At Manila Ocean Park: Our First Day Out Without Diapers!

Narra and Guijo upon arrival at Manila Ocean Park.

A pleasant Saturday afternoon it was. Our family of four sought some sea breeze and made it to the bay side in a matter of minutes. We traveled down  scenic Roxas boulevard with a sense of adventure - sure, we lived nearby - but this felt exciting for me because it is our first time to go out of the house without a diaper bag, baby bottle, stroller, or helpful yaya to give us a hand. Guijo's just been weaned off the bottle, and has been potty trained. Now we put his maturity (and ours) to the test.

Narra and Guijo in the car, enjoying the moon roof.

                                         

In the car, both kids were remarkably behaved.  Oliver pulled back the sun roof and moon roof and we were treated to some glorious sunshine. I loved seeing coconut trees framing the clear blue skies as I looked up. And outside, Manila bay looked inviting, with various boats, yachts and ships dotting the seascape. Whoever says Manila is hell should see it on a day like this.  

Oliver and Narra watching the sea lion show.

                                       

We bought tickets to the Oceanarium which came bundled with access to a bird show and sea lion show held outdoors in a vast amphitheater facing the sunset. Midway through the bird show, Guijo told me he had to go weewee. It was a long walk to the rest rooms and I half sprinted to get him there - and I was so proud of him for holding off until the appropriate time. We made it! Whew! Woohoo! Wow!  Diaper free at last! I was one proud mama!

Oliver and Guijo viewing the sharks

                            

From the amphitheater, we proceeded to the Oceanarium. It was Narra's second visit there, and she still remembered the sharks and stingrays from her last visit. It was Guijo's first time, and he was enthralled! He loves watching fishing shows on tv with Oliver, and he doesn't get bored watching sport fishing, spear fishing,  big game fishing, and documentaries - so it wasn't surprising to see him enjoy the Ocean Park's attractions.

Guijo dancing with some fish.

                                            

I find it amusing how tourist spots and theme parks mean something different to me now. While in the past, I enjoyed them because of their intrinsic entertainment value, I now find myself more drawn to my children's faces than to the attractions offered by the sights we visit. I enjoyed the birds, the sea lions, and other aquatic life because of my children's appreciation of them, or because of my husband's interaction with our children as they marveled at the wonders on display. 

Enjoying my kids as they enjoy the oceanarium.

                          

I'm excited to see things I've seen before, to do things I've done before, all over again - but this time, no longer out of a sense of discovery, but out of a sense of obligation (of the delicious kind) to show my kids the big, beautiful world we live in.  

View from inside Manila Ocean Park's underwater tunnel.

It's a great time to raise kids in Manila. These days, we don't have to go far to enjoy world-class facilities. I remember needing to travel elsewhere just to see an Oceanarium back in my youth, and now, there's one in town!  And just outside Manila, one can observe marine life in  the wild, in various beaches and coves along the coast of Batangas where opportunities to snorkel or dive are abundant... Sigh (of the happy kind). I can't wait until my kids are old enough to snorkel! Or hike!  That'll have to wait a couple more years. For now, I'll have to be grateful they're out of diapers and we can enjoy a half day's worth of adventure nearby.

Child-Friendly Weekend in the Heart of Manila: Loving Lucky Chinatown Mall

The squeaky clean facade of the new Lucky Chinatown Mall.

I guess we're just lucky.  Oliver and I love going to the heart of Manila, in bustling Chinatown, where there's a vibrant pulse, and an infectious frenetic pace; where a dizzying spread of goods on offer are stupefyingly cheap.  Divisoria is legendary for being crazy crowded, and its not well-known for being child-friendly.  But we're lucky.  Chinatown is the newest child-friendly destination on Manila's Map, thanks to the conveniences provided by the new Lucky Chinatown Mall.  It's a spanking new mall that sits dead smack in the center of Binondo. 

Above:Binondo Church, en route to Lucky Chinatown Mall.

Dragon-adorned gate/archway signaling our entry into Chinatown proper.

It almost sneaks up on you without warning.  Driving there, we pass through the usual landmarks: Spanish-era Binondo church, old Manila buildings, and dragon-adorned entrance arches welcoming us to Chinatown.  Parking used to be a problem, in the narrow and congested streets.  Just the thought of finding parking was enough to put me off in the past.  But not anymore. Lucky Chinatown Mall comes with several levels of parking.  While a shiny new mall may stick out like a sore thumb in the historic quarter, I for one, welcome it as an idea whose time has come.  The mall isn't there to displace Divisoria's distinct shopping scene - rather - it is there to supplement it.  I can imagine a symbiotic relationship between the sanitized experience offered by Lucky Chinatown Mall, and the grittier bargaining mecca just outside. 

The glass panels above the mall's main entrance.

"Let a Hundred Flowers Blossom.  Weed Through the Old To Bring Forth the New" so says a decorative decal posted on the grand glass panels above the Mall's main entrance.  It's a fitting Chinese saying, appropriate for this part of Manila, an area with the (unverified) distinction of being the oldest Chinatown in the world - established in the 1590s by the Spanish colonizers.  Don't get me wrong. I'm not in favor of huge malls popping up everywhere (a hundred malls blossoming in the city is a scary thought for me, specially from an environmental standpoint!) And I find it lamentable when a huge mall opens up and kills smaller businesses - those independent family-run stores that have more character and are more in tune with local culture.

The Mall's Main Entrance.

But something tells me this won't be the case in Binondo.  Lucky Chinatown Mall's target market, and the kinds of stuff they sell do not compete with the stuff sold in Divisoria. To begin with, their food and merchandise tend to be pricey upmarket brands (think: Apple Store, Bread Talk, Crocs, UCC, to name a few).  They certainly have a steady supply of buyers from the locale - rich Chinese who own businesses in the area. 

 A "street performer" stationed in air-conditioned comfort at the mall's main atrium.

For Oliver and I, the mall itself is not the final destination.  It is a jump-off point, a base camp of sorts, where we'd park our car (and our kids!), before running off to bargain country next door. Oliver would weave his way through the fruit stalls on the streets, and buy several kilos of ultra-juicy Sagada oranges, a heavy load he'd deposit in our parked car.  Our kids are happy at Lucky Chinatown Mall, and have plenty of things to do while waiting for us to return from our mad dash outside. At the main atrium by the entrance, there were entertaining "street" performers - you know those types that station themselves in plazas and busy boulevards abroad - decked in costumes and pretending to be statues, still and unmoving, until some money is dropped onto their buckets/hats/tip boxes to trigger some movement.  There's a section of the mall with stores for children's fashion, and they can also spend time at the toy store and bookstore.  There's also a very nice, new cinema; a gaming arcade;  and plenty of places to eat at (there are even promos for kids to eat for free on weekends at some restaurants).  

 Narra and Guijo enjoying their noodle soup.

Salmon Roe - Nido Soup.

The Chinese food at King Chef (second floor above the entrance) is fast becoming our favorite.  Narra and Guijo were so excited with their noodle soup they were standing on their seats - every bite was executed with flourish - strands were pulled off the bowl with a fork, and slurped inch by inch from end to end (for Guijo this is accompanied with clapping and foot stomping, and happy baby babbling).  Narra also loves fishing out quail eggs from the salmon-roe-nido soup.  She's also a fan of prawns so we ordered some for her, and when they arrived, they looked particularly appetizing! They lay on a bed of tea leaves, ensconced in a striking basket-like-wrap woven "solihiya style".  It was a gastronomic feast and a cultural experience.

Prawns  on a bed of cooked tea leaves, ensconced in a solihiya-weave cone.

After our satisfying lunch, the adults in the group (that's Oliver, myself, and his sister Rina with her personal assistant in tow) parted ways with Lola Mama and the children who stayed in the mall supervised by their yayas.  We strolled - or should I say sprinted - outside.  I couldn't help but appreciate the juxtaposition between old and new.  I saw the  real estate developments towering over the usual river of colorful umbrellas. As soon as we turned the corner - the salty-sweet-sour stench of grimy streets assaulted my nostrils. The cacophony of sounds accompanying the chaotic hustle of a classic Divisoria weekend unfolded before our eyes.  And that made me glad.  Manila is alive and kicking, and we are at its heart, and it beats to its own rhythm.  I felt like a tourist, visiting my country (even if I was just here recently).

Salted prawns on a bed of crunchy tea leaves.

One can tell the area is on the cusp of an urban development facelift.  "Welcome to Chinatown Walk" it says on a huge window. And already, the facades of newer buildings can be seen though they have yet to open their doors to the public.  Here's my hope: that we do not turn the Philippines into Singapore. I've lived in Singapore long enough to respect it, and admire it for all the things it has achieved as a country in such a short time, but I found myself missing the Philippines while I was there - I missed our vibe, our rhythm, our chaos - those things that slipped out of control - the small enterprises that sprout  from the ground and blossom in all corners... I missed those real things that develop on their own - unplanned - those entrepreneural expressions that are organic rather than organized.  It's not the new mall per se that excites me, but the fact that it is here, amidst all this!  This mall has made the gem that is Divisoria ever more accessible.  The mall is there, for a measure of sanity - and sanitized toilets; but it is not there to take the place of the real reason one goes to this part of town to begin with. 

A view from a back street:Lucky Chinatown Mall's Upper Parking floors.

So here's our plan: We will come to Lucky Chinatown Mall with our kids.  We will patronize the mall, by paying for parking, and doing our groceries there, and eating at their restaurants, and watching in their cinemas, and buying stuff we need from their stores - but we will also always venture outside, for those things they do not offer - those things sold wholesale by the dozen, for fruits and other merchandise that do not find their way to grocery stores.  

The new Chinatown Walk in the heart of Manila.

When my father first saw Manila, he was 6, it was 1950, his father took him on a long bus ride from Nueva Ecija, and he was enthralled with the stately old buildings in Sta. Cruz, as he walked by his father's side, wide-eyed.  Now, it is 2012, and I get to bring my young kids here - it's only a short ride away, and we land on a stroller-friendly air-conditioned mall. But just outside, one gets a whiff of the same spirit of commerce my father saw in 1950 - it's that indefatigable spirit that remains alive from centuries past, from the Chinese trading post the Spanish colonizers established in 1590.  Who knew a new mall can make one think of history?  

So friends and family in Manila, if you haven't visited yet - Chinatown beckons anew! Go! 

Enjoying Two-Ecom Center's Novel Features

Before our ascent: Narra and her Lolo at the base of the stairs at Two-Ecom Center.

We've been seeing a lot of this building from outside on our way to and from Mall of Asia in the past year.  Even before construction was completed, we could already see the unique contours that made Two Ecomm a distinctive building.  It had a huge hole in the middle!  When at last, it became operational, that hole in the middle was further emphasized with digitalized intelligent lighting!  Access to the building is dramatic, through grand staircases from either side of the building, meeting in the elevated promenade a few stories up.  The first time we visited the place, we were with a happy bunch of senior citizens - my mom's siblings.  So we decided to take the escalators instead of the stairs.  They enjoyed that simple activity so much! Haha, it's as though they haven't taken elevators before.

My mom: happywith her siblings (Papa Toots, Papa Bendo, Mama Myr, Papa Joe)

I remember traveling to Cambodia sometime in the mid-2000s - not too long ago really, and I saw on the news that the country's first escalator had just been installed then. I saw the interviews of the first few passengers who bravely tried the moving stairs.  There was a guide explaining the proper use of the escalator, and media covered the event.  Some passengers reported feeling dizzy, and explained how disconcerting the experience was.  I was fascinated at how something so "natural" to me, as stepping on an escalator, is an entirely new experience for others.  I was reminded of this again recently, when we hired a nanny for Narra who came from a remote village, and who'd traveled to Manila for the first time.  I did not realize it was her first time to ride an escalator when we went out to the mall.  I had to train her, and walk her through the process several times, to let her gain confidence.  So back at Two Ecomm, my mom and her siblings were giggling like little children as they took the escalators!  And here's why: the escalators were like wind tunnels!  The movement of air through the outdoor tubes added another dimension to the experience.  The escalators were short, with landings in between them, but taken together, the succession of sections reached quite a height, and the process felt like scaling a mountain.  This had the effect of heightening our anticipation for what we'll see once we reach the end of the ride.

Group Photo on the second landing.

On one of the landings separating two escalators, our group took a short break to pose in front of the building's name. My mom's brother, Joe Serranilla, an electrical engineering expert who runs his own electrical consulting firm, is proudly involved in the building's construction process.  Papa Joe treated us to merienda that afternoon we were there. The occasion was our despedida for two uncles who were flying back to Canada the next day, my Papa Bendo and Papa Toots.  It was a pleasant afternoon - not too hot, and not raining - just right and perfect weather-wise.  When we reached the end of our trip on the escalators, we were greeted by a great view!

Windblown at the top of the escalators: Mom, Myself, and Narra.

We were surprised to see a green expanse of carpet grass that created the illusion of such wide open space.  With Manila Bay in the distance, our eyes were drawn to the horizon, past the glass railings.  I saw so much sky and sea, and felt the wind on my face it seemed like I was on a huge cruise ship, and not on a building at all.  On one side we had a panoramic view of Manila's skyline, on the opposite side, we had the calm and majestic breadth of Manila Bay.   From another angle we could see Mall of Asia, and the Ferris Wheel on the water's edge.  I live in the area and see all these views on a daily basis, still, I felt excited to see all the familiar views from Two-Ecom's elevated vantage point.  It must be the combination of the height and the wind - I just felt I was above all the congestion and confinement of city living... I could breathe!  My dad took Narra's hand (or she took his) and they started to head towards the sunset, and it was a picture perfect moment.

My dad and my daughter strolling to the edge.

We had merienda at "Just Thai" and had a good time relaxing. It was a very pleasant afternoon.  A few weekends later, Oliver took us there at night to have dinner at "Uncle Cheffy's", and Narra loved the lighting effects on the building.  The view of city lights is quite nice too, but I personally prefer the daytime view - though a good compromise would be to go there to watch the sunset and to stay on for dinner to see the night lights.  A building with imagination can do wonders to one's spirit.  I'm planning to go back to Two-Ecom soon, to have generous servings of fresh air and great views with my next meal at one of the restos there.

At Maynilad's Office on World Water Day

How appropriate. We spent World Water Day at Maynilad,
settling our water bill issues.

Yesterday, I wept in exasperation. Today, I feel mature. Between then and now, I did what I do best: I researched and reflected. In figuring out how to proceed with a huge bill slapped on me by Maynilad, I decided to conduct due dilligence. I read up on Maynilad's history and current situation, on the water crisis and the relevant legislation involved; I looked up the different NGOs and interest groups fighting for consumers' rights. I interviewed people, and found out that tampering is a common practice in our area, and "professional tamperers" peddle their services to everyone. I analyzed the situation and had reason to believe that Maynilad may have a point when they claim that water was stolen from them by the previous occupants of our house. What do I do now? Knowing what I know?  I prayed and discerned the dictates of my conscience.

I decided what kind of person I wanted to be, and what example I want to give my children. Today, I brought Narra with me on my errands, and made an adventure out of the task of settling our water dsipute.  Having her around as audience to my deeds helped me clarify my objectives. My goal was to do what was right, to be a model citizen, and to behave with dignity and grace in dealing with others.  We cannot control the situations we find ourselves in, but we can control our response to our situation. So I chose to approach my day with a positive attitude, and let my daughter put a smile on my face as often as possible. Isn't that supposed to be one of the benefits of being a parent? That we have our kids to bring sunshine into our lives when grey clouds hover over us?

Self-taken: Narra and I goofing off at the Maynilad office.
 Waiting while spending quality time with my daughter.

Today, I decided NOT to be a victim. I also decided NOT to be that person who says: THIS IS NOT MY FAULT, therefore THIS IS NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY.  I realize that Maynilad has such a big problem in their hands. A lot of the water services they provide is non-revenue, that is, pilfered or wasted through tampered meters, illegal lines, and underground leaks. They decided to do something about it by changing to new meters, and collecting old meters, testing each of them for tampering. This process is tedious, and takes a long time. It just so happens that by the time our old meter was tested, and findings of tampering from 2006-2009 were released in 2010, we had moved into the house.  We became liable for the illegal acts of the previous occupants.  While I initially found this to be unfair, I can understand why Maynilad can't simply strike out our under-collected bills just because I said "I didn't do it! I didn't live there when it happened".  Water was stolen, someone has to pay. A chorus of voices demand that I do not pay! That "it's a matter of principle", that I "should not let them get away with it".  Drowning those voices out, I have to act the way I see fit.

Republic Act 8041, or the Water Crisis Bill of 1995, was created to address a real crisis (as the title suggests). Section 8 on Anti-Pilfering describes the various circumstances in which theft and pilferage can be established.  When a meter has been tampered with, for instance - the actual meter itself is already admissible as evidence for pilferage, and having a tampered meter in your possession has its corresponding penalties.  There is logic behind empowering water service providers like Maynilad with more teeth to run after subscribers with tampered meters. If the subscriber is guilty of tampering - the penalty is only too well deserved. Now, if the subscriber found with a tampered meter is like me, innocent (who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time), the penalty may not be as deserved, but MUST be applied equally nonetheless. It's a simple and just formula: let the ones in possession of a water line be wholly responsible for it.  

I believe in the logic behind this kind of thinking.  I believe, when it comes to the environment for instance, that those who find themselves dealing with the problems of pollution, garbage disposal, and deforestation, can't say "we didn't do this to nature, this isn't our problem" - nope - we can't say the damage was caused by the previous generation, and we can't pass the mess for the next generation to clean-up. Whoever  is here right now, is responsible. Fair enough, I think. 

Narra, playing while our final bill was being computed.

I just feel sad for this country, and how it has bred too many thieves, that water is stolen at such a grand scale. I am mad at the previous occupants of our house for stealing!  Tess, the friendly Maynilad officer who handled my complaint told me that many people pay huge penalties without a fuss.  Why? I asked. "Because they're guilty, the knew they did it so they don't put up a fight", she said. "Not like you", she continued. "You looked really shocked".  Wow. That surprised me. I didn't realize I was transacting at the desk for criminal offenses, that our account actually had pending cases, serious offenses punishable by law, including imprisonment of 6 months to 2 years.

Thank heavens the people at Maynilad did not treat me like a criminal. They only treated me with courtesy, patience, respect and understanding - especially when I was in a state of shock and started spitting out arguments in a hissy fit (though still with my dignity intact).  I requested for a reprieve, and guess what? They gave it. From 56,000 - I was able to contest a number of items, which were stricken off the bill - some 13,000 worth. So we were down to 43,000. I was negotiating a 50% discount - I told Maynilad we should share the responsibility. They failed to inform us in a timely manner, which resulted in injustice - had they been prompt in their investigations, the REAL perpetrators would have had to pay... but because of their 2-year delay, I ended up being charged. So I asked that we split the bill. They had a counter-offer: 30% off the bill, and 12 months installment for the balance, interest free.  I took it. Graciously. 

Then they told me, "okay, here's your payment slip, please go to the nearest bank to pay". Huh? Why can't I pay at the Maynilad office? Wierd isn't it? And downright inconvenient too.  I felt sad again, for this country, that the practices of theft, and doctoring of documents as a result of "lagay" or bribery is so prevalent that a service center isn't allowed to accept cash.  It's very, very sad that the Maynilad Area Service Centers are NOT payment centers. I asked if I could pay by credit card, which would be one big convenience. Nope. They don't have a credit card swipe terminal. Sad, again. 

Narra, pretending to fill up a cash deposit slip at the bank, as we paid our bill.

So Narra and I had to pay at a bank, and had to return to show proof of our payment of the 30% down payment.  It hurt to withdraw money, and to part with it for a crime we did not commit.  But I know Maynilad is on the verge of financial ruin because of rampant stealing. So I do my little part in addressing a big, big problem.  It somewhat feels unjust. But you know what? It's World Water Day, a day when we should think about the value and importance of water. Believe you me, I thought about water A LOT this last 24  hours. I feared losing it. I also understood that water is a basic right for EVERYONE, and not just those who could pay, so I can't even feel very angry at the poor people who tap lines illegally to provide for their family's needs. In my impossibly perfect world in a parallel universe, water is free for all and used responsibly by good citizens.  But alas, I live in this world, where water is a finite resource, where distribution is privatized, and the use of water is measured in cubic meters with corresponding costs, and where freeloaders enjoy the benefits without giving due payments to those who invested in the costs. 

So I'm a little poorer today. But what I lost in money, I gained in peace of mind.  I can sleep knowing I solved a situation for my family, and really resolved it this time, and not just delayed it or passed it on to someone else down the line to make it their headache. Nope. Yesterday, I was drowning in worry over this matter, today it's water under the bridge.

The personal IS political, and my personal water woes made me miss talking about Intro to PolSci topics I used to discuss in class, and thinking about the law, rights, interests, justice, and good citizenship.  I will be thinking a lot more about water and the challenges of urban water management in the months to come, I am sure. 

Happy World Water Day Everyone!

Related Post: On Disputing Maynilad's Water Bills

http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2012/03/today-i-just-want-to-weep-on-disputing.html

Link to R.A. 8041: Water Crisis Bill of 1995

http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno8041.htm

World Water Day Website:

http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/

Today, I Just Want to Weep: On Disputing Maynilad's Water Bills

I am going to write down this day as one of the worst I have ever known in my life. Horrible. Just horrible. I wept in exasperation.  Thanks to the wonderful privatization of water services in this country, a profiteering and inefficient company like Maynilad has the power to appear at my gate with a notice of disconnection, and threats of court litigation, for an exorbitant amount of water I did not use.

I went to their area office and got this print out of UNDER-COLLECTED BILLS - that is, money they say we owe them because they were not charged to us before. Are they kidding? Here's the kicker: the dates covered:  2006 to 2009!!! I WAS NOT even married - nor even engaged to Oliver for most of that period. I was living in Singapore, he was living in Hong Kong. And we lived in Batangas in 2009.  We only moved to this house in 2010 -  and even that brings tears to my eyes (but that's another story).  So this friendly-enough guy at Maynilad tells me: If you can prove you did not live in this house then, it may help. Show us a deed-of-sale, but it cannot be from family. GREAT! This house IS family property. Darn. If you're family, you have to assume responsibility, says our friendly Maynilad official. Haha.  Just great. 

So this unpleasant business lands on my lap. Grrrrr. Now, I have to deal with this crap like any other frustrated housewife with stressful domestic issues.  If only we can really THROW money away to make irritations go away.  But even if I had millions to spend to pay for the entire neighborhood's water, still, I wouldn't want to be surprised like this - slapped with a 56,000 peso bill one day.

So what's the issue: Illegal tapping and tampering of the meter. Mind you, the meter is OUTSIDE the house so we had no protection. We were NEVER billed for the UNDER-COLLECTED usage (enjoyed most probably by the crooks in the neighborhood, at our expense).  They are asking us to pay for 1,800 cubic meters of pilfered water as per their findings based on a meter test (conducted by their officials, with no witness from our side). Maynilad feels empowered by RA 8041 which has a section on anti-tampering. I read up on my rights and how I can argue this out, and they said I have a right to due process, so we can take this up in court. Meanwhile, they disconnect our service. Grrrr. They have all the cards. 

I wrote a well-researched letter on their infractions (technicalities like the fact that the Meter Testing Sheet was not duly signed in the presence of a witness and regulatory officer; or that RA 8041 stipulates that I be informed within a reasonable period, which of course was not followed).  They barely read my letter. I've never been so eloquent in arguing, and so powerless in actual fact. They have the means to lock my water meter and take away my daily water supply.

I paid EVERY bill I received on time. I embraced CONSERVATION and used water conscientiously. I close the faucet when I brush my teeth, or shampoo my hair. I heat only enough for my one cup of tea. I teach my daughter to save water. And now this.  You know why I weep? Because if I was single, I would fight this out, tooth and nail, and even enjoy the challenge. But I am not single. I have a stressed and tired husband who works himself to death and needs to come home to his refuge, where he can take a break. He deserves his nice shower, God knows he's earned it. And I have 2 young children, and staff, and 3 huge dogs with heaps of smelly waste matter. I feel trapped.

Thousands of pesos down the drain. I can't get over it. I can't accept it. I am mad and still not sure how to proceed. So, I just want to weep. Maybe later, I'll pray. Tomorrow, I have to decide on a course of action, and act fast first thing in the morning, before the collectors come to take my water away. If I decide to pay tomorrow, I would have sold myself out, and bought into the system, and surrendered whatever ounce of resistance I had left.  On the one hand, it is just money. But then again, it is not just that. It feels unfair, and unjust, that the lawful get to pay for the crimes of the unlawful.  It feels unfair that water, a basic human need, can be wielded like this. Hooray for privatization! Hep, hep, Hooray! But I am wondering if protesting and resisting, and going on non-violent water strike (like a hunger strike of sorts, only this time it involves sacrificing water usage) is a luxury I can no longer afford, now that I have my husband and children to think about? I feel sick to my stomach.

Excuse me, while I weep some more.

Related Post on How This Dispute Turns Out:
http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2012/03/at-maynilads-office-on-world-water-day.html

Kid-Friendly Places: Ayala Museum on a Sunday Morning

The Ayala Museum

One may think the Ayala Museum is too formal a place for young children. Cameras are strictly prohibited. The Gold Exhibit on the fourth floor has deterring gates with prison-like steel bars. Most of the rare items on display are encased in glass and cannot be touched. There are guards at every turn. The dignified ambience commands a respectful decorum. Parents with very young children may deem it inappropriate to bring their tiny tots to the Ayala Museum - but we did just that on a lazy Sunday morning, and we had a great time.  While it is not a children's museum, and isn't designed specifically for a young audience the way Museo Pambata is, there are a number of ways in which Ayala Museum is kid-friendly.

To begin with, kids below 3 get in for free. Then there's the Annual Family Membership Pass that allows unlimited access to the museum for parents and all their children under 18 years old for an annual fee of 2,000 pesos - this is a good idea for large families with school-age kids. Oliver and I decided to go for individual membership since our kids are below 3 years old and can still get in for free. Adults only need to pay a very reasonable 500 pesos, while students pay only 300 for a year's worth of museum visits per person.  Membership perks include invitations to exhibit openings; curator-led tours; discounts for workshops, lectures, symposia, and family activities organized by the museum; and discounts at the Museum Cafe.  

My pre-museum energy booster: coffee at M Cafe.

Before going to the museum, we started out with breakfast at M Cafe. Oliver and I read the newspaper and had coffee while our kids took a stroll with their Yaya Ruby at the garden nearby. There are koi ponds, and sculptures, and wide open spaces and many shady spots for the kids to enjoy. We decided to dine al fresco. While smokers usually sit outdoors, one can sit strategically to avoid smoke. The outdoor seating area is located on a "wind tunnel" of some sort, and wind blows in one direction, so we had our kids seated in a smoke free corner. We ordered M Cafe's breakfast with all of Oliver's faves in one plate: tapa, bangus, longganiza, eggs, with garlic rice. I like taking our kids here on a lazy Sunday morning when there aren't too many people. It's all so pleasant. The breeze, the foliage, and ample space for strolling and running around.  After our leisurely satisfying breakfast, we headed off to the museum.  

M Cafe's Breakfast plate with all the faves.

It was our great fortune that the current exhibit on the first floor of the museum showcases the works of member artists of INK (Ilustrador Ng Kabataan or Illustrators for Children's Books) in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the organization.  On the walls were framed fanciful illustrations. There were whimsical scale models of scenes from children's stories, some were displayed on pedestals, others "floated" in surreal fashion, suspended from the ceiling with near-invisible strings. I felt as fascinated and in awe  as my 2 year old Narra, and 4 month old Guijo. We were all staring dreamily at the colorful  images contained artfully in the vast, white exhibit space.  

From the first floor, we proceeded to the 4th floor to see the Gold exhibit. Our strollers were comfortably accommodated in the elevator, and throughout the museum, there was ample space for maneuvering and parking them. A short movie clip on the importance of gold in pre-hispanic Philippine society is shown on a huge concave screen to introduce the collection of rare gold artifacts. We were impressed with the innovative glass displays on the floor! Emphasizing how gold comes from the earth, and how the archaeological finds were dug from the ground. Having them displayed under our feet was a delightfully disorienting experience. It also meant it was easy for Narra to view them - she squatted on the ground to look at various pieces of gold.

On the 3rd floor were paintings. The official website of the Ayala Museum has a section giving advise to parents on how to discuss art with children. I'll have to wait until my kids are older before I discuss art with them, but for now, I will encourage certain habits of viewing and touring - I hope to expose them to the "choreography" of museum-going - to imprint on their young minds the postures of  walking, watching, looking, and pondering in a museum-ish pace and rhythm. I dream of taking them to more museums all over the world.  The Ayala Museum, with its compact size, is a manageable place to start.  Imagine when it's time to take them to the Smithsonian! The Louvre! Museo del Prado! or even to view endless walls depicting ancient history at the many temples of Angkor Wat! I wish by then, they've developed enough physical and mental fortitude to do justice to such grand cultural institutions. 

With Guijo just outside the Museum entrance.

Finally, on the 2nd floor, is the perennial favorite, the dioramas! I've seen this exhibit many times since my childhood, but I never tire of it. Narra found it very fascinating - which proves how appealing the dioramas are. If only the museum built kid-friendly ledges to accommodate child-height patrons. I had to lift Narra each time she wanted to take a closer look, and that hurt my back! We took our yaya Ruby with us, and I asked her what she thought of the exhibits, and she told me "Totoo pala yung sa Amaya!" referring to the costumes seen on a daily period drama entitled Amaya set in pre-Hispanic times.  Yaya Ruby is an avid fan of the show, and by extension, so is my daughter Narra. When she saw the exhibit on gold and it's importance in displaying stature in a hierarchical society, and saw the battle scenes in the dioramas, she whispered to my daughter "Narra, parang sa Amaya!".  

Narra choosing her Filipino publications for children.
She doesn't read yet, she's just choosing based on illustrations.

After our trip to the museum, we took a short walk to Powerbooks nearby. We saw exhibits of INK both at Museo Pambata and at Ayala Museum and we promised ourselves we'd buy Narra more Filipino publications for children. We made good on our promise and bought her several books. How affordable they were! Most titles were priced at 70 pesos, and had text both in Filipino and English.

Oliver and I want to expose our children to Philippine history, art, and culture, and taking them to museums is also good for us as a couple.  It intensifies our pride in our country, and nurtures our spirit, allowing us to take a step back from our everyday lives so we can indulge in loftier thoughts. Even before we were married, Oliver and I would go on dates to museums, and I love the good conversations that follow.  We want to share a lot of moments like these with Narra and Guijo. With our Ayala Museum Membership, we'll surely have more museum visits for the rest of 2012.

Ayala Museum Website:

http://www.ayalamuseum.org/

Manila Zoo Revisited: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, and Hopes for the Future

Maali, the 34-year old elephant, a gift from Sri Lanka.

Half of the people in our household have never seen an elephant before in their lives. We live a few blocks away from Manila Zoo, and each time we'd pass by it, I'd think to myself how unfortunate it is that our staff didn't capitalize on the proximity of the zoo.  So last month, we went on an excursion, with the kids and our household staff. That trip gave me much to think about. I saw a lot of things to reflect on: the good, the bad, the ugly, and the potentials for a better future.

Our tour group: Yaya Roli, Basti and Chie (carrying Narra),
Yaya Nene (carrying Guijo), and myself.

Let me start with the GOOD. Manila Zoo is very affordable. We paid 40 pesos for adults, and 20 pesos for children. A pricing strategy like this is laudable for its accessibility, making the zoo truly a people's park. The trees in the zoo are full-grown and shady, with extensive root networks and far-reaching branches - they offer the soothing sound of leaves rustling in the breeze. The zoo is an urban oasis, where free-roaming birds, not those in captivity, actually find a great space to thrive amidst the pollution and congestion of the mega city.  Underneath the layer of decay is an elegant layout - an intelligent "bone structure". You sense it, that there was much thought that went into the underlying grand design mapping out the zoo's  winding footpaths, elevated view decks, little bridges, and even a tiny little lake, with it's own tiny little island.  We marveled at the sheer size of animals like Maali the elephant, and Bertha the hippo. We valued the rare chance to see such awesome creatures live, in the flesh! Oh how my companions, kids and adults alike enjoyed our trip. Everyone seemed more relaxed after our visit. We got the breather we needed.

The lone hippopotamus Bertha, by her dipping pool.

That said, let's go to the BAD.  The more minor causes for complaint are the signs of neglect: the cracked concrete, chipped paint, worn out barriers, dirty water surfaces, and foul smell. Then there's the major concern over the condition of the animals. I felt sad for the wooly sheep baking under the sun on a small field with dried up grass. I imagine they should be in some colder clime, in green, green fields of New Zealand. One can always say, oh well, we're a third world country, we don't have the budget for improving the displays so that we can re-create the natural habitat of the animals. But the "lack of budget" argument is not enough justification. There is a conceptual impoverishment at play here, a lack of innovation and resourcefulness in re-imagining the zoo in a way that works with our Pinoy reality. There are serious ethical issues that need to be addressed: should we perpetuate the anthropocentric notion that nature exists for man's exploitation, and animal rights are secondary to human needs for recreation and education? I will go back to these points at the end of this post, but let me first talk about the UGLY.

Some of the zoo's patrons do UGLY things. I was so incensed! A group of adult men threw rocks at a sleeping tiger because they wanted to hear it growl. Oh gosh, I did not want my daughter to think that was ok, that it can be tolerated! I told the men off, "sino nag bato nun?!" (who threw that rock?), I hissed at them in my "angry teacher tone". I wasn't scared of the group of men, because I had my two babies with me, and like any other animal in the wild, I am at my fiercest when I am with my young and I feel they are in the presence of bad elements.  I felt mad at the situation, I felt angry for the poor tiger, a strong and awesome creature diminished to this, a helpless sitting duck people throw rocks on.  Then, next to that sad tiger, were the monkeys - oh my! They were eating chips out of foil bags, there they were, the popular brands: Piattos, V-Cut and Chippy. And as if that wasn't enough, they were drinking Zesto with a straw!  They were begging for junk food from the zoo patrons, and on the ground, at the base of the tree on which they perched, are more wrappers - garbage left uncollected - the zookeepers know this is going on, and they let it continue! This, I find to be an ugly situation.  These types of zoo-goers are the very people who need to be educated about ethical treatment of animals. 

So where do we go from here? There are two roads to take, one leads to shutting down the zoo - there is a group of people clamoring for it. Do I agree with them? Not really. I've been to good zoos that left me feeling awed and respectful of the animal kingdom. The other road, is to improve and change the zoo for the better - and this is the option I am hoping for.  There is a lot Manila Zoo can learn from Museo Pambata, an institution in Manila that I find very inspiring.  Museo Pambata re-imagined what a museum should be like, and redesigned the museum experience in a way that is uniquely Filipino. They created exhibits that addressed relevant concerns. When I go there, I feel proud to be Pinoy, I feel the wealth of talent behind the conceptualization and execution of the exhibits. They broke free from the typical conception of a museum as a quiet place full of untouchable treasures in glass cases and made their building sing with the music of children's laughter.  It's time the Manila Zoo's leaders returned to the drawing board to envision a new zoo philosophy, and create a different zoo-going experience that is uniquely our own.  They already have a lot going for them. They have supporters, fans and friends of the zoo who are willing to put in the work. They have this amazing location, a green oasis with mature, grown trees - that in itself is a treasure in a congested metropolis. 

The caged tiger.

Truth be told, I felt invigorated by the stroll through the park because I felt closer to nature. We were there at sundown, "agaw-dilim" we call it - that moment when the sky's "light of day" is being wrestled away by the "dark of night". It's supposed to be a magical moment. One of my companions, Chie, said the trees were "buhay", or alive. That is, they were inhabited by spirits, animated by elemental beings. Birds began to roost on the trees, in tune with the disappearing light, with a few caged birds of prey looking at us as we walked by. I carried my baby Guijo close to my body, and walked as fast as I could, with Narra in tow, because I felt scared - the kind of fear that comes from being raised to respect the spirit world. It felt like it was time to go home and leave the park and it's inhabitants undisturbed. My overactive imagination saw more than just birds. In my mind's eye, I saw Manila's original "residents", those who were here way before the city overtook the land.  

I was happy to feel such presence - the kind I feel only when I am in a forest, or in holy places like Mt. Banahaw.  This place is alive. And that's a very good sign. Nature thrives here. It is a special place that we need to treasure.  This can be a uniquely Filipino zoo, where our myths and legends, and folk beliefs are woven into the tales we tell about the animals we see. This can be a Filipinized zoo showcasing our diverse fauna, highlighting those species endemic to our terrain and climate so we don't unnecessarily torture animals with anatomies that are made for drastically different contexts.  This zoo can be our peek into the animal kingdom using a distinctly Pinoy lens.  We can probably do with less animals too, that are cared for more - quality instead of quantity - I didn't think we needed as many tigers, or as many monkeys of the same species crowding the same tree. 

I saw the good, the bad, the ugly, and the potentials for a different - and better future for Manila Zoo. For most of my companions, they saw the beauty of this place. My yaya Nene wants to go back there on her day-off, even alone! because she found it so enriching.  Chie too, confessed she didn't have any interest in the zoo until we went there. "Maganda pala" (it's beautiful after all) she said later. And of course, there's the kids. They were thrilled with the animals, and the play ground!  I am glad I went with them. Their enthusiasm was infectious. I was pretty jaded and ambivalent about taking my kids to the zoo, my mind was cluttered with ethical debates and issues, but after our visit, and with help from my companions, I too, saw the beauty of Manila Zoo and allowed myself to enjoy it for the diamond in the rough that it is. We can chisel away at it, with all our criticisms, in the hopes that by doing so, we produce a sparkling gem in years to come.   

Museo Pambata's Bahay Kubo & Getting Narra to Eat Vegetables

The new bahay kubo of the Kalikasan exhibit. 

In a world of brilliant branding, the humble sitaw and kalabasa will have a hard time competing with nuggets and fries in winning the affection of picky young eaters.  But with documentaries like "Supersize Me" instilling awareness of the dangers of fast food among parents, there is a strong desire to raise kids right and teach them healthy habits like eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Every bit of reinforcement helps, and I am so happy to find helpful exhibits in Museo Pambata that can make it easier for me to introduce Narra to a variety of local produce.

Match the veggies. Note: the last museum-goers who played
this matching game got some of the veggies wrong. The luya,
bawang, linga, and sibuyas are misplaced in this photo.
I should have fixed it before taking the picture!

One of their new exhibits which opened just two weeks ago, displays a nipa hut or bahay kubo with a matching game featuring various vegetables from the classic folk song entitled Bahay Kubo. The names of the vegetables enumerated in the folk song are listed on child height boards with hooks, and children and parents have to guess which vegetables correspond with which names.   We were singing the song as we explored the exhibit, and I took a photo so I could continue to point out to Narra the different veggies even at home. I plan to cross out the things we eat until we complete the whole picture. This way, we can have a goal of trying out different local veggies and meal time can be an adventure.

The Fruit and Vegetable Store. Narra's favorite.

Narra also spent a lot of time on what seems to me to be her favorite exhibit, the Fruit and Vegetable Store. On our last visit, she loved playing with the weighing scale, and she wanted to return to the same spot to do the same things.  I picked out an eggplant and asked her what it was, and she said "it's a purple banana". Ok, ok, I found that funny. It's good to know she's not color blind. But it seems I still have a lot to teach her.  We'll have more many more trips to this museum until she knows all her fruits and veggies, and many other things besides. I also want her to understand that food does not appear by magic, so she can respect the process behind cultivation, and ultimately respect nature as our source of food. I thought this was something children would naturally, intuitively know! But apparently, it is something that needs to be taught and explained, especially in an age of processed and packaged food where the golden arches of McDonalds is an "organic" part of their urban landscape.

The bamboo cart by the bahay kubo. 2nd floor.

I feel a little sad for urban kids today, whose everyday lives seem to be so disengaged from nature. I want Narra to appreciate how plants grow on soil, how farmers sow seeds, and harvest vegetables in carts, out on the field. I want her to understand how much work goes into what she eats so she learns to value every grain of rice. As Narra sat on a bamboo cart, I pointed to the murals on the walls and made her imagine fields full of crops under the heat of the sun, singing the folk song "Magtanim ay di biro" (roughly translated: planting is no joke). 

The newly opened Herb Garden.

Museo Pambata also  just opened an Herb Garden, which is inviting physically and conceptually. While some of the museum's exhibits refer to nature on a grand scale - with topics like rain forests, mangrove forests, rice fields and oceans - the herb garden reminds us that nature is everywhere, even in a pot sitting on your porch. If only all homes became greener, not just in conserving energy and disposing of waste responsibly, but also in greening the metropolis through homegrown plants.  I am inspired to act!

Narra putting veggies on her plate.

After our museum visit, I bought Bahay Kubo veggies: Kalabasa, Sitaw, and Sigarillas. Our cook Chie added her Bicolana touch to the veggies and cooked them in coconut cream, or gata.  Before lunch, I showed Narra the Bahay Kubo photo from the museum, and told her what we were going to eat. At lunch, I asked her to pick out which one was the kalabasa, and the sitaw and so on...yes, it's my devious way of getting her to put veggies on her plate all by herself, without resorting to coercion or rewards. She liked the kalabasa and the sigarillas, but she spit out the sitaw. 2 out of 3 - not bad!  I have plans of taking this a step further in the future, imagine if we can grow our own vegetables in our garden! Imagine if she can pick or harvest her own food! I am excited at the prospect!

I find going to Museo Pambata an interactive experience even long after the museum visit. It stirs my mind as a mother and stimulates my kids. I want Narra and Guijo to grow up reflecting on their lives as they live it. To me, that's what my visits to this particular museum will be for. It's a way to allow us, as a Filipino family in Manila, to make sense of who we are and how we live - a lesson manifested even in the simple act of teaching our kids what to eat.

Related Posts:

Narra's Star on Museo Pambata's Christmas Tree

http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2011/11/narras-star-on-museo-pambatas-christmas.html

Museo Pambata Part 1: Introducing Kids to Philippine Architecture
http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2011/11/museo-pambata-part-1-introducing-kids.html

Museo Pambata Part 2: Encouraging Kids to be Writers and Artists
http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2011/11/museo-pambata-encouraging-kids-to-be.html

Museo Pambata Part 3: Introducing Kids to Theater, Dance, and Music
http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2011/11/museo-pambata-part-3-introducing-kids.html

Museo Pambata Part 4: Exposing Kids to Entrepreneurship
http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2011/11/museo-pambata-part-4-exposing-kids-to.html

Museo Pambata Part 5: Instilling Environmental Awareness Early On

http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2011/11/museo-pambata-part-5-instilling.html