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One of the most beautiful parts of my SEA Teacher journey was experiencing Filipino culture outside of the classroom...
January 15 – My First Market Day
January 15 – My First Market Day
On Thursday, I had my very first experience going to the traditional market with my buddies. Since we cook by ourselves, we needed to buy our own groceries.
Finding halal food in the Philippines can be quite challenging because pork is very common! Since my roommate and I are Muslim, we had to carefully choose what we bought. So, we bought fish, vegetables, rice, and of course… CHILI 🌶️ (because Indonesian without chili? Impossible! 😂)
Most items were actually cheaper compared to Indonesia. But guess what? Chili was 10 pesos for only 3 pieces! So expensive! Meanwhile, jasmine rice cost around 50 pesos, and the quality felt premium..
After I finished groceries shopping I felt confident! (living abroad, budgeting, cooking, and have to adjust to a new taste and new food culture).
January 17 – Panay Church & Roxas Day Out
January 17 – Panay Church & Roxas Day Out
On Saturday, we had our first official cultural immersion with the Roxas team (Ma’am Angeline and our lovely buddies). We visited Panay Church, known for having one of the largest church bells in Asia. Unfortunately, it was under renovation, so we couldn’t see the bell directly yaa only its replica. But still, standing in such a historical place already feel so special and we feel so grateful for it.
Before going there, we stopped by Hilltop, and the view was breathtaking. I could see the scenery so clearly! it was peaceful and soo beautiful. We ended the day at SM Mall for lunch. Simple day, but full of happiness. Alhamdulillah..
Fun fact: That was my second time visiting a church in the Philippines, my first one was in Intramuros, Manila!
January 21 – Iloilo City Adventure
January 21 – Iloilo City Adventure
On Wednesday, we traveled about three hours to Iloilo City for another cultural immersion.
We visited museums, including the Brandy Museum, where we learned about the history of brandy wine production. It was interesting to see how history, art, and culture are preserved in museums.
We also visited SM Mall Iloilo and wow, it was much bigger than the one in Roxas!! One of my favorite moments that day was taking studio photos with all SEA Teacher participants. IT WAS a cute and memorable moment. Those photos will always remind me of this journey!
January 24 – Tapaz Cultural Experience
January 24 – Tapaz Cultural Experience
PAGLI-ALI KA MGA DUMARAPON: AN IMMERSION OF CAPSU SEA TEACHERS
Saturday in Tapaz was one of my best experiences. We were able to see traditional dances and learn about local culture more closely. We also given a chance to Watching the performance it was sooo cool — the costumes, the movements, the music — everything was beautiful! Can't describe with word!
We even learned how to cook traditional food! After that, we had lunch at Brando Farm and were allowed to pick some vegetables. And yes… we searched for chili again 🌶️😂 We left that place feeling happy, full, and grateful. Alhamdulillah..
January 31 – Friendship Tree & Bead Making
January 31 – Friendship Tree & Bead Making
One day after my final demo, we visited CapSU Pontevedra campus. There, we planted a tree (a friendship tree) It felt symbolic, like leaving a small part of us in the Philippines..
We also tried making beads. It was harder than I thought, but so exciting! It reminded me that cultural learning is not only about watching, but also about doing.
February 2 – Aklan & Piña Weaving
February 2 – Aklan & Piña Weaving
On Monday, we traveled far to Aklan. It was a long journey, but worth it. We visited a piña weaving center.
What is piña weaving? Piña weaving is a traditional Filipino textile made from pineapple fibers. Yes!YES! pineapple! The fibers are carefully extracted from pineapple leaves, then handwoven into delicate, elegant fabric. This fabric is often used for traditional clothing like the Barong Tagalog.
Seeing the process made me appreciate how much patience and skill are needed to produce one piece of fabric. It was beautiful and meaningful. After that, we went to Malumpati and stayed there for two nights, we will enjoying nature and spending time together before the program ended..
February 4 – Hurom-Hurom
February 4 – Hurom-Hurom
Before returning to Capiz, we visited Hurom-Hurom.
What a cool and refreshing place! Surrounded by nature, water, and fresh air it was the perfect closing adventure before going back.
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Cultural immersion taught me something important:
Understanding culture is not only about visiting places, but about respecting differences, adapting, and appreciating every little moment that we met!
And honestly..
Every road trip, every laugh that we did, It all became memories I will always remember. Always......
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