Visiting Nayong Pilipino and Appreciating the PH Culture More

I was a Nayong Pilipino regular as a kid. A field trip won’t be complete if a visit to Nayong Pilipino wasn’t in the itinerary and my trip there won’t be complete if I didn’t buy a wooden toy snake. Oh those were the days. So when I found out that Nayong Pilipino in Manila would be closing, it felt like a part of my childhood would be erased and I wouldn’t be able to take my kids there and tell them about the many wonderful memories I’ve had in that place.

Thank God they opened in Pampanga!

I first visited Nayong Pilipino in Pampanga during my college years (I think) and it was because of an impulsive NLEX road trip with my family. It was okay but not much to be seen so when I found out that Nayong Pilipino would be one of the places we’re visiting for the Pampanga RestaurantTour 2016, I was ecstatic.

I know it’s supposed to be “Restaurant Tour” but I love the fact that they made it more than that.

Going to Nayong Pilipino, it was so cool that they decided to pick us via the traditional Nayong Pilipino jeepney. I missed this! If you’re planning a trip to Nayong Pilipino, I suggest taking a car (or renting one) since the place isn’t very accessible.

Trying to dance Tinikling at Nayong Pilipino. It can be a good workout. Thanks @marrient for the photo! :D . . . . . #prt2016 #pampangabloggerssociety #philippines #tinikling #nayongpilipino #pampanga

A photo posted by Gellie Abogado (@gelleesh) on Jul 31, 2016 at 10:37pm PDT

We were welcomed with musical and dance performances representing the different regions of the country. And one of the most exciting part for me was when I got to try dancing the Tinikling! I was getting it at first but when it got faster… Damn! It was a good workout though. Thanks to the Nayong Pilipino dancers for giving me that opportunity and teaching me how to Tinikling! The dougie is definitely nothing compared to Tinikling. *Badum Tss*

We also went to the Nayong Pilipino Museum where the hundreds of years old weaved clothes were displayed. If you’re from up north, I suggest visiting Nayong Pilipino soon for this since this exhibit will be transferred to the National Museum soon.

We were also shown the weaving process, native houses, and products hand-made by our fellow creative Filipinos.

I had a better appreciation of our country and culture because of this trip to Nayong Pilipino. As a matter of fact, I recommended that my sister and her thesis mates visit the place since their thesis will be about the Pinokpok weaving. She also asked for my help with regard to that and I was so enthusiastic because of my recent trip to the place.

Take your kids there, have a picnic party, and learn more about the Philippine culture and history through a fun visit to the place. You’ll have no regrets and you would even thank me for it!