Mabuhay friends! Recently, our homeschool group at Centris led us to Lakbay Museo, a vibrant museum that offers an immersive journey into Filipino culture, with a special twist on culinary heritage. If you’re looking for kiddie activities, this is a good place to bring them.
Lakbay Museo is way more than just your average museum – it’s a fun blend of an immersive journey through Filipino culinary discoveries, cultural learning, artistry, and all-around good vibes. Designed for both young and old (not just for kids!), Lakbay Museo offers an immersive journey through the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for families, tourists, and anyone eager to explore the wonders of the Filipino spirit. I love, love the focus on food as it’s one of the top reasons why I actually travel.
Situated at the far end of Manila Bay at the Ayala Malls in Aseana City, this vibrant museum is a treasure trove of experiences. Perfect for kids and adults alike, Lakbay Museo is your gateway to understanding and appreciating the beauty of Filipino culture in an engaging and educational setting.
Tour The Philippines In A Day
They say you can tour the whole Philippines in a day at Lakbay Museo, and they weren’t lying! From chilling in chilled Bicol country to kickin’ it in festive Cebu, each section of the museum will have you feeling like you traveled across the archipelago without even leaving the building. Kind of reminds me of the defunct Nayong Filipino which we still miss very much.
They’ve got full-on art installations, interactive displays, and vibrant murals transporting you to each location. How very neat!
As someone from an island far from the big city, I appreciate their efforts to bring diverse regional culture to urban-dwellers too. Not everyone can hop on a plane or ferry at a moment’s notice. But through creative mediums like 2D art, sculptures and hands-on exhibits, Lakbay Museo lets Manila locals feel like they’re exploring without leaving town.
These immersive reproductions of Philippine Tourist Spots, cultural landmarks and street festivals has me psyched. The sensory overload would do a body good, especially for kids stuck inside too much. (watch out for this too, if your kids has a tendency for sensory overload!)
Lakbay Museo Instagrammable Interactive Exhibits
From the colorful jeepney entrance that welcomes you, to the replicas of the country’s iconic landmarks, every corner of Lakbay Museo is designed to educate and entertain. The museum is segmented into various regions, each showcasing the distinct traditions, dances, languages, and, most importantly, the flavors that define the diverse Filipino culture. Visitors can:
- Walk through replicas of famous Philippine destinations, including the Chocolate Hills, the Mayon Volcano, and the stunning slice-of-life Filipino Markets. You can climb into the Ifugao house, jam out to Sinulog, or learn about the endless types of Filipino Vinegar.
- Explore the rich biodiversity of the Philippines in the flora and fauna zone, where interactive displays bring the country’s natural wonders to life. There’s a freaky section where you can eat live bugs!
- Dive into Filipino cuisine in the food zone, where you can see replicas of traditional dishes from various regions, understanding the culinary diversity that makes Filipino food unique.
Lakbay is all about experience! And it’s not just for the little ones – the whole family will dig learning about different cultures and traditions.
They really put thought into crafting each region’s pavilion as a sensory adventure. Not just static displays – everything invites exploration through touch, taste, sounds and sights. As someone obsessed with experiencing culture through all the senses, this hands-on approach speaks to me!
I also appreciate their focus on making each space a visual feast. We all know pictures leave lasting memories, whether for ourselves or to share with others. So treating visitors to scenic backdrops and interactive moments just begging to be captured bodes well for spreading cultural pride on social media too.
A Hub for Cultural Exchange
Good vibes only! Lakbay Museo also hosts all sorts of cool events, from workshops to live performances. The museum is not only a space for learning about Filipino culture but also a platform for cultural exchange. It hosts various events and workshops that invite visitors to learn more about the arts, crafts, and culinary practices that make the Filipino culture unique.
It’s the ultimate spot to connect with others and dive deeper into Pinoyness. Lakbay’s interactive approach to education makes learning about Philippine culture fun and engaging for all ages. Through hands-on activities, traditional games, and live performances, the museum encourages a deeper appreciation for the country’s heritage, bridging the gap between generations.
Engaging Activities for Kids
Lakbay Museo is not just a place to see but a place to do. With a variety of hands-on activities, children have the opportunity to:
- Learn traditional Filipino games such as sipa (a Filipino version of hacky sack) and sungka (a native board game), promoting physical activity and cultural appreciation.
- Participate in arts and crafts workshops, creating souvenirs like woven mats and pottery, encouraging creativity and fine motor skills.
- Attend cultural performances and storytelling sessions, where myths, legends, and folktales come to life, fostering imagination and a love for storytelling.
My Lakbay Museo Review
I truly appreciated the focus on food. I’m getting so hungry just thinking about all the drool-worthy dishes on display at Lakbay Museo’s Kulinarya Room! As a total foodie obsessed with regional Filipino cuisine, this section is like a delicious dream.
I’m constantly seeking out new ingredients and recipes to experiment with on my blog, so their vinegar and sawsawan collections intrigue me the most. Who knew there could be such diversity among vinegars? Endless recipe inspiration right there.
Their kakanin and pancit exhibitions also have me psyched – pancit is one of my faves, and the endless types are awakening the nerdy foodkie. The kakanin are an island staple in my hometown in Marinduque so love that they’re spotlighting these native foods.
But really, everything from lechon and adobo classics to exotic regional specialties just begs to be sampled in real life. My mouth is watering thinking of all the textures and layered flavors on display. It would have been better if there are real life food samples that visitors can taste.
Now, as someone focused on genuine wellness and positivity, a few of the exhibition approaches caught my attention in an iffy way. Their hearts seem in the right place to showcase diversity, but the execution missed the mark at times.
The use of Ivatans traditional attire felt questionable – hope they worked closely with community experts there. And showing an Igorot man surrounded by coconuts is just wrong and also played a bit too much into stereotypes for my liking.
Some displays also seemed like they tried too hard to be “instaworthy” over authentic, like mimicking urban street scenes. While markets and taho vendors are iconic sights, they’re everyday aspects of life, not things that define a culture or region.
To me a museum’s role is elevating understanding, not commodifying traditions. Recreating common experiences to me felt distopian and a missed opportunity for truly insightful representations.
All that said, it’s mostly great things overall. I appreciate the fact that Lakbay Museo is constructed from recycled and upcycled materials, offering a powerful message about environmental conservation. The museum’s design cleverly incorporates eco-friendly practices, making it a model for sustainable tourism in the Philippines.
With constructive feedback, I’m sure Lakbay Museo can refine to feel even more nourishing and nuanced. Their heart is in the right place developing such a unique attraction to share Filipino culture creatively. Excited to check it out again someday too!
Plan Your Visit
Lakbay Museo is open daily, offering a flexible schedule for families to enjoy at their convenience. Special rates for school trips and group bookings are available, making it an ideal destination for educational outings. How much is the fee? We paid about P800 for our school trip but you can buy tickets at Klook for about P700. The museum is open from 11 AM to 8 PM every day except Monday, with the last call to enter at 6 PM. I’m sorry I wasnt able to ask if you can just drop in though! Make sure to check in wth their FB page for more information.
Before embarking on your journey through Lakbay Museo, here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
- Book in Advance: Ensure a seamless experience by booking your tickets online.
- Dress Comfortably: With so much to explore, wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep hydrated as you enjoy the culinary delights and interactive exhibits.
Lakbay will leave you feeling inspired about the beauty of Philippine culture. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from afar, a day spent at Lakbay Museo promises an enriching experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the Filipino way of life. Leave feeling inspired to learn more, right?
Props to Lakbay Museo for thinking outside the box to spread appreciation for our rich regional heritage near and far. Their one-of-a-kind attraction is truly elevating Filipino cultural tourism. Peace out and hopefully you can drop by and visit! It’s a must for families -especially if you’re city born or from outside the country, you can discover a whole lot about Pinoy Culture in there! Don’t forget to sign up for the RelaxLangMom newsletter below for more tubular tips. Aloha!
