Iloilo Week 1 Cont'd.

Weekend in Aklan and Boracay (January 15 & 16th, 2011)

Not only are we getting to improve our nursing skills we are also getting the chance to experience the Filipino culture. Saturday we woke up bright and early at 4 am to travel to the city of Kalibo, 4 hours away from Iloilo. We were welcomed into two of the students’ homes. In the afternoon we had the opportunity to go to Sampaguita gardens which is the former home of the creator of the precious moment’s figurines. From there we went to the Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival. This is a festival that celebrates all of the native and modern tribes of the province of Aklan. Each tribe dresses up in costume, some paint their bodies with black paint and they all dance in the streets. The spectators if they so choose can dance with them in the streets. After dancing at the festival it was time to eat. We went to one of the students’ home, where we were fed a traditional Filipino meal: whole roasted pig with apple in mouth and an assortment of other traditional foods and desserts. After a long day it was time to get some sleep. Sunday morning we woke up to thunder lightening and lots of rain but that didn’t stop us from going to the most famous beach in the Philippines: Boracay Beach, which we had been told numerous times since arriving in the Philippines that we should visit. So after a two hour drive, a boat ride across the ocean and a tricycle ride we finally made it to the beach. Not long after we got there it stopped raining, so we quickly changed into our bathing suites and were off to swim in the Indian Ocean. The beach was amazing, the white sand was so soft and swimming in the ocean was the perfect way to end a busy clinical week. After a quick but relaxing trip it was time for our 6 hour drive back to Iloilo. Overall it was an enjoyable weekend getaway. 

Nurses' Week at St.Paul's University (January 17 & 18th, 2011)

Monday morning kicked off nurses’ week at St.Paul's University which involved two days of competitions between the juniors, sophomores and senior nursing students.  The theme behind nurses’ week is to bring the students together to enhance unity, to showcase students’ talents, and also as a stress reliever. The two days were comprised of competition in many different domains including dance, singing, sports, board games, public speaking, acting, and creative skills like face painting, murals and music video production. While the competition is fierce sportsmanship is at the forefront of the whole event.  Tuesday afternoon it was our turn to show off our Canadian moves as we danced with our Filipino peers to the song Waka Waka by Shakira. Overall the two days were very interesting and exciting to be part of. The students showed so much enthusiasm and it really brought the whole college of nursing together.