A Memorable Day: SEA-Teacher Welcome Event at PNU

Showcasing Indonesian and Filipino Cultures 

October 11, 2024, was a beautiful and eventful day. The agenda was the official welcome ceremony for SEA-Teacher participants hosted by Philippine Normal University (PNU). My colleagues and I dressed in traditional Palembang attire: baju kurung, kain songket, and the iconic gandik headpiece. Around 11 a.m., we were picked up from the hostel and escorted to the PNU auditorium.  

The event was lively and enjoyable. Before it officially began, the attendees were invited to participate in a fun "tongue twister" game featuring Indonesian and Tagalog phrases. The atmosphere grew even more festive when the choir performed Indonesia’s national anthem, "Indonesia Raya".  

Our group also contributed to the celebrations by singing the patriotic song "Indonesia Pusaka". It was a proud moment to share a piece of our heritage with the audience.  

Toward the end of the ceremony, PNU students impressed us with a musical performance using Indonesia's traditional instrument, the "angklung". They played "Burung Kakak Tua", a beloved Indonesian folk song. I was deeply moved by their dedication to learning and showcasing our culture, despite their limited preparation time.  

The event continued with a lecture by Dr. Rita Inderawati on the topic "Educational Podcasts for Enhancing Students' 21st Century Skills". The ceremony concluded with the exchange of souvenirs between Universitas Sriwijaya and PNU, followed by a group photo session.  

Lunch and Evening Adventures

After the ceremony, we joined the PNU faculty for lunch at the office, where we savored authentic Filipino cuisine. The meal featured delicious "nilagang baka" (beef soup) and refreshing coconut water. It was a delightful culinary experience and a wonderful opportunity to connect with our hosts. 

Later in the evening, we accompanied Dr. Rita to dinner at SM Manila Mall. Afterward, we helped her shop for souvenirs, as she was scheduled to return home the next day. Since the mall was only 750 meters from the PNU hostel, we decided to walk. However, as we were about to head back, it started raining unexpectedly.  

To avoid getting drenched, we tried a local mode of public transportation known as the "tricycle" or "tok-tok". The fare was affordable, and the ride itself was an exciting and memorable experience. It added a fun twist to what was already an incredible day!