Week 2: Immersed in the Classroom and Exploring Filipino-Korean Culture
Observing and Learning at SLU Basic Education School
In my second week, the school routine officially began. Each morning at 6:00 AM, I would leave the dorm with my mentor and walk to catch a jeepney to school. The 15-20 minute jeepney ride, though brief, became a part of my daily adventure, allowing me to observe the morning hustle of Baguio City.
Upon arriving at school, I would meet with my cooperating teacher, Sir Jake T. Quesada. This week, I was assigned to observe his classes, paying close attention to how he structured lessons, engaged students, and managed the classroom. Watching his interactions was both inspiring and enlightening; he had an effortless way of capturing students' interest and explaining concepts clearly. I also joined in observing some practical lab sessions, a new experience for me in a foreign educational setting. Throughout the week, I asked Sir Jake numerous questions about the lesson materials and the curriculum, gathering valuable insights for my own lesson planning. Each day brought new learning and ideas, making me eager to step up for my teaching sessions.
A Sunday at Session Road’s Korean Cultural Celebration
After a busy week at school, I treated myself to a refreshing weekend experience at Session Road. This Sunday was extra special, as Session Road featured Korean culture. I strolled along the bustling street, taking in the sights and sounds of Korean music, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
Colorful displays of Korean traditional clothing, a variety of food
stalls offering dishes like bibimbap and kimchi, and live performances filled
the street with energy. Watching the Korean dances and listening to K-pop music
echoing through Session Road was a unique blend of cultures, a true celebration
of diversity in the heart of the Philippines. I felt like I had traveled from
the Philippines to Korea in just a few steps!
Exploring Kingdom Stone and Tam-awan Village
After enjoying the lively scene at Session Road, my friends from Malaysia and Myanmar and I decided to visit two of Baguio’s famous spots: Kingdom Stone and Tam-awan Village. The adventure began at Kingdom Stone, a stunning destination that allowed us to view Baguio from high up on its rocky terraces. From this height, we could see the rolling mountains and the greenery stretching into the horizon truly a sight to remember.
Our next stop, Tam-awan Village, was another unforgettable experience.
Nestled in the middle of lush forest, Tam-awan Village felt like an oasis of
nature and tradition. We wandered along the peaceful paths, admiring the fusion
of art and heritage displayed in each corner. One highlight was a spontaneous
hunt for baby crabs, which would later be a key ingredient for our evening
hotpot. The thrill of exploring the streams and catching these tiny crabs
brought us closer together, adding a touch of excitement and laughter to the
day.
A Cozy Hotpot Night with Friends
With our fresh ingredients, we returned to the dorm, excited to cook together. My friends from Malaysia and Myanmar were skilled in preparing hotpot, handling each ingredient with such precision and creativity that it felt like watching a live cooking show. As the hotpot simmered, filling the room with its delicious aroma, we began singing and chatting, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
Finally, as night settled in, we gathered around the table to enjoy our
meal. The homemade hotpot was the perfect way to end the day a warm, flavorful
dish shared with newfound friends. In that cozy moment, I felt grateful for the
friendships I had made and the memories we had created together, united by our
shared adventure in the Philippines.
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