August 5 – 18, 2015
The journey to beautiful Manila consisted of 7 second-year students, accompanied by Dr. Hanif Zulfakar.
One of the most memorable events of the trip was when we had the privilege to walk pass the Arch of the Centuries. There is a tradition among the Thomasians where a ceremonial Freshman Welcome Walk is held every year within the first day of the academic year. Superstitions says undergraduates are not allowed to pass through it on the way out until after you graduate, or else you’ll be barred from school. We even got to walk out from the arch on our last day, so it was as if we were a true Thomasian, they called us ‘UKM Thomasians’.
We had the opportunity to attend lectures with the students, visit the laboratories, a trip to local pharmaceutical industry and even a visit to St. Luke’s medical centre. We were exposed to the pharmacy education and healthcare system in Philippines and how it differs from Malaysia.
Walking through the UST campus, we were in awe of the amazing architectures. Besides, we had the privilege of walking along the streets of Intramuros – where the original UST building is from. We also had the chance to visit the National Museum, Manila Bay, Fort Santiago, Bonifacio City and many more.
Just like Malaysia, the Philippines is a melting pot of cultures; having a mix of western and Asian cultures. Communication was a piece of cake as locals use English. I find the Filipinos very welcoming. It was like we were one big family. We ate dinner together, told stories and joked, and even learnt a full song in Tagalog! Everyone went out of their way to help us and make sure we enjoyed our stay.
Any trip would not be complete without tasting the local delicacies. We got to try balut (duck embryo), sinigang (sour fish soup), kare-kare (savory peanut sauce) and halo-halo (sweet desert). On our final night, we treated the students and staff members with our fashion show, singing and dancing performance.
It has been an amazing experience to visit the Philippines and learning its culture. I urge you to seize the opportunity when it comes. I can say that it is one of the few countries that I will definitely visit again. Pilipinas, maraming salamat po!
By: Meriell Leeza Gayongala
