I can't begin to explain the generosity, the hospitality and the warm feelings we experienced everywhere we went. At each school, art gallery, and event we were greeted with smiles, banners, balloons, and even the key to the city (thank you, Mandaluyoung City!). Students politely greeted us with, "Good morning, visitors," and each day I entered Jose Rizal University I saw our faces posted on a HUGE banner. Often visits ended with pictures and selfies. For more than a week we enjoyed a beautiful bouquet of flowers presented to us by our host teacher, Mr. Rufo de Leon. This special treatment was a constant reminder of how teachers are valued in the Philippines and my role as "ambassador" from Rhode Island. Thank you for making me feel special!
Shout out to Tristan, Aimee, and Jackie E.: The Philippines "boasts" that they are the only Christian Nation in Asia with 86% of the population claiming to be Roman Catholics. Often, classes in both private and public schools begin each day with a prayer.
Shout out to Julia, Mason, Eve and Wenda: The students in the schools that I visited listen to pretty much the same music you do. Can you imagine what they said when I did "The Whip"? In all schools, public and private, students are required to wear a uniform, they may not wear any make up (even in high school) nor may they color their hair. Outside of school, kids dress much like you do but they do not wear short skirts or shorts.
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