7 Exciting 2014 Summer Activities for Kids in Makati City – Part 1

Kids living in Makati City, Philippines and long-term guest families staying over at Best Western Oxford Suites Makati can look forward to a fun summer this 2014. Many exciting activities are making their way to the country's financial capital to help kids make the most of their vacation time while meeting others who share the same interests. Expect new friends, experiences, lessons, and stories when you join these theater workshops:

1. Repertory Philippines' Summer Workshop 2014
Date: April 7 to May 29, 2014
Venue: Citrusnap Studio, Unit 801 RCI Bldg., 105 Rada St., Legaspi Village, Makati City and Active Fun, Active Fun Bldg., 9th Ave. corner 28th St. Bonifacio High Street, Global City, Taguig
Contact: (63 2) 843-3570 and (63 2) 555-0082, inquiry@repertoryphilippines.com

If you've always aspired to be an actor, then you shouldn't pass up on theater lessons this summer. Repertory Philippines, the country's premier English-speaking theater company, is holding theater workshop classes for kids and teens, and advance acting workshops for adults. Tuition fees for classes range from PHP7,000 to 8,000. Musical theater classes take place from Monday to Friday and adult acting workshops are taught by Joel Trinidad on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 9 pm.

2. TheCampArt Summer 2014 Musical Theater Workshop
Date: April 21 to May 23, 2014
Venue: TheCampArt STUDIO, Unit 209, 2F Cityland Pasong Tamo Condominium, 6264 Estacion St., Brgy. Pio Del Pilar, Makati City
Contact: (63 2) 750-1551, (63) 915-447-8959, (63) 919-433-8565, kidsactsphilippines@yahoo.com.ph

Develop your chops for performing arts this summer by joining workshops by TheCampArt. Here, kids and adults of all ages will have a month of intensive singing, dancing, and acting lessons, plus exercises and theater games. Aside from honing their talents and creativity, the programs will also boost the students' confidence and allow them to observe and interact with different people. The PHP10,000 tuition fee will cover workshop materials, costume, and recital fee.

3. Stage Camp: Summer Theatre Workshops
Date: April 7 to June 1, 2014
Venue: The Loft, 38/F Manansala, Rockwell Center, Makati City
Contact: (63) 917-554-5560, (63 2) 586-7105, (63 2) 557-5860, info@9workstheatrical.com

Stage Camp is also holding a summer workshop from April 7 to June 1, 2014. Classes are held from Monday to Friday, except for the Holy Week break from April 14 to 18. Tuition fee for the acting lessons are PHP8,500 for Rockwell Club members and PHP9,000 for non-members.

Aside from morning classes, the organizations holding these workshops also opened night schedules. Since the venue for the workshops are near to offices and Makati hotels like Best Western Oxford Suites Makati, professional and business travelers can easily try taking acting lessons this summer.

5 Parks for Family Bonding Activities in Makati City

Arranging an active, fun, and healthy family holiday at Best Western Oxford Suites Makati is a breeze with these parks and activity spaces located just a few minutes from the hotel.

Washington Sycip Park

Families who are looking for a quiet space where they could spend the afternoon should head straight to Washington-Sycip Park. Located right in front of a church and surrounded by towering local trees, sculpture installations, gazebos, and a pond, the park offers a restful atmosphere for those who just want to sit back and commune with nature. Among the its notable design features are its wooden gates and lanterns, and outdoor speakers camouflaged as rocks and sculptures.

Legaspi Active Park

Legaspi Active Park has a playground especially made for energetic kids. The park is also a favorite of joggers and exercise buffs. It is located right across Washington-Sycip Park.

Jaime Velasquez Park

Weekends see Jaime Velasquez Park transform into a destination for artisans, organic food growers, and health-conscious foodies because of the Salcedo Saturday and Sunday Market. Moms, dads, and kids can easily find among the 100+ concessionaires healthy snacks, and enriching arts and crafts activities and supplies. An early morning shopping session at these weekend markets may prove to be a culturally enriching experience because the market is a place where fresh, homegrown produce sits side by side with stalls run by expats tending to food and ingredients which come straight from their home countries. Family exercise trips may also be scheduled during the weekday when the park has more space for people who want to jog.

Greenbelt Park

Greenbelt Park is a green spot amidst the glass and lights of Greenbelt's shopping center. The park's lush vegetation, colorful flowers, and relaxing water garden offer a respite after a day of shopping. It features a lagoon surrounded by gardens, an open air chapel, and an aviary. Much like the mall where it is located, the park dons colorful lights after the sun has set.

Ayala Triangle Gardens
This 20,000 sq m landscaped expanse right in the middle of the Central Business District and hotels in Makati, Philippines is a favorite resting spot. It's a relaxing green haven with hundreds of trees and few cafes and restaurants. While surrounded by major roads, it offers a peaceful atmosphere. The park is a place where people of all ages can bond through jogging, meditating, or watching an open air exhibit or live performance before returning to their Makati hotel, maybe Best Western Oxford Suites or one of the accommodations similarly located around the Central Business District.