28 days in Phillipinnes: Exploring Education, History and Culture

Maligayang pagdating sa Pilipinas

I am Kuntum Fitriana, a student of History Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto. 

I participated in the SEA Teacher Batch 10 activity held by SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Minister of Education Organization) in February 2025 at Mariano Marcos State University Philippines. 

SEA Teacher (Southeast Asian Teacher Project)

SEA Teacher (Southeast Asian Teacher Project) is an education student exchange program organized by SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization). The program aims to provide international teaching experience for education students from countries in Southeast Asia.

SEA Teacher Objectives

1. To provide opportunities for education students to experience the school environment and teaching culture in other countries.
2. Improve teaching competencies, including learning methods, classroom management, and the use of technology in education.
3. Promote cultural understanding and cooperation among countries in Southeast Asia in the field of education.

How does this program work?

Selected students will be sent to other countries in Southeast Asia to teach in partner schools. The program usually lasts 1 month and includes observation, teaching assistance, and full teaching practice.  Participants will teach in English or local language according to the host school's requirements.

Participating Countries

SEAMEO member countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and others participate in this program. SEA Teacher is a great opportunity for education students who want to gain cross-cultural teaching experience.

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU)

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) is a leading higher education institution in the northern region of the Philippines, established in 1978. The university provides advanced education in the arts, natural and agricultural sciences, as well as technological and professional fields. MMSU has several campuses spread across the province of Ilocos Norte, with the main campus located in Batac City. Other campuses are located in Laoag City, Currimao, and Dingras.

The university consists of 10 colleges, namely:

-        College of Law

-       College of Medicine

-  College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development

- College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology

-        College of Arts and Sciences

-        College of Business, Economics and Accounting

-        College of Engineering

-        College of Health Sciences

-        College of Industrial Technology

-        Colleges of Teacher Education

Each of the colleges offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

MMSU is recognized as a model in the public university system in the Philippines for its prominent research and development activities, international linkages, and commercialization of innovations. The university is classified as a Level 4 University (SUC Level IV) in the 5-level classification system of Philippine public universities, and is one of only 19 out of 111 universities granted level 4 status. In addition, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognizes MMSU as one of the few National Universities of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Philippines.

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has a vision and mission statement that serves as a guide in achieving its goals as an institution of higher learning. However, specific information regarding the vision and mission of the College of Teacher Education is not available in the existing sources.

MMSU Vision: MMSU aims to be a center of excellence in higher education, research, and innovation, contributing to sustainable development and the improvement of people's quality of life.

MMSU Mission:

1.  Provide high quality education relevant to local and global needs.
2.  Conduct research and innovation that contribute to the development of science and technology.
3. Provide community service that has a positive impact on social and economic welfare.
4. Maintain partnerships and collaborations with various stakeholders to achieve institutional goals.

Profile of Laboratory High School (LHS) in Laoag City:

Main Functions: LHS serves as a laboratory school that supports the mission of MMSU's College of Teacher Education (CTE). The school provides an environment for education students to develop their teaching skills through hands-on experience in teaching and classroom management.

Curriculum and Programs: LHS implements the Basic Education Curriculum set by the Philippine Department of Education. In addition, the school focuses on developing students' values, leadership abilities, talents, and skills through various co-curricular programs and projects.

Location: The LHS campus in Laoag City is located within the MMSU complex, which also houses the College of Teacher Education and the College of Industrial Technology.

With its role as a laboratory school, LHS in Laoag City is committed to providing high-quality education and supporting the professional development of education students at MMSU. Laboratory High School (LHS) in Laoag City, which is part of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), has a vision and mission that aligns with the university's goal of providing quality education and professional development.

Vision: MMSU Laoag City LHS aspires to be a center of excellence in innovative secondary education, producing graduates who are competent, characterized, and ready to face global challenges.

Mission:

1. Provide a comprehensive and relevant curriculum to develop students' knowledge, skills and positive attitudes.
2. Create a conducive learning environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking and lifelong learning.
3. Fostering moral and ethical values to form individuals of responsibility and integrity.
4. Supporting teachers' professional development through continuous training and educational research.
5. Strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to improve the quality of education and community services.

With the vision and mission, LHS MMSU Laoag City is committed to providing excellent secondary education and contributing to the development of society through quality graduates.

 

Classroom Observation: A Valuable Experience in Education

Classroom observation is one of the essential activities in education that allows prospective educators and observers to understand the dynamics of learning firsthand. With the development of technology, classroom observation can now be done in two methods: online and offline. Both methods have their own advantages and challenges in providing insights to educators.

Offline Classroom Observation: Experience the Real Atmosphere

Observing the learning process directly in the classroom provides a more tangible experience. Observers can see how teachers and students interact, observe students' facial expressions, and understand how the classroom environment affects the learning process.

Advantages of Offline Observation:

✅ Direct interaction between teachers and students is more pronounced.

✅ Allows for more in-depth observation of facial expressions, body language, and student engagement.

✅ Makes it easier to understand the classroom atmosphere and classroom management strategies implemented by the teacher.

Challenges of Offline Observation:

⚠️ Requires physical presence at the location thus requiring travel time and costs.

⚠️ There are limitations in documenting the learning process compared to digital methods.

Online Classroom Observation: Flexible and Efficient

In the digital age, classroom observation can also be done online through platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. Observations are made by watching virtual classes or recorded lessons.

Advantages of Online Observation:

✅ More flexible because it can be done from anywhere.

✅ Allows for more in-depth observations by replaying class recordings.

✅ No travel costs and easier to document observations.

Challenges of Online Observation:

⚠️ Unable to directly observe students' body language and expressions in detail.

⚠️ Limited direct interaction with the real classroom environment.

⚠️ Depends on the quality of internet connection and technology used.

That is the definition of an observation, which in this SEA Teacher program opportunity author got the experience to observe the two methods. According to the author, offline observation is more effective than online observation, this is because we as educators are able to know the characteristics of the students we will observe well.

Both online and offline classroom observations have an important role in understanding effective learning practices. For prospective educators, this experience is a valuable provision in developing better teaching strategies.

In this observation, I paid attention to students in grades 7-10, because the education system is different from Indonesia. The Philippines implements the K-12 curriculum where elementary school education is conducted for 6 years, Junior High School (JHS) for 4 years, and Senior High School (SHS) for 2 years. Then after that they continue their education at university.

There are no specific history lessons there, but history is taught in social studies at Junior High School, and the author had the opportunity to teach in grade 7, because the material taught was about the history of Southeast Asian countries.

 

Creating a Lesson Plan: An Essential Guide for Aspiring Teachers

In education, lesson plans are an important component that helps teachers develop effective and structured teaching strategies. For aspiring teachers, understanding how to create a good lesson plan will provide a solid foundation in managing the classroom and achieving learning objectives more optimally.

Why is a lesson plan important?

A lesson plan is not just a document, but a roadmap for teachers to deliver material to students. With good planning, teaching can be more focused, engaging, and in line with students' needs. Here are some of the main benefits of lesson plans:

✅ Helps Teachers Stay Focused - With a clear plan, teachers can teach more systematically and not get off topic.

✅ Improves Learning Effectiveness - A good plan ensures that each learning session has clear objectives and appropriate methods.

✅ Eases Evaluation - Teachers can assess whether the methods used are successful or need to be adjusted.

✅ Provides Structure in Teaching - Helps teachers organize time and activities to make learning more dynamic and interactive.

Tips to Make Lesson Plans More Effective

✨ Be Flexible - Lesson plans are not rigid, so always be ready to adapt to classroom conditions.

✨ Create Engaging Activities - Use creative methods to get students excited about learning.

✨ Adapt to Student Learning Styles - Recognize whether students understand the material more easily through visuals, audio, or hands-on practice.

✨ Use Technology - Utilize digital platforms such as interactive videos or online quizzes to increase student engagement.

In making lesson plans for learning history, of course, the author uses teaching media that is easy to understand. History, which has a lot of discussion, needs to be summarized without leaving the important points in it. So, in this lesson, the author makes a graphic organizer to monitor and ensure students can understand the material presented. In addition to the learning method, the author also relates things that have similarities between Indonesia and the Philippines to attract students' attention, namely by singing the song “We are the Champion” by Queen. Where the content of the song contains struggle, persistence, togetherness in achieving a victory. That is what the author emphasizes and relates to nationalism. Creating a good lesson plan is the first step to becoming a successful teacher. With careful planning, prospective teachers can create a more structured, enjoyable and effective learning experience for students.

 

Demo Teaching

The author had the opportunity to teach in grade 7 with material on the challenges of Indonesian nationalism after independence after the Bandung Conference. The class ran smoothly with the graphic organizer that the author applied. To attract attention, at the opening of the class, I used the Filipino language so that students felt that I respected their language and culture. So they paid attention to me until the end. The opening began with singing the song “We are the champion” by Queen, of course, because this discussion is about Indonesia, the author must relate it to the Philippines so that they can understand the flow of the country that we will discuss. Indonesia and the Philippines have experienced colonization from western nations, the Philippines by Spain for 330 years and Indonesia colonized by the Dutch for 350 years. The song “We are the champions” depicts the victory we have shared against colonization.

Next, we related the previous material, Bandung Conference, and they asked what Bandung was. The author showed a video about the city of Bandung, and explained to them that Bandung is the capital of the province of West Java in Indonesia. Before the discussion, the author distributed graphic organizers to them, and asked them to fill in what was in the graphic organizer, which they could answer if they listened to the material given by the teacher well. 

The learning went smoothly until the end, the author also used “Quizizz” to test whether they understood well the material that had been delivered by the author, but because of the difficulty of the internet network at that time, the author also made the same list of questions as in “Quizizz” in power point to anticipate unexpected things.

Thus the author's teaching experience conducted at Laboratory High School, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag city, Ilocos Norte. This experience is not perfect, but the author has tips and tricks to prepare demo teaching well, which are as follows:

Tips for Success in Demo Teaching

1. Prepare the Material Thoroughly - Make sure the material to be delivered is in accordance with the curriculum and the needs of the students.
2. Use Interactive Learning Techniques - Methods such as group discussions, questions and answers, or case studies can increase student participation.
3. Practice Beforehand - Try to practice in front of a mirror or a friend to be more confident when performing in front of the examiner.
4. Maintain Gesture and Voice Intonation - Use friendly expressions and a clear voice to convey the message well.
5. Prepare a Plan B - If there are technical problems, such as a malfunctioning projector, prepare an alternative so that you can still deliver the material.

Demo teaching is not only about teaching, but also about how an educator is able to create a fun and meaningful learning experience for students. With good preparation, anyone can perform confidently and give their best teaching.

 

Cultural and Historical Exploration in Ilocos Norte

A. Burgos Military Grounds: A Fusion of History and Military Resilience

When it comes to Burgos Military Grounds, it's not just another military area. There's a long history attached to every corner-from major battles to key moments in defense. Today, it still serves as a center for military training and operations, so you could say that its legacy lives on in a more modern form.

Here, soldiers are trained with strenuous exercises, defense strategies are prepared, and various security operations are carried out. It's not just about physical endurance, but also mental and strategic thinking. Burgos Military Grounds is also a frequent location for ceremonial events and military cooperation with other countries-so it's no joke.

For those who love history, this place is definitely interesting. There are many traces of the past that can still be felt in the atmosphere. But for those in the military, Burgos Military Grounds is more than just a place-it's a second home, a place where discipline, courage and devotion are part of everyday life.

B. Lighthouse Charm in Ilocos Norte: A Trail of History in the Far North of the Philippines

A trip to Ilocos Norte, Philippines, is a mesmerizing experience, especially for those who love a mix of history, architecture, and stunning natural panoramas. One of the main attractions in the region are the lighthouses that stand proudly on the cliffs overlooking the South China Sea.

Trace the History at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Among the lighthouses in Ilocos Norte, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos is the most iconic. Built in 1892 during the Spanish colonial era, the lighthouse still stands majestically today, a silent witness to the passage of time. When you first gaze at it from a distance, the tall white tower with red brick accents looks so elegant and sturdy.

Stepping into the lighthouse area, the classic feel is immediately felt. Iron spiral staircases lead to the top of the tower, where a beacon light once served as a guidepost for ships traveling through Philippine waters. From the top, the view of the vast blue sea stretches as far as the eye can see, as if inviting you to lose yourself in its stillness and beauty.

Inspiring Bangui Lighthouse and Wind Turbines

Not far from Cape Bojeador, Bangui Lighthouse is another attraction that is no less mesmerizing. The lighthouse is located near the Bangui Wind Farm, a line of giant wind turbines that stand majestically along the coast. The combination of the lighthouse's classic architecture and the wind turbines' modern technology creates a unique landscape, where history meets progress.

Standing around this lighthouse, the strong sea breeze brings a cool breeze, while the waves lapping in the distance provide a soothing natural rhythm. As the sun begins to set, the sky transforms into a colorful canvas, creating captivating silhouettes of the lighthouse tower and slowly rotating windmills.

Seeing a lighthouse in Ilocos Norte is not just about enjoying the beauty of the architecture, but also feeling how these historical structures are part of the passage of time. Lighthouses that once guided ships on the seas are now symbols of resilience and cultural heritage that stand the test of time.

This trip taught us that behind every old building, there is a story waiting to be discovered. And in every corner of Ilocos Norte, there is beauty ready to be admired.

C. Saud Beach, Pagudpud: A Hidden Paradise in Ilocos Norte

In the far north of the Philippines lies a beach that is simply stunning with its soft white sand, clear blue waters, and unspoiled and serene atmosphere. Saud Beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, is often dubbed as the “Boracay of the North” because of its beauty that is not inferior to famous beaches in the Philippines.

As soon as you set foot on the beach, a gentle breeze from the South China Sea greets you. The clear sea water stretches wide, blending with the fine white sand underfoot. Rows of coconut trees stand tall, giving a tropical feel that further beautifies the natural landscape of Saud Beach.

The beauty of Saud Beach is even more pronounced when the sun begins to set. The sky turns into a gradation of golden orange color that reflects on the surface of the sea, creating a very romantic and soothing view. The calm waves add to the peaceful feel, making this beach the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the wonders of nature.

For those seeking tranquility, Saud Beach offers a pristine beauty, far from the crowds of mass tourism. Here, there is only the sound of crashing waves, the swish of the wind, and the beauty of nature that seems to invite you to linger and enjoy every moment.

Saud Beach is not just a tourist destination-it's a place where natural beauty meets tranquility. A hidden paradise in Ilocos Norte waiting to be explored and admired.

D. Enjoying the Beauty of Windmills in Ilocos Norte: A Harmony of Nature and Technology

Along the coastline of Ilocos Norte, the Bangui Windmills stand majestically, iconic icons that combine natural beauty with technological innovation. These giant windmills are not only a source of renewable energy for the Philippines, but they are also a sight to behold.

At first sight, the 70-meter-high wind turbines stand in stark contrast to the blue sky and vast ocean that stretches behind them. The strong sea breeze makes the propellers spin gracefully, creating a stunning harmony between the power of nature and human ingenuity.

Walking along Bangui's beaches, the golden sands combined with the sound of crashing waves provide a sense of tranquility that is hard to find anywhere else. As the sun begins to set, the silhouettes of the windmills stand out against the orange tinge of the twilight sky, creating a dramatic and mesmerizing scene.

Ilocos Norte offers not only beautiful beaches and colonial history, but also the modern charm of windmills that symbolize sustainability. Standing there, enjoying the breeze while watching the giant propellers spin, makes anyone feel small before the wonders of nature and human innovation.

Enjoying the windmills in Ilocos Norte is not just about seeing the giant, striking structures, but also feeling the harmony between technology and nature moving in beautiful harmony.

E. The Beauty and Magic of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

In the heart of Ilocos Sur, Philippines, lies a town that transports visitors back in time. Vigan, one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Asia, exudes an awe-inspiring charm with its cobblestone streets, Spanish-style houses, and history-rich atmosphere.

When you first step onto Calle Crisologo, Vigan's most famous street, it's like entering another world. Centuries-old buildings stand majestically, adorned with colonial-era wooden windows and elegant balconies. Horses pulling kalesa (traditional carriages) add to the romantic atmosphere that makes this town even more alluring.

Vigan is not just about architectural beauty, but also about a vibrant culture. Its traditional markets offer a variety of Ilocano souvenirs, from Iloco abel woven fabrics to unique handicrafts. Culinary specialties such as Vigan empanadas and bagnet (crispy fried pork) also tantalize the taste buds, bringing an authentic flavor that is hard to forget.

Vigan is not only a beautiful city, but also an animate world heritage-where history, culture and modern life blend harmoniously. It teaches us that true beauty is not just about the past being preserved, but also about how we celebrate and live it in every step of the way.

F. Discovering the Beauty of Paoay: From Historic Churches to the Malacañang of the North

Paoay, a small town in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, is a destination that offers the perfect blend of history, architecture and natural charm. From the majestic Paoay Church to the Malacañang of the North, the official family retreat of President Ferdinand Marcos, a trip to Paoay is an experience that takes us through its rich and storied past.

Paoay Church: The Majesty Behind the Baroque Architecture

The Church of Paoay or San Agustin Church of Paoay, is one of the most stunning marvels of Spanish colonial architecture in the Philippines. Built in 1710, the church is on UNESCO's World Heritage list thanks to its unique design and earthquake resistance.

From a distance, this stone building looks solid with its thick walls and massive pillars supporting the structure of the church. Earthquake's distinctive Baroque architecture, with European and Asian design elements, reflects the rich cultural mix in the Philippines. Upon stepping inside, a calm and sacred atmosphere pervades, taking visitors on a deep spiritual journey.

As the sun begins to set, a golden glow illuminates the church's facade, creating an extraordinarily beautiful and calming scene. 

Malacañang of the North: A Trail of History by the Lake

Not far from Paoay Church stands the majestic Malacañang of the North, a colonial mansion that was once the official residence of President Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos Norte. The building now serves as a museum, housing a collection of historical objects that give an insight into the lives of the Marcos family during his presidency.

Upon entering the mansion, its spacious interiors with classic wooden furnishings immediately exude a sense of elegance. The large windows overlook Paoay Lake, offering a view that is both soothing and a feast for the eyes. From the balcony, a gentle breeze brings tranquility, as if inviting visitors to take a moment to reflect on history and the passage of time.

G. Tan-ok Festival: Celebrating the Cultural Glory of Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte is not just about beautiful beaches, historic churches and majestic windmills, but also about the culture that lives in every soul of its people. One of the biggest celebrations showcasing the region's rich culture is the Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals, a festival full of color, energy, and Ilocano pride.

What is Tan-ok Festival?

“Tan-ok” means ‘glory’ in Ilocano, and this festival truly reflects the spirit and greatness of Ilocos Norte's heritage. Held annually since 2011, the festival brings together various cities and municipalities in Ilocos Norte to showcase dances, music, and folklore that reflect their identity and history.

Tan-ok Festival is often held in Laoag City, the capital of Ilocos Norte, with spectacular stages and incredible performances that illustrate the region's cultural diversity.

Highlights of Tan-ok Festival

🌟 Spectacular Dance Performances - Each troupe from different cities performs dances that tell their local stories, ranging from ancient legends to important historical events. The magnificent costumes, traditional music, and dynamic choreography make this festival so mesmerizing.

🎭 Historical and Cultural Heritage - Some performances feature stories of Ilocano heroes like Juan Luna and Gabriela Silang, as well as stories of the people's struggles in the face of colonization.

🎶 Electrifying Ilocano Music - The festival also features traditional musical instruments and folk songs that depict the lives of the people of Ilocos Norte.

🔥 Competitions and Awards - Each year, participating groups compete to win awards for best performance, with prizes that recognize their dedication and creativity.

More than Just a Festival

Tan-ok Festival is more than just a celebration, it is a platform to strengthen Ilocano identity and introduce their heritage to the younger generation. The festival proves that Ilocos Norte is not only a place of great natural beauty, but also home to a rich and ever-evolving culture.

With passion, Tan-ok Festival invites everyone to celebrate the glory of Ilocos Norte-a heritage that will continue to shine in every Ilocano heart and those who fall in love with its beauty.

H. SCUAA & PASUC 2025 at MMSU: A Spectacular Opening that Rocked Ilocos Norte!

🎇 Sparkling lights, beating drums, and fiery passion filled the skies of Ilocos Norte! 🎇

The year 2025 marks a new chapter in the history of the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), with Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) as the host! This grand event is not only a showcase of talents and skills, but also a celebration of the unity, diversity, and fighting spirit of Filipino students.

✨ MMSU Started with a Bang! ✨✨

From the first moment the stage lit up, thousands of athletes, coaches, delegates, and guests of honor from various public colleges in the Philippines united in an incredible atmosphere that rocked MMSU.

With a grand contingent parade, mesmerizing dances, and spectacular performances typical of Ilocos Norte, MMSU ensured the opening of SCUAA & PASUC 2025 will be remembered as the most remarkable in history!

🔥 Highlights in the Opening 🔥

🏆 Parade of Athletes and Contingents - Delegates from different universities entered the stadium with burning fervor, wearing their pride uniforms, carrying flags, and shouting chants that echoed throughout MMSU.

🎭 Dance Spectacular - MMSU presented a spectacular art show, from the Salamin of Bini performance to the roaring APT song using captivating lights, showcasing the vibrant Ilocos culture.

🎤 Inspirational Speeches - Academic officials and regional leaders give passionate speeches, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and determination to achieve excellence.

🔥 SCUAA Torch Lighting - The crowning moment occurs when the flame of glory is lit, a symbol of perseverance, courage, and hope, signaling the start of a competition that will test the limits of every participant.

🎇 Fireworks and Light Show - The MMSU sky turns into a colorful canvas with beautifully lit fireworks, marking the beginning of a competition that is not only about winning, but also about the journey, friendship, and an unyielding spirit.

💫 MMSU: Proud Host, SCUAA & PASUC 2025 Officially Starts! 💫

With the sound of cheers, unwavering spirit, and a grand stage lit up, MMSU proudly opens SCUAA & PASUC 2025! It's not just about medals and trophies-it's a celebration of determination, discipline, and brotherhood that will be remembered for all time.

 

Thank You to Mentors, Mentor Teachers, and SEA Teacher Friends

🌸 Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 🌸

This journey in the SEA Teacher Program has been an amazing and meaningful experience. All the knowledge, guidance, and support provided has been a valuable part of our journey as future educators.

✨ To our beloved mentors ✨

Ma'am Fe Ibalio, Ma'am Jenneth, and Sir. Mark Joseph, Thank you for all the invaluable guidance, motivation, and inspiration. The guidance and experiences you have shared are important provisions for us in developing ourselves as better educators.

📚 For the amazing resource teacher 📚

The author is very grateful to Ma'am Frances V. Menor for her patience, trust, and the opportunity to learn and teach in the classroom. Every advice, evaluation, and encouragement has helped the author grow in the world of education.

🤝 To my companion and teaching buddy 🤝

Thank you for your togetherness, cooperation, and encouragement throughout this program. Lyane, Dawn, GG, Lhyka, Izzley, Xyza, Dyan, Jinky, Kyla, Rowena, Patrick, Joana, Ma. Justine, Francis, and Leina Every challenge feels lighter because we support each other and share our experiences.

🌍 To my fellow SEA Teacher Participants from Indonesia 🌍

We have been through an amazing journey together, exploring new worlds, exchanging cultures, and learning more about education abroad. Aya, Ayun, Fifi, Arjun, Thrisman, Sindy, Derrel, Richard and El Thank you for the beautiful friendship and memories we will always cherish.

May all these experiences be the foundation for a brighter future and we can continue to inspire in the world of education. Thank you and good luck to all of us! 💖🎓