I guess I was just lucky…..
John Dewey School for Children had many fun and wonderful activities—Fun Runs, Family Days, Intrams, Quiz Bees and Music and Dance nights. But this one stood out. Our school had 16 students to go on an international trip to Singapore on April 5-12, 2013. We went there to represent the Philippines in an event called the MOE Excel Fest. This international trip was also organized to improve the students’ social skills— for us to interact and make friends in various settings. I was not able to join the first trip but I was lucky to be part of the second batch.
Before this trip, I only traveled abroad once so when my parents finally allowed their only child to go on an international school trip without them, my heart leapt with joy! Thinking about my joining the Singapore trip caused me numerous sleepless nights. What made me even more nervous was the fact that I was going without my parents! I was only with my fellow schoolmates and teachers. I felt anxious because I know that I could be irresponsible at times. I was not sure if I could truly make it on my own, especially in a foreign country.
Singapore, here I come!
After months of preparation, the day came. There I was with my luggage in hand, waving goodbye to all the parents and teachers as I stepped on the bus that took us to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. I almost cried after having my last hug with my parents. I had mixed feelings. A part of me was sad leaving my parents. The other part of me was very excited in going abroad.
The Adventures Began
After many hours waiting in the plane, I looked outside the window and there I was in Changi International Airport, Singapore! The first impression I got was: “Wow! This is a very clean country!” My curiosity took over me again and wondered why the Philippines was not as clean as Singapore.
One of the main reasons we visited Singapore was to perform at the MOE Excel Fest, an annual event that showcases innovative educational practices of Singapore schools. This year it was held on April 6, 2013 at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Ang Mo Kio. Upon arrival at ITE, we saw high-tech animation studios, an impressive preschool classroom and a computer room filled with gigantic Mac PCs! Further down, we even saw a real airplane! It was amazing! We were so surprised to know that this school was built for Singapore students who were good in technical skills but not doing well in the academics. Many of us thought out loud that it was not at all bad to not be exceling in Singapore schools as one could still end up in a grand school such as ITE.
We stood in awe when we further explored the whole place and found it to be more like an open shopping mall complete with many elevators and escalators, lush vertical gardens, massive glass windows, huge water fountains, a commercial bank, a Fair Price grocery store and a sizable food court. The school also housed several small food stalls and shops in the first two floors of the building.
When we saw the area where we would perform our jaws dropped. It was a spacious open space so vast, it can fit more than a hundred performers! The seats could allow about 500 people to sit in. This sight built up the tension we felt inside. The butterfly in my stomach seemed to get bigger and its wings fluttered faster and louder.
While waiting for our turn to perform, we witnessed the many and varied performances of Singapore schools. One group of young grade school students exhibited their skills in Wushu. Another school presented a colorful Indian traditional dance. The Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus-Our Lady Queen of Peace (CHIJ-OLQP), the school we would be visiting performed an energetic Tap dance routine in the program, too. There were also high school kids who demonstrated their Hip-hop dance skills and another set of teenagers displayed their prowess in melodically hitting their sticks on the giant Chinese drums.
We were truly honored to perform along with many talented Singaporeans. Our dance was a medley of Korean pop songs and the nationalistic Filipino Hip-hop music, “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy.” Our presentation showed that Filipino youth would not forget our love for our country although we tend to also be attracted to the culture and music of other nations.
It was truly nerve-wrecking to perform in front of a large foreign crowd. But I believe we did well. We could not help but notice the smile on the faces of the audience while we were dancing. We were all ecstatic after the performance. Everybody was just so happy to represent the Philippines and to be able to show our talents.
Making Friends
During the weekdays, we sat in classes at Bedok Green Primary School (BGPS) and North Vista Primary School (NVPS). We also had a half-day program with the students and teachers of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus-Our Lady Queen of Peace (CHIJ-OLQP). The three schools gave us quite a warm welcome. We were surprised to see a stand in front of the main administrative office saying that the school “…welcomes the students and staff of John Dewey School for Children.”
Since we attended classes, it was impossible not to make new friends. We met some Filipino students in the Singapore schools mentioned and immediately became close to them. My schoolmates and I were just so relieved to be able to speak our Filipino language again! Aside from Filipino students in Singapore, we also became friends with some Chinese, Malays, and Indians as well. It was fun hanging out with them and getting to know more about their culture.
I remember vividly the PE classes in BGSP. We were all made to run around school grounds and did some jumping, leaping and stretching. We do not wonder now why did not spot on even one obese kid in Singapore schools. PE classes in Singapore make you sweat real hard. In classes, we also experienced joining group activities and in one instance we were asked to share our ideas on how we could keep electricity forever running. After I shared my thoughts, I was surprised to receive a round of applause from my new friends.
Our experience with CHIJ-OLHP was likewise memorable. We got to experience baking cookies of different designs in the school’s “Baking Palace.” We also painted colorful figures and shapes on tiles for a creative tile art. We had fun tap dancing in their dance studio instructed by a Filipino dance teacher. Everybody at CHIJ including their teachers were warm and accommodating. They even prepared a sumptuous lunch and snacks for us.
At NVPS, we also found the students extra kind and thoughtful. When we had a writing activity wherein we had to pass our written essays around and leave comments on others’ works, I saw many positive comments on my paper when I got it back. There was even one that said I was a good writer. When the time came to say goodbye, there were many local students who asked us to stay longer while others told us to be back again.
In between sit-in classes in schools, we also visited the Universal Studios Singapore, Chinatown, S.E.A. Aquarium and Flowers by the Bay. Some even ventured out of Singapore with our teachers to check out the Legoland in Malaysia. Another highlight of our trip was our visit to the Classroom of the Future at the National Institute of Education at Nanyang Technological University. There, we experienced being educated using cutting-edge information communication technologies to be used in schools in the future. How cooler can schools get?
What I’ve Learned
There were two main things I have learned from our travel to Singapore. One is that friendship can overcome any language barrier. I met numerous Singaporean friends who spoke English in a different accent. Surprisingly, we were able to overcome this challenge and became even close to each other. When I was still young, I always thought that I could only befriend those people who look and speak like me. This trip proved me wrong. While there were times that it could be hard for us, Filipinos, to understand some of our new friends, at the end of the day, we all found ourselves laughing and having fun in each other’s company.
The second important lesson I learned was to believe in myself. I think I have become more responsible because of this trip. While I was in Singapore, there was no maid or parents to do the things for me. I had to organize my own things, make my bed, wash dishes and my clothes and even prepare breakfast (usually just cereals, toast and Milo) for the whole group on certain days. Because of the MoE Excelfest performance and the many interactions we had in several schools and other places, I have become more confident in my capabilities. I used to be shy around strangers. Now, my Singapore experience has taught me to see people as people. I realized that we are actually more alike than different and so I should not be scared to interact with other individuals. I should be comfortable in being my own self.
School starts this month and often teachers ask us to share about our most memorable summer experience. I surely have much to contribute to the discussion now. Our school’s recent Singapore trip is definitely an extraordinary summer experience that I will forever cherish.
About the Author
Aubrey is an incoming Grade 6 student at John Dewey School for Children, Project 8, Quezon City. Email your feedback to the author at aubreyshanelim[at]yahoo.com.ph.