Children had a chance to “travel” different countries in Europe in “Lakbayin Natin ang EU 2011,” a children's festival held in celebration of the European Union Month, which ran from May 10 to 13 at Museo Pambata.

“Lakbayin Natin ang EU” is a joint effort by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, Museo Pambata, and various other partner institutions. The festival has been held every May since 2009. This year, kids from invited baranggays and children's centers were given a chance to enjoy learning about different countries in Europe through games and activities.

The children's festival opened with a percussion performance from Jazz Dufourt, Satu Lambey and Gab Lazaro, accompanying child artist Hamzah Marbella as he painted in front of the audience. This fusion of music and art symbolizes the unity between the member countries of the European Union and the Philippines. Following the launch was four days of fun and learning for the kids.

Kids learned more about Spain (care of Instituto Cervantes) by learning a few Spanish phrases and playing games.

Alliance Francaise taught basic French words through drawing, singing, and playing games.
Teens learned how to say “Guten morgen” and other basic German phrases in Goethe Institut's German language demonstration.

Children learned more about Austria through a slide show and by listening to the Austrian folktale Kruzimugeli, and drawing their favorite scenes from the story. The British Council also used stories to introduce the United Kingdom to participants through a storytelling session of Small Eyes, Big Eyes and What Planet are You From, Clarice Bean?

The Czech Republic representatives introduced their country to the kids with the aid of stories, songs, short films, and dances. The kids also participated in a clay molding contest, where the 5 best works received prizes.

Greece and Italy literally gave the kids a taste of Europe by letting them sample moussaka and gelato. Representatives from the Embassy of Greece introduced the children to Greece's gods and goddesses, while the Philippine Italian Association held a short drawing workshop.

The festivities closed with the Museo Pambata child advocates sharing the experiences of the
participants. Afterwards, they played a percussion performance as the audience were given glimpses of the week's events through a slide show.