Manila Leg

Teacher Exchange Programme 2020 Manila Leg

Early this January, what started out as a teacher-exchange programme to Manila, Philippines for Herman and Pamela turned out to be so much more than that. Many have always heard of the wonderful hospitality of the Filipino people, but being immersed in their culture for a few days and getting to meet and know them as real people really was a teacher-experience programme.

The passion they have for their work, and the care for colleagues and friends, is a true inspiration for us Singaporeans.

Let us just take you through our week in Manila with the Meridians...

Day 0

What a surprise it was for us when we arrived at our hotel on a Sunday evening. Meridian International Learning Experience school representatives, Teachers Kate and MJ, warmly welcomed us with a lovely fruit basket each.

Day 1

A change of plans had Teachers MJ and Kate bring us around to the nearby shopping mall, North Vertis, to have a scrumptious Filipino lunch at Crisostomo restaurant.

After a quick lunch, we visited the supermarket, and had coffee and hot chocolate at La Creperie.

For dinner, we had a lovely Vietnamese meal at Pho Hoa. This time, we met Teacher MJ and Teacher Sacheen.

Day 2

We were brought around the school in the morning and had a Filipino language lesson, together with a cooking session. We learnt how to cook Sinigang and Adobo.

The lovely group of teachers who brought us around for a tour of the school.

At The Meeting Garden in Meridian, a place where students would chill out.

One of their inspirational walls around the school.

Their café/canteen for staff and students.

Sinigang ingredients.

Herman demonstrating his prowess at following instructions to cook Sinigang. Teacher Aileen looks on proudly.

After that, we had a lovely session of ‘Plants Experience’ by Ms Del Divino. It was therapeutic, planting succulents into gorgeous ceramic and clay pots of our choice. We got to decorate it however we chose to. We felt really relaxed throughout the whole session as everyone was chatting and happily repotting their own succulent. There was a real communal spirit to the whole session. The winner of the best looking plant was…*drumroll please*, Herman!!!

Feeling very pleased with our happy plants.

The row of succulents done by the whole class of teachers who joined in.

For dinner, Herman requested to go to Yellow Cab, where he had heard of its amazing food and it sure didn’t disappoint. We had the thinnest pizza crusts and uniquely marinated chicken drumlets ever! Many Meridian teachers spent their free evening with us, getting to know us better. It really touched us.

Day 3

The highlight of Day 3 was having an opportunity to conquer one’s fear in technical training. Pamela and Herman were taught the art of carpentry by Engineer Jun.

Dinner was at Victorino’s for more exotic Filipino cuisine! We had more Sinigang and the most scrumptious pistachio cake we had ever tasted. Again, look at the turnout! The Meridian teachers hosted us with big smiles even though it was the end of the day.

Day 4

Day 4 was the day we met the whole school. We were introduced at the morning assembly and then brought to the arts and crafts studio at Crossroads for our craft-making session.

Soon we were ushered to our table talk session where we fielded the most intelligent and insightful questions from the Meridian students. The depth of their questions and genuine interest in wanting to know more about Singapore’s education system was mind-blowing. It was surprising to see that students at such a young age could be so interested in the world around them.

The table talk was followed by a dance session. Herman and Pamela took turns to play musical instruments while the other performed.

The day was then rounded off with Huddle Time with President Elo, who shared a few personal stories about her family using the movie Frozen II. It was followed by a most meaningful and tearful closing ceremony in which Herman and Pamela shared how much they have gained from this learning experience. Lots of hugs and tears were shed during this heartfelt event.

The acquaintances we’ve made have become life-long friends. Just as we were told that we would always have a home at Meridian, we in turn, would always want our Meridian friends to make Crest their home in Singapore.

Thank you, Meridian, for the experiences you’ve given us and the heartwarming week of shared confidences and laughs over meals we had with you. We have learnt so much from you. This is something that money cannot buy, and it shall be very much treasured by us.

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