REFLECTIONS
Reflection session were never disappointing - often we spent three to four hours seated around a tree, a table, a pavillion, or some rocks talking about what the people and the country meant to us, the meaning we found in service learning, the hopes we found in our observations, and so much more. There was a lot of laughter, and on some intense days tears or agitated debates, and that was the dynamic discussions we had the fortune of enjoying because we were all so different. It was fascinating to see how our common experiences spoke so differently to each one of us, and how much we could learn from each other during those few hours spent having heart-to-heart talks about life.
ON THE VILLAGE
"I think one of the most memorable part was from the village experience and service. Many lessons were drawn from the period spent there with the villagers. They managed to make me feel a fostered sense of community and how they are able to make people feel at home and at ease. The spirit felt during the short homestay led me to be able to see the way the family unit interacts, amongst themselves and with the other families. It is to be able to love others through the small acts they do. It may feel weird to see the different parenting styles such as their concept of danger, of accomplishment, or whether the parents are the overprotective ones or the more laid back ones. But the essence of being able to still remain bonded and intact shows the capacity of their ability to maybe have an even better work-life balance compared to us back in Singapore. I think the way our societal core values guide us is strikingly different and it explains the way we craft our thoughts, our own ideas and stigmas on what is right or wrong. But to put things into the context of the village, if they had experienced our life back here at home, they will probably feel weird too. Things like their hospitality, or like eating after we eat, might be because of their history (Spanish influence) and culture and it is also about knowing and realizing that in every different communities, there are always many interplaying plots and factors that results in their present states, their ideologies. At the same time, our interaction with them will impact their community in some ways, and we will not be able to witness the direct impact caused after we leave."
ON THE WHOLE
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"This trip has made me a better person in a myriad of ways: as a team player, a leader, a follower, a friend, a daughter, and a student of the world. In these 18 days I regained my touch with nature, returned to basics and experienced wonderful feelings I would like to remember—gratitude, kindness, love, honesty, fulfilment, warmth between humans even though we couldn’t speak the same language.
This trip was a trip of self-discovery, where I learnt things about myself I never knew. For one, I realised I am stronger and more courageous than I give myself credit for; never would I have imagine scaling almost vertical mountains in flip-flops or crossing a river with the current flowing rapidly against me possible before I actually tried them out. This trip has shown me that I can adapt and accomplish what I set my mind and heart to, even when I’m put in an unfamiliar environment or outside of my comfort zone, as long as I dare to try; the only limits I am constricted by are more often than not the ones I give myself. I have also learnt that I’m a lot kinder and more patient than I think myself capable when the circumstance calls for it, and I tend to be more people-oriented than a task-motivated when I lead. As for introvert and extrovert tendencies, I am both, sort of like an ambivert.
One of my greatest take-aways from this trip is the reminder to be thankful and appreciative of the things and people I have around me. While I was living with the Agta community I had quite an impactful realisation: that they have less materially than we have, but more happiness than we do. This triggered soul-searching and reflection within me, and I kept pondering why this was so. Is the grass really always greener on the other side? (Nevertheless, during debrief, one of my teammates brought up the point that we can never be completely sure if they are fully contented from just 18 days of observation and interaction—their seeming contentment may only be what we perceive on our part. It is possible that they may envy of the sophistication and modernity of city life, the same way we envy their simplicity and uncontaminated way of life.) Everyone’s ideal interpretation of “the good life” is different, and we all want something we do not have—something new, something refreshing for a change. So I guess the only thing we can do is to try to instead be grateful for what we do have right now, and gradually find out what kind of lifestyle suits us best.
This trip has also taught me to live in the moment. It gave me a chance to escape from realism and all the “important things” I have waiting for me when I get back to Singapore, instead focusing on the immediate environment and my relationships with the people around me. I found this really healing, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to let go of things a little during this trip. I have been needing this respite and quietness for quite some time. I enjoyed myself thoroughly being with the villagers in the mountains and coastal areas. Once when I was washing my clothes by the river, I suddenly thought how I felt completely happy then, in the most unadulterated of ways, and I remember thinking that maybe this is what I’ve been searching so hard for. But why is it that I have to come all the way to Philippines to enclose myself away in this remote corner to experience it?
Lastly, this trip has made me more confident. I’m not used to airing my thoughts and opinions out loud in front of people, but during debriefs I had to share my reflections with the group, to organize the often messy, tangled up, incoherent thoughts in my head into spoken words, to share openly and honestly, to be reflective and thoughtful. This was a challenge at first, but gradually I learnt how to express myself and open up a little more, to give bigger portions of myself, to be exposed and vulnerable at times. In return I got the genuineness and openness of everyone else, and I found myself enjoying the debrief sessions. They were very meaningful and allowed for the exchange of thoughts and ideas, helping us to consolidate our learning points (never mind that they sometimes drag on for 3 to 4 hours and everyone ends up falling asleep).
After this trip I will work towards involving myself more in community service programmes. If I can travel to another country to understand and help its people, I should do the same, and even more at home. I also hope to make use of the skills and lessons I have gained from this trip to better serve my community in the future.