Firda Alfath Nugraha - Life Beyond the Lesson Plan

Discovering the Philippines Beyond the Campus

Teaching became the purpose of my SEA-Teacher journey, but the lessons that stayed with me the longest were often learned outside the lesson plan. Living in the Philippines for almost a month allowed me to experience the country's history, traditions, language, food, and everyday life firsthand. These moments helped me realize that meaningful learning does not only happen inside classrooms—it also happens through conversations, shared meals, cultural celebrations, and the courage to embrace unfamiliar experiences.

Walking Through History

One of my first opportunities to explore Manila was visiting Intramuros, the historic walled city built during the Spanish colonial period. Walking through its centuries-old stone walls, cobblestone streets, and preserved architecture felt like stepping into the pages of Philippine history. Every corner reflected the country's colonial past and the resilience of its people in preserving their cultural heritage.

Inside Intramuros, I also visited Fort Santiago, a historic fortress best known as the place where Dr. José Rizal, the Philippine national hero, was imprisoned before his execution in 1896. Learning about his life, writings, and sacrifices reminded me that education and knowledge have the power to inspire social change. Visiting these historical landmarks helped me better understand the nation's identity and appreciate the important role history plays in shaping the future.

Living Like a Local

As the days passed, Manila slowly began to feel less unfamiliar. Exploring neighborhoods such as Quiapo and Binondo (Chinatown) introduced me to the city's rich multicultural identity. Binondo, recognized as the oldest Chinatown in the world, offered a unique blend of Filipino and Chinese heritage through its temples, traditional shops, local restaurants, and lively streets. Meanwhile, Quiapo reflected the everyday rhythm of Manila, where history, commerce, religion, and community coexist in one vibrant district.

One of my favorite places to visit was Fusion Alley, where students and local residents gathered to enjoy affordable food and spend time together after classes. It quickly became one of my favorite spots because it allowed me to experience Manila just like a local university student rather than a tourist.

Living in the Philippines also meant gradually becoming familiar with everyday Filipino expressions. I found myself naturally saying "Salamat po" after receiving help, responding with "Opo" to show respect, greeting people with "Magandang umaga," and hearing words such as "Ingat Po!" almost every day. Although these were simple expressions, they made interactions feel warmer and helped me connect more naturally with the people around me.

As a Muslim, I was grateful to perform Friday Prayer (Jumu'ah) at the Golden Mosque and Cultural Center in Quiapo together with members of the National University Student Affairs and International Affairs (NU-SAIA). A few weeks later, I was also blessed with the opportunity to celebrate Eid al-Adha at the University of Makati. Spending Eid away from Indonesia was something I had never imagined before, yet the warmth and hospitality of the local Muslim community made me feel welcomed and reminded me that faith can create a sense of belonging wherever we are.

Discovering Filipino Flavors

One of the most enjoyable parts of my stay was discovering Filipino cuisine. Every meal introduced me to new flavors while also creating opportunities to connect with friends and experience local culture.

During my stay, I enjoyed many iconic Filipino foods, including Chicken Shanghai served with its signature sweet and sour dipping sauce, Halo-Halo, the famous colorful dessert made with shaved ice and various sweet toppings, and Taho, a warm dessert made from silken tofu, sweet syrup, and tapioca pearls that quickly became one of my favorite morning treats.

I also became more adventurous by trying popular Filipino street foods such as Isaw, Kwek-Kwek, and Pusit, which are commonly enjoyed by local communities. One simple yet unforgettable memory was buying dirty ice cream from a street vendor just outside the National University campus after classes. Although it was such an ordinary moment, it became one of those little experiences that made daily life in Manila feel incredibly authentic.

Before returning to Indonesia, I also brought home Goldilocks Polvoron and the famous Philippine dried mangoes as souvenirs. Even now, these flavors continue to remind me of the friendships, laughter, and unforgettable moments I experienced throughout my SEA-Teacher journey.

Celebrating Filipino Culture

Beyond learning about history and food, I was fortunate to witness and participate in cultural experiences that deepened my appreciation of Filipino traditions.

I had the opportunity to watch Santacruzan, a traditional Filipino religious procession celebrated every May, where beautifully dressed participants parade through the streets to commemorate the finding of the Holy Cross by Saint Helena. Seeing the local community preserve this tradition with such pride highlighted the strong connection between faith, culture, and community in the Philippines.

Another memorable experience was learning Polka sa Nayon, a traditional Filipino folk dance, during my Physical Education class at National University. Through this activity, I realized how cultural heritage can be meaningfully integrated into education, allowing students to appreciate their traditions while developing teamwork, coordination, and confidence.

One of the most meaningful moments of the programme was the Farewell and Cultural Exchange, where National University students performed the traditional Sayaw sa Bangko, an impressive folk dance performed on top of narrow wooden benches that demonstrated balance, precision, and cultural artistry. In return, the Indonesian delegation proudly presented Indonesia Menari, where I represented West Java by wearing a modern Kebaya Jawa Barat. Standing alongside friends from different countries while celebrating our respective cultures beautifully reflected the spirit of mutual respect, friendship, and cultural exchange that lies at the heart of the SEA-Teacher Programme.

Looking back, the lessons I learned beyond the lesson plan became just as meaningful as those I gained through teaching. Every historical landmark, every new phrase I learned, every local dish I tasted, and every cultural tradition I experienced gradually transformed Manila from a place I once visited into a place that felt like a second home. These experiences reminded me that international education is not only about sharing knowledge—it is also about embracing diversity, building understanding, and creating lifelong memories through meaningful human connections.

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