Fun Time at the Philippine Army Museum

Tanks, Cannons, Guns, Rifles, Soldiers in Uniforms!

All of these intrigue our son, 6-year-old Isaiah to no end. So on February 2009, we decided to visit the Philippine Army Museum once again.

This time, Isaiah's classmate, Kenji, came with us. Kenji is obsessed with anything military. He couldn't wait to get his hands on real guns and ammos.





Just like our previous visits, we were the only visitors in the place. I think only a few are aware of this museum and the treasures it holds, at least historically and culturally. A kind lady-curator gave us a free guided tour, pointing out interesting facts and stories.

What better way to tell our son about the bravery of the Katipuneros who fought against the powerful Spanish army than this room?

Here, Rayadillos armed with bolos and rifles are shown waiting to ambush the enemy.
Hiding behind bamboo trees, the boys had a blast pretending to be part of the action.




Kenji (holding the rifle): This is cool!
I want to be a soldier when I grow up. What about you, Isaiah?

Isaiah: No thanks, I don't want to die!

Outside the museum is an open yard filled with tanks and cannons.





The Army Museum is located inside Fort Bonifacio in Taguig, Metro Manila. Those who are interested can drop by anytime from Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 4pm. Fee is only P20.00 per person. But for large groups, you need to contact the Army museum and make arrangements ahead of time.

Me & My Dad Camp

April 17 & 18, 2009-

Camping out, sleeping in a tent? Fun!

Roughing it for two whole days? Sure!

Doing that alone with your kids age 6 to 9 years old? Are you crazy?!

Dads made of lesser stuff may cringe at the prospect, but not Dax and dozens of dads who joined Victory Fort’s Me & My Dad Camp in Sierra Madre Resort, Tanay, Rizal.

Isaiah's first time to go camping with Daddy!

What's cooking?

Check out what these Iron Chefs whipped up in their portable burners.

Wow, gourmet meal! Umm, edible flowers?

Do kids really need their dads?

Pastor Bernard's thoughts on the importance of fathers.

1. Fathers are irreplaceable.
2. Spend time with your kids, especially while they are young. The window of opportunity to teach, influence and discipline your children is from age 0 to 13.
3. Your inputs are permanent. Anything you teach them, or anything they learn from you, be it positive or negative, leaves a lasting impression in your kids’ lives .
4. Fathers are there to make an impact. Observe a baby's reaction when his parent approaches him: with the mom, the baby’s shoulders drops, his breathing slows down and he is comforted. But with the dad, the baby’s eyes pop, his whole body is wired and ready for play. Dads, you are there to stimulate your children!
5. Teach by playing. Kids who are close to their dads learn social skills earlier and thrive better emotionally.
   

PLAY time

PRAY time

More of Pastor B's thoughts on good parenting:

Parents must bring out this R.I.F.L.E. to raise their children:

Repeat the good stuff you do together over and over again. Give your children a lot to build their memories on: family picnic, story time, outing, family dinner, etc., This is important: if you have more than one child, date each one individually. Get to know their thoughts and stories one-on-one.

Intensify your bond by having countless aha! moments, wow, cool! ideas. I remember the first time Isaiah touched a makahiya plant; the leaves closed and his eyes bulged! Magic!

Firsts Have many firsts together- first time to fly a kite, first time to ride a bike, first time to go camping, etc.,

Last End the day on a positive not. Make dinner a time to relax, laugh and talk about your day. Have a bedtime routine of stories, goodnight song or games.

Emotion Dads, don't be afraid to show your emotions. Kids will go through a lot of heartaches, bruises and pains, that's inevitable. Show them that life may not be fair, but you will always be there through the highs and lows.