As a homeschooling mom, I believe that field trips should be more than just fun outings—they should provide relevant learning experiences that enrich our children’s education. While amusement parks and recreational trips have their place, there is something uniquely valuable about visiting historical sites that connect us to our roots, culture, and national identity.

One of our most recent field trips was a visit to the Bonifacio Shrine, also known as the Bonifacio and Katipunan Revolution Monument, in Manila. I originally planned to go there last year with my family. But our November and December became so busy that my husband suggested that we postpone this field trip to a later time. I’m glad that last Sunday, we got to push through with our field trip finally. This historical site is more than just a landmark; it is a powerful tribute to the bravery of Andrés Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, and the Katipuneros who fought for our country’s freedom.

Discovering the Bonifacio Shrine

Located near Manila City Hall, this historical monument was designed by renowned artist Eduardo Castrillo in 1998. The towering sculpture features Andrés Bonifacio holding a bolo, leading his fellow revolutionaries in their fight against Spanish rule. Behind the monument, we found something equally important—the Kartilya ng Katipunan, the guiding principles of the Katipunan, written by Emilio Jacinto, one of the youngest and most brilliant revolutionaries.

What You Can See at the Bonifacio Shrine

Aside from the main monument, our visit revealed several significant historical elements that deepened our appreciation for our nation’s past:

1. The Statue of Emilio Jacinto – Known as the “Brains of the Katipunan,” Jacinto wrote the Kartilya ng Katipunan, a moral and ethical code that guided the revolutionaries. His statue stands in honor of his wisdom and dedication to the cause of freedom.
2. The Kartilya ng Katipunan Behind the Monument – This important document serves as a reminder of the Katipuneros’ guiding values—honor, courage, and equality. It was inspiring to see my boys read the words that once shaped a revolution.
3. The List of Heroes Imprisoned During Martial Law – History doesn’t end with the revolution. The shrine also pays tribute to Filipinos who were imprisoned during Martial Law (Batas Militar). This part of the monument reminds us that the fight for freedom continued long after Spanish rule.
4. A Piece of the Berlin Wall – One of the most unexpected finds was a fragment of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the global fight for freedom and justice. Seeing this historical artifact in Manila helped my boys understand that the struggle for liberty is not unique to the Philippines but a shared experience among nations.

A Revitalized Historical Landmark

The Bonifacio Shrine was once neglected and unkempt, but in 2019, Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso spearheaded its restoration and cleanup. The site was cleared of informal settlers, the area was beautified, and a musical dancing fountain was added, making the shrine a more inviting and educational place for families. I’m so grateful that Mayor Isko did this. He provided students and families a place where they can learn about their history and culture for free. He also showed his fellow Filipinos that we should preserve and protect landmarks like this one for the future generations to witness. This transformation showed my boys the importance of preserving historical landmarks for future generations.

Why Field Trips Should Be More Than Just Fun

Many schools often prioritize amusement parks and malls for field trips, but I strongly believe that historical sites offer much deeper learning experiences. Here’s why:

✔ They make history come alive. Instead of just reading about Bonifacio in textbooks, my boys were able to walk around a heroes park and see symbols of bravery up close.
✔ They teach values and patriotism. Seeing the names of heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom helps children understand the importance of courage, honor, and love for the country.
✔ They encourage critical thinking. Discussions about revolution, leadership, and governance allow children to ask questions and form their own opinions about history.
✔ They create lasting memories. Learning in an immersive environment makes lessons more memorable and meaningful compared to simply reading them in books or watching videos about them. It makes the lessons more palpable.

Strengthening Family Bonds Through Field Trips

Beyond academics, field trips like this are an opportunity to strengthen family relationships. Here’s how:

💛 Shared experiences – Visiting a historical place together gives us something to talk about, reflect on, look back to, and cherish as a family.
💛 Meaningful conversations – It opens up discussions about history, values, and even current events, fostering intellectual and emotional connections.
💛 Learning together – As a parent, I also learn new things alongside my children, which makes the journey more engaging and fulfilling.

As a homeschooling mom who also works, I cherish these opportunities to blend learning with family bonding. These trips remind me why I chose this path—to be a hands-on parent while earning, creating moments that educate, inspire, and bring us closer as a family.

If you’re looking for a meaningful and educational field trip destination, I highly recommend the Bonifacio Shrine. It’s not just a place that teaches history and patriotism. It’s a powerful reminder of the courage of those who fought for freedom. It is also open to the public. Thus, parents need not spend a lot for a field trip that truly educates the hearts and minds of the young.

Our visit to the Bonifacio Shrine was more than just a field trip—it was an immersion into the rich history and values of our nation. As a hands-on parent while earning, I cherish opportunities like this where I can educate, bond, and inspire my children at the same time.

I encourage fellow homeschooling parents and families to prioritize meaningful field trips. Let’s bring our children to places that will ignite their curiosity, deepen their love for the country, and shape them into responsible citizens.

Have you taken your kids on an educational field trip recently? Share your experiences in the comments! I’d love to hear about them. 😊