The next day was not really as hot as the first day, but our spirit was the one which flamed more than the previous day. That day was Thursday. The date was August, 16th 2018. We were in our uniform, ready to be parts of our receiving university, Iloilo Science and Technology University or ISAT U. We went to the campus at 9 a.m. and were asked to make ID- card.

The ID-card was really cool. I liked the design and the color. After that, we wore it and took a walk around the campus.

We, Sea-Teachers then proceeded to the next event,  “Ang Pag-Abiabi”. It was a welcome program for Sea-Teacher batch 6. The event started at 11 a.m. in ISAT U New Boardroom. The program was opened by Ms. Leslie F. Am as the Emcee, and continued as follows:

• Prayer
• Singing national anthem of Philippines,
• ISAT U Hymn,
• Opening remarks from the dean of college of education (Dr. John Eric V. Juaneza),
• Intermission,
• Presentation of SEA Teachers by Ms. Shailini G. Gestosani
• Presentation of Key Officials and Education Fculty by Dr. Joel A. Ciriaco
• Closing remarks by Dr. Ana Maria P. Denosta

From the program, it was my first time hearing the national anthem of Philippines and the Hymn of ISAT U. Luckily, the lyrics were displayed so we could sing together. We were also welcomed by the speech of COE dean and he also introduced us a bit about Iloilo city and ISAT U.  Iloilo city is one of developing regions in Philippines and is a city of love. See? that’s why I felt the love when I first arrived there.

We were also introduced that this Iloilo City Campus is the main campus. There are 4 external campuses (Maigao, Leon, Barotac Nuevo, and Dumangas Campus). However, this main campus has 4 colleges:

1. College of Education (COE)
2. College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA)
3. College of Industrial and Technology (CIT)
4. College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

We were also explained a bit about Philippines. It was under the flag of Spanish & US  with growing population and growing tourists coming.

Then, we were introduced to our cooperating teacher and buddies after the intermission (a dance performance by our buddies). My cooperating Teacher was Ma’am Emmie Jan Plana Endonila and my buddy was Ellen. We talked a bit and I noticed that they were so friendly. I really looked forward for our cooperation.

After the welcome event, we had lunch and then, we went to the president office. We met sea-TVETs there and we all were asked to introduce our self. The president was really nice and he gave us a welcome speech. His name is Dr. Raul F. Muyong.

It was really tiring but fun and the journey had not come to the end. We still had a dorm orientation. We were exposed about all rules (the dos and don’ts) in the dorm. There, I just knew that we’re at the second floor and my room was in D room. We were also informed about the distribution of the key, water, etc. There are also kitchen/pantry and a living room.

After the long day, we took a rest. At night, we also walked around to buy some food. But it’s still rare to find some halal food here. It’s not that we cannot appreciate the food but it’s our faith and believe in practicing our religion (the obligation of being a muslim).

“O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship. He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” -Quran (2:172-173)

However, we still managed to only buy rice and decided to cook noodle. Later, we would like to try Mc. Donald and other Filipinos street foods.