Discovering Life in the Philippines: My First Month in Jagna

My first month here in Jagna has been a whirlwind of new impressions, connections, and personal discoveries—each day filled with something new and unexpected.

A Warm Welcome at School

From the moment I arrived at the school, I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. The faculty embraced me as part of their community, making it easy to feel at home from the start. Everyone took the time to share with me their favorite parts of Bohol – whether it was introducing me to the island’s best dishes or showing me the sights around town. There was even a welcome party, which, as anyone who’s familiar with Filipino culture knows, wouldn’t be complete without some lively karaoke! I may not be the best singer, but joining in was a great way to break the ice.

Building relationships with the students has been equally rewarding. They’ve been curious and welcoming, and very quickly allowed me to share my ideas on education and my knowledge. I am proud and honored to have been given the trust by my students and enjoy working on their chemistry and research projects.

Markus with his students

My Journey in Jagna

Beyond the school, my personal journey in Jagna has been an adventure. I set myself the goal of discovering something new every day, whether it’s tasting a local dish, visiting a new viewpoint, or learning about the culture. The local cuisine alone has been an experience! I’ve enjoyed everything from delicious home-cooked meals to some more unusual delicacies – Balut, for example, is something I’m politely passing on for now, but who knows what the future holds.

Markus trying on Penoy (a milder version of balut – a Filipino delicacy)

The island’s beauty has also been a constant source of joy. From the crystal-clear beaches to the rolling hills, there’s always something new to explore. I’ve been fortunate to be invited to family gatherings by my hosts, experiencing the famed Filipino hospitality firsthand. It’s made me realize one thing for sure: I’ll never go hungry here!

Filipino Lechon during a gathering where Markus attended

Exploring Deeper: My Second Month in Jagna

As my second month in Jagna unfolds, I’ve continued to dive into the rich culture, connect with my students, and, quite literally, dive into the ocean. It’s been a time of new experiences and deeper connections – both with the people here and the beautiful natural surroundings.

Fiesta Fever and Community Spirit

September in Jagna is all about celebration, and I got a full taste of the local fiesta spirit. The town came alive with energy, color, and warmth, and I found myself welcomed into many homes for freshly cooked meals. My highlight – the tuna. It’s no secret that fresh seafood is a staple here, but this, fresh from the water has become my absolute favorite fiesta meal. 

Another exciting part of the festivities was attending my very first beauty pageant. The search for Miss Jagna was a thrilling experience, full of elegance and tradition. And seeing the winner turn out to be a former student of the very school where I’m teaching – it was a proud and joyous moment for the entire community. And of course, no fiesta would be complete without the reenactment of Jagna’s religious history, with vibrant costumes and a dramatic portrayal of St. Michael’s defense of the town against evil; a powerful reminder of the deep-rooted traditions that shape life here.

Jagna Town Fiesta Celebration

Student Projects: Creativity in Action

On the academic front, the second month has been an exciting time as student research projects begin to take shape. I’ve been working closely with the students as they develop proposals on a range of fascinating topics. From evaluating the best renewable energy source for our school to analyzing the biodiversity of the local marine environment, their creativity and enthusiasm are genuinely inspiring. 

Seeing their ideas evolve and their passion for discovery grow has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time here and it’s a privilege to guide them through the process of turning their curiosity into actionable research. I can’t wait to see their projects take physical shape soon!

Diving Deeper: My Underwater Adventures

On a personal note, I’ve also managed to tick off a major item from my bucket list: getting my open water diving certification! The waters around Jagna are nothing short of magical, with sprawling coral gardens and an incredible variety of marine life. Each dive has revealed something new, from vibrant schools of fish to stunning underwater landscapes. 

The dives so far have been beyond impressive, and I can’t wait to explore more, and if I am lucky, I will soon dive with sharks, turtles, or stingrays. There’s something deeply humbling about being surrounded by such untouched beauty, and it’s clear that the ocean here holds endless treasures yet to be discovered.

A diving spot at Jagna Sea

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