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.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, (‘cuz it’s my blog and I’ll say what I want to, do what I want to… if you are old enough to substitute party for blog and you know the song melody---wow, welcome kindred spirit), I have a whole new respect for “full-time” blogger. How in the world do they do it???

Highlights @ St. Paul College Pasig

I think I’ve figured it out- have a wonderful meal and a couple glasses of wine, (minimum).

Highlights @ Benigno "Ninoy"Aquino H.S.

These last few days visiting the classrooms in the Philippines -inspirational, reinvigorating in fact. I feel so blessed to be in the education field. I’ve been reminded of the high esteem this chosen profession is held in. The men and women who do this service are dutiful, dedicated human beings who see a positive view of the world and want to do their part to make it a better place by influencing others , often younger than themselves. I know of no teacher who first said to themselves- “I’m goi ng to become a teacher and make it rain in the club!!!” No. Most begin with a noble cause and almost altruistic start to their career path. In the U.S. I’ve seen that light extinguished in so many educators, perhaps, self- included. However, I have been on an emotional, rational, spiritual, reflective, etc. journey here in the Philippines and I’m reminded of my calling to serve!! Cue Bible verse:

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this m

ind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:3-4

We’ve visited four schools now in the Philippines, Thursday will be five. Three in Manila-Makati area and two in Bacolod. It truly is a different culture than what I’ve experienced over the last ten years. Enthusiastic, energetic, friendly, kind and not at all “staged” but

Highlights @ Makati Science High School

genuine and warm. When meeting with the little ones on one of our school tours, they threw themselves all over my fellows and it was a precious site to see. Both my fellows and the children were delighted with the attention that loving and adoring nature that the children possess. Even as two brave little ones came to me, one said, “Your skin is so black, why is your hair like that? Look- my skin is white.” And another blurted in, “mine too, white.” I patiently replied to the innocent children, “My skin is brown- look this is black, (pointing to a part of a book bag laying nearby), and my hair is like this, because it’s my hair. I love my hair. It’s my hair.” For which the little one replied, “But, but why is your hair like that?” I suppose we cannot escape established racism and limited views on beauty any more than we could escape the warmth, kindness, sense of community that is natural to the Philippine culture. I must believe that, with these attributes truly in one’s heart, acceptance of others who are “different” will trump.

It may be the case that some schools have more resources than others whether they are public or private, some have a longer or shorter history, however, the dedication of the staff, students, and community is evident at every school we visit. The Philippines is in the midst of shifting their education to a K-12 program similar to what we have in the United States. It will be a huge undertaking, requiring additional teachers for 17 and 18 year olds who will

Some Highlights@San Agustin

need 11^th and 12^th grade courses. Some campuses have colleges on site and could have staff earn high school/secondary teaching credentials in order to stay on staff. Some will need more physical space to accommodate additional student body. Those students who are currently 13,14,15 will need to prepare to stay on in school for two additional years, unlike the student class just before them.

Odd Note: Yes I did…got myself locked inside the teacher’s lounge. I’ve had nightmares about this. But here in the Philippines- no biggie. I entered the lounge like I had earlier in the day. There were 3 or 4 teachers in there talking. I was in the bathroom area for awhile, (my bowels are still adjusting to Filipino food- TMI?), maybe 5-6 min. I hadn’t realized everyone left while I was in there. When I came out, the lights were out, the door was shut…actually locked from the inside.

There’s a glass panel so I could see out.  At first, I just stood there waiting for someone to walk by then I decided to get proactive and knocked on the door. Ten minutes may have passed, I’d pulled up a chair, got creative and decided to call the emergency numbers of my travel partner. No answer. I called a few other numbers and even got a ring but no response, ( I later found out she didn’t realize that was our TGC phone) and left one message. Eventually a school worker passed by..didn’t have a key, went to get help. The two of them came back, no key, went to get key and eventually I was sprung. I don’t know what the moral of this story is but it is not- avoid going to the bathroom. My bladder and bowels are working overtime!

Jeepneys,Church & Cat Fights

Mabuhay! Long live Philippines! 

The last few days have been a flurry of all things Filipino. 

Divinely Served lunch at Shangri La Makati

The Makati Shangri-La has a wildly decadent buffet with a menu that covers the globe- from sushi to pancakes and everything in-between, including Filipino fare.  After an amazing breakfast spread at the hotel’s Circles buffet, an introduction to history and culture in the Philippines by our In-country education consultant,Norerto Odon Erandio,  and hotel catered lunch, the international field experience kicked-off with a trip to the American Embassy.

The Jeepney Alyssa in Makati

 

Our group braved the crowed rush hour streets in our two vans alongside jeepneys, tricycles, motorcycles, pedestrians. There seemed to be no regard for lanes, braking, signaling, stopping, turning- or any other typical drivers training basics you might find in the States. But seeing the wide variety of colorful and creative jeepneys distracted me from the teeth-grinding, car-seat clutching observations on the drive over. 

Before arriving at the embassy it was explained to us that we would not be permitted to take any electronic devices nor usb devices in. We left our passports at the outside entry, entered the security office area, left our devices and another ID at the counter for storage, went through the detectors and went one or two at a time to the office part of the campus.  Once in the building we meet with several Embassy personnel, including the U.S. ambassador, Philip S. Goldberg.  Mr. Goldberg and his staff gave our group a lot of insight into the current political, economic, and social state of the Philippines as well as sharing the historical connections that the two countries share. The Philippines had “400 years in the convent and 50 years of Hollywood,” it’s said. Well that “50 years” sure did have a lasting impact on the relationship between the new nations. After a photo opportunity and a short tour we prepared to leave the embassy. After picking up our electronic devices and passports, a couple of my fellows tried to take photos of the U.S. embassy sign and were quickly told not to by the security officer nearby. After doing a quick Google search, (yes- librarians do use Google too!), I see why the strict policy. People be CRAZE-Y!!

A view of San Agustín Church

TGC Group preparing for cultural entertainment & fare

The afternoon was filled with a tribute to Filipino culture including a historical tour, dinner and performance. We took a horse–drawn tour or calesa or Intramuros, which is the oldest part of Manila, filled with historical tid-bits. Our evening winds down outside just outside of Fort San Augustìn Church where we cross the street to enter the unique performing arts talents of the entertainers of Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant.
The dining at this place was made special in part because of audience participation. Some of us actually were invited to dance on stage and all of us took a picture with the dance troupe.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw, traditional Fillipino "light or candle" dance

ODD CORNER: Cat fight. While walking on the tour outside the embassy, we saw a cat. A pretty beat up cat. It had obviously just been in a fight and was still bleeding from the ear & appeared disoriented. I even paused to look around to see where the other cat might be, then tried to think back if I remembered hearing any dueling cats. Nope. But.. if that cat won, I hate to see what the other guy looked like.

International Journey Begins

My last few minutes on plane a21 hr trip around the world

My journey began on Monday, June 23,,2014 with an early morning plane to catch at 6:45. I’d given myself plenty of time to check bags that I would normally have packed for a plane ride. I thought I had been pretty diligent about meeting the weight requirements for both bags. Needless to say, I hadn’t. One bag was over by 6 lbs. and would have cost another $75 to check. The other one was under the limit by 4 lbs. I quickly began removing things from the $75 one- to be placed in the lighter bag. Perfect.. problem.. solved. It was now off to Detroit, then Los Angeles, Tokyo, and the Philippines. 

Four plane rides& over 21 hours later…I arrived at my final destination- Manila, Philippines! The view from my hotel is amazing.  

12th floor view from the Makati Shangri-La hotel in Manila

Now it’s time to get down to business and really explore my essential question- to what degree and in what ways is access to information valued? Inspired by my current role as Library Media Specialist and fueled by my love of history, other questions come to mind when considering this:

• Where do Filipinos get their information from?
• Is there a preference? Based on what? Is there a generational  connection? Regional? Etc?
• How is information shared?
• How much emphasis is placed on the quality of information? Global Perspectives? 
• Is certain news or historical information, off limits?

The essential question I’ve chosen has some assumptions. For example, credit should be assigned for information gathered and that quality of information does matter. In America, giving credit to a source and considering the reliability and credibility of a source are important. Copyright, fair use, open use are areas involved in research and information gathering.
Based on what I’ll see, do and hear during tours, visits, meetings, etc. I hope to engage my school and community in conversation about the significance of gaining global perspectives.
I'm looking forward to international travel and cultural experiences and the directions it will take me in.

“This blog is not an official U.S. Department of State blog. The views and information presented are the grantee’s own and do not represent the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, IREX, or the U.S. Department of State.”