Our batch was composed of 138 people from different parts of the Philippines whose ages ranged from 16-27. We met new friends not only from Manila, but also from different provinces (e.g. Davao, Cebu, Tarlac, Baguio, La Union, etc.). The 138 people who were going were divided into four (4) groups, for bus and tour guide arrangements. I was given the chance to become one of the officers of Group 2, alongside Jake, Eric, Michelle, Ann, David, and Erickson.
Group 2 was made up of 33 members. There were 3 of my friends who were from Tarlac; the rest were from different parts of the Metro. Our group's bond started during the weekly meets we had before we left for TW, not to mention the practices we had for the performances we were asked to perform. We were told that we had to perform four (4) times - once in Manila and thrice in Taiwan. Our group was lucky enough to have Tim who did a remix-medley of four songs put together as one. No one had any idea that there were certain events in TW that didn't allow us to perform the same song twice, and the medley was considered as one song. But that didn't hinder the group from creating new dance steps and belting out our vocal chords while we were touring (thanks to Andy, Cess, and Cissey - brilliant choreographers).
Each group was assigned four (4) tour guides, or 輔導員 as we call them. The four knowledgeable people who accompanied us throughout our stay in TW, with a few of them taking turns or alternating every now and then due to studies and personal reasons, were 小雞，小蛇，花花，and Richi. It's really amazing how they adjusted easily to us, considering that there was a language barrier. Our Mandarin sucked for the most part. Good thing Michelle was there to translate pretty much everything to us. But in fairness to the group our Mandarin improved a whole lot by the time we were coming back to the Philippines. And in fairness to our tour guides, they learned a few Tagalog and English words from the group (bobo, tanga, and bully being their favorites). Ü
The goup traveled the whole of Taiwan, staying for just one night in certain places. We became experts in packing our duffel bags overnight and squishing our pasalubongs just so we didn't have to carry a lot of plastic bags. Our muscles were toned as well, since the organizers figured that the girls had to be put at the higher floor (compared to the guys) when there were no elevators around. Think carrying our duffel bags up 5 flights of stairs (>_<). There were times when the elevators were so packed that we'd rather drag our bags upstairs. Lucky for us chivalry still existed for some guys; they carried our bags for us. Yay :) Food in Taiwan is also something to look forward to. The articles of food that can be found in the night market is simply heaven on earth. Our favorites would have to be 鸡排 and 奶茶. Night market food was our satisfaction after daily dosages of congee and egg. We've had egg every single day of our 23-day stay in TW, seriously. And as if the egg being served to us was not enough, we just had to look for the adobong egg being sold in the night markets. :) The adobong egg is certaily a must-try. And just for the heck of it, Karen, Jacq, Michelle, and I bought a box of eggs for our midnight snack one night. 4 eggs a person plus the eggs we ate during our meals. ( -_- ') Go figure.
It's almost one month past our Taiwan journey. It was on May 23 when our Taiwan journey came to an end. I would say that all the members of our group experiences his or her own versions of separation anxiety from each other. We'd text each other and meet up till we all pretty much settled back into our normal, routinary lives. We still meet up every now and then, which is good. Every time I think of Taiwan, I feel a pang of uncertainty and sadness.. wishing that the 23 days could go on forever - worry free and pure fun. But there is a limit to everything. Through our Taiwan experience, friendships have remained; our experiences and journeys as individuals and as a group still continue to unravel. Our stay in Taiwan may have just been for three weeks, but the emotions and relationships that were formed will certainly stay with each and every member of Dynamic Youth Batch '98 forever.
Just to add to the experience I had, here is the speech I delivered during our farewell party in Taiwan:
SPEECH：GROUP 2 - ENGLISH
Do you believe in destiny? The whole lot of us was destined to cross paths and experience this whole
Each group has its own uniqueness and unforgettable moments that make every member laugh out loud, treasure the experience, and feel that we are in
deed one team. The whole Group 2 journey started on that eventful day when the choice of which group to join had to be made. Bonding sessions over coffee and pao mi contributed a lot to the group’s tightness, but it was the practices we had for the performances that really brought us together, simply because it was through these sessions that the group was able to showcase different talents and leadership skills.
Over the past few weeks, the group has gone through ups and downs. One of the challenges we faced as a group was internal conflicts brought about by personality differences. We had to learn to give and take in certain situations and accept each other’s opinions. Another difficulty was communicating with our 辅导员s. Being Chinoys, Mandarin isn’t our native language and the adjustment period was a rather tedious and nerve-wracking process. It took a lot of effort on both sides; but in the end, it was through these nosebleed moments that our group was able to connect and make use of the Chinese language in our own easy, even in the art of traffic enforcing. (Insert shouts from group members: 慢来；安全；自己人；As in, 现在).
With the guidance and help of Achi Grace, Achi Dada, Achi Lucy, and Ahia Johnson, we know that no matter how many challenges the group will have to face, we will still end up the way a group should be – happily bonded.
We would also like to acknowledge our 辅导员s. On this trip, they have put our best interests first before everything else. They have offered not only their knowledge but also their frien
dship to us. Our relationship with our 辅导员s is a unique mesh of cultures leading to a wonderful journey that will continue to unfold.
To end my speech, there is one main thing I can say about all four groups - about our group - and that is that throughout our whole 21 day stay in
A hundred different faces, a hundred different personalities, a hundred different stories - this Taiwan trip has given us experiences to look back at, relationships to treasure, and moments that will last forever. Now tell me, do you believe in destiny?
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