Far Eastern University Manila, Philippines has successfully conducted their 1st Summer Program in April 23rd – 28th 2018. The program was organized by Myrna P. Quinto, Ph.D. as Vice President for Academic Development and managed by Ma’am Lea D. Ballares as Academic Development Coordinator. There were 16 students from three respective countries taking part in this program as they got to know each other well throughout the program. Three UNAIR students has been selected as representative delegates; Aniysah Rahmanita from Faculty of Psychology, Rahmat Avianto from Faculty of Social Science and Political Science, and Iqhbal Satria Johan from Faculty of Economy and Business.
On the first day of the program, the students had a tour in the university as they were able to witness some of the FEU’s art, buildings, and facilitations. They also heard a lecture on some of the Filipino customs and ettiquette delivered by Prof. Leo and lessons on basic Filipino language by Dr. Manny Gonzales.
Later on, the students visited FEU Makati where they were able to have a glimpse of the business district; the busy streets and the many people on the go. In the afternoon, the students headed to the slum area in Payatas, QC. They were welcomed by some of the residents there and a “heavy rain”. They ended up all soaked, but it did not stop them from witnessing the warm hospitality of the people there. With their wet clothes and shoes, the students insisted on going to University of the Philippines Diliman where they took pictures of the oblation and ended the day by eating halo halo (famous local dessert) together.
On the third day, the students were immersed in the classroom to observe the form of instruction in university. Most of them are business students, some are into the field of arts and communication. They were able to meet some of FEU student leaders; FEUCSO presented highlights of their activities from the past school year. They had discussions on some of the relevant issues, current events, etc.
As part of the team building activity, each student was paired with a student leader to color and design a tamaraw (FEU’s varsity team). In the afternoon, the students had a chance to watch UAAP men’s volleyball match as they cheered for FEU Volleyball team.
The students had a cultural trip to some of the historical places in Manila on the next day. First, they visited Manila Cathedral in Plaza de Roma, Intramuros, one of the oldest churches in Asia, which, they have learned, has undergone major renovations and restorations for two lengthy years. Within the vicinity is San Agustin Church, the students were amazed by its medieval atmosphere, which, according to literature, symbolizes the majesty and equilibrium of Spanish era. Few blocks away is the National Museum, which featured the Philippines’ cultural properties & collections.
On April 27th which was the last day of the program, the students had their closing ceremony. They were slightly emotional about the end of the program as they said goodbye to Filipino friends they had met.
They started the day with a boodle fight pinoy breakfast; Rice was served with shrimps, chicken adobo, salted egg, and a pinoy salad. It was also coupled with a pinoy platter of sticky rice drizzled with creamy coconut caramel sauce complimented with ripe pinoy mangoes.
After had breakfast, the students gave their individual testimonies, spoke about their significant learning experiences, etc. For finale, the students had their cultural dance performance with some members of the FEU cheer dancers. At the end of the program, the participants surprised the organizers with bouquet of flowers, which, they bought discreetly. It was definitely an amazing, enriching and enjoyable experience for all of us.
Those pleasant memories are still vivid in my mind that I couldn’t believe it was over. I am genuinely thankful and honored to become one of the chosen delegates who got the chance to experience this delightful program. I might add that I gained so many valuable knowledges by making friends with lovely, kind, and generous Filipino people as I got to learn the diversity in other country.
-Aniysah Rahmanita; 111511133114
