A week has passed since we started training for the program and we have done so much already.

Day 0-1 : Arrivals and Check-in

The whole contingent checked in at Forbes Hall Dormitories. It's an 18-storey residence hall along the University Belt in the City of Manila. Each Philippine Participating Youth (PPY) was billeted in rooms good for three. The rooms are very conducive for students and is a typical representation of the cabin rooms (which house three PYs in a room).

PPYs' Orientation

Day 02: Fitting of Uniforms, Vaccine at Bureau of Quarantine (September 25, Monday)

On the second day, the contingent had to leave the dormitory early to be at the National Youth Commission for the fitting of government-sponsored uniforms. These uniforms include one set of business attire, one set of national attire and one set of casual attire. Luckily my uniforms all fit perfectly well aside from my business attire which needed minor alterations. Still, the batch would need to procure extra uniforms as one set may not suffice for a 52-day program.

After fitting, we had lunch and went straight to the Bureau of Quarantine to have our flu vaccine/shots. A flu shot is required for the issuance of the yellow card to be submitted to the Japan government prior to the program.

PPYs After the Flu Shot

Day 03: Photoshoot at Ramon Magsaysay High School Manila (September 26, Tuesday)

The third day was probably one of the most tiring day as it was for photoshoot. Another PPY, Marianne, and I had to go to the school very early in the morning to attend the flag ceremony and introduce the program to the students of the school (all Grades 7-10). After the flag ceremony, we toured the campus to see the different classes being conducted in the school.

The rest of the contingent arrived shortly and had hair and make-up done. The contingent had photos taken in their business, national, and regional attires and finished at around 5pm. Photos taken here would be used primarily for the contingent's business cards, profile books, and other presentations.

Welcome Board at Ramon Magsaysay High School

Courtesy Call to the Principal of Ramon Magsaysay High School Manila

National Capital Region Representatives

Day 04: Contingent Cheers Practice (September 27, Wednesday)

Cheers are very important in the program. These allow contingents to be easily remembered. The fourth day was allotted to the creation and practice of contingent cheers and yells.

Contingent groupie during the break

Day 05-06: Cultural Presentation Practice (September 28, Thursday)

As the program would have presentations in every port of call and onboard, the fourth day was allotted to practicing songs and dances for the program. The batch was divided into different chorale vocal groups and practiced a very popular Filipino song, Paraiso. I wish I could post a video here but I guess that one has to wait until it's perfect.

At the rooftop, tenors and basses practicing

Day 07: Video Shoot at University of the Philippines Diliman (September 30, Saturday)

The contingent, this time color coded into different colors of the national flag, all went to UP Diliman for the creation of a music video which is going to be shown on board and during ports of call. The concept of the video depicts the normal Filipino lifestyle. It was shot in different places in the campus. Too bad it kinda rained in the afternoon so we had to delay some takes.

Representing colors of the flag, we have been grouped into different shirt colors.

My contingent buddy, Annelle, and I as we wait for our scenes to be taken.

Day 08: Free Day (October 01, Sunday)

Since it's Sunday, we were given a free day. We honestly tried to catch some sleep because we have done so many things almost the whole week. But when we woke up, Marianne and I decided to treat some kids to Jollibee (a local fastfood here in the Philippines very popular especially to kids). While we wished we could have went around more, we had to leave right away as there were too many people in the mall and we were afraid the kids might get lost. But we're sure they enjoyed the trip to Jollibee. No Filipino kid says Jollibee isn't fun!

Alexandra and Irene said they wanted to have Jollibee, and there's no reason why we shouldn't!

Me, Jollibee, Alex, Irene, and Marianne. Happy KIDS!

Til the next update!

Again, thank you very much for all the help!