On our last full day in Malang, we woke up early and dressed in our Filipiniana attire for the closing ceremony prepared by the Faculty of Cultural Studies. When we met up with Aqilla, who wore her traditional batik, it already felt symbolic—two cultures meeting, learning, and now parting.
The ceremony was held in the same conference hall where we once sat with the third-year students bound for Ateneo. This time, however, the atmosphere was heavier. The excitement of the first day had been replaced by a quiet sadness, knowing it was our turn to say goodbye. Our friends Puri and Icheol joined us, and emotions deepened even more when Doc Frida arrived with her familiar, warm presence.
During the ceremony, we were asked to share our experiences, lessons, and parting words. The moment we began speaking, tears welled up, we couldn’t help but think of all the memories we had made in such a short time. Afterwards, they presented us with generous UB gifts and even a trophy for our dean back home, a symbol of the partnership and the journey we had completed.
After the ceremony, we toured the campus one last time with Aqilla and Icheol, trying to take in every corner and view before leaving. That evening, we shared our final dinner together at the UB café, laughing and reminiscing while holding back tears. Aqilla later came back with us to the dorm, stayed by our side as we packed, and helped us through the bittersweet task of preparing to leave.
When everything was ready, it was finally time for goodbyes. The hugs lingered longer, the smiles were mixed with tears, and our hearts felt heavy knowing we were closing such a beautiful chapter. That day, we realized that goodbyes are never easy, but the friendships and memories we built will stay with us forever. And as we left, we held on to the thought that this was not a goodbye, but a see you again.
