Long time no see!

Travel and learning is alive and well with the guidance of Miami University Ohio, Earth Expeditions, Project Dragonfly. This blog is part of an assignment to share the summer field experience and I'm trying something new! Connecting this blog to another Google product. Visit Tour Builder Namibia. It chronicles and maps my most recent educational travels for lessons on conservation-based, inquiry-based learning and participatory education.

Mabuhay!

I don’t like goodbyes. Like most issues, it may have something to do with my early childhood. I may have issues with people not physically being around and then being expected to have a connection with them. Unfortunately, this background along with my non-digital native place in time, Facebook and other social media has not made these feelings any less true, although I attempt to use them. But on the other hand, I do try to really make a connection with people when they are in my presence. I want to see everyone’s presence in my life as a blessing and I want to get the most I’m capable of and that they are willing to give, in those moments.   

Our last full day in Bacolod was a restful one in the morning and full of festivities in the afternoon. Our main guide, Donah invited us to the Founder Day festivities that just happened to be on our last day. It was a duel celebration. There was singing, slide show, pictures, more pictures, of course eating, and more pictures. I want to remember each of the faces from this memorable experience so I’m glad we took a lot of pictures. Randdie, our co-host, also attended the farewell ceremony and he came bearing even more gifts- a beautiful bracelet, obviously specifically chosen for us, very similar to the necklaces. The entire event was so kind and thoughtful and yet another example of why Bacolod is known as the “City of Smiles.”

I donated over 50 new, mostly fiction, popular young adult books, so there was even more pictures taken in the library with the librarian. When we made our way out of the building, following lots of hugs, pictures and good-byes, I headed toward the open court where a comedy show was entertaining hundreds of CSA-B folks. More comedy, singing, dancing performances followed. I took one more look at the fire ravaged gymnasium then said goodbye.

We had dessert before dinner. Our main host, Donah and our co-host, Randdie treated us to the best dessert place in the Philippines - Calea. It just happened to be right down the street from our hotel so it’s probably a good thing we didn’t realize how close until the last days of our stay. Actually when we mentioned where we were staying to the Mayor a couple days before, immediately pointed out how close we were to Calea and that we would have to pay a visit. At Donah’s recommendation, we each ordered in Filipino way, a different dessert to taste and share around the table. We got a great sampling of what they had to offer. So we said our thanks and goodbyes to our lovely guides, and headed back to our hotel to prepare for dinner at 21. The four of us enjoyed our dinners out and prepared for packing the next day.

The next day when Donah and her husband Raymund picked us up, they came bearing gifts…again. They are just so generous. They’d had us over for dinner, we’d met Donah’s mom and sister who had prepared a wonderful meal. Then there’s all of the time, with the weekend getaway and the planning of our visits, if I think on it too long, I would just cry from how overwhelming the generosity has been with them. Cute couple. Donah arranged for a driver to take us to the airport and they escorted us and waved us off.

Mabuhay!

CSC AT THE LCC

My visit to LCC was one of the best days ever. Dean and host Randdie and the staff were so warm, and inviting, there was even a huge poster near the entrance to the building, announcing our visit and welcoming us to the Philippines and to the school. I felt like a celebrity just walking through the door. People just appeared with smiles, handshakes, hugs and greetings. We were introduced and sat for a short chat with the Mother Sister Maria, President. After meeting our welcoming group, we were led to a large hall area for an abbreviated Morning Meeting and welcoming service. The children and teachers were so quiet and I was shocked at how many were actually in the room. It was explained that because of the rain Morning Meeting needed to be relocated to individual classrooms and it was a good thing too because that gave us a chance to participate. There was prayer, singing of the Filipino national anthem and a new student who had just moved back from the states, beautifully sang our national anthem, and a welcoming song with signs- “together-strong- lean on,” Is what I remember that included a slide show alongside the10th grade choir. After introducing ourselves, we moved to the conference room to meet the department heads and to make our presentations. True to the ways of the land, we were offered another snack that was actually a meal where I come from and we sat enjoyed it with our guests. Hey- “we meet, we eat” I love “Stomach Development.”
My fellow, Amanda decided to present first and discussed AVID and did an engaging activity on Socratic Circles. Both Emily, our IREX-TGC Organizer, and I both participated alongside the department heads who would possibly be doing an Echo presentation with the rest of the staff at a later date.
Eventually I was able to share some of my background, professional experiences, expectations, and wishes. My thinking was that I was not here to “teach” my fellow colleagues in the Philippines but to share and to gain. It felt good to have a group that was so gracious with their time, attention, and interest. And although there may not have been enough time in our one- day schedule to visit individual classrooms, the experience was still a positive one, that made me feel appreciated, respected, and worthy. I’m disappointed that I wasn’t able to visit with LCC for two weeks as planned. Interestingly enough, several at LCC mentioned the same thing.
Our host team treated us to lunch at 21. Yes, that’s the name of the restaurant, and it is obscurely located just down the street from our hotel. The menu had a variety of dishes- Filipino and American. I was so happy with that. I was craving salad and enjoyed the Oriental salad with the mandarin oranges, chicken, and slightly sweet dressing. I couldn’t resist a bowl of seafood soup too! It was interesting that all three of us Americans ordered chicken dishes and all of our hosts ordered beef dishes. This was a younger, energetic, progressive group of school leaders I interpreted and I felt somewhat relieved and more comfortable with them. I’m glad that the Sisters and LCC administrators chose them.

Highlights @ LCC

The day got even better when we were able to meet with members of the student body for a question and answers session. At first, students were hesitant to ask questions but eventually we didn’t have enough time for all of the students who later had questions!! There were questions about college requirements, course offerings, discipline, and a few students wanted to be librarians and had questions for my fellow and I. The most powerful question was something like, “ What was the worst thing a student ever did to you?” And my response was something like, “ As a professional, I’m a teacher, teachers know their clientele, we know who we’re working with, so we can’t take things personally, but when a student has said to me, ‘Why do you care?!!..What’s the big deal!?!’ it is so hurtful because I say, why do you think I wouldn’t care? I think, what adult or authority has let you down and made you think you are not worth caring about? And I say, I don’t want you to group me with them. I do care, I should care, it is a big deal, you are a big deal and I believe that now, even if you don’t right now.” I have a necklace I like to where that is engraved and it says, “Teaching is a work of HEART.” So true. Following the session, was a cultural show and we were treated to the best talent, singing and dances that the Performing Arts students had to offer. As part of the show we were presented with lovely necklaces made in the Philippines. I was so pleased to hear, see and receive!
I was so pleased to hear and see. My fellow even involved the audience and showed them a swing dance routine of hers.

View of LCC from Pope John Paul II tower

At the end of the work day our teacher hosts even accommodated our desire to karaoke. I found that Filipinos love to sing! And that when you videoke it’s OK to let loose, free of criticism or embarrassment because they recognize in that setting it’s OK even if you don’t sing so well. Just right for me. We went to a local bar, KGB- very exotic, old Hollywood but modern, hip vibe with Dean & Monroe photos on the walls, (side: Just thought of hip hop comparison- Biggie, Tupac, Left-Eye, Aliyha- great artist who died to young). Several drinks, and dozens of songs later we ended our night. I will fondly remember this. At the late hour of 10 pm it was time to call it a night…I’m so old... I may not always look my age but I definitely know for sure, I am no longer in my teens, 20’s… or 30’s. This was a work night for our hosts and they kindly indulged us- Ms. Cookie, Mr. Raj- know way too many songs and as I found out I do too!!! 

Odd Corner: I need to seriously find out why we can’t have the actual video playing during videoke? The dancers, animations, slide shows, do not fit the songs. During TLC’s “Waterfalls” I wanted to see them do the moves, I wanted to do the moves with original song artists. Also, new to videoke, rap songs with artists known to be explicit- don’t choose. I found out very quickly that the radio version of Lil’ Wayne’s 6 foot 7 foot was riddled with lyrics I did not want to repeat in front of the group. Luckily, Stephanie boldly saved me by filling in while the rest of the group cheered us on. Wow. Epic.

Weekend Getaway

The weekend was going to start with a  4 am alarm but instead started with me getting up at 3:15 am in anticipation of doing the ZumRun, Zumba-Run-Zumba at CSA-B. This was one of the activities my host school has planned to raise funds in order to rebuild their fire ravaged gymnasium. 

Since I haven’t stuck to a regular running schedule, I decided to get warmed up with a mile run down the main street of Lacoson. I was surprised to see with all of the hustle and bustle of the night before that the streets were calm and quiet- sleeping, restlessly though. Even at 4 in the morning there were people I could spot catching a ride on a bike or walking along to their morning spot.

Eventually I did finish a warm up only to get to the school and find that the start time had been postponed 45 min. The good thing is, I got to see the courtyard area swell as students, families, runners, supporters, filled the area with each passing minute. I was a witness to the sense of community and bonding that an event like this has. The energy and excitement gradually increased. Lots of pictures were taken and this was a great Segway to begin the Zumba warm-up. I’ve taken Zumba classes before and I was happy to learn the new moves the instructors shared.

I’d originally decided to do the 1K because of our plans to hit the road at 4 am for our tour of the western coastline of Negros. There were runners who donated for 10K, 5K, 3K, and 1K. Even though time wouldn’t permit me to, as a half-marathon runner, even without training & diet considerations, I was tempted to do the 10K. As it turns out I ended up running over 2 miles- go figure…a few more pictures…then it was back to my hotel to shower, change, eat.

Scene around Sipalay

Once on the road, it was nap time. Occasionally I would bolt up and snap a few photos of local scenes passing by in the van and we even stopped a couple of places to snap photos. After about 4 hours and some dicey times during road construction, my group arrived in Sipalay ready for beach fun. We checked out a couple of high rated places and settled on Sipalay Suites. Three of us shared a room and the staff was so friendly and accommodating they even carried in a third bed!!!

The rainy season is definitely in effect and it basically rained out our beach weekend. We weren’t able to do most of the activities we planned but it was an adventure none the less. Seeing the beautiful coastline, going into a cave, and swimming on the beach. The coastline was winding and we would see trees, and mountainous views in one set and then sitting in construction along main street, have to stop for the ever wandering dog, then speeding along with abandon seeing rice fields on either side along with many basketball  hoops   ; 0.  

The cave excursion the visit was rainy, muddy and slippery. I fell on my but despite actually doing everything in my power not to…well I didn’t maintain three points of contact in some worn out Crocs, so that may have had something to do with it. It was steep, slick, dark& damp but our guide, (the guy across the street), helped me down while holding a portable light. In a hunched position I could see the water reach my calf level and as I looked around I could marvel at the stalactite formations. While I was ogling at the scenery and waiting for the others to come into the cave, I felt something bump my leg. The light wasn’t very bright but I could see a small turtle. It was obviously surprised to see me there and immediately scuttled off in the opposite direction. I tried to take a picture in the dark and later viewing the photos I don’t see a turtle, but what looks to be some paranormal activity in the cage. You can be the judge.

Just seeing yet another part of the country was impactful. I found myself comparing Manila, Makati, Bacolod, and Sipalay. Even though it rained during our trip to Sipalay, the coconut pie from Mila’s on the way back may have made it worth it.

Schools Cool & Watch Your Step

So many technical difficulties. Just when I opened my big mouth to say, "Oh my wi-fi is fine, it's perfect," Suddenly it's not. I have not been able to get my photos to update from my phone. Bummer, I really miss the Photogrid. But,  "the show must go on," as they say. So...

CSA-B

CSA-B, Donah with her birthday bouquet

Our host school Colegio San Agustin, Bacolod, (CSA-B) and of course our host Ms. Donah, is amazing. Through her leadership and with the support of the staff at the school this cultural exchange has been made possible. We’ve joked that “Ms. Donah knows everyone.”

    

CSA-B, Afternoon Phys Ed.

CSA-B, Monday Morning Meeting

Most of my time in Bacolod has been observing the ways of the Filipino education system.  The staff and students are resilient. Despite living through the horror of witnessing their school gymnasium burning down, the school president’s message, “Re-build to Re-live our memories,” is inspiring students, alumni, and the community to unite and persevere. Already the “ZumRun” has kicked off a lot of excitement, with more activities and programs to follow.

CSA-B, Extension School courtyard area

My group visited, three Catholic schools all within about a mile of each other, CSA-B, University of St. La Salle Integrated School, (USLS-IS), and La Consolacion College, (LCC). Each school has a sense of pride and its own personality but ultimately the schools want to produce a well-rounded human being that will serve his or her community.

Odd Corner: It could just be me but… no it’s not just me. There are an unnatural number of step-downs, step-ups in Philippines. Walking surfaces are not level from one room or area to another uniformly. It’s dangerous, slightly scary, and down-right, slap-stick funny. I’ve tripped so many times… and consider myself to be physically coordinated. I’ve seen at least two of my fellows trip and I’m watching more closely to see who will be the next unknowing victim of the step-down and hoping it won’t be me. J

It’s More Fun in the Philippines!

The Ruins

The Philippines is filled with cultural sights and things to do, “right around the corner.” There is a definite close connection between Filipino history and American history.  The fact that English is a national language is the biggest evidence. There is an almost overwhelming Euro-American presence that is undeniable.

So far on the trip our guide-teacher has done a fabulous job of exposing us to “high” and “low” culture that gives us a since of what life would be like in Bacolod if we weren’t living out of suitcases in a hotel.

Donah, Carrie, Me, Amanda, Raymund at 7 Springs

Weekend getaways are a part of life and no different in the Philippines. Bacolod area has a lot to offer. For fun, Campuestuhan Resort, where you can zipline and be in the company of King Kong.  For re-charge, Mambukal Mountain resort. The water fall hiking, Seven Springs is a grande concept. Our groups hike was three of the seven and was slightly challenging for me, the former Park Ranger, in floppy, worn crocs. The butterfly garden, Japanese hot springs, bat sanctuary, and of course the whole body massage melted the rigors of hiking away. Our planned weekend beach trip to Sipalay is sure to impress.

Ms. Connie at Balay Negrense Museum

Our visit to Bacolod has shown me that Filipinos here work hard but also know very well how to take a step back and enjoy, reflect and re-charge.

A view of La Consolacion College from the Pope John Paul Tower

The Ruins, City Public Plaza, Meeting the Mayor at the new government center, going to the market, Negros Museum, San Diego De Alcala Parish, Balay Negrense Museum, Pope John Paul Tower, Museo Negrense de La Salle, helped me to put this experience in a context that was familiar. With this basic awareness I could reflect, compare, and appreciate. The analysis process heightens my sense of what it means to be home. I miss my family and wish they were, here. I want them to see, experience and share together. My appreciation for what makes my hometown and country unique has deepened.

Odd Corner: I’m a city slicker but I’m awake to the truth now. “Cock-a-doodle-do” isn’t just in nursery rhymes, it is a real thing. This rooster woke me up, has been waking me up, will keep waking me up, because he’s right outside my hotel window having a conversation with another cockerel who is apparently not that far away because I can hear him too. They will be chatting it up through-out the day I suppose…so cocky. ;-)

When I shared with others my international education travel plans, several people who’d been to the Philippines before quickly mention, “Oh, you’ll love the food.” Initially, I thought, what a thing to mention, what’s the big deal with Filipino food? Well, I quickly found out- it is a big deal!!

At both hotels, the one in Makati and in Bacolod, the morning breakfast buffet is the way to start the day and is advertised heavily. On each of our school visits it was, we meet- we eat. Our host teacher jokes, “Stomach Development.” Some of these, snacks would definitely be referred to as a meal in the States.  

"Stomach Development, er...staff development"

Through generosity and sharing of the meal, breaking bread is yet another way the Filipino culture shares information. This interaction- meetings, is associated with our basic need for sustenance and builds from there. The door for collaboration and creativity is widened when good food is at the center of the table! Yum-yum.

Odd Note: In the Philippines ladies? Be on the safe side- just in case- cover your bases- bring toilet tissue, paper towels, soap. Out for dinner- maybe extra napkins will be needed for a saucier meal.