On the eighth day of our stay in the Philippines, we had another memorable experience waiting for us—something educational, meaningful, and also very enjoyable. That morning, we were invited to take part in a mangrove planting activity in the coastal area of Bontoc. From the beginning, I already felt excited because this was not the kind of activity I usually did back home, and the thought of doing it in a foreign country made it feel even more special.
When we arrived at the site, the atmosphere was fresh and peaceful. The beach area looked calm, and it was the perfect setting for an environmental activity like this. Before we started planting, we were first introduced to the proper way to plant mangroves. We were also given an explanation about the different types of mangroves and their important functions for the environment. I found this part very interesting because it made me realize that mangroves are not just ordinary plants near the sea. They play a big role in protecting the coastline, preventing erosion, and supporting marine ecosystems.
After the short introduction, it was finally time for us to try it ourselves. Each of us was given two mangrove seedlings to plant along the shoreline. We were also provided with a stick that was used to dig into the soil and mark the newly planted seedlings. It may sound like a simple activity, but for me, it was truly exciting. There was something satisfying about standing by the beach, carefully placing the seedlings into the ground, and knowing that what we were doing could be beneficial for nature in the long term.
Honestly, this activity felt very special to me because it was my first experience planting mangroves, and even more unforgettable because I was doing it in another country. It was one of those moments that made me realize this exchange program was not only about teaching practice or campus activities, but also about gaining new experiences, understanding local environmental efforts, and being part of something meaningful.
After finishing the mangrove planting activity, we were invited to have lunch at Sir Rex Lucino’s house. It felt nice to move from an outdoor environmental activity to a more relaxed and personal setting. When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed, and as always, the hospitality we received in the Philippines continued to leave a strong impression on me. We had lunch together, enjoyed the meal, and used the time to relax after the morning activity.
But the fun did not stop there.
After lunch, the atmosphere became even more lively because we started doing karaoke. Karaoke really seems to be a big part of social gatherings there, and it quickly turned into a fun bonding moment. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, whether singing seriously or just laughing along. At Sir Rex Lucino’s house, there was also a drum set, and of course I became curious and wanted to try playing it. So I gave it a try, and that added another fun memory to the day. It was such a simple moment, but it made the visit feel even more enjoyable and personal.
Once we finished spending time there, we continued our day by going to Sogod to shop for some necessities. This was a more practical part of the day, but it was still enjoyable because it gave us the chance to explore more of the local area and buy things we needed during our stay. Sometimes small activities like shopping can also be interesting when you are in a new place, because even everyday things feel a little different.
After shopping, we had another experience that made the day even better we tried street food. This was something I was really curious about, because trying local food from street vendors always feels like an important part of experiencing a new place. The street food scene gave us another glimpse into daily life in the Philippines. It was simple, casual, and authentic, and it became one of the highlights of the day.
By the time all of those activities were done, we had gone through a full day of learning, fun, and exploration. From planting mangroves in Bontoc, to enjoying lunch and karaoke at Sir Rex Lucino’s house, to shopping in Sogod and trying street food, the day felt complete in a very satisfying way.
In the end, we returned to the cottage to rest. I felt tired, of course, but it was the kind of tiredness that comes after a really good day. Day 8 gave me another new experience, another lesson, and more memories that I knew I would not forget easily.
It was not just a busy day it was a day full of meaningful moments.
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