Beyond the Classroom

8:25 AM arrival at NAIA Terminal 3 - stepping into Manila with excitement and anticipation. Our journey began with connecting to Philippine heritage through the Intramuros Fort Santiago Walking Tour, where we walked through centuries-old stone walls and battlements where national heroes like Dr. José Rizal were once imprisoned. The experience grounded us in our nation's history before diving into its technological future.

A peaceful afternoon at Luneta Park (Rizal Park) provided the perfect transition - strolling through manicured gardens, viewing historical monuments, and appreciating the green space that serves as Manila's cultural heart. The park offered quiet moments for reflection and group bonding.

Evening exploration of the massive SM Mall of Asia introduced us to Manila's scale and energy. As one of the world's largest malls, it showcased the Philippines' consumer culture and gave us our first taste of the city's vibrant commercial landscape. The sheer size helped us understand Manila as a major economic hub in Southeast Asia.

Early start to Pasig City for our first corporate visit at Foundever Philippines (formerly Sitel Group). This global CX leader serving 45+ languages showed us how AI, cloud computing, and data analytics transform customer service. Interactive sessions with their operations and IT teams revealed insights into customer journey mapping, digital transformation, and cybersecurity in large-scale operations.

IBPAP Industry Briefing: Ms. Zoe Diaz De Rivera provided eye-opening statistics - the IT-BPM sector employs 1.7 million Filipinos and drives innovation through automation, AI, and RPA. Key takeaway: technical skills get you noticed, but communication, critical thinking, and adaptability get you hired.

Afternoon at Google Philippines BGC with Atty. Yves Gonzalez (Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy) was transformative. Learned about Google's AI evolution, digital inclusion initiatives like "Be Internet Awesome," and the critical importance of ethical tech governance. The office tour showcased innovation-driven workplace design that sparked our imagination about future tech careers.

Morning at Teleperformance Philippines (SM Aura BGC) with Ms. Beatrice Grace Bonjibod revealed TP's evolution beyond traditional customer support into digitally integrated business services. Key insight: 53% of their workforce are women, showcasing their commitment to gender equality. The Innovation and Solutions Hub tour demonstrated how automation and analytics shape modern business operations. Mock interviews with HR provided practical feedback crucial for job applications.

A peaceful lunch break at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in BGC provided quiet reflection time surrounded by beautifully maintained grounds. The solemn memorial honored American servicemen who served in the Pacific during World War II, offering a moment of historical perspective between our corporate visits.

Afternoon at Kollab Philippines (Greenfield Tower, Mandaluyong) was transformative. Ralph Vincent Regalado, Chief Scientist and Head of AI, welcomed us with insights into collaborative technology solutions. Jazmine Calma taught us "Why Culture Matters" for product excellence. Toni-Jan Keith Monserrat's "Applied AI: From Classroom to Real Use Cases" connected our theoretical knowledge to real-world applications in agriculture, customer service, and health. Miguel Siriban's portfolio workshop gave actionable tips on showcasing projects and storytelling through design.

Morning at the Asian Development Bank (ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong) through coordination with CXC and IBPAP revealed how technology serves humanitarian missions across Asia-Pacific. Started with tours of the ADB Library, History Gallery, and Function Hall, showcasing the bank's development legacy. The Fireside Chat with ADB's Infrastructure and Technology Division provided insights into global IT practices in multilateral institutions.

Student Project Showcase: Presented our RePay financial lending application to ADB professionals - a micro-lending solution for underserved communities that sparked discussions on fintech innovations and development goals alignment. The "IT at ADB" presentation revealed digital transformation initiatives addressing regional development challenges.

Afternoon at MicroSourcing (Global One Center, Eastwood) with CEO Ms. Heidee Enriquez focused on practical career preparation. The comprehensive facility tour showcased modern office design and collaborative workspaces. The LinkedIn Workshop was transformative - learning profile optimization, professional branding, and digital networking strategies essential for remote work recruitment.

Break from corporate life! Journey to Tagaytay started with light rain at People's Park in the Sky - but the misty views of Taal Lake were magical. By the time we reached Sky Ranch, the rain had stopped and the real fun began. The Viking ride was absolutely thrilling - that moment of weightlessness mixed with pure terror and excitement! Sometimes the best team bonding happens when you're all screaming together on a ride.

1 AM departure for the City of Pines! Early morning visit to Benguet Strawberry Farm - where we truly felt the cold mountain air of Baguio embracing us. Fresh strawberries and crisp mountain atmosphere were the perfect introduction to highland life.

Our peaceful visit to the serene Chinese Bell Church provided quiet moments for spiritual reflection amidst our busy itinerary. The traditional architecture and tranquil atmosphere offered a perfect contrast to the bustling tourist spots.

Next, we toured the prestigious Philippine Military Academy (PMA) where we witnessed the impressive sight of trainee cadets marching in perfect formation - a display of discipline and excellence that left us in awe of military precision.

We then explored The Mansion with its beautiful colonial architecture and well-maintained gardens, appreciating the historical significance and elegant design of this government residence.

At Mines View Park, we captured countless photos with the breathtaking mountain vistas as our backdrop. The panoramic views of the mining town below were spectacular, but the highlight was making wishes at the famous wishing well - each of us dropping coins while silently hoping our dreams for our CS careers would come true.

The day's unforgettable finale: Burnham Park boat riding - navigating the lake with friends brought endless laughter and a few near-collisions that made it even more memorable! The cold Baguio air, combined with friendship and adventure, created perfect memories.

Free morning to explore Baguio at our own pace. The walk to SM Baguio was longer than expected but worth it for quality time with batch mates. Pasalubong shopping was serious business - bringing home jars of authentic Baguio strawberry jam and ube delicacies for family and friends. These sweet treats would later remind us of mountain adventures and friendship moments.

Final breakfast at DJM Dormitory before departure. The 12:00 noon flight marked the end of our transformative journey, but the beginning of applying everything we learned. Carrying bags full of pasalubong and hearts full of memories, we returned home as changed individuals - more confident about our CS careers and grateful for the friendships forged during this incredible week.