Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim, center, presents Angel Legaspi and the Inarajan Middle School cultural exchange class the keys to the city during the school's recent visit to the Philippines. / Courtesy of Angel Legaspi
The best way to learn about a different culture is to experience it first hand. Nine students from Inarajan Middle School immersed themselves in Filipino culture by visiting the Good Shepherd Montessori School in Pasig, Philippines through IMS’s annual Student Cultural Exchange Program.
The best way to learn about a different culture is to experience it first hand. Nine students from Inarajan Middle School immersed themselves in Filipino culture by visiting the Good Shepherd Montessori School in Pasig, Philippines through IMS’s annual Student Cultural Exchange Program.
The purpose is to teach diversity and learn about different people while promoting Guam culture, says assistant Principal Angel Legaspi.
“The students really enjoyed their trip, and they saw a lot in just the few days we were there,” says Bertha Duenas, chaperone and special education teacher.
Students were originally slated to visit Japan, but due to recent Japan disasters and radiation dangers, organizers made a last-minute switch to Philippines. Duenas admits the group wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but the trip turned out to be a one-of-a-kind experience for all.
Red carpet treatment
Upon arrival, the group received an incredible dose of hospitality. The “red carpet treatment” included a marching band typically reserved for foreign dignitaries and a special invitation to meet with Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim. He presented Legaspi with a ceremonial key to the city and gave students a short history lesson based on the mural decorating the reception hall. The painting depicted Filipino history from pre-Spanish times to present day.
“The exchange was actually very productive in the sense that students were able to see the commonalties Guam shares with Filipino history and culture through Spanish and American influences,” Legaspi says.
Lim also requested students perform a Chamorro dance for city officials and other special guests.
The group received another surprise when TV network ABS-CBN invited them to a live Chamorro dance performance on “Mornings@ANC.” The exchange concluded with a dinner show at Barbaras, a popular restaurant located in historic walled city of Intramuros. IMS students joined the fun by learning the steps to Filipino native dance Tinikling.
“Native dances are very much expressive of one’s culture, and the fact that we could share in that was wonderful. We were there on a goodwill mission and the kids acted as ambassadors of goodwill for Guam,” Legaspi says.
