I went out with my whole family after lunch with the intention of visiting the floating bookfair MV DOULOS which is docked at the pier (#14, I think) now.  We got there at around 1pm, but found out that it opens at 2pm.  So since we were in the area, we decided to check out the Museong Pambata on Roxas Blvd. cor. Kalaw.

This children's museum is new for us.  The entrance fee is P60 each (only seniors get a 20% discount and I think Manila residents).  The first room we entered was about Philippine history.  They had portraits of heroes.  There was a phone below each portrait.  You press a button, and you will hear the "hero" tell you about himself.  Interesting... but they should already re-record these spiels, since the sound quality is now quite scratchy.  There were also exhibits of old stuff such as flat irons that need charcoal, scales, furniture, clothes etc...

Then we went up the second floor.  We were greeted by a big face with an open mouth that kids can enter.  This section was dedicated to the Human Body.  The interesting exhibit there for me was the Sounds Your Body Makes.  You press the big nose, it sneezes.  You press the tummy, it rumbles.  You press the mouth, it belches.  And the kicker, you press the buttocks, and it farts!  Yes, the exhibit used the word "fart" and not the more proper word "flatulent."

The next room was the Science Exhibit.  Interesting interactive exhibits there showing magnets, pulleys, mirrors, earthquakes, tornados, acoustics, etc...  Beside it was the Sports Room.  Kids could do Rock Climbing or shoot baskets.  They could also try to fit their hand on basketballs with the handprints of famous basketball stars, like Alvin Patrimonio.

On the way out, there was an aquarium and a nature exhibit.  All in all, not a bad way for the kids (and adults) to spend an afternoon.

After the museum, we drove back to the Pier.  It was already almost 3pm.  It was heavy traffic when we got there.  I was very amazed to find out that all of these cars and people were going to MV Doulos!!!  I parked and checked out the situation.  Wow!  There was a very long line from the ship to the gate, and all the way down the street and parking area.  From afar, I saw that on the ship itself, the line of people was hardly moving.  So we decided to just turn back.  Anyway, the Doulos would be staying in Manila South Harbor up to January 22.  Despite our failure to board the ship, I was actually heartened by the enormous turnout of Filipinos book lovers and their patience in waiting in line under the heat of the afternoon sun, just to be able to check out books that they can buy.  Amazing.