DAY 1 - SEA-TEACHER UNS X ISAT U

My Trip to Iloilo Philippines

Hi everyone, I am Kamila Farah Az-zahra, from Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta, Indonesia. I took Chemistry Education study program. In seventh semester I had the opportunity to go to Philippines for teaching internship under SEA-Teacher Batch 9 program, and here's my story!

On Sept 15th, we began our trip to the Philippines by train to go to Jakarta. Because our flight to Manila was from Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK). On this day, there are 5 of us who will go to the Philippines. We're devided into 2 groups. Me, Ilham and Husein will go to Iloilo, while Reza and Meiriana will go to Baguio.

Me and my friends at Solo Balapan Station

After I arrived at the train station, I waited for my friends to come. We took farewell photos with our other friends. We spent around 8 hours ride by Manahan train, from Solo Balapan Station, Solo to Gambir Station, Jakarta.

Ready for 8 hours train ride to Jakarta

We planned to pray then buy food before going to the airport. But in the middle of the trip, my uncle who lives in Jakarta called me. He said he wanted to meet me before I departed. After we prayed, we went near the food court to meet my uncle. Surprisingly, my uncle told us that he will be sponsoring our dinner. So we ordered fried chicken for a take away.

Then we have to catch up with the Damri Bus to go to the airport. It took around 1 hour drive from Gambir Station to CGK. After arriving at CGK, we took a photo to inform our lecturers that we arrived at the airport. Then we headed to terminal 3 international for check in. But unfortunately, the staff told us that our plane was delayed around 1 hour. We should’ve departed at 00:45 a.m, but due to delayed flight we departed at 01:55 a.m.

At Terminal 3 International Departure CGK

After we checked in, we waited for our boarding time. We were so exhausted for the 8 hour train ride and 1 hour bus ride in the middle of a traffic jam in Jakarta. At that time I really want to take a bath. My friend’s sister told me that there is a shower room inside the airport, but we have to board first. That was why, at 12:00 a.m we go to the international departure boarding. After checking our luggage, I asked the immigration staff if there was any shower room available. But unfortunately, he said that there’s only a toilet, not a shower room.

We still need to wait around 1 hour before our flight departs. I was so exhausted and sleepy. All I needed was a good night's sleep. After that we were ready for boarding, and I felt a little bit happy, because I got the window seat. I planned to capture the sunrise from above.

This is the first time I traveled using a plane, when it took off and landed it felt like we’re on a roller coaster but a very safe one wkwkwk. I finally captured the sunrise from the plane window, it was an amazing experience. I am really grateful for that.

After we landed, we quickly went to the immigration office to check. Then we waited for the shuttle to send us to the Terminal 2 Domestic, to continue our flight to Iloilo City. At this time I have to say goodbye to Reza and Meiriana, because they will continue their trip to Baguio City. 

It took an hour flight, and I slept through the flight. Finally we arrived at Sept 16th at Iloilo International Airport,  Ms. Rona and Ms. Jesselyn are ready to send us to our dorm. I will be sended to Dumangas Campus, an external campus of ISAT U. While Ilham and Husein will sended to ISAT U in La Paz, the main campus.

In ISAT U Dumangas Campus, I met Nia (My roommate now), Diah and Neva from Universitas Muria Kudus, Indonesia. I also met Emily and April, our buddies here in Dumangas Campus.  Ma’am Fideliz and Ma’am Cinthya are our Field Supervisor.

After staying here for one week, they will send me and Nia to other ISAT U hostel which is ISAT U Barotac Nuevo Campus.

Visiting Ina-Farm in Barotac Nuevo, Philippines

Day 1 Trip to Philippines, Please Like and Share