After enduring a lengthy wait at Changi Airport, I finally boarded my flight at 1:50 am, destined for Manila. Touching down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 05:50 Manila time, I was greeted by Ms. Ailyn, one of our supervisors from UST. Together, we hopped into a Grab taxi and made our way to UST. Upon arrival, I was ushered into the dormitory, a vast and inviting space where I could finally rest my weary legs.

Lunch Together

At 11:00 a.m., I had the pleasure of meeting Yusri, another exchange student from Indonesia studying at Universitas Bengkulu. Yusri had been in the Philippines for over two weeks and graciously shared valuable information about where to find halal food in the area. We decided to have lunch, indulging in a delicious spread of rice and local delicacies, which came to a total of 92 pesos.

Met Another Exchange Student and Saw the Buwan Ng Wika Festival

In the afternoon, I was invited to attend the Buwan Ng Wika festival at UST Senior High School. This vibrant event celebrates Filipino Language Month every August. It was a delightful experience as we moved from one classroom to another, witnessing the students' creative expressions through folk dances, poetic debates, exhibits, and various other events. The students, dressed in traditional attire, showcased their rich cultural heritage. At this event, I met another exchange students. They are Naomi and Dian from Universitas Mulawarman, Rahadi from the same university as Yusri, and B from Thailand.

Campus Tour at the University of Santo Tomas

Following this cultural extravaganza, the next item on our agenda was a campus tour of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), my host university in the Philippines. UST, a private Catholic university in Manila, is renowned for its academic excellence and historical significance. Established on April 28, 1611, it stands as one of the oldest existing universities in the Philippines and Asia. Its campus boasts a blend of old European-style and historic buildings, which piqued my curiosity and made the campus tour an exciting prospect. The university is in the top 4 universities in the Philippines by EduRank. Therefore, I was very interested in doing a campus tour.

Welcome Ceremony

After the insightful tour, we were warmly welcomed at a special ceremony attended by faculty members from the College of Education, supervisor teachers, and UST buddies. Their hospitality filled me with a sense of belonging and anticipation for the experiences that awaited me during my time in the Philippines.

As I reflect on my journey so far, I am filled with hope and eagerness. I am optimistic that this program will not only provide me with a rich cultural experience but also offer valuable lessons and personal growth. The warm welcome and camaraderie I have experienced thus far have set the stage for a memorable and transformative adventure. I eagerly look forward to immersing myself in the Filipino culture, forging new friendships, and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. With each passing day, I am confident that I will gain invaluable experiences and insights that will stay with me for a lifetime.