Maya's Journey Sea Teacher Batch X

Hi. My Name is Siti Rusiana Jumayanti. My nick name is Maya. I'm a 7th-semester student of Guidance and Counseling, Faculty Teaching and Training Education at Islamic University Of Kalimantan Muhammad Arsyad Al Banjari Banjarmasin (UNISKA MAB Banjarmasin). On this occasion, I will share the excitement during the SEA Teacher Batch 10 program organized by SEAMEO on this blog.

Exploring the Learning and Culture in the Philippines

The Journey Begins, Adventure Awaits

The long-awaited day finally arrived! Before leaving, I was accompanied by the Guidance and Counseling Major, of my Faculty, a touching moment filled with support that made me feel even more ready for this journey. 

On September 27, Me and my friends are Luthfi, Mei, and Fizah, participants in the Sea-Teacher program, embarked on an extraordinary trip from Banjarmasin to Manila. A mix of excitement and nervousness filled the air. We first flew to Jakarta for transit. Despite having to wait for the early-morning flight on September 28, our enthusiasm remained unwavering. That morning, we finally landed in Manila! 

The tropical air that greeted us made us feel as though we hadn’t traveled far from home. At the airport, we met Sir Jose Pichay, a very warm and friendly person. After a brief introduction, the long journey to Vigan City began.  An eight-hour road trip might sound exhausting, but engaging conversations with Sir Jose Pichay who was curious about Indonesia and the driver’s interesting stories about Spanish-influenced Filipino culture made time fly by.  

Along the way, we got to try Filipino food for the first time: JollyBee and halo-halo. These were truly unforgettable experiences! The fast food from JollyBee turned out to suit our taste perfectly, and the colorful and flavorful halo-halo dessert was a refreshing treat. We arrived in Vigan around 7 p.m., tired but brimming with enthusiasm to start this new adventure.  

Starting the Days with Energy and Smiles

The next day, September 29, we were immediately taken to explore Calle Crisologo. We rode a tricycle, a uniquely Filipino vehicle, to reach this iconic destination in Vigan. The cobblestone streets and colonial Spanish-style buildings made us feel as if we were stepping back in time. Our buddies enthusiastically showed us interesting places and invited us to try local food like Mang Inasal, a grilled chicken dish that instantly won our hearts.  

September 30 was a special day as we attended the official welcoming ceremony for Indonesian students. I felt so proud to represent Indonesia alongside my friends. At the event, we also performed an Indonesian traditional exercise routine called "Gemu Famire", which received a lot of appreciation. Additionally, we from UNISKA presented a plaque as a token of gratitude. The moment was so heartwarming, strengthening the bond between Indonesia and the Philippines.  

After the event, we met with our cooperating teachers. I was introduced to Ma'am Evalina J. Tabios, a very kind and supportive teacher. Initially, I chose to teach Social Studies, but after discussing it with her, I decided to teach Values Education, which turned out to be more relevant to my field of Guidance and Counseling.  

Becoming Part of Local Life

November 1, was a day packed with activities! In the morning, I continued discussions with Ma'am Evalina to better understand the material for Values Education. She patiently explained the theme I would be teaching "Fellowship," and provided a textbook in Tagalog as a guide. At first, I felt a bit nervous since this was a language I wasn’t familiar with. I had to translate the content into English for accuracy and then into Indonesian to better grasp the topic. However, Ma'am Evalina’s support gave me confidence that I could handle it.  

In the afternoon, my Indonesian friends and I went shopping for groceries at the public market. This experience was incredibly memorable! It felt like we were truly blending into the daily life of the local community. The vibrant, bustling market was the perfect place to learn about public culture.

Second Week: Typhoons, Festivals, and Pride

The second week was full of challenges and surprises. Vigan was frequently hit by typhoons, causing schools to close. Even so, I kept busy preparing my lesson plans for Values Education. The main challenge was understanding the Tagalog textbook, but I worked hard, supported by consultations with Mam Evalina both through Facebook and in person.  

November 4 was an extraordinary day. We returned to Calle Crisologo to watch a colorful and energetic dance festival. To our surprise, we also had the opportunity to meet the Governor of Vigan, a very warm and welcoming figure. Meeting a regional leader like this was a rare experience that I will never forget. and on this occasion Sir Joey introduced us to the governor and we are take photo with him. 

On November 9, we visited the National Museum of Vigan as part of the Dalliasat program. This museum held many stories about Philippine history. I was deeply moved to see a photo of Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno, meeting the Philippine President Elpidio Quirino, who was born in Vigan. This moment filled me with immense pride as an Indonesian.  

To close the second week, on November 10, we held an event to celebrate Indonesia’s Youth Pledge Day. The event featured traditional Indonesian competitions involving Sea-Teacher students from Thailand and our Filipino friends and Sir Joey also. The laughter, enthusiasm, and camaraderie during every activity made the day incredibly meaningful. 

"Indigenous People Convergence 2024" 

Time passed so quickly, and my final week in the Philippines had arrived. On November 15, I attended an event titled Indigenous People Convergence 2024 organized by UNP. We were warmly welcomed by the dean and UNP students, creating a friendly and familiar atmosphere. During the event, I tasted a variety of Filipino traditional dishes that delighted my palate. We were also invited to join in traditional Filipino dances, which was a fun and heartwarming experience.  

As the event concluded, we, the Sea-Teacher students, performed various traditional dances from Indonesia and Thailand but separated. The dances received enthusiastic applause, and I felt immense pride in being able to introduce my country’s culture to such a welcoming audience. Later that evening, we visited Calle Crisollogo to watch a fountain show. The glittering water moving in harmony with the music created a magical and soothing atmosphere, serving as a reflective moment for our journey.  

Togetherness Through Culinary Delights 

The following day, November 16, we organized a shared dining event. We served Indonesian fried rice, Thai somtam, and several Filipino dishes prepared by Kuya Loren and purchased by Sir Dam. The event was filled with laughter and stories, strengthening the bond among us and creating beautiful memories.  

Cherished Classroom Moments

Although I couldn’t conduct observations or teach during the previous weeks due to the typhoon, I worked hard to overcome these challenges. With support from Ma'am Evalina J. Tabios, I was given the opportunity to conduct both my teaching practice and final demo on different days. On November 20, I finally met my students, who were incredibly enthusiastic and excited.  

Their energy and enthusiasm motivated me, helping me overcome my initial nervousness about teaching in English for the first time. Seeing their smiles was the greatest reward and made every effort worthwhile.  

Adventures at Ilocos Beach

On November 22, I joined an event titled "Sea Innadal ken Linglingay para ti Ayat ken Wayawaya (SILAW)" organized by the education faculty’s student association. Held at Ilocos Beach, the event featured outbound activities and an inspiring seminar. The peaceful beach setting combined with the participants’ enthusiasm created an unforgettable experience.  

A Heartfelt Farewell 

On November 23, my friends from UNISKA and I traveled to Manila and stayed overnight at a staff house. Saying goodbye to friends from UNMUL, UNESA, and UM was emotional, filled with tears and hugs. Despite the limited time we spent together, we built a strong and meaningful connection.  

The next day, November 24, we spent the remaining hours visiting a mall in Manila with Sir Jose Pichay. It felt like enjoying the last moments with a newfound family before heading back to Indonesia.  

At 2 p.m., we departed for Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Terminal 1. Mixed emotions filled my heart sadness at leaving a place that had felt like home for nearly a month, but immense gratitude for the experiences, memories, and friendships I had gained.

A Journey Full of Meaning

Ending this journey is not easy, as so many beautiful memories have been etched in my heart. Every day I spent in the Philippines is part of an unforgettable story. From my first steps in Vigan City to the final moments at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, every moment brought lessons, laughter, and warmth beyond measure.  

The most unforgettable memory was the enthusiastic smiles of my students as I stood in front of the class for the first time. The nervousness I felt gradually faded away with their warm welcome. Dancing with Filipino friends, sharing traditional Indonesian dishes, and long conversations with Sir Jose during our trips became proof of the beautiful cross-cultural friendships we built.  

The most touching moment was when I realized how much support I had received from everyone Ma'am Evalina, who tirelessly guided me; Sir Dam and Sir Joey, who always ensured our comfort; and my friends, who stood by me at every step of this journey. Their support reminded me that wherever we are, kindness and togetherness are universal languages.  

Beyond everything, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to push my boundaries. This journey taught me to appreciate differences, face challenges with confidence, and open myself to new cultures. I came to the Philippines with a heart full of hope, and I am returning home with a soul enriched by countless valuable experiences.  

This story may end here, but the lessons and memories from the Philippines will live on in my heart. Thank you to everyone who became a part of this journey. The Philippines, especially Vigan City, has become my second home. I hope one day I can return, bring new stories, and create equally special memories.  

Thank you, Philippines, for everything. Thank you for the beauty, the lessons, and the love you have shared.

Banjarmasin, 28 November 2024