Yikes! I cannot believe that two months have past since I last updated the world on my Filipino life! Here I thought, “Wow, it is summer-time; days full of beach, good books, some ice cream, and a mango or two.” Unfortunately not all fantasies come true, even if you have already been to Disneyland.
Graduation occurred the first week in April and it was a fascinating exercise; a total of 600 some odd graduates and around 100 of them graduating with honors. The ceremony itself was quite traditional to what may be seen in America, but I am not sure if a graduation ceremony back home would still have an attentive audience after six hours, in a warm, humid day in the Philippines. Even with this temperature, the faculty, staff, and soon-to-be graduates looked prestigious and restful in their garb. Celebrations followed the ceremony with roasted pig, desserts, pansit (Filipino dish), kinilaw (Filipino side), and of course, rice.
Then for the faculty it was back to work, before the Holy Week approached. Holy Week in the Philippines is intense and can be very frightening for the non-Catholic. Palm Sunday starts the festivities and then Holy Week is the most dedicated time of observance. Marches, parades, and the like are happening throughout the barangays (villages), towns, and cities; all depicting the suffering of Jesus. The Stations of the Cross are dispersed kilometers a part, as “Jesus” proceeds with his final walk. Up north in Luzon, there are places where self-crucifixions take place (no worries, no one really dies). Many people fast during this time as well which I would presume is difficult here, as typically there are meriendas (snack) twice a day. Finally comes the Easter Vigil mass which is rejoiced in much glory.
However, I was actually looking forward to giving up something for Lent and attending Easter Sunday Mass as part of tradition. Soon, I realized that the act of giving up something for Lent is not commonly practiced at my site, and well, Easter Sunday Mass was very anti-climatic as it was just a normal mass. Also, there is some type of attachment some Americans get with the Easter Bunny, Peeps, colored eggs, and candy. I regret to say, none of the above was seen at my site. (Though I did receive some Easter candy from a dear friend last week).
The following week, I was off to Cebu for an 8-month check up with my batch-mates and the PC. It was a nice little break full of meetings and late nights with friends we hadn’t seen since swearing in. Also, there was a language camp to help guide us with some self-directed language learning techniques, considering many of us are learning a language that is only spoken, not taught. After the confidence boost of language instruction, we had some PC policy meetings and sector updates. Here, a project I have been collaborating with other PCV was presented. We proposed a new training program for the education volunteers. The curriculum was presented and approved by the staff, and now we are on the final stages of organizing this new training curriculum/module. After much work and many hours researching proper ESL techniques, I feel that much weight has been released from my shoulders.
After the conference/language camp, I stayed in Cebu for a doctor’s appointment as I had been having digestive problems for three months. With tests done and samples turned in, my diagnosis was okay and I went home with a small box full of medicine. Things are still “normal” at the moment.
I came home for a couple of days to check in with my work colleagues, only to turn around to head back to Cebu for another training/camp, but this time, I was not scheduled to be the participant, but a trainer. The training/camp was for elementary teachers living in Mindanao. Mindanao is the large island in the southern Philippines. Some parts of this region are unsafe and disturbed by occasional war. USAID has a many projects in Mindanao and one of these is called “Tudlo Mindanao”, simply meaning ‘Teach Mindanao’. As PCVs, we were interviewed and selected for this event, and are co-facilitators with Mindanao counterparts. My counterpart had been a facilitator for three years and we were responsible for teaching methodology courses for the next two weeks. We had an awesome classroom dynamic together and our homeroom class was always full of enthusiasm and smiles. Other courses worked on improving English skills for the elementary teachers.
The setting of the training was like as summer camp, so as many of you can conclude, I was definitely in my “environment”. We taught all day, and in the evening there were additional activities for participants if they were interested; ballroom dancing, jewelry making, cooking, etc. Other nights, participants and PCVs spent the night away working on their “cultural” presentations for the last night’s closing cultural ceremonies. As many of the participants displayed their indigenous traditions, dances, and garments, many of us Americans were left stuck-in-the-mud, as what could we really do to show our culture. Throw a baseball? Use comedy to display our cultural values of punctuality, determination, individuality, etc? How boring! So we did a music video which can be seen at this web address. http://vimeo.com/4643426 (the Blue Team was my homeroom) It has become a tradition to make a PCV music video for the past three years of Tudlo.
The training, itself, was simply eye-opening. Going into Tudlo experience, I had heard nothing but wonderful things about the program, so it was easy to just follow expectations. However, knowing that views are commonly biased towards individuals, I came into Tudlo with positive energy and my own set of expectations, and the results of my hopes exceeded all measures.
I am one who lives for cultural exchanges and to be honest, this is very difficult to find with so much western influence and post American imperialism grounded in the Philippines; to find the purest forms of an endemic culture. Intrinsically I was able to feel, hear, see, and touch this type of exchange with various cultures coming from Mindanao at Tudlo.
For example, in one classroom alone, I had 24 participants that spoke 9 different languages and/or dialects. In another classroom setting, an individual had never met a nice and disciplined Muslim before and generalizations about both religions were quickly dissolved after open discussion. Christians were standing by their Muslim friends/counterparts at a time other Christians assumed the stereotypes. When I think about this discussion, it still brings goose bumps to my arms. It was one of the most amazing discussions I have ever witnessed in my life and it continues to give me belief that simple education can create a peaceful world.
I am forever grateful that I had such an opportunity to connect with some many individuals who were utterly thankful for the new knowledge learned, but more importantly for the new friendships that were made from all parts of the Philippines. One lady, in our closing interview stated, “Thank you Ma’am Syd. You are the first foreigner that has ever been nice to me. I really treasure you and how helpful you and your American friends were to us.” Another one said, “I didn’t know I could speak such English. When I went to SM (a shopping mall in Cebu), I was talking and didn’t realize it was in English, until the security guard asked me to speak Bisayan as I asked him a question in English.” Again, as I have mentioned before, it is not about replacing the native tongue of the participants, but giving them the confidence to use English as another tool in their life toolboxes.
My favorite part of this program is when one teacher pulled me aside and had this conversation in sbroken English.
“What do you know about schools in the Philippines? Don’t you get a big money to be here? Has your school ever been bombed? Are your students afraid come to school?”
Wow, I stood there without any answers. How do I relate? I simply looked her in the eyes, and said, “Ma’am, no I cannot relate to your daily battles. That is why I am here to learn from you too, so we can work together to make your life as a teacher much easier”. Later, I explained the concept of volunteerism and the role of PC.
This was a good conversation; it put me in my place and made me count those numerous blessings that I have which tend to be overlooked on a daily basis.
The most alluring part of what I have just described above is that these are just some of my stories and there are many others from PCVs alike. It was such an empowering experience for me, and just another story how much I have gained working with people of other cultures…more than what I could ever give them in technical training/skills. I still feel the same about my service in Armenia…There is nothing I could or can do to equate how much I learned from the Armenians.
…Which now brings me to date.
I took the GRE last week, and the preliminary results are higher than expected. It is a waiting game for the final results. Next step, deciding what institutions would like me in their classrooms. School will resume on June 8th, as many people back in the US are graduating/graduated and my Armenian friends will soon celebrate the Verjin Zang on the 25th, signaling the end of the school year. For me, my book list has grown, and the dreamy days of laying in a hammock with my book and mangoes are realistic…it is scheduled for Saturday :) Avocados are in season, so guacamole is on the menu… now I need to convince my friends here that an avocado is not always used a fruit.
Enjoy your Memorial Weekend Americans…and take time to reflect on the real reason why you get that following Monday off…then you will come to appreciate why life in the US is really good, even on the bad days.
Happy Summer to you all!
Ayo-ayo, ingat, amping, hajogh-majogh, take care,
Syd
Birthdays had and to be had: Lindy, Moni, RPCV Nancy, Heather, Kristen, Aunt Bard, Upchuck Katie, Ant, Alex, Bern, Jeff, Mom, Sam, Courtney, Artur, Anna, Meri
The pictures above are from a recent snorkeling trip not too far from the island. Also is the smallest primate in the world :O)
Well, while most of you are eagerly awaiting warm weather, let me share with you mine, as summer has officially rolled around in my neck of the world!Which means, SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER! (yes, you may sing this little ditty if you like). But as the university has closed its classroom doors, life is still active on all portions of campus.
This summer won’t be dreary for me, as I will be going on a tour of teacher-trainings, helping with development and expansion of the English curricula, and teaching a Frisbee course in the PE department.Not to mention, there will be times where I might just leave work a bit early to catch the sunset or read in my hammock, which fits nicely on the beach here.I am assuming summer will pass with alacrity which before I know it, June will arrive bringing in the new academic year of 2009-10. So as you all are preparing your summer plans, I will be studying new faces and new names.
Many of you have been on my PC journey from day one and have inquired about the differences/similarities of PC Armenia and PC Philippines.While the countries are similar in many plausible ways, there are some rather exclusive distinctions between the two.
First and foremost, you simply cannot contrast the two countries.First, Armenia was landlocked only claiming the waters of LakeSevan.Secondly, Armenia, though small in size (some say similar to the size of Maryland) has 32 micro-climates and three main mountain ranges that intersect each other.I had the coldest of winters at my site, and experienced some very hot summers in the valleys of Armenia.
The Philippines, however, is an archipelago of over 7000 islands, sits in the Pacific Ring of fire, and experiences typhoons to landslides.I am surrounded by not only water, but jungle-like mountains that have homed the tarsier (see above…world’s smallest primate).
Though these are the obvious differences, I have decided to break down into categories for a clearer view of just how special each experience has been/is. Some will be funny, some serious, and some for your additional learning attainment.If like for me to add any other category just let me know.
Category
Armenia
Philippines
Water Availability
Sometimes it froze
On my island, always have it
Bathing
Heated bucket baths
Non heated cold bucket baths
Meat
Chicken, Pork, Lamb, Beef
Chicken, Pork, Beef. Lamb, Caribou
(I have tried dog too)
Ice Cream Availability
If lucky, five months out of the year
ALL THE TIME :)
Favorite Food
OH LORD I MISS SEPAS, Borsht, Lavish, Kebabs, Xorats (bbq), fresh veggies, Arakelyan Langit, hats, tapots kartofel (fried potatoes) & I miss dolma a little bit
Fried chicken, Pancit (all types), Halo Halo, Katambak (yummy fish), chicken curry, and lechon (roasted pig), seaweed, ganas, and I love some UBEY
Staple Foods
Bread, Cheese, Greens, Potatoes
Fish, Rice
One-in-a-lifetime food try
Liver Blinchik
Balot
School Year
Sept. 1-May 25
June 14- March 20
Christmas Day
January 6th
December 25th
Dominate Religion
Armenian Apostolic
Roman Catholic
Degrees from the Equator
40◦
9◦
Culture
Communal, super hospitable
Communal, super friendly
Favorite Musical Instrument
Duduk and/or Piano
Acoustic Guitar
History
Old and very interesting
Old and very interesting
People living in Country
Approx 3 million
Approx. 90 million
Supplies given by Peace Corps
Heater, Gas stove, Water filter
Life Jacket, and endless supply of sunscreen, mosquito net
Extra Trainings by Peace Corps
Hypothermia, how to keep your house warm
Water safety…what to do if your boat sinks
Languages/Dialects
2 languages (eastern/western) and up to 60 dialects
Around 170 languages
Language I learned
Armenian (different alphabet)
Cebuano/Bisaya (Latin alphabet)
Average Temperate at Site
about 65F (depending where you live)
85.8 F
Number of People Living in Host family home
6 including me
(though normal is around 8)
10 including me
Favorite thing….
People
People
Second favorite thing
Language
Nature
Number of PCVs serving in country
88
120+
Flag Colors
KARMIR, KAPYUT, TSRANAGYUN! (red,blue,orange)
Yellow sun and stars, Red, White, and Blue
Holidays and Celebrations
Many—FUN!
Many—FUN!
So quite interesting, eh?
Back to the updates…
Misfortune was sent across the nation on February 13th, and I went to the US for a quick trip (12 days) and met my dear friends there for a funeral of our dear friend, Lorin Maurer, who was on Continental Flight 3407.Though it was wonderful to be united with a wonderful group of friends, it was the most poignant way for a reunion.I am blessed to have many friends who picked me up in DC, clothed me in winter clothes, drove me to PA to the services, and then drove me half way back to Nebraska.What a wonderful group of friends! (A Shout Out to: Niq, Moni, Cis, Stacie, J, Bobby, Colby, Rhonda, V, Nate and Dave!)
I did have time to see my family and watch members of the family brave a snow storm ( I was so excited to see snow, and to use a blanket while sleeping) to see me.Card games, movies, food and drinks were shared by all, and little sleep was had (as my nephews and niece, adding to five, shared a room with Aunt Syd).It was great to see each and everyone, especially those little tikes that mean so much to me!
I also met up with my Pen Pals from Hiawatha and was able to speak about the Philippines to students in high school and elementary, at three different schools. It was so wonderful to share my experiences to keen listeners. But just as all the fun had started, soon I was boarding the transcontinental flight back to the Philippines.
I was then graced by a visit from a dear friend of the Armenian PC days, and we did do some island hopping and site seeing around the area (most of the photos are from this excursion).But yet, as all fun times quickly end, she left and then I was facing the end of the school year.Which frankly, leaves me to today, writing this update.
I am lucky to have great internet access (I am just lazy checking it), but rest assure, I am in full tune with the NCAA Women’s and Men’s Final Four tournaments…and with that, I will end with this…
What do write? How do I articulate my feelings? Less than 12 hours ago, I received shocking news that loyal friend had been a passenger on Continental Connection Flight 3407 from Newark to Buffalo. For unseen reasons at this point, each and every one of us, who had been befriended by Lorin Maurer, are questioning how someone so dear, lively, and august could be taken away from us in such an unpredictable minute.
Lorin was a go-getter in every stride. She pushed me as we shared a cubicle wall for some time during our intern years National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 2003-04. We had some unforgettable times in good Indy: running the Mini-Marathon, competing in the Corporate Challenges, and waiting for our fellow intern, Bobby, to phone us and let us know where the free food was in the office. She held up the “B” side of the department (Branding) and I, the “C” section (Communications).
After her NCAA days, Lorin ventured west to the Mountain West Conference in Colorado for a year, before taking a position at Princeton in their Development Office. No matter where she was, Lorin proved to all that she was a dedicated and dependable worker with unlimited smiles. Special warm hugs and sympathy goes out to Maurer family and her boyfriend, Kevin Kuwick.
There is no doubt that many people are mourning the loss of Lorin. Her presence lit up the room with high energy and enthusiasm. I know that the Intern Class of 2003-04 is especially being hit hard as we are a team, and now, one of members is not with us anymore. And just like anyone who has been a member of a team; a member is irreplaceable. Lorin touched many lives and her memories will live on, especially within me. Spasiba, Salamat, Mersi, Aprir, Shnorhakalutyun, Thank you, Lorin.
Life is precious, it really is. But often times it is too late before we recognize its true enormity, whether is it our lives, or another’s. It takes a loss for us to appreciate it even more. So today, I ask of you, is just give a hug to someone you love. Hug them like you have never hugged before, and be grateful for that anodyne embracement. http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2009/02/13/22745/
Picture one: One of my counterparts, Avril and I, at an island Picture two: A view of my island (in the distance)
The New Year came with fireworks, rain, a thanksgiving dinner, and more rain. This past New Year’s was quite placid compared to the two-week New Year’s extravaganza that I witnessed the previous two years. This year, it was immediate family only, and reminded me much of what we do during the US Thanksgiving holiday. Many prayers of thanks were devoted to others, as long as a nice native home cooked meal, some toasts and glorious desserts, followed by talks which eventually led to drowsy eyes and heads hitting the pillows.
After New Years, a group of us “new islanders” headed to the southern tip of the island to catch some rays, snorkel, and relax before school was in session again. However, a small typhoon blew threw, leaving us bunked in our rooms chatting the hours away while our swimming suits stayed packed in our bags. No swimming with whale sharks that weekend. We tried snorkeling before the weather worsened, but were only greeted by swarms of jellyfish; so our outing was quite brief.
Classes have been in full gear and I am really enjoying them. My ardor for teaching ameliorates everyday, and I feel so comfortable in the classroom, whether it sits 25 or 100 students. Plus, I am very privileged to have such wonderful students! They are very active in the classroom and are eager to learn, which only make every thing so much fun. Even sometimes, I find myself spending hours on one lesson plan only wondering where the time has gone!
My favorite parts of teaching are challenging the students to think critically and to take responsibility for their learning and secondly, curriculum development. I have lived and died on Bloom’s Taxonomy, reaching to grasp the students’ highest potentials, as well as encouraging the future teachers to use creative skills in their future classrooms, as this process allows the freedom of the soul to articulate oneself. Finally, implementing active learning has been a blast, as research shows that more information is retain by learners, it they DO the action what is supposed to be learned!
To clarify even more deeply of how AMAZING the students are here, I have to give you a prime example. In early January, a counterpart and I went to Manila to attend a small HIV/AIDS conference. HIV/AIDS has always been an interest of mine after my travels in South Africa, and then again as I served as an awareness educator in Armenia. The Philippines is considered a “low prevalent” country, but cases are on the rise as the population expands, workers go abroad, and the youth become more curious. So, we went the conference and left the conference with a project design of how to implement awareness programs. We decided on using the university’s multimedia outlets: through radio spots; poster design, and feature story and/or column writing. Also, we trained five peer educators (college students) in HIV/AIDS education.
Just recently the peer educators conducted a five hour education section on another island…all by themselves! Now they have two more appointments on the island as the students spread the understanding of HIV/AIDS! They are training others as well to become peer educators. Our initial impact was around 400 students, and we have already targeted that number with two events still left (which could reach 500 more students!). The students have really taking their own initiative with this responsiveness and are very passionate as they teach! I am very proud of them! They are even helping me structure the curriculum now ;)
I am continuing to coach softball and have witness a vast amount of improvement in the girls. Their hand and eye coordination is incredible and they understand the game very well. We should have a first game and only game of the before school gets out at the end of February to assess what we actually can do in a game like situation ;) Exciting times!
Oh, by the way, our summer time here is March through June. I cannot wait to tell you all about it, as it is suppose to get hotter than the dickens here. Well, I just may melt as it is always “pretty warm” here already :)
For the social side of my life, I spent time with my host family and some colleagues. We have been star gazing, sunset watching, as well as their endless attempts to teach me the language which tries their patience! hehe On my own, I have been studying the language as well as preparing to retake the GRE as my scores have expired. I am slowly improving my vocabulary skills and revamping my old math skills. I find myself questioning whether or not is really essential if I know the formula for the area of trapezoid to get into graduate school. Oh well, the standards we live by :)
Soon, the rains will abate and summer will be here. Trainings and galore of trainings for English teachers will be held throughout the country and I will part take in this accretion of knowledge expansion: for me and the teachers ;)
All in all, things are good here. I live with a wonderful host family, work with amazing people, and am enjoying life. But before I end, two big congratulations are in order:
Congratulations to my younger sister, Whitney, and her fiancé, as they plan to wed in October. Second set of congratulations to Dominic and Sarah, PCV friends who found each other’s hearts in Armenia and plan to say the vows in August ;)
Here’s hoping all is well and safe with you! Happy Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, International Women’s Day (March 8th) and St. Patty’s Cheers, Syd, Birthdays for Feb and March: Dad, Connie S., Eileen K., Eloise, Whitney, Cliff, Jan G, Kristen, Monica, Jamie W., Lindy R., Satenik jan Anniversaries: Laurel and Joe
Well the holiday seasons surrounds us, and I cannot help but recall the wonderful joy and spirit felt around these holidays when I was living in Armenia.Recently I had time to look back at the pictures and witness through these pictures; personal growth.Though this year will come to an end and new beginning without dolma, blinchik, or cakes of all sorts, tastes, and sizes, it will approach, yet, a new beginning for all of us.Time for your new year’s resolutions (if you ever start them in the first place), a relaxing break from your hard work, and a time to enjoy the presence of the three “Fs”:Family, Friends and Football.
This holiday was much tougher than usual, as I wish dearly to be near my family.To me, it is not as much as being able to give presents, but to be present in their presence…but I guess sometimes we just can’t have all of our eggs in one basket(ball).
Time is passing by steadily here in the PI (Philippine Islands).The university is excited to have me as part as their team and with that, comes some interesting and fun jobs.I enjoy teaching a diversity of courses in a team-teaching approach, where I share the classroom time with a Filipino teacher. My course load incorporates the subject areas of: journalism, mass communications, speech, pronunciation, ESL teaching methods, and of course, English Grammar and Composition.I really enjoy teaching and working with the Filipinos.We have wonderful times inside and outside of the classroom.The students are charming and for the most part, eager to learn.The students I have in my classroom are from first year to third year.
Speaking of the students, I was so proud of them.Before Thanksgiving, I informed one class of World AIDS Awareness Day on December 1st.They became very excited about this, and asked for more information.So with the help of a couple of organizations, we got some facts and figures of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines.I put forward this information, and the students organized and implemented an awareness parade on campus alongside with a symposium with about 90 participants in attendance. I was so proud of their willingness to initiate to become educated on such a global topic.Now, a faculty advisor and I will be attending an HIV/AIDS awareness workshop sponsored by PC in January. …..Goes to say…If you teach a man to fish….
Thanksgiving brought a togetherness that was least expected.My host mother and some other faculty were in a very serious car accident in a metro area about two hours from my site.The accident left them hospitalized for four days, with surgeries, broken bones, and head trauma.Thankfully everyone survived to tell about it.The extraordinary part of this is that we had a thanksgiving mass held in their honor, actually, on the American Thanksgiving holiday.It was quite exceptional to embrace a dual-thanksgiving on that special day.
That weekend, some of the PCVs on the island gathered at my site, where we had a Thanksgiving dinner shared with some of my friends and family here at the university.Mashed potatoes were served, replacing rice, allowing some in attendance to experience their first meal without rice.There was no turkey, but whole chickens to capture Thanksgiving’s food essence.Pumpkin pie was replaced with brownies and ice cream.
The month of December has been busy, but not quite a blur.I am really focusing on the language and trying to acquire better skills, as it is so easy to get around with English.I am disappointed in my lack of studying, so I hope to make up some ground this break.I have been reading a lot, and have just read the most fascinating fiction book in my life!All Returned PCVs should read this book, and likewise, anyone who has ever lived in another culture.The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver is an alluring book of a Georgian family (USA) who moves to the Congo to spread Christianity.The book is told through the eyes of their four daughters ranging from the ages of 5-16.It tells the physical exertion of culture adaptation, language learning faux pas, and realization that what we have been taught to believe, may not be compatible with what people in that region have been doing their whole life.It gives you a moral that cultures have a rhyme and reason in the things they believe.Truly an amazing book that must be read before you kick the bucket….a must.
I have also finished another book about adult teaching methods by Jane Vella, a must read for educators out there, as well as a book surrounding love, the Great Depression, and the circus.An interesting combination to give a great story called Water for Elephants written by Sara Gruen.
So as you can see, my life is expanding through pages and mangos JMy fifth year without a TV and I fill like I haven’t missed a beat.I just hope my vocabulary is improving as well, as I am preparing to take the GRE this summer (my scores are ready expired…where has the time gone?) in preparation to enroll in a Phd program focusing on culture and teaching upon my return to the States in 2011.Hey, the early bird gets the worm, you snooze you lose, no need to procrastinate.
The holidays here were fun and low key.I attended Misa de Gallo (midnight mass) with my host family, and then we had Noche Buena (feast of food of Christmas Eve).Christmas Day was spent with other faculty and staff at a local place, singing videoke (karaoke, this is a Filipino favorite), eating lechon (roasted whole pig) and playing games.After my rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” in videoke, the university President nicely reminded me I have two years to get better…oh well, we can’t be all stars in everything.
For the rest of the break, I have spending time with my host family, reading, visiting people, enjoying numerous fiestas, and trying not to get drenched from the rain showers, as it has arrived…the rainy season.Plus the best part, I enjoy staying up until 11pm and waking up PAST 6am…such a rebel I have become :)
As two thousandth and eighth year comes to a close, I am reminded just how wonderful it has to have a great support network of remarkable family, friends, colleagues, and people.Really, I am the luckiest person alive!Thank you all.
Here’s wishing you a prosperous 2009!
Malipayong Bagong Tuig (have a happy new year)
Daghang Gakos (Many hugs)
Syd
Birthdays:Bobby D., Loren M., Dominic M., Brian H., Rhonda P., Penny P., Alex H., Aunt Ann, Ani jan, Torgorm jan, Nanay,
Some friends from my training site (picture from my buddy, Heather K, from WI)...My PC pal, Matt and I...to the bottom, our first swear-in with the PC Armenia Tour, and to the second bottom left....our in with PC Philippines :)
GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE:)
Happy Thanksgiving. Oh, alas, many of you are happy that I have finally updated my blog! (Smile). I know, I need to become more conscious of updating, but time just flies by for me that I tend to forget or put it off; my sincere apologies.
As the turkeys are quickly running away from their hunters, I am sitting in my room, sweating, with a fan drilled on my face. (No, I don’t have internet in my room. I type all my blog updates on my personal laptop and then post them). And this is the rainy season…yikes. Supposedly, December and January bring the colder months, which I can’t wait! After long winters in Armenia, I begged never to see snow for some time. I got my wish and now I am in full regrets.
But don’t get me wrong, the heat hasn’t beaten me, and I am slowly beating it; one day at a time. I have been able to dodge about three typhoons as well, but soon enough I will see a typhoon, feel a typhoon, and hear a typhoon.
I have officially moved to my permanent site and I am the luckiest fool ever, because it is an idea place. I live on campus with a faculty member, her son, and relatives. We have a wonderful time and there have been many nights I have laughed so hard my abdominals hurt the next day. I guess that is what happens when you have too middle children as the oldest people in the house (host mother and I). Today we had an amazing day together at the beach. I even taught some little friends how to throw a Frisbee.
I am working at a university and my subjects are across many disciplines. I am an instructor for English grammar, pronunciation, speech, teaching strategies and methods, as well as some journalism courses. I team-teach a majority of these courses, and some of them will eventually be team-taught to ensure sustainability, because as you know, we retain more from learning if we actually do it. The faculties are fun, wonderful, and always ready with some humor or to assist me one way or another. The campus is small, gorgeous, and very communal; where everyone knows your name…especially if you are the white female American :0)
The students typically come to higher education at age 16, a bit younger than the average US freshman. I have students all the way up to fourth year, who come into the university with average language skills. My job is a bit different than in Armenia, where I was taught beginner English, and here I teach more accuracy and fluency.
I also have some extracurricular activities up my sleeves. Soon, I will meet with others to discuss the future of some teacher trainings for village/surrounding communities’ teachers, as well, as being the head softball coach ;) Yep, you have read that correctly. Last year, the team had to forfeit the season because there wasn’t a coach with the ability to teach the sport. Once word got around that I had a ball and glove in my room at the house, I was soon nominated the coach and the girls will report this week. Softball is young here, so we will have some good times ahead…however, our season hits its peak in October.
Also, collegiate sports here are a bit different than the arms race seen in the US. No salary (I couldn’t take it anyway, because PCVs aren’t able to accept salaries), no extra benefits, students don’t get scholarships, etc; just for the love of the game. Needless to say, I am excited about this opportunity and we will see what happens…but first we need a team ;)
Though my permanent site is wonderful, I do miss my first host family! We had some amazing times together and the day I left was All Soul’s Day, a big celebration in the Philippines, as well as other Catholic countries. We went to the cemetery with a cooler of food and drinks. I was a bit skeptical of what was going on. Are we going to have a party at the cemetery? Well, we sure did along with everyone else in town! All Soul’s Day is one big party on top of the graves! Kids running around, vendors with food and light toys, music, big bingo games, etc; and we lit candles as well. It was the happiest All Soul’s Day that I have ever celebrated. And that just shows how the Filipino people…always joyful and happy despite the poverty and curveballs thrown at them.
Just imagine this: The Philippines is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire volcanic and earthquake prone region. It has two typhoon seasons encompassing the entire year. Because of deforestation landslides are common. The food crisis only gets worse for the price of rice and flour, but yet everyone walks around with a smile their face…it is amazing.
There is a Filipino saying, “Bahala na”, which means, basically, it is what it is, and it is in God’s hands, meaning out of our control. The saying is so powerful in many ways. For theorists, it is makes sense, for those who need answers, this saying might not fit your stereotype, but for the Philippines is it perfect.
I don’t really have any “exciting” updates. I am safe and sound. I love life. I miss Armenian dearly and dzez shat em sirum ev karotum: Dzez misht em hishum ev liqr pachiner@ u jerm grkumner anum em. (Kneres, filippinerrum, hayereni "typing" chka). For everyone else, I miss you too, send you many hugs, and wish you a safe an enjoyable holiday season. Enjoy the snow and hot cocoa.
Yours truly, Syd Happy Birthday: Lindsey H., Betty T., Anita N., Dennis B., Dom M., Brian H., Ellen H., Phyllis B., Jessica H., Mike F.
Picture #1: My host mom and I eating Halo-Halo in coconut bowls Picture #2 and #3: Apo Island, yes my camera lens is wet.
Picture #4: Our basic method of transportation
Picture #5: A cockfight ready to start
Picture #6: Hiking to the fresh water lakes
Picture #7: Filipino scene
Picture #8: My friend Sheryll and I harvesting her host family's rice
Picture #9: My first balut.
As much anticipated; another update in my PC life journey. For many volunteers, the experience expands around 27 months, but I have opted for the more untraditional route to be more adventurous and try the PC for an additional 27 months! Truth be told, I will be swearing in, again, as a PCV (Peace Corps Volunteer) on Nov. 7th. Many of my batchmates are excited, and for me, I just know how wickedly amazing the new two years will be.
But before I get excited about the future, I should recap for you the past month and a half. I did many firsts, only to realize that my once two page “bucket list” is only now growing rapidly!
I have become quite the fan of snorkeling was able to expand my knowledge of life under the sea, by venturing out to Apo Island, which is a top-ten scuba diving spot in the world. I learned how to dive with my snorkel and be so close to the vibrant life and color of my new friends. I saw schools of jackfish and every creature from Finding Nemo. (However, I think for meals, I have eaten some of the Finding Nemo characters). I can’t explain the beauty. The Discovery Channel and National Geographic do give justice with their documentaries of the coral and fish life here in the Philippines, yet on the other hand, experiencing with your own eyes, makes reality pure. (My friend had an underwater camera and I will get those pics soon to show you what I have seen)!
I have also traveled to a couple other islands for work with PC, realizing that more Filipinos communicate through English, as the native/regional languages are not commonly understood amongst each other. Every island has its own identity, which is fun to see, especially as there are over 7000 islands here, with about 4500 habitable.
Just last weekend I went hiking with some friends up the mountains to approach two freshwater lakes. Wow, they were crystal clear, and they looked like glass! There was something genuine slicing the kayak paddle through the water.
It was quite a hike, as it was more junglish than anything. Coconut trees, mango trees, vines and bamboo everywhere, quite different than hiking in the Rockies or Armenia.
I hope to go dolphin and whale watching at the end of the month and visit other white sandy beaches.
But yes, it is not always games and travel. I do work and study! I really enjoy working at the university! The higher educational system of the Philippines takes on many characteristics which are commonly found in the US system. Administratively and structurally, the Board of Regents and faculty system work in the same manner. There is a presence of college athletics, but it doesn’t drive the university. Competitions are limited but they do bring a good fan-turnout. Research and scholarship are valued highly at the university I will be working at, but not as much where I am now. Faculty autonomy is not as grand as it is in the US, and the focus on post-graduate programs has importance, though many go abroad for this experience.
I mostly teach English instruction, provide teacher trainings in active learning and alternative assessment methods, ESL methodology and strategies, research ideas and support, as well as help in the recreational and physical education departments. At my permanent site, I will also be creating modules with the department heads on a practicum for prospective teachers and enhancing the adopt-a-school program to reach out to the villages. Overall, my work crosses four colleges and many more departments and certainly there is a lot of learning to gain and give in the next 24 months. For the material idealism, I even have a couple of offices on campus.
Bloom’s Taxonomy and the concepts of Adult and Higher Education have become life-long friends. I feel that all my past experiences in intercollegiate athletics, higher education, and my Armenian experience have prepared me to do some challenging but wonderful work in the months to come. That in itself is super exciting to me.
I also have had the experience of seeing cock fights, a traditional Filipino Sunday event, and harvesting rice, which is muddy, back-bending, fun work. Well fun, I guess, because I and my partner only did it for a couple of hours, but supposedly produced 500 kilos of rice. There is no way we could work that speed for another hour yet alone days!
I feel very integrated in the community. On my morning walks or basketball games, the “good mornings” have been replaced with the Cebuano “maayong buntag”, and the basketball games have become the multicultural. Courtesy “honks” have been exchanged for “Hi Syd” acknowledgements. In all, the smiles of the Filipinos from the morning light to the shines of the moon are rewarding in so many ways.
Other than that, I am enjoying all the seafood and fruits. I have missed major typhoons, but have learned to love the rain as it brings cooler weather. I have become one with the environment, respecting the lizards, spiders, and other silly creatures. I have not become one with one member of the environment though…the flying cockroaches. Mind over matter, I soon will be friends with them.
I have tried almost every Filipino food, from balut (google it), to letchon (roasted pig), to any type of raw fish or rice fixing. Water is still my liquid though tea has provided the solution to many thirst quenching days. My dessert of choice is Turon (fried banana crepe) Halo-Halo (shaved ice, ubey ice cream, corn, coconut milk, jelly cubes served in a coconut shell), and of course ubey. Ubey is a purple root crop grown here in the Philippines. It is the only root crop or vegetable for that matter, which I have eaten as ice cream. All I know is that I enjoy this violet deliciousness. I do, however, miss my Armenian cheese, dolma, and lavash.
I am constantly providing entertainment with my language skills, as I mixed up the letters of the words, or I simply do not put stress or emphasis on glottal stops, which makes a difference in the meanings of the words, even when they are spelled the same. The word vegetable soon becomes the male’s gender part, or lizard becomes the verb for passing gas. In all, we laugh and learn.
Well, that is about it. Next time I write, I will be at the comforts of my new home, new faculty, and host family. More stories and pictures to come, and other year to wait for the Cubs to win the World Series.
Until then, enjoy the beauty of autumn, the crackling of leaves beneath your feet as you walk, the cool-cuddling weather, and of course the sites and sounds of football. Lastly, don't forget to vote...my vote is traveling over 12,900km; make sure your votes counts as well.
Ayo Ayu- Take Care Syd Happy Birthday to: Lauren Mac, Kathy Murdock, Cheryl, Jill, Suzanne, Stacy, Vanessa, Kevin
Born in Falls City, NE.
Received my undergraduate degree at University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Worked as an intern for the NCAA for a year in Indianapolis, IN.
Also worked three summers at a kids summer camp in Maine! Employed as a graduate assistant at the University of Oklahoma's athletics department while pursuing a masters in higher education. Served 26 months in Armenia with the US Peace Corps and now re-upped for another tour with PC Philippines :)
