‘Free play’: The lesson after the story

1 of 7

By Phillippe Angelo Hinosa

Free admission has always been a key part of the National Museum of the Philippines Iloilo’s mandate to make its services and programs accessible to everyone. This commitment goes beyond simply opening ‘steel’ doors; it means creating meaningful experiences that children can enjoy.

On September 1, 2025, NMP Iloilo partnered with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Iloilo City to host a free storytelling session for pre-Kindergarten pupils from the San Juan Child Development Center II. The event was part of the museum’s ongoing ‘Magbasa Kita’ reading program.

The featured book was Just Add Dirt by Becky Bravo (story) and Jason Moss (illustrations). Published by Adarna House in 2009, the story was recognized as one of the Best Reads of 2010 by the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

The story follows Miguel, a young boy who refuses to take a bath. No matter how many times his nanay tells him to clean up, he would rather run outside and play. One day, he wakes up to find plants growing from his body!

Through this playful story, children were introduced to vegetables found in many Ilonggo kitchens—talong, sibuyas, rabanos, and munggo—ingredients often enjoyed in a warm bowl of sinigang.

But the story was just the beginning. What came next was just as special: free play.

During the “kuris-kuris” (scribble) session, the children drew their own versions of Miguel. Some showed him with vegetables growing from his arms, head, or feet. Each drawing was uniquely shaped by how they remembered and understood the story. With only crayons and paper, the children let their imaginations take the lead.

Parents and guardians watched quietly as the children showed their drawings to the museum staff. The drawings were not perfect, but the children felt proud because they created them all on their own. Having the freedom to create without worrying about mistakes helped boost their self-esteem.

Post-storytelling activities like free play matter because they give children the chance to explore their own ideas about a story. Free play sparks imagination, builds confidence, and helps children connect with what they have heard on their own terms. It turns listening into doing, making stories more participatory.

Free play also encourages social interaction. As children share their creations, they learn to listen, cooperate, and respect different viewpoints. This helps build friendships and teaches lessons about working together.

By supporting child-centered engagements like this, NMP Iloilo has evolved beyond the traditional role of a museum. It has become a place where stories plant seeds of imagination, and where imagination blooms into creative freedom.