VIP Treatment at the Magaul Bird Park

A quick detour to Subic Bay on our way to Las Casas Bataan 

 (See related post here Las Casas de Acuzar Bataan Tour) led us to Magaul Bird Park.  

Magaul Bird Park is a birds' amusement park with shows and interaction programs located inside Subic Bay's Jungle Environment Survival Training (JEST) Camp.  This camp is known for its jungle survival training programs. 

The park was named after Magaul a magical, mythical bird also known as "Sarimanok". It is said to bring good luck to anyone able to catch it. It is also bird that pecked the bamboo from where "Malakas and Maganda" were born from. 

When we visited the park, CHED has just recently issued a moratorium suspending off campus activities including field trips in the country, following a deadly school field trip bus crash leaving about 15 students dead.

This left the Jest Camp almost without visitors (due to cancellation of scheduled field trips)  ~ we literally had the park all to ourselves (yup like VIPs).

Entrance to the Magaul Bird Park costs P350, inclusive of park tour, jungle survival demonstration and the bird show.

There are two (2) shows scheduled at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm on weekdays with an additional show at 4:00 pm on weekends.

Most of the birds we saw were inside cages, though there were a handful of ducks and peacocks running freely.

We love this little guy the most,  we were just passing by, when he made a ruckus that made us come back.  Our assigned tour guide, was so nice, we gave us bird seeds to feed this guy.  

We got to enjoy the Bird Show a lot, as we were the only ones there.  We got to take part in every portions of the show. We were the ONLY Volunteers (Lol)!!!  

After the bird show, we went to see a Jungle Survival Demonstration.  Our instructor showed us how to extract water from tree vines, make kitchen utensils from bamboo and start a fire without matches.  

Starting a fire without matches (with nature's resources).

Our instructor making stuffs using bamboo looks so easy, NAH!

Water taste good actually.

This experience, taught me that in a Zombie apocalypse,  I won't last a night in the jungle and would probably be left in the city as Zombie food. 

FINAL VERDICT

• A trip to Magaul Bird Park as VIPs is a truly wonderful experience. We were attended to literally like royalties. It was cool to have the park to ourselves. 
• The place is perfect for families with young school age children.  It is a good place to teach about love for nature and environment. 
• We have been to bird parks and zoos outside the country, the best one being the Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park in Singapore. Although, Magaul Bird Park failed in comparison, the effort and determination to educate the public, especially the children the love for nature cannot be downplayed.   
• There are plenty of activities inside the park, that will certainly keep both kids and adults entertained such as: Angry Bird play area, Winged Wonders Bird Show, Brunch with Birds, Goliath Swing and Kiddie Rappelling.

Magaul Bird Park 

 Jungle Environment Survival Training Camp
Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa, Subic Bay Freeport Zone,
Zambales, Philippines

For questions and inquiries

Email: adventure@jestcamp.com

Phone: Telefax: 63 47 252 1489

Smart: 639088207048
Sun: 639228832763
Globe: ‎639770938435

Website: www.magaulbirdpark.com

Business Hours: 8.30 am – 5.00 pm Everyday

Our PMA Fieldtrip

 

My boys have always been fascinated with men in uniform, with my youngest wanting to be a soldier.  What better way to fuel their dreams but by bringing them to the primary military institution in the country.

 

So in our last Baguio vacation, we found ourselves on a field trip with the kiddos to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

 

 

PMA grounds has been kept pristine clean and refreshing.

 

 

Picture perfect playground with the most relaxing of atmosphere.

 

 

 

One of the highlights of our PMA trip are the model tanks and helicopters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was a bit saddened my boys did not get to see marching cadets. Although we did manage to take glimpses of cadets walking in unison - good enough, hopefully next time we will strike lucky. 

 

 

TIPS:

(a) Drop by the souvenir shops and buy PMA shirts and PMA trinkets for cool "pasalubong".

(b) Visit the PMA webpage and read its history to get better appreciation of your trip.

(c) Head off and check the PMA Museum, it may be small, but still worth the visit. 

(d) PMA is very strict on traffic rules.   Remember to cross the street using the  pedestrian lane and maintain car speed while driving.

(e) Don't wear slippers as these are not permitted inside the academy.

 

Airforce City - Clark Field Pampanga

 

A huge field with plenty of planes lying about spells - KIDS FUN TIME (and tired mommas running after their kiddos)!

 

It is very seldom we get to see such huge spaces - for our children to run wild and get crazy and I am glad this was part of the school's fieldtrip itinerary. 

 

 

DinosoaurROARR Land

  Finally got to visit Dinosaur Island in Clark Pampanga as part of my kiddo's school field trip.

 

Dinosaur Island is tagged as the 1st (and I think only) Animatronic Dinosaur Park in the country.

 

I was really impressed to find gigantic and life like  (moving) dinosaurs for the first time.  They all looked very real and it took me a while to explain to my son that these dinosaurs are fake.

 

 

For a 5 year old's wild imagination,

the dinosaurs looked real alright! 

 

My son was second guessing "to pose or not to pose"

beside Mr. T (Rex)!

 

 

The park entrance has a tall and huge wooden gate (similar to the Jurassic movies) that keeps visitors guessing what is inside.  

 

1. Guests are first led to a  Dinosaur Trail.  Here expect to see: Brontosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Brachiosaurus, Spirosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Iritator, Raptors, Rhinoceros, Iguanodon, and many more!

 

2. The park also houses a small museum (dinosaur fossils) ~ not really interesting. 

 

3. After the tour, we were seated and entertained to some dancing dinosaurs (it was really funny, you know these guys are just in dinosaur costume and yet when they try to scare, some were actually scared).

 

4. An optional extra-pay tour is the Jurassic Safari "Adventure" Ride.   We rode on motorized carts on tracks and were chased by the same dancing dinosaurs (Remember to keep extra attention on your kids and explain that these dinosaurs are not real. I saw one child, who ended up crying).

Entrance fee as posted in their facebook site:
Adult - Php 350.00
Kids - Php 300.00
FREE for 2yrs old and below.

Jurassic Safari Ride
Entrance fee - Php 150.00

Dinosaur Island is located along Gil Puyat Ave. Clark Freeport Zone Angeles City Pampanga. (near El Kabayo at the back of Clark Pinic Grounds) is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zoobic Safari

Ocean Park Manila

 

I accompanied my four year old son during his school Manila Ocean Park (MOP) field trip last November 2012.

 

The park boasts numerous atractions, which will surely keep your kiddos busy and occupied ~ you would be begging your child to leave, when it is time to go home.

 

The park has 15 Attactions:

1. Oceanarium
2. Trails of Antartica
3. Aquanaut Voyage
4. Shark Encounter
5. Jellies Exhibit
6. Fish Spa
7. Glass Bottom Boat Ride
8. Revolution - Musical Fountain Show
9. Marine Life Habitat
10. All Star Bird Show
11. FantaSea
12. Penguin Talk Show
13. Bird of Prey Kingdom
14. Back of the House
15. Swimming

Since we were there for a school field trip  ~ we were only able to see:  the Oceanarium, Trails of Antartica, Jellies Exhibit and the Penguin Talk Show (which was a big hit with the kids). 

 

 

THE OCEANARIUM

 

Welcome to the Oceanarium :D

Sorry, camera flashes strictly prohibited inside the Oceanarium..

 

 

Posing with the sharkies :P

 

 





There is an activity corner at the Oceanarium - my kiddo ain't taking a rain check :P



 

MOP has a spectacular view of Manila Bay. I am sure the view is better at sunset!

TRAILS OF ANTARTICA





On the way to the Trails of Antartic!

Pakitang gilas si Mr. Penguin.  My kiddo's eyes were glued to the baby penguins as they swam.

 

 

Temperature freezing... brrr!

Ma look, its Santa :P

JELLIES EXHIBIT

 



My kiddo quite amazed to see jellies for the first time :P

PENGUIN TALK SHOW

 

I was too engaged with Mr. Penguin, I forgot to take pictures - I got this one though!  My kiddo enjoying the show!!! 

 

 

 A trip to MOP is educational  and entertaining!  We would definitely be back.

Next time will bring the entire family and stay at the H20 Hotel to make the most of MOP!

 

MOP: Rated A for kiddos and kids at heart  :D

 

Address:Manila Ocean Park behind Quirino Grandstand Luneta Manila

Trunkline: +63 2 567 7777

Facsimile:+63 2 567 2309

Email:inquiry@manilaoceanpark.com

 

 

 

Museo Pambata

I was chaperone to my son in his last school field trip and found myself inside  a children's museum along Roxas Boulevard, after an hour or so of travel. 

Alone I would not brave this museum's location.  There were so many hawkers and bystanders outside, the streets heading to the museum was busy and traffic so bad.

Having said that,  Museo Pambata was still a worthwhile travel.

This museum is like a huge play ground, where kids can learn, while having fun. They are sure to enjoy the many interactive exhibits the museum has to offer.  And it is not just a museum - summer art programs, various play activities are also offered here for free or at minimal cost.

The museum has eight (8) theme rooms.

(1) Kalikasan
(2) Old Manila
(3) Career Options
(4) I Love my Planet Earth
(5) My Body Works (which my son enjoyed a lot)
(6) Pamilihang Bayan (which was my favorite, the kiddie size stores and shops  were so cute) 
(7) Global Village
(8) Karapatan Hall

Word of caution: Be ready to answer lots of questions from your kiddos!

what is a finger print? 

 

 

 

why is this mouth so huge?

is that fart i am hearing? how come it doesn't smell?


 

can i be a driver when i grow up?

 

how do i cook sinigang?

 

can we bring this bahay kubo home?

 

You should allot at least 1 1/12 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the tour, however, if you are in a hurry and don't have the luxury of time - I suggest you head straight to My Body Works or Pamilihan Bayan. As we were on group tour we rather pressed for time and never got to make the most out of your trip.

 

 

No worries... we will be back :P

 

Museo Pambata Foundation, Inc.
Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive
Manila, Philippines
T: (632) 523-1797/98, 536-0595
F: (632) 522-1246
M: +63 918-382-2212 (for Booking and Reservations only)
E: info@museopambata.org