Life in the Philippines

By: Rian (Choi Seol Hun)

I’m definitely sure that people who have been in the Philippines have invaluable experiences, and that includes me. Why is this so?

I have studied English for about six months and have met the passionate and sincere teachers in the Philippines who made me feel confident and helped me improve my English skills, as well as developed a good perspective of the subject in my point of view. Among my line of teachers was Teacher Tyra.

Despite my 101 Level in school (one of the lowest levels) when I first started studying in an English school, I always tried to speak a lot, especially since I met Tyra. Though, I was one of those people who hate to study, still I talked a lot in our Phrasal Verbs group class. I thought to myself that I was selfish because I did most of the talking.

Nevertheless, I realized that English is not to be dealt with all-books and lectures but more on practice, and I learned that in the Philippines. Though frankly, Tyra did not tell me about it directly, but while I studied English with her, I have learned that from her, my best teacher. It was completely worth the efforts. That’s why, I didn`t study English by books that much, because I have learned how to study it practically. It’s just one of the things I`ve obtained there and it’s one of the unforgettable experiences I have.

Moreover, if someone would ask me, "What was the best experience you have in the Philippines?" I would say, "my working experience.”
I have experienced being one of the dormitory managers in the Language School where I also studied. Instead of paying the school fees, I worked while studying. One of my responsibilities is to buy vegetables at Carbon Market once a week for the school’s meals. Carbon Market is sort of a traditional Filipino market in Cebu.

One day, when I went to the market, one little boy followed me while I was selecting for some vegetables to buy. So, I bought a barbecue on the street to give it to the little boy. He was naked, and I know he was from a poor family. After that, he started to help me bring the heavy stuff I was carrying. The little boy was really cute. Before I left the market, he bought a boiled corn for me.

With that unforgettable experience, I asked myself, "does money bring happiness?" and pondered on such thought. After that, I have realized why Filipinos are the happiest people in the world. I look back on those experiences every once in a while.

Going to the Philippines is very much worth it. I wouldn’t think twice in going back there because I have never forgotten how it feels so good when I was there. Again, the teachers’ teaching efforts in teaching me led me to have a goal in life and a dream. I hope to achieve such goals and dreams, and I want to keep in constant contact with my teachers as my best friends in overseas.

About the Writer:
Choi Seol Hun or commonly known by his English nickname, Rian, a 23 (International Age) Korean National is a smart, talkative, curious and practical person, and not to mention, a very good friend. He came here in the Philippines to study ESL at Philinter Center for English Language (now Join Us English Language Academy) in 2008. He lives in Seongnam City in Kyunggido, South Korea and is now traveling a lot of countries to experience the different cultures of foreign life. He enjoys sports especially soccer and swimming. He dreams of studying Financial Management and Trade and hopes to become an International Trader someday. Know more about Rian, you may view his site at http://www.cyworld.com/rian777