Sofia Park
Excitement filled the air as thirteen concert band students sat by the boarding gate, humming tunes from their band pieces; for five days, from March 6th to March 10th, these students launched into the ASCS Honor Band trip in Manila, Philippines.
Once we landed, the first thing we saw was the Jollibee’s in the airport. We had not known its impending ubiquity at that time. Then, as soon as we stepped out into the outside air, a crowd of crammed traffic greeted us. It was on the way to our guesthouse when we came to a realization: Jollibee’s were simply everywhere! It seemed as if every single street and alley, nook and corner, had a Jollibee’s restaurant with their eerily cheerful bee mascot grinning from ear to ear, tracking our every move. A few students ended up creating a road trip game of Jollibee’s, too. That night, as we settled into our rooms, was pretty uneventful. We fell asleep, hearts soaring with anticipation of what tomorrow would bring.
In the morning of the first day of rehearsals, we were first introduced to our sections. The awkward atmosphere was broken with a silly icebreaker, and soon enough, new friendships budded. We rehearsed from 9 AM in the morning to 4:30 PM in the afternoon. Everyone pushed through the first half with enthusiasm and excited energy, but, as the clock ticked by, we were all worn out and spent by the afternoon. Whines of “I can’t feel my lips!” and “My teeth left marks on the inside of my mouth!” were whispered around, along with the common “My lips are all chapped!” It seemed as if everyone was waiting for 4:30 to hit. After rehearsals, two buses took us to Megamall, where the students experienced the local culture. Allegedly, the Dalat chaperones dined at the infamous Jollibee’s, claiming “Well, it’s for the cultural experience!”
The next day, Friday, was just the same. We arrived at Faith Academy and then rehearsed from 9 AM to 4:30 PM again. But this time, after rehearsals, the entire band was led to the small community of illegal settlers to perform for the people there and to play with the children. The entire experience was eye-opening, as we learned how other people around the area lived.
On the final day, Saturday, rehearsals seemed to pass without much ado. The students were led to the elementary playground for a barbecue lunch and to spend their nervous energy by running around and playing on the complex’s playground. The clock ticked by, and it was soon time to prepare ourselves for the concert. Donning our “Concert Black Outfits”, we restlessly bustled in the band room, waiting and waiting.
The actual concert was anti-climactic; mutterings of “That’s all?” filled the halls. It just couldn’t be—the past two days of what at that time seemed like endless rehearsals had passed by ever so quickly. After the final banquet full of local delicacies, a somber mood filled clung in the air as students said their goodbyes. Social media requests were sent, pictures were taken, and hugs were given out. That was the finale. That concluded the ACSC band trip.
When reflecting about the trip, Mikaela Yeap (10), a trombonist, said “Honor Band was much more challenging than I expected but equally as rewarding. It was humbling to be reminded that excelling in Dalat does not translate into excelling elsewhere.”
Abigail Soo (10), a flautist, then added that “learning about different cultures and ways of living was enlightening. We had so much fun there!”
The five days passed with countless activities and memories. New memories and experiences were made, and new friendships were formed. It was another precious memory to follow us for a long time.
No comments:
Post a Comment