Pinoy Piety: Highlights of My Holy Week

A penitent on Good Friday, along a national road in Pampanga.

It started with the Pabasa. I kept hearing the Pasyon being chanted in unexpected places.  Holy Wednedsay. I was at the Makati City Hall applying for a Business Permit, and as I made my way to the City Engineer's office, I could hear the unmistakable melody, a chorus of women singing, answered by a chorus of men, alternating in their delivery of the verses.  The sound wafted through the stairwell, coming from a few stories down. I skipped the elevator, and took the stairs, following the enchanting sound... and there they were, City Hall employees, appropriating office space (and work time), to fulfill a sacred vow to honor Christ.  Makati's Municipal Government takes pride in running the most professional of City Halls, and in many ways the City Hall has indeed clothed itself in convincing corporate garb - looking and feeling ever so efficiently run. On Holy Week, however, the veneer of professionalism gives way to a persistent piety so deeply rooted, it surfaces spontaneously in every available space.  This was my experience of Holy Week last week. I saw everyday spaces being made sacred by collective acts of sacrifice.  Everywhere I looked, I saw ordinary Pinoys  performing acts of devotion. And it touched me, to the core, and led me to prayer.

Makati City Hall employees turned an office hallway into a "backyard Pabasa"

Maundy Thursday. Oliver and I invited his family to join us for the traditional Visita Iglesia. We had an epic journey planned for the night, a pilgrimage to the most visited, and most loved churches of Manila: Baclaran, Malate Church, Binondo, Quaipo, San Sebastian, San Beda,  - and the relatively new church where we got married and started our Christian family, The National Shrine of St. Therese.  But even before we embarked on our official Visita (which involves visiting 7 churches), Oliver and I took our kids to a few other churches ahead.  It felt a bit like "holy cheating", like dipping your finger for a dollop of icing before the cake is served.  I felt like we were visiting churches too early, before the "right" time sanctioned by tradition.  It was good to take our little baby boy to churches early in the afternoon, way before the crowds swelled to impossible proportions.

We stopped at the convent of the Pink Sisters along 11th Street in New Manila. And a wave of nostalgia swept through me. I used to live on 11th Street, and this was where my mother often came to pray for big petitions - the kind that the were too big for a simple rosary at home.  From martial law in the 70s to coup d'etats in the 80s, to calamities in the 90s, this was where we went to pray for our country.  Just watching the backs of the contemplative nuns while they prayed was enough to inspire me to want to pray better. How instructive they were in their stillness.  I understand why our country's leaders choose to come here for discernment in tumultuous times.

Contemplative pink sisters "behind bars" where they can pray in peace.

We also visited Mt. Carmel church, and its hall of saints. I visited my patron saint, St. Anne, mother of Mary, and the patron of Mothers. I am one of those Filipinos with a legal name in my birth certificate (Nikki) that is different from my Christian name in my baptismal certificate (Nikki Ann). Oh my, these two identities gave me problems when I was applying for a marriage license with the City Hall using my legal name, and my church required that I use my Christian name for the papers to be signed in church.  Long story made short, I had to drop my Christian name "Ann"(and the priest gave me hell for doing that), so I am now just "Nikki" legally and officially. In spirit though, I will always be Nikki Ann, and I never will never stop praying to my patron saint, more so now, that I am a mother myself.

I brought my daughter, Narra Teresa, to the image of her patron St. Therese; and I also said a special prayer for my son Guijo (Guillermo Jose), in front of his patron St. Joseph.  I felt like I was visiting family, and introducing my children to them. Psychologically, Mt. Carmel was once "home", it was our family's parish church throughout my childhood years.  Visita Iglesia gave me the opportunity to touch base, and regain my bearings.

The image of St. Anne, patron of Mothers, my patron saint.

Later that evening, we went to Baclaran with Narra (we left baby Guijo), and caught the solemn procession as the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. Thousands of people were there, on their knees.  I was surprised to see so many flat LCD screens mounted on the church's posts.  Apparently, it's been a while since I was last here. My mother has prayed here in the "prescribed" way of the folk a few times, making her way down the aisle from door to altar on her knees,  as is the custom.  I even joined her once, though I forget now what it was that we were praying for.  Baclaran church encourages a kind of piety different from what one observes at the Pink sister's convent where the pious seem to solemnly surrender their troubles and their will... there is an air of acceptance, and quiet contemplation of God's will.  In Baclaran, prayers are muttered with urgency, with faces scrunched up in earnest, in heartfelt supplication that God may grant what is so fervently requested.   

Procession of the exposed Blessed Sacrament, Baclaran church.

The separate building outside the church dedicated for candles offered to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is one clear indication of Baclaran's special place in people's minds. It is a church where intercessory prayers are deemed even more efficacious.  I felt all sorts of heat inside that building. Physical heat from the flames from so many candles; Human heat from too many people converging in the same place; and the heat of burning faith.  If lukewarmness is the work of the devil, then he's nowhere to be found in Baclaran where even silent prayers are rendered audible by transparent gestures and postures. People touch the images of saints with hands that are heavy with hope; they bow their heads and close their eyes, as though to beg; Everything about their stance screams "please, please, please, Oh Lord, please". Empowered by such fervor, I found myself doing the same, scrunching up my face, and with eyes closed, I too, said my own desperate "please, please, please, O Lord, please".  We had Narra with us in Baclaran, but she fell asleep. Oliver and I took turns carrying her, and it was a welcome burden. Bearing her weight added a sense of sacrifice to our trip.

The annex outside Baclaran church (a view of one side of the long room)

Later, even after Narra woke up, we still ended carrying her most of the time.  The task of getting from Point A to B had become more difficult as we ventured deeper into the heart of Manila, and deeper into the night. We went to that beautiful old church in Binondo, at the end of Ongpin street in Chinatown.  There was a sea of humanity inside the church, a sea fed by several rivers flowing from various directions. It is funny how this makes a lot of sense to me - having this much people in this place - after all, this is Divisoria country, the heart of commerce, where every day is a "crazy sale day".  I found the church "abuzz"...I could still hear the buzz in my head as I write this... the noisy, active, energetic bustle of a busy, excited crowd.  I had a prayer book in my hand, and I strained to hear myself pray. I imagined myself shouting inside my head so I could hear my own prayer, that's how noisy it was.  

Beautiful Binondo church, abuzz with activity.

The church in Binondo is plugged into a network of historic churches in close proximity, which pilgrims can easily navigate by foot.  You can tell by the choreography of the crowd, that they are here by habit, following a sacred sequence to fulfill their panata, or devotional vow.  We didn't have a specific sequence in mind - we just followed the herd - and found our way without having to use our GPS or google maps. We just went were the people were... which meant ending up in Quiapo. Here, I felt something different. Yes, it was also crowded, and frenzied - but it was also Christ-centered, most especially on Christ's suffering. You could tell that Quiapo church was home of the Black Nazarene. The devotees here exhibit a certain sturdiness and propensity for physical hardship and suffering. If, in most churches, people walk to the altar - here I saw people kneeling, and even laboriously crawling on the ground;  We saw pilgrims who walked the streets barefooted, from great distances - and on grimy Manila pavements too! We saw groups of people wearing special edition t-shirts, some were really cool, with graphic art featuring Jesus (one striking design had the word "Saved" written on the back; with an artistically rendered and powerfully moving image of Jesus in the front).  In Quiapo church, I felt solidarity with Jesus - I saw people participating in his struggle for our salvation - there were many acts of sacrifice and suffering.  There was an air of remorse and repentance that was distinctly peculiar to Quiapo church.

A penitent, crawling on the ground, with kneeling companions.

From Quiapo, we headed to gothic San Sebastian, which loomed large in the distance as we approached it by foot. The glorious architecture outside, was echoed inside, as the crystal chandeliers, the shiny altar, and vaulted ceiling inspired awe.  From the depths of suffering in Quiapo church, I felt my spirit soar in San Sebastian.  Narra looked like she entered a castle.  There was an image of Christ with his crown of thorns, and it seemed to me, to look like a triumphant Christ, the Redeemer and Savior.  The church was of course, full to capacity, but there were no devotees kneeling their way to the altar here.  The vibe here, is very different, almost glorious.

Narra and I outside San Sebastian church, enjoying its Gothic facade.

Inside San Sebastian, the chandeliers and altar, lit up.

From San Sebastian, we proceeded to San Beda. It was our last stop for the night, and by then, our night was reaching its climax. The street leading up to San Beda was completely blocked for vehicles and completely dedicated to pedestrians.  The vibe was exuberant!  There were groups of youth cheering!...and dancing! as they made their way to the beautiful church in San Beda. There were  vendors selling tempting treats (all of us in our group noticed the "crispy chicken skin chicharon" cart parked right by the entrance).  It was our last church for the night, and we were happy to have completed our task of visiting 7 churches. 

A gay bunch heading happily towards San Beda, with cheering and dancing!

The beautifully decorated ceiling inside San Beda church.

We ended our prayers before the stroke of midnight. Narra, who was sleepy and lethargic earlier that night, was recharged by the energy in San Beda. It was a peculiarly fitting way to end a rewarding journey through Manila's classic Visita Iglesia trail.  I was happy to expose Narra to her cultural heritage. I was very satisfied with what we saw on Maundy Thursday. 

Narra and Oliver, at the end of our Visita Iglesia. San Beda.

Little did I know, that there was more to see on Good Friday. We had a trip to Pampanga, planned out. A not-so-religious vacation at Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino. On our way there, we saw so many penitents along the road: flagellants with bloody backs; and "Christs" carrying their crosses, on their way to being crucified.  We ended up spending the afternoon watching The Passion of Christ. Even though we all knew the story, we were still glued to the screen, wincing in pain, and looking away when we couldn't bear to see Jesus suffer some more.  This made me think of the penitents we saw on the road, who partake of Christ's suffering by subjecting themselves to physical pain.

A penitent's bloody back from flagellation.

It didn't seem to me as though there was a lot of pageantry and fanfare, or spectacle - nope.  With or without an audience the penitents were performing a sacred vow, an act of devotion, a personal panata offered to God.  I was moved by their sacrifice.  I have seen documentaries on television painting our practices in an unflattering light, as a form of juvenile fanaticism, a folk Catholic practice on the brink of being a vice, rather than a virtue. I know that most of these traditions and devotions are outside the Liturgy; but they are commendable in cementing our piety, in leading us to deep prayer, and in keeping our church animated with a burning exuberance.

Good Friday, on the way to the "Crucifixion", as the clock approaches 3 pm

I have dreams for my children, that they will grow up steadfast in faith, and rooted in their Pinoy culture.  I don't think it will be hard to achieve this.  I am sure they will learn proper doctrine and practice from Religion teachers in Catholic school; and they will learn folk beliefs and practices from the streets.  Pinoy piety is alive and well, and thrives everywhere, inside and outside churches, vibrant and ever so relevant.

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

Kid-Friendly Places: Barbara's Cultural Dinner Show

Details for Barbara's Cultural Dinner Show.

Growing up, I had fond memories of enjoying Filipino food while watching folk dances. We would often bring to these cultural dinners our guests who are balikbayans, family and friends who have migrated abroad and are back for a visit after many years of not seeing the Philippines.  They would usually be hungry for Filipino food, and the accompanying folk dances and music would unfailingly bring about a sense of nostalgia. Last week, my uncle Fr. Manuel Serranilla, arrived from Canada. I invited him to dinner at Barbara's in Intramuros.  I knew the area would trigger recollections of the past, after all, my uncle was ordained at San Agustin Church just across from Barbara's, and he knew the area well for he frequently walked the historic streets of the walled city as a young seminarian training to be a priest decades ago. 

The ensemble of dance scholars performing the jota.

I made sure to bring Narra, it's her turn now to tag along the way I did with my parents in the 80's whenever they had guests.  When I was young, we would drive to Taal Vista Lodge in Tagaytay, where the hotel's restaurant regularly held performances. A nearer destination was Josephine's restaurant in the Greenbelt of old, which had dinner shows nightly. I was so happy to hear Barbara's has such a show now. I used to associate Barbara's with stiff fine dining, the type of place that induces diners to sit up straight. But now, with the cultural show and buffet set up, I felt comfortable enough to bring my toddler. I knew there would be lively music, and a lot of people moving about - the combination of a  buffet and a show gives people license to stand up, walk, and take photos - so I knew Narra wouldn't be a nuisance in such an environment.  

My mom Sonia, carrying Narra to give her a better view.

My mom absolutely loves cultural performances. Watching shows brings her back to her early days as a young teacher who directed various types of school shows and student theater productions. A night of music and dancing always makes my mom glow. She carried Narra off to the side, to give her a better vantage point. She was whispering explanations to my daughter as the show went on, personally bequeathing to her grandchild history and heritage as she knows it.  

Fan dance from the Southern Philippines.

The dance scholars who were performing that night were very engaging. Their youthful enthusiasm was infectious, and they easily filled the dining space with their energy. The audience was quiet as they performed the Muslim dances with the required emotional distance and regal decorum; then they made the audience cheerful with their exciting fiesta dances: sayaw sa bangko, binasuan, pastores, and the perennial favorite, tinikling!

The exciting sayaw sa bangko.

Binasuan, similar to Pandanggo sa Ilaw.

Narra was enthralled! Her eyes were glued to the dancers the whole time. Narra could normally eat by herself already, but that night, my mom had to feed her, delivering periodic spoonfuls as the show progressed. My little girl couldn't sit down!  The rest of us adults, got to enjoy our food: Almondigas soup, ensalada, palabok, bacalao, classic adobo, pinakbet, and beef kaldereta. 

My mom trying to feed Narra.

Narra, mesmerized with the dancers.

By the end of the show, the dancers posed with diners. My dad and my daughter excitedly ran to the dance floor.  Narra was just in high spirits. Our guest for the night, Father Manny, was likewise energized. He was videotaping the dances, and he even participated in the tinikling when volunteers from the audience were invited to give the dance a try. 

Lolo and Apo posing with the dancers.

Our guest for the evening Fr. Manny Serranilla from Canada.

When one thinks of a kid-friendly place, an elegant restaurant in a 19th century building isn't usually what comes to mind. But with a dinner show featuring Filipino dances, it's a different story.  Our folk dances are colorful, vivid and vibrant - alive and exciting, charming and inviting.  Performed by energetic dancers, they have a disarming effect. Imagine this: we were stuck in nasty traffic, it was raining, and there was a procession going towards San Agustin church! Malas naman! I thought to myself how unlucky our timing was. I carried Narra, walking nervously on slippery cobblestone streets making my way to Barbara's, only to discover she only had one shoe on!...the other one was left in the car! I had to go back in the rain for that other shoe and my mood became as gloomy as the weather.  That night had all the makings of a terrible evening. But by the time the show was over, we were in good spirits. There's nothing like a good round of tinikling to snap one out of a bad mood.  I was infused with the fiesta spirit, and the procession that irritated me just an hour earlier, already looked to me like a cause of celebration! What luck that my daughter gets to witness a procession of devotees braving the rain in the name of faith.  What luck that she sees this historic part of town abuzz with activity, alive!

I was thrilled that Narra loved watching the performances that night. I love our folk dances, and so does my mother, and her mother before her. And that night, on Dec. 8, we got to introduce another generation to the joys of Philippine folk dance.

Barbara's Official Website:

http://www.barbarasfood.com/events.htm

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Nick's Cafe Filipino Merienda Buffet

http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2011/12/kid-friendly-places-tower-inns-filipino.html

Kid-Friendly Places: Nick's Cafe Filipino Merienda Buffet

Tower Inn's Selection of Kakanin.

There are times when I find myself seeking comfort food, and I want to have my meal in my comfort zone. On days when I bring both my children to the doctor's for their regular check-up and vaccinations, I also schedule a trip to a merienda buffet right after. I tell my 2 helpful yayas Nene and Rollie to save space in their tummies as we would go to Tower Inn Makati for their all-you-can-eat Filipino food at their restaurant called Nick's Cafe.  I have many reasons why I love coming back to this place.

The first reason: I get to have my fill of Pinoy favorites. Typical merienda fare include classic rice cakes or kakanin like puto, kutsinta, palitaw, maja blanca, and biko. There's also cassava cake, banana fritters, and turon.  Another section of the buffet has hot offerings like arroz caldo, dinuguan, and pansit. Other savory items include tokwa't baboy, lumpia, and pork siomai. I want my kids to grow up knowing, liking, and loving! Filipino dishes. Narra, like any other toddler who's becoming more independent, likes getting to choose from the available selection. She's also fascinated with the presentation of hot food on traditional clay pots or palayok and the clay charcoal stoves they sit on. 

Arroz Caldo, Dinuguan, and Tokwa't Baboy.

A second reason is the ambience. I like coming here for a relaxing time away from the crowd. It is quiet and laid back. There's plenty of space for two strollers parked next to our table without being in the way of other patrons. And since this is the restaurant of a hotel, and the staff are steeped in the the ethos of hospitality, everyone is much nicer, from the guards outside assisting with the parking and opening doors, to the servers at our table. One can stay for an extended period without feeling the pressure to leave - I hate feeling rushed in busy restaurants!  The afternoon buffet is open from 2 pm to 6 pm on weekdays, so I get to "park" my entourage here while doing a few other errands. I can do my banking just next door, and there's also a cool shop for baby-toddler stuff called Shop Familia a stone's throw away.  I can take my time browsing through the shop as I am able to leave my babies with their yayas who are comfortable with being left behind since they have a buffet to slowly work their way through.  An added bonus for me is the proximity of the place to the beauty salon my mom owns, which is just down the street. I give her a call and she's there in a flash and able to join us for some maximum togetherness.

Afternoon merienda with my mom and daughter:
3 generations of rice cake eaters.

A third reason is the sensible price. For 150 pesos per person, the buffet is declared "super-sulit", or great value for money! by our household staff.  They enjoy coming here because there's food they like served in abundance without the queuing and frenzy found in usual buffet restaurants.  It's a good way to give them a calming and much-needed breather in between errands - without breaking the bank. Senior citizen discounts are honored so my mom gets to pay even less while small kids get to eat for free, so Narra didn't get charged at all!  

Narra enjoying food she chose by herself.
Yaya Nene in the background, doing the same. 

So what makes this place kid friendly? We were given a high chair immediately (a very good sign - this is the first gesture that makes me feel welcome in any food establishment). The hotel is handicapped accessible, which also means it is stroller-friendly. The dining area is laid out in such a way that even if there are other diners, you can find a secluded spot somewhere.  It is relatively quiet, which helps a lot when you have a sleeping newborn. The place offers a relaxed and safe venue for introducing kids to a wide variety of Filipino delicacies. Coming here on a regular day is a pleasant undertaking, fuss-free, and simply rewarding.  The most rewarding part: Narra was eating by herself, behaving well, and enjoying her food - plus, she added new Pinoy words to her vocabulary such as kutsinta, palitaw, and dinuguan! I hope these become her comfort food too in years to come.

For details on Nick's Cafe, visit Tower Inn's Website:

http://www.towerinnmakati.com/

Related Posts on Kid-Friendly Restos:

Ice Cream Night at Swensen's

http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2011/10/ice-cream-night-at-swensens-reflections.html

The Frazzled Cook in Mandaluyong

http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2011/11/kid-friendly-restos-frazzled-cook-in.html

Narra's Star on Museo Pambata's Christmas Tree

Christmas is around the corner and we already set up our own Christmas tree at home. When we took Narra to Museo Pambata (Manila's Museum for Children) a couple of weekends ago, they also had their own special tree already put up. It was decorated with stars and candy canes bought by museum goers for the benefit of the museum's projects. Right before the shadow puppet show started, a museum representative invited the crowd to support their Christmas tree drive, a simple star could be bought for 20 pesos, while bigger and more elaborately decorated ones go for a bit higher, with all the proceeds serving as donations.

Narra picked a star from a basket full of decorations. The one she chose was purply-pink and gold and covered completely in glitters. It cost P100 pesos, and it looked to me, to be the prettiest star in the bunch. Oliver put Narra's name on the star.

Narra was excited when we left her star on the museum's tree. I am particularly happy to give her  a sense of group identity as part of a larger Filipino family. It was a good idea to get her to buy something that she doesn't get to keep so that she learns that there is great joy to be had in participating, and not just in accumulating or collecting stuff. That star was a pretty thing and it looked really good on that tree. Putting it there is such a fitting way to conclude a fun-filled visit to the museum.

Museo Pambata also has a Christmas toy drive for less fortunate children. They accept both brand new and pre-loved toys in good condition. I am already talking to Narra about giving away some of her toys, and I am planning to go back to the museum with her to participate in their drive. They are accepting donations until December 15.

For info on museum hours, fees, location and exhibits visit the museum's official website: 

http://www.museopambata.org/

Related Posts:

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

Museo Pambata Part 5: Instilling Environmental Awareness Early On

Museo Pambata has an awesome exhibit to encourage kids to think of the environment and be aware of climate change. Entitled "I love my Planet Earth" the exhibit is in a visually appealing space. Narra was running around excitedly. The emphasis is on what kids can do at home to help reduce their carbon footprint. I plan to keep coming back to this exhibit so that I can take the time to explain each section of the exhibit in greater detail.  

On one of the walls is a dynamic display that shows the picture of a wet and green rice field that transforms into arid land as you walk from left to right.  The visual illusion delivers a high-impact message. I already tell Narra to conserve water at home whenever she turns  on the faucet by herself, or takes a bath. I tell her, Mama Earth cries when we waste water, and the running tap is like her tears. Exhibits like these help me drive home the point more effectively and lend authority to my spiels with my young daughter.

In a previous exhibit located in a nearby hall, where there was a typical rural home (bahay kubo), there was also a poso or water pump on display. Narra had fun playing with the poso. I explained to Narra that in some parts of the country, people have to pump their own water and walk long distances to bring measured quantities to their homes. Thus, they know how to value and conserve water and do not use the precious resource wastefully. This is in stark contrast to some urbanites who have the convenience of  running water in their homes which often leads to wasteful habits.   

According to the Museo Pambata website, the theme room called "Kalikasan" (Environment), will reopen to the public soon. This room simulates a rainforest and seabed, to allow kids to go "nature-tripping". This theme room aims to inspire kids to value Mother Nature and to take positive steps towards preservation.  This exhibit was closed when we were there, so I have even more to look forward to when I take Narra there again. It's never to early to start getting kids environmentally aware, and I am so glad a have a place to take Narra where I can teach her important lessons on conservation while doing it in a fun and playful way.

Related Posts:

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

Narra's Star on Museo Pambata's Christmas Tree

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