Clear seas, fun activities, and happy memories
Written by Megan Chan
NOTE: The two groups that went to Cebu had different, though still largely similar, itineraries. Although this article only details the activities of the first group, the photos are sourced from both.
“daw paraiso
“daw paraiso ang kaanindot mo,
ang mga tawo wu gyud kay ikareklamo.
bisag asa ko paingon way puas ang pagdayeg ko,
magpabilin ka ning dughan ko.
I Love Cebu!”
“Where I go,
My loyalty in you will never waver,
Wherever I go.
My admiration in you will never waver,
You will remain in my heart.
I love Cebu!”
Lyrics from Cebuana hit song “I love Cebu”
The skies were still dark on the morning of November 10th, when the sleepily disgruntled Y10 campers trudged into the Hong Kong airport at 5:30 am. Even so, an air of enthusiasm was still able to evoke excitement from the most tired of students.
Unlike previous years, where Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC) expeditions were solely Hong Kong-based, Year 10 provided students with an opportunity to explore new backgrounds and experiences beyond a local scale. It pushed students out of their comfort zones, encouraged them to take new risks, and indulged them in cultures to which they were rarely exposed. The Cebu camp was run by Asia Pacific Adventure (APA) and took in 39 students total; divided into two groups of 20 and 19 specifically.
Unfortunately, upon arrival in Cebu, obstacles regarding fees and immigration caused slight delays and hold-up at the airport. It was quickly ignored, however, in favour of the boat and motorized tricycle trips to the first accommodation. While travelling there, students gained their first insight into the local environment, both urban and natural.
The day ended with a first snorkel around the waters near the first accommodation, where the campers spotted various corals and sea animals. The lovely scenery, with a rainbow, sunset, and moon appearing concurrently only served to make the experience better. After a subsequent soak (and splash) in the resort pool, students went to shower and came back to a delicious meal of traditionally-prepared Filipino food.
The second day started with a move out of the first accommodation. After packing their belongings, the campers boarded the motorized tricycles once again and travelled to Asinan, a local village in Cebu. There, they were greeted with dance performances to traditional Cebuana songs by the local Asinan youth, before sitting down together to do fun activities. Some played musical chairs and frisbee, while others opted for origami, colouring and cards. While doing these activities, both sides were encouraged to discuss, converse, and learn more about each other’s lives.
The campers eventually went snorkelling around the local mangroves, taking note of the different species living within the area. After this, campers diverged on their separate ways; one half went to do shell crafting, while the other went into the village. Shell crafting acts as the primary source of income for the people of Asinan, and the campers were taught how to make these accessories for themselves. Though they struggled, it provided another opportunity to interact with locals. The other half went to explore the village of Asinan, guided through by both APA staff and the Asinan youth, to learn more about the way of life here. After swapping over and trying both activities, everyone took part in a final song and dance before departing by motorized tricycle to their second accommodation.
The third day began with preparation for the six-hour paddle journey that awaited the campers the next day. After being taught basic technique, the campers took it out to the seas to try it for themselves in their Bangkas, a traditional watercraft in the Philippines. Unfortunately, while paddling, a squall inconveniently crossed paths with the campers, leading them to walk the rest of their journey there. Hope was not lost, however, as a delicious lunch, wandering puppies, and a round of frisbee with local children quickly lifted the mood.
Following the meal was a local bread-selling challenge. In four different groups, the campers were led by local people around the island to sell the local Filipino bread, pan bisaya. Not only was it a competition, but all proceeds would go to the local charities on the island. This competition was followed by a brief demonstration on making pan bisaya by the local ladies before the campers left and paddled off to a marine reserve.
The third day celebrated the birthday of Louna Larose, who was surprised with a chocolate birthday cake at the end of the evening. “I never thought having my birthday during camp would be so much fun,” said Larose. “I even got a cake from APA, which was really kind of them.”
“I could see the beauty of the clear turquoise water and marine life that thrives in it.”
The fourth day, perhaps the most intensive of all, entailed a six-hour paddling voyage from their second to their third and final accommodation: Nalusuan Island Resort. Though many struggled with the partner work and grew fatigued over time, highlights throughout the trip lightened spirits. Along the way, the campers would stop to snorkel at various sites, some of which were protected areas. Unlike previous snorkels, these sites were much deeper, which reduced the murkiness and showed more diverse and extraordinary corals and fish species. “Snorkelling in that one patch of ocean was a really eye-opening experience,” remarked Audrey Lau, “because of how I could see the beauty of the clear turquoise water and marine life that thrives in it.”
The Nalusuan island resort was an extravagant upgrade from EOTC’s usual accommodations, with beach houses overlooking pristine waters and served tropical drinks upon arrival. Tired and exhausted, the campers retreated to their rooms to refresh and relax, later coming out to have dinner at the resort’s buffet. The dinner was accompanied by a live music performance by the resort staff; later on, the campers were, albeit forcefully, plucked from the crowd to sing onstage. The last evening concluded itself with a night snorkel as campers observed the nighttime marine life underwater.
Despite it being the final day the next morning, the activities lined up were still able to invigorate. After breakfast, students were offered an opportunity to snorkel in a protected zone near the resort; this was a zone exclusive to scientists for research purposes and was entirely off-limits for tourists. Not only was there exponential marine life, but students were also able to duck dive (without their life jackets) and free snorkel around the area.
Thankfully, the campers didn’t need to paddle their way out, as a boat came to transport them back into the urban areas of Cebu. Before the trip ended, the campers made their way to local landmarks Lapu Lapu and Magellan Shrine, where they learnt about the city’s historical roots and shopped for souvenirs.
However, all good things must come to an end. Reluctantly, the Year 10 campers departed from Cebu, giving sad farewells to the APA staff and the beautiful city. But for what memories they earned, this seemed like a small price to pay.
Regarding the trip, Shija Godfrey, an accompanying teacher, commented: “I think that it was organized quite well and accommodating activities were well thought out. It was fun; the kids were very engaged. The APA guys were so hands-on. Everyone loved it and came out of their comfort zones. It was a fantastic trip.”
