My SEA-Teacher Journey in The Philippines
Dennis R. Asral

About Me

My name is Dennis Rahmatullah Asral, but you can just call me Dennis. I’m a 22-year-old English Literature student from UNESA (State University of Surabaya). I was born in Jakarta, and over the years I’ve grown passionate about music, research, and poetry.

Landing in The Philippines

The gentle breeze greeted me the moment I stepped out of the airport in Roxas City, where my new family from Capiz State University welcomed me with warm smiles and heartfelt hugs. In that moment, I felt like I was home, as if I was meant to be there, as if I had been a Filipino in another life.

Meet My Roommate Derly

Derly, like me, is an English Literature student, but he comes from the University of Ahmad Dahlan in Yogyakarta. We quickly became friends, thanks to our shared taste in music, it was the bridge that made living together feel easy and natural.

Meet My Filipino Parents

Mr. and Mrs. Corcino were my caretakers during my stay. Ma’am Lida Corcino cared for me like a true mother. Before long, I stopped calling her “Ma’am” and began calling her “Mother,” because she showed us so much love, the kind only a mother could give.

Meet Uncle Richard

Uncle Richard took care of the place where we stayed, always making sure we felt comfortable. More than just a caretaker, he was the uncle of our little family in the Philippines.

Welcoming Ceremony at
CAPIZ STATE UNIVERSITY MAMBUSAO

Our arrival was celebrated in the most heartwarming way. We were greeted with lively traditional dances and beautiful singing that filled the hall with energy. To make us feel even more at home, we were given plenty of gifts, mostly delicious Filipino snacks, which quickly became our favorites. It was a warm and colorful welcome that showed us the generosity and hospitality of the Filipino spirit.

Our First Visit to Mambusao East National High School

When we first arrived at Mambusao East National High School, we were greeted with such warmth and excitement. The students, teachers, and staff welcomed us with smiles that immediately made us feel at ease. Their kindness and hospitality created an atmosphere that felt less like a formal introduction and more like joining a big, happy family. It was the perfect beginning to our teaching journey in the Philippines.

Grand Opening at CAPSU Main Campus

The opening ceremony at the main campus was filled with joy and excitement, attended by important figures such as the Mayor of Roxas and the Minister of Education. The event began with warm speeches and was followed by special performances from each participating university. This was also the first time I got to meet fellow SEA-Teacher participants from different universities in Indonesia, including Undana, UMBY, UMKO, UAD, and myself representing UNESA. Each university presented their own unique performance, showcasing the richness of Indonesian culture.

The Teacher Teaching Program

Our teaching journey was divided into four important steps. First, we began with observation, where we sat in the classroom, watched how the teachers guided their students, and learned about the school environment. Next came preparation, where we designed our own lesson plans and activities, guided by our mentors. After that, we moved to the practice demo, a chance to try out our lessons in front of students while still receiving feedback. Finally, the final demo, where we taught independently and applied everything we had learned throughout the program.

Observation

During observation stage, I sat in on classes to understand how the Filipino teachers guided their students and how the students engaged with lessons. This was interesting because I got to learn and see the differences between Indonesian and Philippine classroom activities.

Preparation

In the preparation stage, I worked on lesson plans and activities that could make literature more enjoyable and relatable. This was a challenge, since I am not familiar with the Philippine students and how to approach them. Luckily, with the help of the mentors and teachers at East Mambusao National High School, I have learned different techniques in teaching.

Practice Demo

Then came the practice demo, where I first stood in front of the class and delivered my lesson, while still receiving feedback from my mentors.

Final Demo

Finally, in the final demo, I taught independently, putting together everything I had learned from the previous stages, the mentors and teachers were also there to grade my final demo. This final stage made me really nervous, but I knew I was going to do well, since I have prepared everything and I was familiar with the classroom.

CULTURAL TOUR

MANGROVE ECOPARK
CAPIZ ECOLOGY PARK
BOROCAY ISLAND

Visit to the Mangrove Park and Indigenous Community

Before heading to Boracay Island, we made a stop at a mangrove park, where we learned about the importance of mangroves in protecting the coastline and supporting marine life. The place was peaceful and refreshing, a reminder of how closely nature and community are connected in the Philippines. We also had the chance to meet some indigenous people in the area, who welcomed us warmly and shared glimpses of their culture. It was a humbling experience to see their way of life and how they lived in harmony with nature.