MISO 11.06.2014
Museo Pambata kicked off its 20th anniversary celebration with the launch of the book “Imagine, Looking Back and Looking Forward: Museo Pambata at 20” on October 24. The book was launched at Celestina in Greenbelt 5, Makati, in the presence of Museo Pambata’s benefactors, sponsors, and friends.
In Imagine, author Jacqueline V. Franquelli identifies twenty of Museo Pambata’s distinguishing facets, describing how they have helped to shape what has become a most beloved Philippine institution. Designed by visual artist Daniel Palma Tayona, the book capture what Museo Pambata has been — the roles it has played and the changes it has brought about for the children and the communities it serves — and how it can continue to be relevant in the years to come.
The second part of the book features insights from Museo Pambata’s partners and trustees, as they look back on their own childhood experiences and envision the future for the museum and its young Filipino audience. The impressive roster of contributors include Former Philippine senator Dr. Helena Z. Benitez, Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepena, acclaimed journalist Cheche Lazaro, Synergeia Foundation CEO Milwida Guevara, and DMCI Holdings founder, David M. Consunji.
Acclaimed Journalist Cheche Lazaro and Museo Pambata President Nina Yuson
Reflecting on his childhood days and the children of today, Pioneer Insurance president and CEO Lorenzo Chan, Jr. shares: “I wish for a better balance of play and learning for today’s children. When I was a kid, a lot of the games I played where physical and outdoors, using simple toys and the imagination and involving interaction with other children. Today’s expensive digital and electronic games should be balanced with the benefits of this kind of play.”
Teach for Philippines chairperson Elizabeth Zobel shares her dreams for Filipino children: “My dream for all Filipino children is a relevant and extraordinary education. I believe that Museo Pambata will continue to provide an important space for exploration and reflection, enhancing our children’s academic experiences and dreams.”
Opened to the public in December 1994, Museo Pambata features exhibits that encourage children to explore and discover various concepts while they play. Also held in the museum all year round are activities designed to educate, entertain, and develop the creativity of its young visitors. “For inspiring the creation of new children’s museums in the Philippines and in Asia,” the Hands On! International Association of Children’s Museums and the European Museum Academy gave Museo Pambata the Children’s Museum Award Special Commendation in 2012 in Bologna, Italy. At this same event, Museo Pambata was the only non-European museum shortlisted for the First International Children’s Museum Award.
Imagine, Looking Back and Looking Forward: Museo Pambata at 20 is available at the museum’s Pasalubong Shop. Proceeds of the book’s sales will benefit the museum’s various programs.
For orders and inquiries, please email info@museopambata.org or call 5231797 to 98 and 536-0595. Museo Pambata is located along Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila.