ll let you share your experience by writing it on an electronic board. And for the last stop, ponder on Mabini's heroism while relaxing on a "duyan.”

The famous bamboo and nipa house holding memories of Mabini’s life sitting inside PUP near the oval. | via Jacqueline Beatrice Dejesa and Shaira Mae Gabornes

2. Bahay Nakpil-Bautista

Want to have another house tour with the chikitings? You might want to try the Nakpil-Bautista home!

It is considered one of the most magnificent and architecturally significant old stone residences in Quiapo district. Inside are the Museo ng Katipunan and Dambana ni Oriang, where you and your children can learn about the secret meetings of the revolutionists that the four corners of the house have witnessed before. Gregoria De Jesus-Nakpil was presented in paintings as a keeper of Katipunan’s documents, a wife to Andres Bonifacio and Julio Nakpil, and a mother who loves to cook and read to her children.

Aside from being a historic house-museum with pictures of the home and its prior residents, the children will certainly admire its former children’s room, which has been turned into a reading area for children where they can freely read and enjoy some engaging activities.

Bahay Nakpil-Bautista, historic architectural wonder that is home to many of the Katipuneros. | via Jacqueline Beatrice Dejesa and Shaira Mae Gabornes

3. San Agustin Church and Museum

How about a museum date after mass with the family? Attending San Agustin Church's 10 o'clock mass in the morning will surely create a lasting memory for your kids as it is the oldest stone church in the Philippines, styled in the Neoclassical-Baroque. Then, you may proceed with a museum tour at San Agustin Museum situated inside the historic church too!

The Church's peculiar architecture, especially the ceiling painted in all-original trompe l'oeil style which appears to be 3D, will definitely capture the children’s attention. Also, showcase are the incredible collections of religious art and antiques such as the "silleria" or choir stalls, antique chest drawers and cabinets, the oldest oil-on-wood picture entitled the ‘Seven Archangels’, Juan Luna's tombstone, and the hundreds of laypeople.

San Agustin Church, the all-stone church of Intramuros that has held out since the Spanish colonial period. | via Jacqueline Beatrice Dejesa and Shaira Mae Gabornes

Served as a fortress to Bonifacio and the Katipuneros during the Katipunan Revolution against Spanish occupation in the Philippines. | via Jacqueline Beatrice Dejesa and Shaira Mae Gabornes