Mary Help of Christians

We began our day at MHOC with a welcome celebration. They have a bamboo band and a dance troop. Everyone was excited to meet us and they were very warm. Filipino people smile a lot, which American do, too. 

This was the presentation at The School of Science and Math in Makhati. 

The bamboo band 

One of the parents contracts with the bus drivers for the school. They are private buses, but they are accredited by the school and follow their rules. The parent who is in charge of this is a volunteer. Parents pay for their children to ride the bus. 

The principal of Mary Help of Christians, Sister Pinky, we talked about her priorities of getting technology to her school, and how she keeps and recruits good teachers. 

We had dinner on Friday with the Archebuche Family. Mrs. Archebuche works for the labor department. We discussed giving back to your community and working hard for a better life for all people. They want to work to make the Philippines a better place, but they face many of the same challenges as other developing nations.

Introduction to the Philippines

We spent most of the day learning about Filipino history, culture, and the school system. The presentation was given by Norberto Odon Erandio and Alixander Haban Escote, two wonderful teacher leaders who have worked very hard to plan our schedule. I have been reading about the history and the mix of cultures that makes up the Philippines, but this showed us how it relates to the school culture. The changes they are undergoing in the system show us that teachers have to deal with so much all around the world, not just in the United States. We went to Plaza San Luis in Intramuros, Manila tonight, and went to the oldest church in the Philippines, San Augustin. It survived and Earthquake, and the British, and Japanese Invasion

Hidden basketball court. They looked at us strangely for coming in to watch them, but they smiled.

Jeepney, based on the American army jeeps from WWII. These are unique to the Philippines

Amazing cultural show at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant

Breakfast at The Peninsula

Norberto's Presentation

Inside San Augustin

Long day of travel

 The first flight was 12 hours with a four hour layover in Tokyo. We loved the "public" passenger lounge. I wish the United States had such great free lounges for everyone.  

Japanese candy in the airport. I won't be able to stay in Japan this time, but I got to see some of their delicacies.

We arrived in Detroit in the early morning. It was so comforting to see each other, and I think this group bonded quickly when we all met in D.C. at the Global Symposium, so it was not difficult . We found each other at the gate, and went to breakfast since we have four hours until our plane leaves for Tokyo. We have been talking about our research questions that TGC has asked us to prepare for our time in the Philippines. I am pondering focusing my questions on the effect of community on the classroom. What effect does parent support and community expectation have on the life of the Filipino student? How is this similar or different than my students and the Watauga community?

I am trying to finish this book before I leave. It is about the occupation of the Philippines by Japan. It is sprinkled with many Tagalog words and is in the literary style of magical realism. I guess I have 18 hours of flight to finish, but I know I will probably talk to the other fellows instead. 

Culture Shock is a really interesting series of books for navigating social customs and etiquette.  In some countries I have traveled in, conflict is part of everyday and life, and one sees arguments over prices and small annoyances. According to Culture Shock, Filipino culture emphasize getting along and it is shameful to bicker or fight in public. Compromises must be arranged and settled in calm, friendly ways.