With a new school year on the horizon, we eagerly kicked things off with an educational adventure that would be both memorable and informative. So, we packed up our homeschooling materials and embarked on a field trip to Paco Park last August 27. This beautiful historical site, known for its lush gardens and intriguing past, provided our homeschooled kids with a unique learning experience.

Paco Park: A Historical Gem

Paco Park is an oasis of history and culture nestled in the heart of Manila. Originally a cemetery, it has been transformed into a serene garden that offers a glimpse into the Philippines’ rich heritage and an excellent setting for a homeschooling day.

A Rainy Start

We decided to come there after attending the mid-morning session of The Feast at PICC. We had lunch first at a Jollibee branch nearby. Our afternoon at Paco Park began with a light drizzle. We prayed the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy while in our vehicle and asked God to stop the rain. We used the rain as a valuable teaching moment, reminding our kids that there is nothing impossible with God and that if we persevere and do not give up, we can still achieve our goals and learning can happen even under unforeseen circumstances.

Exploring the Grounds

As we entered the park, our attention was immediately drawn to the beautiful water fountain, well-maintained gardens, cobbled paths, and the chapel at the center of the park. Unfortunately, a wedding was taking place, so we couldn’t attend Mass there. Nevertheless, we made the most of our time exploring the exterior of the chapel and the historic walls of the park.

We also visited the former resting place of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. His remains were eventually moved to Rizal Park, which we already visited on three separate occasions. Each visit to Rizal Park provided a deeper understanding of his contribution as well as the contributions of the other heroes in our history.

We also visited the graves of the three priest martyrs — Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora — collectively known as GomBurza. We took this opportunity to remind our kids about the lessons we had about these priests and about the Spanish occupation in the Philippines.

The Rain Clears

Thankfully, the rain began to subside, allowing us to continue our exploration of Paco Park. The kids were thrilled to have the opportunity to take photos and document their experiences against the backdrop of this unique historical site.

Our adventure at Paco Park, despite the initial rain and a wedding ceremony, was a wonderful way to start the school year. It epitomizes our approach to homeschooling, where every experience becomes a learning opportunity, regardless of the weather or unexpected events. Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, we turned this field trip into an educational opportunity, demonstrating the value of adapting to unexpected challenges.

As a homeschooling family, we find that such experiences not only enrich our children’s education but also instill a sense of resilience and adaptability. While we’ve visited Rizal Park multiple times, our exploration of Paco Park added a new layer to our understanding of the Philippines’ history and culture. You may read my previous blog posts about Rizal Park here, here and here.

As a homeschooling family, we encourage other families to consider integrating field trips to historical sites like Paco Park into their curriculum. These adventures not only cultivate a love for learning but also instill a deep appreciation for the rich history and heritage of the Philippines.

We look forward to more educational adventures in the year ahead, rain or shine.