Belgis Raya Paradishe

January 25th, 2024 became one of the most colorful and meaningful days in my journey as a participant in the SEA-Teacher Program. On that day, I, along with three fellow SEA-Teacher participants from Indonesia, had the rare opportunity to attend the Fiesta Festival held in Bato , Southern Leyte, Philippines. It was more than just attending an event, we truly immersed ourselves in the rich and captivating local culture. ✨ What Is the Bato Fiesta Festival? The Fiesta Festival is an annual celebration highly anticipated by the people of Bato. It is a way for the community to honor and express gratitude to their patron saint. The festival is celebrated with vibrant enthusiasm, bringing the entire town together in joyous unity. Streets come alive with crowds of people in colorful costumes, and artistic performances take center stage, especially traditional and modern dances that portray Filipino life, struggles, and cultural uniqueness. This festival goes beyond mere entertainment; it ...

February 7th – 7:30 AM That morning, I joined a fellow student teacher to serve as a judge for a 9th-grade performance class. It was my first close interaction with this group of students. Upon entering the classroom, I immediately noticed their bright, cheerful expressions. There was a clear sense of eagerness in the room, as though they had something special in mind. I took a seat at the back with other student teachers and began evaluating the group performances. Once the session concluded, the students unexpectedly gathered around me. They invited me for photos and engaged me in friendly conversation. One student asked how old I was, to which I replied, “I’m 20, and tomorrow I’ll be 21.” The moment they heard this, they spontaneously erupted into a lively rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song. They varied the tempo at times slow and melodic, then suddenly upbeat and energetic. Their sincerity moved me deeply. I received warm hugs from many students, along with heartfelt birthday...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) is a campus located in Thomas Oppus, Southern Leyte, Philippines. I never imagined that my visit to SLSU Thomas Oppus would be one of the most unforgettable and amazing experiences. This trip was not just about education, but also about getting to know a new culture and developing myself personally and professionally. Before I left, I was a little worried about how I would adjust to the new environment. However, those worries were immediately dispelled once I arrived. My friends and I were warmly welcomed by everyone there. They treated us with utmost hospitality, especially our coordinator, Ma’am Lillian, who genuinely became a mother figure to us during our time at SLSU. She treated my friends and me like her own children, making sure that we always felt comfortable. In addition, the lecturers, teachers, and campus staff took turns looking after us and taking us to visit various beautiful places and taste the local specialties such as Chicken Ad...