This month's episode of my Science Corps Fellowship was filled with creativity in the classroom, new travels, and — of course — more island-hopping.
After my students completed the major sections of their RRLs in our research class, I had the pleasure of guiding them as they transformed their projects into their very first research posters. While providing feedback based on my own experiences in research, I loved seeing how each group infused creativity into their designs and showcased their understanding of their topics. As they presented to me, I proudly listened and found myself transported back to my first research conference, standing in front of my own poster and speaking to biology experts. I hope the students are just as proud of their hard work as I am.
This month at CVIF brought severe weather (typhoons) leading to missed class days, a week-long semester break, and the end of the first semester for the students. However, despite the interruptions, there were plenty of memorable adventures along the way — one of which was visiting 6 Islands in the span of 1 week! It all began when I accompanied some of the teachers and students on a trip to Iloilo, where my students were presenting at their first national physics research conference at the University of St. Augustine. Iloilo has been one of the places I've been most excited to visit these past few months, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. I enjoyed a peaceful stroll along the serene Esplanade, admired the beautiful Molo Mansion and Molo Church, and of course savored the delicious food.
Speaking of food, a friend told me that Iloilo is the first city in the Philippines to be declared a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Naturally, this meant that I had to eat my way through the city! I tried pancit molo near Molo Church, siopao from Roberto's, and the famous batchoy from the original Netong's — all of which were absolutely delicious! I also visited a few coffee spots — namely Madge Café (across from Netong's) and Neighbor Coffee.
One of the biggest highlights of my time in Iloilo was discovering a crochet community! It all started when I visited a place named Kape Yarn. I was in yarn heaven! Within minutes, I was warmly welcomed into a group of crocheters. We talked about past and present projects, laughed more times than I can count, and crocheted the entire time. A couple of the Ates, Mimi and Lili, even helped me start a new crochet project right there in the store and guided me through it. I truly felt at home, and they even gave me a couple of crochet keychains as parting gifts. I'll definitely be back to visit them soon!
After Iloilo, I hopped on a ferry to visit the neighboring Guimaras Island — home of the world's sweetest mangoes. I was able to taste one, and boy are they right! I also tried other mango delicacies such as mango pizza and mango coffee, both of which were delicious!
From Guimaras, I island-hopped to Tatlong Pulo Island, Natago Beach, and Ave Maria Islet. I even met a few new friends at Tatlong Pulo (Hi, Ariel and Liam!)
After visiting Guimaras and island-hopping, I felt my trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to Isles de Gigantes. After a three-hour bus ride to Estancia, I took a ferry to Sicogon Island where I could see Isles de Gigantes in the distance. The next morning, after an hour-long boat ride, I finally arrived at Isles de Gigantes. I took selfies on Antonia Beach, walked along my third sandbar, and marveled at the incredible rock formations while in the middle of Tangke Lagoon. Calling Isles de Gigantes "magnificent" would be an understatement.
Another highlight this month was that I finally went snorkeling at Balicasag Island and swam alongside sea turtles. What an amazing sight! Sea turtles are definitely my favorite animal now!
Now onto my last month as a Science Corps Fellow! I'll be sure to save the tears until then.
— DaNae Woodard, Science Corps Fellow at CVIF, Jagna, Philippines (July–December 2025)