MTV Cribs Filipino Edition

When we arrived to our cottage my jaw dropped. It’s a beautiful house on top of a hill next to a little stream. We have air conditioning + flushing toilets which is extremely lucky. Waking up in the morning my jaw resumed it’s position in the dropped area. We are surrounded by palm trees with coconuts and greenery in every direction. The road up to the cottage is even covered with Bermuda grass + there is a little stream that goes along side the house. 

We were told to be ready by 8:30 for an assembly with the students. Little did we know what this entailed. Mowro picked us up from the front door and we started to drive. It looked a lot different in the day time. As we drove up the hill we passed many students and buildings that are part of the university. I saw a big basketball court area that is covered by a big frame but is opened on its sides, it was filled with a large group of students that looked like they were doing some sort of activity. I almost asked Mowro if we could stop for a second and see what was going on, but then we made a little u-turn and then I saw it. A banner that said “Welcome Student Teachers” then our names followed. It took about five and half seconds for my brain to process what was happening... The van pulled up right in front of the walkway and I looked out to see multiple cameras ready to take pictures and so many people. I couldn’t believe it, they were all there for us. I did a quick check to make sure my zipper was zipped (that could be awka awkward) and opened the door. We were immediately greeted by hellos, handshakes and warm smiles. Every single eye was on us. 

We were directed straight to the stage where there was a large table with many chairs. We were placed in the direct middle. The ceremony began... it included lots of speeches, greetings, and even some dancing and singing. Then in the middle of it the speaker turned to us and asked for a small speech. My face turned a bit pale as I tried to think of something noble and sophisticated to say. I am not sure what I said but there was a lot of laughs and there was a pitty applaud and cheer that followed so it must have been something right. There was some beautiful traditional dancing to end the ceremony and we were whipped back into our limo (or van. whatevs) and we were off to meet the president of the university in the city of Sogod. 

It was a delightful meeting with plenty of pictures and handshakes. We met a lot of important people. I definitely think they think we are WAY cooler than we actually are. (hope they don't find out). We finished the meeting with a proper picture and with a handful of mentos (they have every flavor possible including pineapple + melon + mango) we were off to our next appointment. We were to be fitted for our uniforms. We entered this old looking shop just like you would see in a movie and their were three women busily working their magic on some old time sewing machines. I was amazed at the masterpieces they were creating. The old man pulled out his measurement and went to town. Measuring every which way. We said salamat and headed out the door. 

They then dropped us back to our cottage where we had a two hour break for lunch. They make sure we never miss a meal or snack + we are always told to eat more. So will I be fat when I get back... probably. We were picked up at three and we were told we were playing games. We again took a two minute drive up the hill because heaven forbid we walk and were got out of the van. We were immediately greeted by three students. One took my hand and pulled me towards and empty chair on the outside of another circle. Across from me was a boy, Mario, who I thought might pee his pants. Every eye was on us. I giggled and flashed backed to my elementary years when talking to a boy made me turn bright red. Okay, it might still happen.... but anyway we were told to introduce ourselves and then we would walk in opposite directions and be placed in front of a new student. Everyone would say hello with a blush and continue walking as fast as they could. After a few rounds of this game we played a few more games that were all “team building” activities. It was so much fun. The students treat us like we are celebrities. I absolutely loved talking to them and getting to know them. They are such a beautiful people. Happy and hard working. Which can be a hard mix to find sometimes. We were told we had to leave so with a sad face we said goodbye then hopped back into our cool-mobile.

We road for a long time with many of the professors down a beautiful road (which they don't think is very beautiful) along the beach. Talking to the professors was so much fun. We learned so many things about the people and the culture. They have such big hearts. We turned into a place called Kutting Reef down a dirt road. It looked really nice and quite pricey. We hopped out of the van and were stunned by the beauty of this place. We were the only ones there and as we walked in my shock didn’t lessen. We stepped onto a huge patio that was right on the beach. Lit up in the corner was a beautifully decorated table that looked exquisite. As we waited for others to arrive we explored the resort. It had beach front cottages, but of course the first thing we did was ran, not walked, to the ocean. It was so warm! It took all my might to resist jumping in. The night was perfect and the dinner was delicious. I even ate fish and liked it! Winner winner!

By the end of the night we were exhausted. It was a day filled with adventures I couldn’t imagine happening in my wildest dreams.