February 2, 2024, marks the very first APEC Schools-New Manila Field Trip. It gave pure joy to students considering it was their first time having a field trip, as APEC Schools announced their first educational tour for the students. Students come to school at around 5 in the morning to officially start the day of traveling to the designated locations. The buses were gathered at the school sites of each branch to be able to complete the attendance of the students. Regulations and rules were stated for the safety of all the students. Everyone was filled with joy and excitement as they approached the locations. The students' laughter and bonding filled their buses as they talked about the things that they would go to and the experiences that would be made. As the bus arrives at the first destination, it marks the start of their fun-filled experience. Everyone is ready to go and complete this amazing day. Pack your bags as we experience the fun-filled day.
RIZAL PARK
Rizal Park showcased all the beauties and histories that occur in our country. It carries a rich history that happened in the Philippines, formerly known as Bagumbayan. On the tour, we first visited the Rizal monument, the center of the Rizal park. The students were able to take pictures and observe the surroundings as the design and form show mesmerizing beauty. It was built to celebrate and remember the life of Rizal, and mourn his execution. Proceeding to the rest of the park, the Rizal Shrine which is a museum dedicated to the life works of Rizal, students were able to see the original artworks of our late hero and learn the history behind it.
Japanese Garden
Lastly the tour comes to an end with the Japanese Garden, it contains beautifully crafted and colorful bridgeway that show different sceneries and contains life quotes that students can internalize and learn from, the said garden was constructed to build the friendship between the Japanese and the Filipino.
FORT SANTIAGO
Fort Santiago is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila, it was highly sought by the Spaniards due to the fact that the land where the Pasig River flowed into Manila Bay was a very strategic location.
Students were able to learn more about the technical reasons for it as they crawl and discover the in’s and out’s of the fort. Along with that students were able to learn of the executions of numerous Filipinos and the hardships they'd experienced. In one of the attractions, students were able to look around in the underground, where all the malicious things that were done to our ancestors were done. Moreover, the methods and ways we’re displayed on the walls show graphic ways of torturing that we should mourn for more. Fort Santiago was declared a Shrine of Freedom, and restoration began the following year. Today, it stands as a memorial to the victims of World War II and their sacrifices.
INTRAMUROS
Intramuros is located south of Pasig River and east of Manila Bay, and it’s a popular destination for tourists. During the tour, because of the large area that encompasses Intramuros, buses are not able to enter some areas creating chances for students to walk around the streets and visit the breathtaking views within them. There were numerous activities that were explored, including horseback riding, where we could tour the area while riding it. There were also numerous spaces that were viewed, including the San Agustin Church where you can start your day with a prayer, think of your blessings and desires, student’s light candles to make their desires and wishes come true. Also they were able to buy refreshments and food to fill their stomach as it reaches the halfway mark of the trip, duckling and roses clips became a trend within the school community because of the vendors here as well.
MANILA OCEAN PARK
It is an oceanarium of the country with world-class acts and is a perfect place for entertainment and fun for friends and family to enjoy. It showcases different kinds of animals, both land and sea, that show the beauty of our animals. Manila Ocean Park is the country's first world-class marine theme park and a premiere educational facility. An integrated urban resort with marine life attractions. There were numerous attractions that can be seen here, the oceanarium performances included the Sea Lion and Bird Show, where audiences were gathered in an area to watch the brilliant and impressive talents and knowledge guided by our hard-working workers. Then there were trails to Antarctica where students were able to see penguins and their movements, and also be able to feed them personally.
Then there was the world of creepy crawlies. It focuses on the ignored creatures and being enlightened through the insects, worms, and other misunderstood and feared creatures. There were a lot of activities for students for this location, among others that weren’t mentioned.
QUEZON CITY MEMORIAL CIRCLE (QCMC)
The Quezon CIty Memorial Circle is a national park located in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It was named after our second official president of the Philippines Manuel L. Quezon and his wife, First Lady Aurora Quezon.
As the field trip reached its end, the QCMC was the perfect way to end the joyful experience. As the students arrived at the location, they were gathered at the center where the museum of our Late President is kept. Along with that, the museum also contained the things that were used by the president and gifts from people close to him, which the students got to see.
As the museum tour finishes, students were given free time for another hour to visit the entire circle. But worry not as the attractions here are endless. In open fields, people can go picnic and eat with their loved ones, jogging and running around can also be an option to do. There we also workout using their manual equipment where you can lift yourself up, spin yourself, etc. there are also biking and playground activities which you can take your loved ones to. Food and Item Bazaar’s that we can use after the activities to rehydrate our body. It was a memorable experience because it shows the bond of the students from different Apec School branches and how we all collaborated for this educational trip.
