Spending the last 19 years of my life in Singapore, and hardly crossing the little body of water that the island is surrounded by, September 17, 2007 will forever be engraved in my memory as the day I left the all too familiar concrete city, and start to embrace chaos and see that the world stretches beyond strict laws and mundane routines.

I was one of two to be selected to pursue the Overseas Industrial Attachment Programme set by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (Singapore) with the PETA Mekong Partnership Project in Bangkok. To list down everything that I have done and been forced to do in the whole five months of the internship would probably take up a whole book, so I have decided to share the ones that I meant more to me.

The Land of a Thousand Smiles and Much Lesser English

Each time I asked fellow Singaporeans what Bangkok is like, I get the same answers: Bargain Shopping Paradise. Shopping suddenly seemed far-fetched when I first experienced trying to find the office of the PETA Mekong Partnership Project. Some of the roads were written in what it seemed to me like funny scribbles, accompanied by some English alphabets, which made up words I could not pronounce for the love of mankind. We dropped by official looking buildings with the hope to meeting someone who could speak fluent English. In the end, we resorted to spying on a man reading an English newspaper and finally getting him to write the office address Thai.

The two months that followed were full of adventures, taking into account the countless time we have decided to resign to fate every time we cannot figure out how to get home without hailing a taxi. I imagined that I was Lara Croft every time I had to hop off the bus, which never came to a complete stop. I went through painful and embarrassing encounters in trying to find directions to the restroom, only to have the Thais politely smiling and saying, “Mai kaow chai kha (I don’t understand),” as I hop on my feet in urgency.

As I had thick smoke blown to my face while strolling along the streets of Bangkok, I reached a conclusion that if all the drivers in Bangkok were to drive in Singapore, traffic police officers in Singapore would be kept busy suspending licenses. In Singapore, everyone knows the road rules stand: give way to pedestrians. In Bangkok, it was different: give way to frenzied drivers. I slowly realised that it was more or less the same in other countries, when I went to Cambodia and Manila.

Along the busy streets of Bangkok.

Although I stayed in Bangkok for two months, I lived the life of a tourist mostly. Not because I saw every tourist attraction there was available, but because we had our experience of being in the middle of a conspiracy involving a Tuktuk driver and a cunning restaurant owner. There we were, having ended a harmless night of drinks in Hard Rock Café and having men old enough to be our fathers trying to chat us up, and hoping to find a decent place for supper. The Tuktuk driver came in his bright shiny vehicle offering us a destination for cheap supper and we were brought to a safe-looking restaurant, which provided wonderful service. It dawned on us that we were cheated when we received the 1,000Baht bill for a meal that would cost half the price in Singapore. Needless to say, I swore off Tuktuk drivers that night.

After finally settling in, I realised being away from Singapore was not so bad. I appreciated the difference and enjoyed the hysterical adventures vis-à-vis the systematic and orderly Singapore.

Most importantly, I learnt to be wary and careful, which proved to be a significant lesson later on when I went to Cambodia and Manila.

The Land of Dust and Commando Insects

Lea L. Espallardo, the Project Director of the PETA Mekong Partnership Project, and I headed for Phnom Penh, Cambodia, days before the 3^rd Mekong Performing Arts Laboratory commenced. It truly hit me that I was in another country altogether when I saw the airport. It reminded me of the airport one would see in a 1960s movie.

The ride towards the hotel was coloured with a myriad of motorcycles on the road, buildings no higher than two storeys, children running barefoot along the roads and an infinite amount of dust. I stared on in awe as the taxi driver drove to the likeness of the drivers in Bangkok. By then, I was used to not grabbing the seats and chanting prayers as the driver speed through the traffic.

My first assignment was to hand out invitations to the various embassies in Phnom Penh. I encountered friendly and unfriendly characters, and systems that rendered me speechless. While the staff from the other embassies simply accepted my invitation without much interrogation, I was firstly not allowed to enter the Singapore Embassy building because my purpose was definitely not to enquire about my visa, even though I am a Singaporean. The gates that surrounded the building seemed secure and stood out from the other architecture in Phnom Penh, with its high walls and no possible view of the building inside. I approached the tiny window with the guard inside and stated my purpose and he was friendly as he asked me for the documents. He then whipped out a device and scanned the letters for malicious content. I was then convinced that the system was foolproof. I reckon that if I could look like a threat, then anybody could be a threat.

After recovering from the incident at the Singapore Embassy, I went on to conquer the streets along the Riverside in Phnom Penh, ready with the Laboratory posters and masking tape. Unlike Bangkok, Phnom Penh seemed to have a significant number of locals who could speak English. I mastered the skill of pasting posters on dusty doors and knew when I should turn away from dark alleys. In Singapore, you could walk almost anywhere sans worry. I started an addiction to riding the Tuktuks and motordops, or as Avie would call them, “sun-dried motorbikes”, and treated each ride like an adventure. As Alice Walker, an African American novelist, said, “Expect nothing, live frugally on surprise.”

Document, document, document.

The participants arrived in Phnom Penh and then I jumped into my role as the Documentation Head. We were never taught annotation in school, at least, not the one required for the Laboratory. My ears got accustomed to listening to six languages at one time, and comprehending over eight accents. Stereotyping has never been more apparent before I started the Laboratory. I came upon characters that fulfil and characters that defy the stereotypes that I have often heard of in the past. Overall, the experience I had with each participant proved to be enriching and enlightening.

After we travelled to Siem Reap, where I witnessed the beauty of Angkor Wat firsthand, we took a boat ride to Battambang. Along the river, I saw naked little boys in the open and playing with their friends. One of the little boys had no pants on, so his bottom was placed nicely on the warm seat of his little boat and ironically he had a long-sleeved shirt on. He was rowing and looking at us before he realised his tiny boat was stuck and he lifted his tiny bottom and worked his way, paddling his tiny paddles and trying to get out of the tangle of mess. We came into this placed filled with more water plants growing from deep, down underwater and with vicious twigs sticking out. When we got in the route, twigs and branches were swatting against the side of the boat. Pieces of branches lost in the war remained on the boat while the mighty ones fought on and tried to swat us. We ducked and triumphed in victory at the end, but not without some bruises to prove our relentless fight. Then as we moved forward, there was another boat in our way. Both boats slowed down and manoeuvred their way out of each other's paths to reach their respective destinations. That incident reminded me of the streets in Bangkok where the courageous and highly skilled drivers had to worm their ways through small tiny lanes.

Chilling with the Laboratory dolls and the Thai girls.

In Battambang, I saw real cattle and more naked kids. One may think this is not a big deal, but one can only see cattle in school textbooks or butchered in markets, while naked children are hidden from the disapproving eyes of the public. We bonded with the village kids, and broke all boundaries of language barriers. The children were open and full of affection, compared to the children in Singapore who were always busy with all sorts of lessons that the parents enrolled them in.

People were not the only ones who got close to us. Insects of all sorts greeted us in Battambang, too. I have not encountered so many insects in my whole life in Singapore. Especially during the Closing Recital Performance. The insects attacked like their lives depended on it and they bit us everywhere, hence, I have named the insects of Cambodia “Commando Insects”, for that was the term to describe them.

Language barriers, be gone!

When Cambodia was over, we had to say goodbye to the participants and people in Battambang. Over the period of three weeks, I have changed my perspective of the world in yet another way. In the words of Henry Miller, American writer and painter (1891-1980), "One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things."

The Land of Funny Delicacies and Horror Stories

Manila, Philippines, is set to be our last stop for the whole internship programme. Prior to that, Rogie warned me about the incidents that were deemed ‘normal’ in Manila. Among the stories were tales of random people being stabbed, robbery, and a local delicacy called Balut, a fertilised duck egg with a nearly developed embryo inside that is boiled alive and savoured. It was definitely not the kind of insight I was looking for before my trip but Rogie seemed to enjoy seeing my expressions at each story.

When we reached Manila, I discovered my highly sceptical inner self. It was only after much convincing from the PETA staff, that I relaxed a little. Among the three countries that I have visited in my internship, I first felt the pangs on homesickness while I was in Manila. A little delayed, one might say, but it was only in Manila that we faced difficulties and horror in finding a decent apartment. From facing the possibilities of bunking in a cubicle for the night, to having our bags left outside the house by an unsatisfied landlady, we finally found an apartment and resorted to dealing with broken faucets and more monster-sized insects.

The people in Philippines were also different from the previous two countries. I was a little intimidated when I first witnessed them in a conversation during lunch. Animated conversations filled the air, raised tones broke the silence, and I was anticipating a fistfight in any moment. Turns out, Filipinos are just enthusiastic in their conversations. Instead of biting my fingernails every time the conversation gets heated up, I learnt to laugh every time they do, even when I do not understand a single word.

At the film shoot with Avie and Alfred Vargas.

By then, I was used to seeing guards at supermarkets carrying rifles as long as my upper torso. The first time I saw it in Cambodia, I was dumbfounded at the open display of weapons. In Singapore, there was once a case of army personnel who left the military camp with a rifle, and triggered a 20-hour manhunt involving over 200 police officers. Needless to say, I doubt anyone would like to bring a gun out for a stroll in Singapore anymore. When I found out that it is normal to own a gun if you live in Philippines, I started wondering if cars were bulletproof, and if truly everyone knew how to work a gun, for I am not fond of surprise shots.

Public showering also seems to be apparent in Manila. Almost everyday, we would see a woman brushing her teeth beside a bank, a mother giving her stark naked kid a shower by the roadside or a man rinsing off the soap from his body just meters away from a restaurant.

A senior member of PETA brought us to Laguna, a province in the Philippines and there, we saw little towns and learnt that vagrants would prefer to be called ‘informal settlers’ and they would set up their homes in any vacant land or building. We saw the view of the city from the top of the mountains and I was amazed at the sight. You see, the highest natural point in Singapore is only 166 metres and the tallest building is 280 metres, hence, there is no way one can get a bird’s eyes view of Singapore from a natural point without a tall building covering half the view of the city. I saw a real waterfall, visited a woodcraft shop which had various intricate crafts made by wood shavings, and enjoyed the view of a lake that was probably equivalent to the size of Singapore itself. The lake that we have in Singapore would dwarf in comparison to the lake in Philippines, and named a ‘pond’ instead.

I fought the urge to run for my dear life when everyone around me said I had to try and eat the snake dishes in the restaurant serving exotic food. I thanked my lucky stars when all they served me was Halo-halo, a local desert. In the end, the closest I got to the snake was when I touched it and end the relationship right there and then. The only weird delicacy that I am ready to try is the Balut, which has taken me about three weeks to prepare myself for. All I need is a blindfold and some rope to tie me to the chair. My short trip in Manila can be summed up with a quote from James Michener, an American author (1907-1997): f you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.

A day in Fort Santiago, Manila.

Despite all its stupefactions and humdingers, my adventures in Thailand, Cambodia and Manila has left me with a reluctance to return to clean and green Singapore. I pray that this writing never reaches my mother but I would like to jump off moving buses, bask in life’s simplicities and build friendships where language is not the common medium. As Helen Keller, American author, activist and lecturer (1880-1968), would rightly put it, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”

PETA SEA Group
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“Do you know the difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.”
-Pete Seeger

Well, it was the beginning of a custom- we’re to start the working life. No more textbooks, boring lectures, or lengthy tutorials. It’s all about work-- from the typical eight hour daily grind to office politics to what colour file best suits the new proposal-- real work.

And they gave most generously, the supervisors. I must admit I felt giddy, as well as a tinge of excitement, as Lea dictated our specific tasks. And one can’t judge how things will turn out right from the start. After all, you really wouldn’t know what to expect from an apartment rented office, right?

Well, the first week went pretty alright, although it was obvious we were tiptoeing on unknown grounds. Rules were laid out, and certain protocols had to be followed. We had all but a desk to our name. I also had a view of a white-washed wall, but hey, who’s one to complain.

This was the Bangkok office, and there were all but three staff. Five actually, including Nisha and I. Office hours were pretty mundane at the beginning. It was getting there and going back that proved more of an adventure- travelling in rattling buses that never seem to fully stop, walking on stony uneven grounds that cost me a pair of Havaianas (damn), trying to converse with the locals using my limited Thai vocabulary and getting lunch. Yes, buying food was like a game for us. ‘Point and purchase’, as we like to call it because at the end of the day, you very well know that you don’t have much of a choice because no one else would understand what you are trying to say. And no, you wouldn’t want to end up eating something you really don’t know because you might end up staying in the toilet more than you intend to.

Now, enough about food, it’s back to work. During the first few weeks, I was bound to my first task- the electronic newsletter (eNews). Coming up with a flag design was like drawing something you’ve never seen before. I have to admit I had no clue as to what kind of concept they were looking for or the design feel that they wanted. It was like playing guessing game. However taxing it was, it was indeed a great opportunity for me because it was the first time I was conceptualising ideas for a real company that would definitely be authorising my designs.

I also found myself poring over software after software, trying all of them and looking for the most idiot-proof and free to use programme that we could use. Days went by and still, the possibilities looked bleak. But I’m not one to give up so I challenged myself to figure out web programming protocols such as STMP, POP3, PHP, etc. And who would have thought that the programme was something they had all along- Microsoft Outlook! Sheesh. So anyway, with the eNews down, I was able to move on to the postcard, which is the next biggest bulk on my desk.

And the postcard, my friend, is the greatest headache of my entire internship. Alright, I’m exaggerating but coming up with the concept alone took several days, and we had to do millions of edits. It was always back to the drawing board and I can’t stress enough that design work requires a really good desktop. The odds were making life more difficult for me because if I remember correctly, I think I spent half the time waiting in front of my laptop just for the text to load or for the silhouette of that small boat to render. Laying out the postcard was also cumbersome as I had to insert the Khmer translation phrase by phrase in order for it to be accurate. And did I mention I had to squeeze mouthfuls of information in that 4”X8” piece of cardboard? I never thought it was possible but maximising the limited space to fit all those content was a feat in itself. And of course, the rest was history. The collaterals that came after were much easier to do because there was already a concept to follow. All I can say is that it was indeed gratifying and I am proud of it, as much as I try to hide it.

Well, enough about design work. It’s also because of the fact that we sit at our desk for far too long that we often complained about boredom. We always found ourselves caught in some sudden temptation to do everything else but our work. And we were inevitably bored and cross when we restrain ourselves for some gayety for work's sake. I am not sure when I acquired my blasé attitude for deskbound jobs but all I know is that I am not one to conform. I mean, I can’t imagine myself staying in a company for more than a month (well, two months at least) answering phone calls and typing my life away in front of the computer. Again, I’m not exaggerating but I need the sun, fresh air and activities in my life other than browsing the web or photocopying documents.

And that is why I loved the fact that I was able to run errands, collect or deliver items and purchase supplies. It was indeed a nice breather away from the four walls, however insignificant it may sound. Plus, to cut the humdrum in the office, I was also made to cover the Bangkok Theatre Festival. Articles aside, conducting interviews reminded me so much of my Journalism class, semesters back, and the several characters I have cross-examined or forced a secret out of. And I would say it was indeed a good exposure for me because language aside, it was also quite a challenge to put across your questions and get the right answers from the Thais because they are naturally reserved people.

At the end of the day though, not only did I learn more about the arts community here in Bangkok, I also recognised the passion these people have for their work as well as for the arts. Attending the festival also made me realise how small or intimate the theatre/arts community is. It was like a replica of the scenario in Singapore where a handful of ‘indie’ groups struggle to show their artistry. I’m not one to judge but I guess they still have a long way to go. From where I see it, right now, what the groups really need is unity. Oh well, I hope they’ll be able to figure that out themselves.

Anyway, still on the topic of ‘outdoor activities’, we were also allocated the duty to play host and accompany a senior member from PETA for one whole day and basically, “look after” his interest. Honestly, it was like babysitting an elderly. And because of that our activities were pretty much limited to walking around, sitting down and talking. But I did enjoy it and it revoked memories of that time I was given the duty to coordinate a group of international delegates for an event. I guess to me, these are the things I consider ‘working while having fun’, which isn’t such a bad occupation, right?

Okay, I digress. So moving on, by October, there was in working operation the secretariat duties of the Cambodia Laboratory. And since I’m also more comfortable communicating and sharing my ideas and comments by now, it was easier to coordinate with various personnel or organizations that we were working with, specifically liaising with the Cambodians through email. It was also the cause of a big headache for they are not well-versed in English. So the instructions I have to give have to be very detailed and to the point, which will make you rethink your words and lower yourself to that of a grade four student. It was unsettling and amusing at the same time for you can’t help but fret about the conditions of the collaterals. And yet, you tell yourself that there’s really nothing you can do about it. And so that’s where trust comes in, I realised.

Problems aside, I was also crowned the “Printing Mistress”, a title that allowed me to be intimately close to the likes of ‘Canon’ and ‘Hewlett-Packard’ machines. I headed the printing of related collaterals such as the ID tags and laying out the program brochure, tasks which gave me the reason to lock myself in the hotel room and have cable television as a pleasant companion.

So other than coordinating and practising my dexterity, I was also able to stretch my brain cells and store some data in them as I compiled researches on the Water Festival, Ramayana, Romeo & Juliet and HIV/AIDS. It’s always refreshing to learn something new and what better way to do so when it is actually a requirement for you. Because, really, there are just some things that wouldn’t cross your mind on reading up on unless told so otherwise.

The 'kroma' became our best friend during the entire Cambodia ordeal.

Well, by now we are full-fledged into the Lab and I realised it’s really different when you’re living and breathing your work. There are no longer defined “work days” because basically we are working everyday. It’s really different from going to the office in the mornings when we were in Bangkok, compared to waking up in a hotel room, and realising that you have an ongoing event to handle.

And my firm is the kind of firm I want to work for. This event is important; and if I spend it dragging through family affairs, or knowing everybody else’s business, I'll only be about seventy per cent efficient. I'm willing to admit that relationships--even an emotional like me-- would be a distraction. So I distanced myself, taking comfort in the fact that I am too far flung from civilization to pick up the phone or reply my instant messages. It was an easy excuse to use and it made me focus on my tasks fully.

And I fell into the habit, too, of blurting vulgarities, merely just to have something to punctuate my sentences with. The first week of that habit was during the workshops. I shall always remember that time, because it is certainly the most number of times I have ever cursed. But I take comfort in the fact that, apart from Nisha, no one else understood what I was saying.

Organising the event in Cambodia also provided both challenges and pleasures as the days went by. And what makes it even more interesting is the fact that there 6 different countries involved- participants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, Viet Nam, Yunnan province of China and of course, the country of the main organisers, the Philippines.

The participants, production team & performers during the Closing Recital of the Laboratory.

I also began to ask about things; and I made effort at applying the game of improvisation to the language problem, a thing which to me is still one of the most fascinating factors in communication. And because of that, I am able to learn new customs and bend to adapt to the various cultures that were laid out before me.

Within two short weeks, we travelled to 3 different places in Cambodia- Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang province. Personally, I have always embraced travelling. But when you’re part of the organising team, everything just somehow seems to sap your energy. Furthermore, despite having rest and relaxation days, you are not really able to rest because you are in charge of the event. And that means that, technically, you still have to be always on your toes.

Other countries are also noticeably more sceptical about others, or their personal prospects about each other. I’m not sure how I much I can justify this but it’s in their expressions or mannerisms that somehow gave me the impression. Plus, there’s always those bitching and rumours that makes things worse or exciting, whichever way it goes. Disagreements were also inevitable. And it makes me chuckle inside as I witness these grown ups acting like little children.

The world's your stage. Participants performing in front of the community in Battambang province.

Also from self-observation, anywhere from 40 to 70 percent of the participants probably don’t have a clue as to what is happening or what will happen during the entire event, which I really find amusing. Examples would be during special event happenings like the Opening Parade or the Art Happening at Abacus Café during World AIDS Day. They’re like a flock of lost sheep being herded to whichever they were headed for. But nonetheless, it’s a good thing because unlike us, they do not have to have the agenda memorised or transportation schedules to worry about.

As for our cultural exposures, if I needed more proof that mass tourism has arrived in Siem Reap, I got it at the entrance to the Angkor temple complex. Vehicles of every description lined up at the gates, parting with their US dollars for an encounter with a wonder of the world. And yet, there is something to be said for a revival of pagan worship. It's not that I would presume to do something as foolish as try to bring home a piece of relic (as much as I wanted to). But no way, José, I’d settle for a photograph instead. Plus, I can’t help but have inner arguments over the question of how these people actually live to exist. They are ancient, recurring, sometimes stimulating but more often tedious to comprehend. And these are the very same reasons that entice the foreigners and locals alike. My encounter with the ‘Apsaras’ is not over yet, that’s for sure. I’ll come back again definitely, and that’s not because I sickly enjoyed getting out of bed before dawn and shivering throughout the tuk-tuk ride, but to fully appreciate the wonder and the scale of the place. And the next time, I’ll make sure I get to see the sunset!

Visiting the ancient ruins at the Bayon Temple, Siem Reap.

Anyway, back to the daily grind, I set myself to playing the absorbed young worker. But it was a long, long time before it became the sweetest of realities. I have to admit that it’s really exhausting and at times, I am tempted to just ignore my tasks and have a good rest instead. But I know better than to abandon my responsibilities because at the end of the day, it will just come back to you full circle and you will find that you have even more work to do. So I guess this is really a test of perseverance.

So far, my tasks vary greatly from administrative work to logistical to designing. Honestly, I am not one to complain because although having to run around or do stuff here and there proves tiring, personally, it is really better than having to constantly sit down. I can just imagine how Nisha feels. In fact, we even traded places for one whole day just to let her have a rest and for me to experience what documenting was like. Those several hours were fruitful for I was able to fully concentrate on what was happening during the workshops. But a day was enough, really. At least, working behind the scenes allowed me to tour the province in a motorbike while running errands or sit in the tuk-tuk like a muse in a parade to fetch a guest or two.

The bruise/blue-black/wound that I receieved after accidentally knocking my thigh on a metal pole during the production week.

At times though, work just keeps coming and you feel like you are bombarded with things to do. There are also restrictions and limitations that make work more difficult like the internet connection, technical problems, supplies deficiency, etc. But despite that, the highlight of the Lab would definitely be the production week. Work seems never ending and amidst sleepless nights and foregoing food, I am just glad I survived it!

Honestly, it was the longest week ever. It was also the time when everyone was stretched to his or her limits- the organisers, facilitators, technical crew and participants. It’s also odd how days of preparation and all that hard work boils down to only 2 hours of production, and then wham, it’s over. You soon see yourself guzzling down you first can of celebratory beer and posing for photographs as mementos. But of course, it is always that sense of satisfaction, knowing that all you have put in was well worth it. I guess this is what life’s about, even during our studying days.

Meetings, meetings, and more meetings.

And of course, how can I forget all those lengthy evaluations! The very first time I sat during one, all I could say was that it was curious labyrinthine discussion, winding from recriminations and flat admissions. But then again, it is a platform that allowed us to freely express what we thought about the event and to be able to listen to others’ opinions. Though tiring and long winded, I must agree that it is essential for every event to have this because you will discover and learn a lot of things that you do not know about. At the end of the day, it provided everyone with the bigger picture of what actually happened.

My insect-infested laptop during the production night!

Along with that, there were also things I never dreamt I would ever experience like leading a provincial life; meeting and greeting an assortment of insects, hearing bullfrogs in the dark, braving the dusty roads, having to withstand an insect-swarmed area during our production day at the technical booth (I swear I was this close to crying!), or having 8 people squeeze into a tuk tuk after having rehearsals till 1am. I also never imagine to have met so many different kinds of people within a relatively short period of time.

Working with people who are older and more experienced than me also provided me with the opportunity to learn from them and discover knowledge that I’ve yet known. Talking to these people also helped me figure certain realities of life like the working cultures of differing countries, art appreciation, theatre work and social norms, to name a few.

Part of the documenting team during the Opening Parade, held in Phnom Penh.

There were also things I further discovered about myself like how I am an independent worker and I work best with a plan set before me. It also helped a lot to be able to consult my supervisors time and time again and to be able to work very closely with them. With that, it also gave me an insight into their lives and to be able to understand them better, not only as my superiors, but also as a person and even as a friend.

Being part of the organising team, I learnt that managing a month-long event is not a joke and that proper planning is vital to be able to carry it out well. From my personal observations, I also learnt that you always have to have the end in mind and that it is essential for you to take a step back sometimes to see the bigger picture. It is also important to always know your tasks. From my supervisors, I learnt that recalling your duties for the day is necessary to help you stay focus on your responsibilities. I also realised that you have to keep a lookout for other possibilities and that sometimes things do not always have to go your way. Keeping an open mind also helps with being able to accept challenges more easily. And oh, yes, tolerance. Patience will always be a virtue. Period.

One of the common sights in Cambodia.

And as Lea points out, you will really feel disorientated after being away to a different place for some time. I remember clearly seeing so many bright lights after we came back to Bangkok. I guess people were right when they said that you will feel displaced because of the different environment as well as the atmosphere. I bet I looked like country bumpkin those few days because everything else felt so fast and irregular. I also remembered telling myself that I’ve not seen so many fair-skinned people! Perhaps that’s what heat does to your mind after some time.

So long, that is, our adventures across the border. It’s really sad thinking about that poverty-stricken Poipet. Among the more gnawing effect of the flagrant society is the fact that it’s only a piece of river (or creek for that matter) that separates the poor and the well to do. We all may talk about hierarchy as a powerful social force, but all I know or felt was that those kids need slippers or at least proper footwear. If I ever have the chance to go back there, I’ll buy the 40Baht slippers, the same kind I got for myself in Cambodia, and distribute it to them. I don’t know why but that was the most striking impression I got of the begging children there.

"The future is in their hands." A street toddler in Phnom Penh. One of the biggest issue the country's facing right now is child-trafficking.

And speaking of giving, it was also the first time I was away for the festivities. Well, my choice rested between going home for merrymaking, where there were wonderful Christmas dinners and New Year parties, or staying in Bangkok and striking out for myself. I chose the latter for the most selfish reasons. One, I was still not done exploring the nook and cranny of this city in my own liberty. Secondly, I would not have to spend money on getting everyone presents since most would be expecting because I’ve been abroad. Thirdly, frivolous as it might sound, it was more significant to be away for five whole months. Somehow, I guess, it gives me a sense of self-reliance, knowing that I have been away the entire time of the five month internship. That way, I can proudly say that I was able to experience independence even during celebratory occasions.

But now, I know better than to miss any of these family gatherings for they prove really important. As cliché as it might sound, it is during this time that having them near is the best thing one could wish for.

And on the issue of going back home, I never expected to be culture-shocked (of all countries) on my own grounds! Coming to Manila was indeed an eye opener, since I have not seen the place for more than a decade now. But still, who would believe that within 2 days, this place has already taught us real life lessons- how to fear and how to be strong, at the same time.

In fact, I can still remember Lea’s words:

"Do you know what the first thing this city teaches you?"

I shook my head.

"Fear, my friend. Fear."

We are completely on our own here and little did I expect that having to look for accommodation would be so difficult. Plus the condition of the places here are really questionable. The streets and roads are a jumble and we are told that having a map is utterly useless in this city. There is indeed a great divide in the country, where the poor are wallowing in the slums while the rich build their high walls to block out what is beyond their ‘comfort zones’. Traffic here is also crazy.

Cross the border,
Into the big bad world
where it takes you 'bout an hour just to cross the road
just to stumble across another poor old soul from
the dreary old lanes to the high-street madness
I fight with my brain to believe my eyes
and it's harder than you think
to delay the sadness that creeps up my spine
and haunts me through the night
and I'm wondering 'round
searching for the change that I've lost somehow
These streets have too many names for me
I'll get used to this eventually
I know, I know

“These Streets” by Paolo Nutini

Our first weekend was spent on juggling both work and moving into our apartment. And as much as refuse to admit it, it was also the first time I felt homesick. Ironies of all ironies. And I can still recall vividly telling my dad over the phone, half sobbing, that Manila was such a dirty, old place and that I can’t wait to go home. Plus, there was nothing here I could trust, much more to go out.

Us interns with Lea, who's really a supervisor you never expected to have. And truth be told, a day is never complete without her noise!

But weeks seem to pass rather quickly despite the fact that we are cooped up in the fourth storey of this theatre building. But there were plenty of opportunities for us to witness and observe. In fact, we are almost always exposed to the theatre culture here I also made sure I listen to the stories of some of the actors, directors or staff during their rehearsals. It also helped that I was able to recall the crash course on Theatre and Stage Management taught by Rogie back when we were in Bangkok. So even though I do not have an in depth knowledge about theatre, comprehending the situations, terms and lingo was manageable.

It was also a great opportunity to be able to attend theatre productions such as Skin Deep’s critic’s night and the mobile production, Batang Rizal. Not only did it ignite my interest for theatre arts, it also gave me an insight to the theatre life. Plus, I was able to interview related people in the organization for my articles, thus, further understanding the lifestyles and the whole flow of the concepts behind productions.

Moving on to something we were more familiar with, we also got the chance to witness a live television shoot outdoors! It was also interesting to note how the Filipinos work and how crazy the pace can be on the set. I can say my brief experience on that set was really an exposure on how the production works and the reality of the media industry- actors have to be able to memorize lines quickly, a shooting for one hour of a drama episode has to be completed within a day, and more importantly, sleep is a luxury for almost everyone involved!

On an outdoor shoot with one of the GMA 7 stars of the telanovela, 'Manila'.

Well, since we do not get to go out much, Tito Ernie kindly took the liberty to take us on a cultural field trip. We spent the day driving up mountains, winding through roads and learning more about the Filipino history and reliving its culture along the way. It was really refreshing to listen to the stories as he shared with us some of his experiences and narrated the happenings that somehow changed the face of the social status of the Philippines.

To be honest, that outing really changed some of the perception I have of my country and the people. In fact, it made me even more curious about its historical and cultural background, because it’s also discovering a part of my self-identity.

Welll, to say the least, the last 31 days isn't really equivalent to the 12 and a half years that I've been away. My poor country. Will I still love her when I die?

The view from the top. Beautiful sunsets from the office window counts as one of my memorablia from the Philippines.

Anyway, enough about patriotism.

Every month I reached a particular conclusion. There was an opportunity for me to be independent and I should take advantage of that situation. And at the end of the day, I can say I did.

You see, what I really liked about the entire internship was the fact that the most “intern-y” tasks that were given to me was doing the inventory lists. And yes, how can I forget, personally addressing 600 postcards! That was really crazy, I must say. But at least I take comfort in the fact that I don’t have to make coffee for my bosses or collect their laundry. And at least I did not have to know the photocopier on its first name basis. Well, that’s because we don’t have a photocopier but oh, well.

There was also no apparent second-class citizen treatment. And there’s that practice of autonomy within this company which allowed us to make decisions for ourselves most of the time, something that an ordinary employee would hope for, much more an intern.

Being assisstant to the overall Laboratory administrator.

And in an age where flamboyantly gay characters are sitcom staples, a gay supervisor was but a far cry to that stereotype. I must admit, nothing seems as amusing, explicit and entertaining as talking to Rogie. And I know deep down, he enjoys disturbing us. I just know it.

Well I guess, the only thing that remained was reaching work on time. And in that area, we fail pretty badly. I think that was our attitude, although we try not to admit it.

That was five very short months ago. When, with three countries, adapting to a new environment became our life, we built connections with people and each time moving away after that. Several folks whom we liked best among those first few instances include Nud, Phil, Maribel, Tito Ernie, Tita CB, Ma’am Beng, Sophie, Bandol, Vutha, Pouch, Srey Mao, just to name a few. We can’t deny that they formed the nucleus of a friendly group that has shared with us wonderful times one could hope for in a foreign land.

My experiences may not be on par with others just yet; but it is enough to leave a wide and lasting impression on my life. And in everything else these adventures served as great lessons to me. Through this course of time, I have also given up some of the principles I used to believe in and replaced some for more obvious reasons. After all, there are things in life you just can’t keep holding on to.

Well, looking back, twenty weeks is a pretty long time and I’m just glad I made full use of it. I know that all the experiences that I had, the people I met, the things I did, the skills I’ve learnt and the knowledge I’ve discovered, will always remain with me.

They say that the world is your classroom. I couldn't agree more.

“You cannot help but learn more as you take the world into your hands. Take it up reverently, for it is an old piece of clay, with millions of thumbprints on it.”
-John Updike

The journey's over. Taken at Luneta Park, Manila.

PETA SEA Group
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