By Claudine Nelson, Secretary, Normandy Schools Collaborative, Barack Obama Elementary School (a Greenheart Host School)
When finding out that Ms. Napo was planning to return to her home country for the summer, I immediately got excited, as I saw an opportunity to visit another country alongside a native, who could share insight on culture, traditions and tourism. When I shared the news that I was interested in joining her, she was just as excited and didn’t hesitate to include me in her travel plans. Though my first thought of visiting the Philippines was excitement, as the time of departure drew near, it became fear.
How would I navigate in a foreign land, just me and my son? My reality was, as African Americans, how would we be treated and looked upon? Would they “like” us? While I had experienced the warm nature of my Filipino colleagues, what was it going to be like for those who didn’t know me? That fear was quickly calmed before even leaving the airport. A Fillipino traveler intentionally made his way to us and, with the most welcoming smile, said, “welcome to the Philippines!” That hospitable gesture spoke for everyone. It put a smile on my face, and I knew I would be okay.
Every hotel and guesthouse stay, every Grab and TukTuk ride, and every fast food and restaurant order met us with that same genuine, welcoming hospitality. Ms. Napo made it all the better by caring for us, acting as our tour guide, arranging our TukTuks, making sure we understood the Philippine currency and more importantly, introducing us to the Filipino ways of life.
Our first and last days in busy Manila
Our first and last days were spent in Manila. The street life was one of the highlights of my son’s trip; the nonstop hustle and bustle, the busy streets, and the TRAFFIC! I loved the traffic. Seeing motor scooters taking charge of the streets against other motor scooters, cars and buses gave me an adrenaline rush that I soon became accustomed to. While riding in rideshares, the roadside culture was an experience in itself; bright colored buildings, busy sidewalks, open markets and colorful Jeepneys (which, unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to experience). I felt that safety was of the utmost importance as they had armed law enforcement on every corner and at the entrance to each hotel, assuring a welcoming and safe environment.
Our time on Siquijor Island
While visiting the Philippines, Ms. Napo invited us to join her and her sister as they vacationed on Siquijor Island. While on the island we experienced the natural beauty of the Philippines; beautiful beaches, cliffs, waterfalls, and tropical landscapes. We walked through a coconut plantation, witnessed workers in rice fields, and ate fresh mangos from the mango tree at our guesthouse. Though these may seem like small things they are things I enjoyed experiencing for the first time. I enjoyed watching the innocence of the small children as they walked, carefree, to and from school and the freedom of pedestrians on the street for what seemed like 24/7. We happened to encounter a funeral procession and witnessed the tradition of playing music as the deceased is escorted to the burial site, far different from the quiet funeral processions in the US. Siquijor is an experience we will not forget.
Experience traditional Filipino food in Pampanga
One of the things my son and I wanted to experience was traditional Filipino food. To my surprise, not only is Pampanga deemed the culinary capital of the Philippines, it’s also Ms. Napo’s hometown! She was excited to host us and made sure to introduce us to Filipino cuisine that we would not have the opportunity to experience in the US. She arranged for her brother to pick us up from the airport and we spent our next day in Pampanga. While visiting the Philippines I wanted to try every authentic food possible and Ms. Napo made that happen in Pampanga.
When I curiously asked, “What’s this?” I could tell that she, along with everyone else I asked, was just as excited to share the stories and rich tradition of the food as I was to try it. I was surprised at the large portions of food they shared while dining, but I realized, with good conversations and sharing stories about my experiences, before I knew it time had passed and we had eaten most of the food.
One of the questions I get asked frequently is, “what did you eat?” My favorite thing to share is that I ate a duck embryo and giant prawns cooked in bamboo. As a bonus she took us to an ATV park where I drove an ATV for the first time, which is something I can do in the US but saying I did it in the Philippines sounds much more exciting. During my next visit I am hoping to experience church service with her and her family.
Our Greenheart teacher made our trip to the Philippines an unforgettable experience
In summary, Ms. Napo made our trip to the Philippines an unforgettable experience filled with warmth, discovery, and constant excitement. The hospitality of Ms. Napo and her siblings was a highlight of our experience. They welcomed us with open arms, making every moment feel comfortable, safe and deeply personal. Her brother even invited us back next year to further explore Pampanga, which is something I look forward to doing. Their care turned a beautiful vacation into meaningful connections. Exploring the local cuisine offered an exciting adventure into distinct Filipino flavors, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines. Beyond the food, spending time learning about local traditions and daily life provided a genuine appreciation of the vibrant Philippine culture. Above all, the journey was defined by the shared laughter and joy each day, cementing a beautiful bond and creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Interested in learning how Greenheart Teach USA can help your school address teaching needs while enriching your campus through cultural exchange? Contact our team to learn more about bringing experienced international educators to your school community. Visit HostGreenheartTeachers.org to apply to host today.
If your school participates in one or more of Greenheart’s cultural exchange programs, your school will be eligible for up to $4,000 in grants as a Greenheart School. Learn more by visiting GreenheartSchools.org.