Always for the Filipino child
THROUGH THE YEARS, MUSEO
Pambata has become an iconic part of the lives and hearts of Filipino children in Manila and beyond. Many have fond memories of sliding down the giant tongue; taking a picture looking out of the window from the second floor of the bahay na bato; pretending to ride the galleon, the tranvia and the kalesa; and talking to heroes on the telephone.
Yuson. “I am told that he knew us from the start and saw how earnest and hardworking we are and how much we have contributed to the city as an alternative learning center… He even suggested barangays where our mobile library should go. I am proud that Museo Pambata is a fine example of a government and private sector endeavor. It can work!”
For Montero, the renewal gives them peace of mind that the museum will have a home for the next 25 years. “It is very important for us as we can now think of more programs and services for the Filipino children, especially those who need it most.”
“Mayor Isko Moreno is very keen on Museo Pambata and he has given us his all-out support.
He believes, like we do, that Manila needs Museo Pambata. It is now part of its heritage. We have been meeting with like-minded individuals who believe in our vision and want to help us make this happen,” says Tanjutco.
In celebration of Universal Children’s Day on Nov. 20, Tanjutco and Montero share their hopes for children from the Philippines and around the world: “I wish that they will be given an opportunity to know the options available to them. To know and enjoy their rights and responsibilities. To be able to love their Filipino culture and show love for country,” says Montero.
Tanjutco shares a fond memory of her father, the late National Artist for Architecture Francisco Mañosa, to illustrate her wish: “My dad used to take all his grandkids out. They would go off on their own. Later I found out he would make them all ride inside his car. He’d have them cover the windshield with lots of flower petals. Then he’d drive fast so all the petals would scatter with the wind,” she says. “I want all children to have that sense of wonder. It doesn’t take much after all.”
As for their plans for Museo Pambata’s 25th anniversary and beyond, Tanjutco says, “We have many things lined up next year. We are holding a Children’ Festival. The theme will be in line with the Awit at Laro project I worked on with Gary Valenciano. It’s all very exciting and it’ll be the first of its kind.”
Yuson remains active in supporting the museum. “I passionately loved my work at Museo. As president and CEO, I spent 25 years from beginning to where it is today. I still am involved, for example in fund development. We would like to organize the 5th Asia Pacific Children’s Museum Conference in Manila next year. I wish we could help set up children’s museums in the country.”
For the coming years, Tanjutco says, “Our emphasis is creating community, communing with nature and fostering Filipino values. We want to go back to the fundamentals, go back to the basics and bring back the pure fun of being a child.”
No matter what changes the museum undergoes in the next 25 years and beyond, Tanjutco assures, “Museo Pambata will always be for the Filipino child.”