Armchair Travel to the Philippines

Welcome to a virtual journey to the tropical paradise of the Philippines, tailored specifically for seniors in aged care. Our comprehensive guide to Armchair Travel to the Philippines is here to assist activity coordinators in creating immersive and enriching experiences for their residents. From the stunning beaches of Boracay to the vibrant streets of Manila, this guide offers a step-by-step approach to hosting memorable Armchair Travel sessions.

Our guide is specially crafted for aged care facilities, promising a fantastic Armchair Travel session every time. We share practical tips and creative ideas, from picking destinations to adding fun sensory experiences. Our aim? To keep seniors engaged and make your event a hit!

As a Premium Member, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to downloadable resources, including themed visual aids, discussion starters, and activity sheets. These tools enrich Armchair Travel sessions, creating unforgettable experiences for residents.

From the breathtaking beaches to the vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Armchair Travel to the Philippines offers a safe and accessible way for seniors to explore new destinations, reminisce about past travels, and create lasting memories right from the comfort of their own homes.

Planning the Armchair Travel to the Philippines Experience:

Let’s kick off our Armchair Travel to the Philippines with some strategic planning!

Pick a Date & Promote the Session: Choose a date that suits everyone and create excitement by spreading the word with eye-catching posters or casual announcements. Get everyone in the mood with a friendly, “Are you ready to explore the wonders of the Philippines” Invitation cards are available below!

Set Up a Cozy Space: Set up a cozy space with plenty of seating around a big TV, creating the atmosphere of a welcoming Filipino getaway. Imagine yourself on a tropical island, poised to explore serene gardens and picturesque landscapes.

Print Passports and Boarding Passes: Add an element of fun by printing custom passports and boarding passes. Seniors will love receiving their printed passports and collecting stamps as they embark on their virtual journey.

Get Creative with Decorations: Set a lively ambiance with vibrant decorations like paper lanterns and traditional Filipino banners. Envision flags of the Philippines gently swaying amidst coconut trees, creating a festive atmosphere. Enhance the mood with images of iconic Filipino landmarks such as the Mayon Volcano or the historic Intramuros in Manila.

Prepare Filipino dishes: Experience the flavors of the Philippines with authentic dishes like Adobo, Sinigang, and Halo-halo. Indulge in the savory goodness of Adobo, the tangy delight of Sinigang, and the refreshing sweetness of Halo-halo. These delicious delicacies will transport you to the heart of the Philippines, tantalizing your taste buds and leaving you craving for more.

Philippines Session Program:

A printable A4 version of this step-by-step program is found in our premium membership download at the bottom of this page.

Follow our Step-by-Step Sample program for a successful Armchair Travel event:

1. Welcome

Set the atmosphere with Filipino Music as guests arrive. As they walk through the door, let’s give them a warm welcome and have staff hand them the passport with their names already on it.

Seat residents comfortably. Have a staff member go around to each table and glue the stamps into the passports. (Stamps provided in our printable kit) To spice things up, dress the volunteers and the staff as airplane/ship crew for a more realistic experience! You can also let them wear Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog.

Duration: 5 – 15 minutes

2. Introduction

Engage residents by asking what they know about the Philippines. Start by asking simple questions like the colors of the Philippine flag, its national anthem, and famous personalities. Then, dive into the Philippines’ fascinating culture, geography, and must-visit places. A country profile can be downloaded at the bottom of this blog.

Duration: 20 – 30 minutes

3. Refreshments

Treat residents to a Filipino experience with a famous tropical ice-cold treat, Halo-halo. Set a serene and welcoming ambiance for everyone to savor.

Duration: 5 – 10 minutes

4. Quiz & Trivia

Keep the excitement going with a Filipino-themed quiz and trivia session. Test residents’ knowledge of the Philippines’ history, geography, and cultural traditions, providing opportunities for friendly competition and laughter.

Duration: 30 – 40 minutes

5. Show some captivating videos of the Philippines

This can be shown on the big TV or projector screen during the travel experience. Explore the 10 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines. Ready your mind and travel with your imagination! Transport residents to the beauty of the Philippines with captivating videos showcasing its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

Duration: 15 minutes

6. Dancing Demonstration

Get residents moving and grooving with a Tinikling dance demonstration or instructional video. Encourage everyone to join in and sway to the music, fostering a sense of joy and connection.

Duration: 30 minutes

7. Share Experiences

Invite residents who’ve visited the Philippines to share their memories. Form a big circle and let every one of them speak and share their core experiences with Japan. You can formulate your own or use the provided template for a more organized sharing.

• My most memorable experience in the Philippines is/are _____
• What I like about the Philippines is/are _____
• What makes the Philippines unique is ______
• The people from the Philippines are _______
• If I get the chance to travel back to the Philippines again, I would ______

Duration: 20 – 30 minutes

8. The Beauty of the Philippines

Continue the virtual journey with more videos highlighting the Philippines’ natural beauty and iconic landmarks. Showcase breathtaking scenery and cultural landmarks, allowing residents to appreciate the unique charm of the islands.

Respect holds a paramount importance in Filipino society, where traditional values are deeply ingrained. One manifestation of respect is through the “mano po,” a gesture of reverence where younger individuals take the hand of an elder and press it to their forehead as a sign of respect and deference.

Duration: 30 minutes

9. Culinary Delights

Treat residents to a sampling of Filipino cuisine with traditional snacks and treats. Serve up options like puto, turon, or bananacue, letting residents indulge in the delicious tastes of the Filipinos. Check out these recipe videos for some culinary inspiration!

Duration: 20 – 30 minutes

10. Closing

Conclude the event with a heartfelt thank you to participants and a discussion of future travel destinations. Encourage residents to share their feedback and suggestions for future Armchair Travel events, ensuring ongoing engagement and enjoyment for all.

Duration: 10 minutes or less

Extending the Experience:

• Wind down the event with a relaxing coloring activity featuring Filipino-themed designs. (Coloring pages are available in the printable resources file) Provide coloring sheets and pencils, allowing residents to express their creativity and unwind after their virtual journey.

• Keep the festivity alive by watching these famous attractions in the Philippines!

Also, why don’t you try setting up a Karaoke Bar for our beloved seniors to sing their hearts out? Karaoke is very famous in the Philippines making it an essential part of any event.

Step into the world of the Philippines with our Armchair Travel experience, where every moment is brimming with beauty, warmth, and the essence of hospitality. Let’s embark on a journey together and create memories that will last a lifetime!