Singapore's unity amidst diversity.

As I woke up again from my comfortable sleep, I feel a brand new form of excitement. Such an excitement that woke me up at 5:00 am. We took the bus to the school, and saw the wonderful facade of Hwa Chong Institution. The class benches, the clean surrounding, and the bright and hopeful faces of student were gleaming as we passed by.

I had to change clothes for my first PE class in HCI. From what I've heard, Singapore boasts its athletes and most of its students who not only excel academically, but also physically. They didn't disappoint! They were so fast and so physically fit. In fact, they were able to finish 12 laps at the sides of the basketball court in just 8 seconds! Their long jumps also reached as far as 300were able cm, and they to jump about a height of more than 2 feet continuously across 10 barricades.

I was breathless and my buddy, Dennis even said that they were not in their best form yet. As we changed & went to our next class, I could really see the discipline honed in each and every one of Singapore's students. They greeted their teachers with much respect and bowed to them halfway.

It was a chemistry tutorial which means that the teacher will discuss their problems with the assignments given to them. Although the topic was too advanced for my level, I was able to somewhat understand the lesson because the teacher explained the mechanisms quite well which paved the way for my understanding. In fact, he was very friendly to all of us and I really learned a lot from him in just a short period of time.

The Bugis Street

It's already lunch time and all of the Filipino students and their buddies gathered and went to the canteen. We ordered our food and ate a part of their culture. We were able to taste the various flavors of the world which highlights Singapore's unity amidst diversity.

It was time for my afternoon class and afterwards, we would go to Bugis for shopping. Of course everyone loves shopping. But shopping becomes even more meaningful and special when you give it to someone you love.

All of us circled and ventured the Bugis market in search of "pasalubongs" or gifts to give when we're back in the Philippines. We met Mr. Jayson Bingcang who came from Singapore Botanical Garden. We were able to buy various items such as clothes, tees, bags, keychains, shoes, and other novelty items Singapore has to offer.

The delegates and hosts at a coffee shop near Bugis
before eating dinner.

We ate dinner in a Chinese restaurant where we learned and tasted its unique dishes. We then went around some more and felt at home.

The Singaporeans were very nice to all of us. They showed us respect and care, even if we're only tourists here in Singapore. I admire their concern, discipline, loyalty to work and social skills. And I do think, this is what we Filipinos lack nowadays. We must strive to be the very best and I know that there is still hope for us. If Singapore can do it, so can we.

And as I close my eyes and went to sleep, I could imagine a new day ahead of us; full of hope, full of life, full of love

by: Alejandro Renzo Lim