UP Cebu
Project Philippines had first started in 2008 and every year has come back to facilitate a mentorship program at UP Cebu. Since UP Cebu has been part of Project Philippines from the beginning, it has its own SEALNet club. Students there are extremely smart and goal-oriented. My mentee from UP Cebu is only a second year, only 13, but has the wisdom and maturity of a college student. This is her first time in the program.
Cebu National Science High School
This is the first year Project Philippines has come to Cebu National Science High School. With a student body of only 250, this school has some of the city’s most brilliant minds. As an intensive, science-oriented course for excellent students, the process to get into the school requires an entrance exam, top grades, and an interview process. My mentees must maintain an 85% average on top of constant projects and school performance activities.
Ayala Mall
This mall is actually closer to our hotel than SM Cebu. Although slightly smaller, Ayala Mall is not any less grand in comparison. It is ideal for a one-stop shopping experience and the layout is much simpler to navigate. It even has an arcade. Its outdoor food court is literally a large, circular courtyard two stories high. There are so many choices as to what types of food to eat. We chose Thai food the first time we were there as a group.
Baranguy Pasil
Because Pasil has a shortage of space, the baranguy lacks an adequate waste management system and the accumulation of trash is a big issue. As part of our project, we hope to train the high school students to become service leaders. Meanwhile, we hope to set up the right connections with the baranguy council in Pasil in an effort to make changes to such conditions.
Magellan’s Cross
Explorer Magellan wanted to travel by sea across the world, but failed. He then landed and died in Cebu, Philippines. Like many sights in this country, it looks a lot bigger in pictures. When we got there, it was literally a cross inside a dome-like building. Though we only stayed for a short while, it was still technically worth the visit.
Pasil Elementary
The elementary school is located right in the middle of Baranguy Pasil. Home to over 2000 students, the elementary school is a great place for us to outreach. The outreach team is focusing its efforts on reaching out to these students through publishing an activity book and posters. Our mentees will be conducting sanitation workshop under our guidance for the elementary school.
Island Hopping
Our team rented a wooden boat for a day and went to visit 3 separate islands each with its own private beach. This was my first time on an actual boat and I am glad to say that I do not get seasick! After eating lunch on one island, we went to another for a swim in the waters. Then we landed on our last island where we walked around the village and ate some coconut.
