52 Weekends of Family Fun: Part 2

Here’s the second installment of our 52 Weekends series. For February, be enthralled by the wonders of 3D, go out for a picnic, discover the arts, and learn a part of our recent history as Filipinos.

February 3: Seri Fantasy World

Originally hailing from South Korea, Seri Fantasy World is a science exhibit masquerading as a theme park dedicated to exploring the wonders of optics and 3D illusions.

Why go there: Take the family to see flicks at the 3D Cinema or lose yourselves in the Mirror Maze. However, the highlight of Seri is the Trick Art Museum where you can view various 3D paintings by South Korean artists that use various ingenious and cunning optical distortion techniques.

Family-friendly factor: For really young kids, there is the Kids’ Paradise, an indoor playground and storytelling area.    

May cost you: each attraction is P150 so taking in all four will cost P600 per person.

Fun factoid: They also do birthday parties with mascots, cupcakes and parlor games.

Contact details:
Seri Fantasy World
2nd Floor Manila Ocean Park (behind Quirino Grandstand),
Luneta Park, Manila, Philippines
Landline / Mobile: (02) 559-9563, (02) 622-8253, (02) 559-7851, (0917) 564-7033
Website: www.serifantasyworld.com

Image from tripadvisor.com.sg

[previous|page|next]

February 10: La Mesa Ecopark

Fresh air and verdant surroundings are often an appealing draw for city dwellers. Satisfy that yearning for yourself and your loved ones by spending the day at La Mesa Dam Ecopark.

Why go there: An abundance of different species of trees and flowers in safe premises makes the Ecopark a great place to visit. With appropriate areas for picnics and parties and lots of space to run around, your little ones can enjoy the simpler pleasures of nature’s beauty.

Family-friendly factor: Boat riding, fishing, and a saltwater pool for swimming are all in store.  There is also a butterfly hatchery and for folks who want to get in shape, there’s also an outdoor jungle gym and wall-climbing area.

May cost you: around P50 to enter and up to P100+ for the other activities.

Fun factoid: La Mesa Dam is a very important reservoir of drinking water for the 12 million residents of Quezon City. The dam can hold up to 50 million cubic meters of water.

Contact details:
La Mesa Dam Ecopark
East Fairview, Quezon City
Landline / Mobile: (02) 430-4051, (02) 430-5207
Website: www.lamesaecopark.com

Image from quezoncitytourism.wordpress.com

[previous|page|next]

February 17: Metropolitan Museum of Manila

One of the country’s foremost museums, the Metropolitan Museum has always been a bastion of Philippine heritage since its inception in 1976. Spend an afternoon with the kids here and lose yourself in the mists of time.

Why go there:  If you want your children to know more about their artistic and cultural roots, this is where you can take them. Artifacts ranging from prehistoric to postcolonial times reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the era.

Family-friendly factor: Salakai Uli is a play area where kids can tinker with interactive pieces of sculpture similar to 3D puzzles. These art pieces are made with discarded materials to show what’s possible if we learn to recycle creatively.

May cost you: P100 per head, P500 for a guided tour.

Fun factoid: The Met has the largest collection of paintings on public display of Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, two very important masters of Philippine art.

Contact details:
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila
Landline / Mobile: (02) 708-7829, (02) 708-7828, (02) 708-7827
Website: www.metmuseum.ph

Image by Juan Tan Kwon from manilagateway.com

[previous|page|next]

February 24: Malacañang Palace

Ever wonder what it’s like being in the home of the most powerful man in the Philippines? Take the family on a tour of Malacañang Palace and learn more about him and the people who governed the country you live in.

Incidentally, February 25 marks the anniversary of the People Power Revolution, during which the late dictator President Ferdinand Marcos hurriedly left with his family to escape the wrath of massive crowds that stormed Malacanang Palace.

Why go there: The palace is meticulously maintained and retains her grandeur in spite of almost 400 years of being in the center of Philippine current events.  A lot of the personal effects, mementos and items of bygone presidents are on display here as well.

Family-friendly factor: The security is of course, very tight here, but the palace staff is very courteous and reasonably obliging. The bathrooms are well maintained. If the kids are hungry though, you may have to grab a bite before or after your visit.

May cost you: Around P50, and P30 for seniors and special interest groups.

Fun factoid: As befitting the residence of the president of a country, there are strict security protocols that have to be followed prior to a visit. A comprehensive list of these can be found in this link: http://malacanang.gov.ph/about/schedule/

Contact details:
Malacañang Palace Presidential Museum and Library
Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace, Manila
Landline / Mobile: (02) 784-4286 loc. 4945/4649, (02) 784-4286 loc. 4722
Website: www.malacanang.gov.ph

Image from 365greatpinoystuff.wordpress.com

See the rest of the 52 Weekends list: Part 1