Field Trip

8:00 am.

Me and my friends meet up in front of the FEU-East Asia College Technology Building for our scheduled so-called “field trip”. Arriving at around 7:45 am, with my pal Val, I patiently waited for the others to come. One by one, they stared to appear, until we’re only waiting for four more. Of course, I had always expected that there’ll be somebody who’ll be late. Haha. And I was honestly wishing that there would really be late comers because we kind of had a deal that those who’ll be late would pay for our fares. I was feeling thrifty that day, I can’t help it. Hahaha.

At around 8:15 am, the four finally arrived. They were on a taxi because they were hurrying up. Unfortunately, they didn’t make it on time. I was secretly rejoicing to this! I needed to save up. Haha. They settled on to the stair steps and started explaining why they were late. But I and the others were telling them that it doesn’t matter because they’re paying for our fares anyway. After a few minutes, we decided that it’s time to go.

Our first destination was at the University of Santo Tomas or UST. Why? Because we think that this school has played a big role in our dear Jose Rizal’s life. Aside from the fact that it’s the closest place from where we will be coming. Haha. So, off we go!

Ah. UST has never failed to exude its elegance and antiquity. Although it has been reconstructed and innovated, it still has its classy style. That kind of style that tells you “hey, I’m a university that’s hundreds of years old! I’m classy!” It never lost its old touch. Seeing it will not make you doubt that Rizal did study here. That he did a lot of marvelous things in here.

Alright, I’m sounding like a little biased, and I admit it! It’s my dream school after all. Haha.

After taking a few pictures, though I don’t think it’s a few, my friends took loads, we decided to head to our next destination. Where else? Of course, Intramuros!

Being in Intramuros is like stepping back in time. If I hadn’t seen that 711 store in there, I would have thought that I’ve time travelled and went back in time. I love the idea of “old Manila” that’s being maintained in that place. It’s giving you a feel of what it’s like way back the 18th hundreds. Of what Manila looks like before.

Even the employees are dressed in a “guardia-civil” like manner, which I found cool and so unique.

This just adds to the magic of the place. No wonder a lot of tourists come here. Finally, we arrived at Fort Santiago, where Rizal was detained after his exile in Dapitan. Upon entering, I was struck with awe. The place was of real beauty. Flowers were everywhere. It was just an awesome view.

The first place we headed off was Rizal’s cell. We saw his actual foot prints. It was really amazing. I can’t describe the feeling. I can’t believe I’m actually looking at the famous man’s prints.

And then we headed to the dungeons. I’ve always been amazed by these. I’ve always wondered how they made it. How it works. What’s going on under it. It makes me want to go back in time to see for myself.

And don’t get me started on the gas chambers. Haha!

Rizal shrine was up next. In here were copies of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. And some of his works. He truly was a talented man. So many fantastic works. You wouldn’t believe only one man did that.

And that famous vertebrae of his. The one where a bullet was stuck. It was a little bit weird. Like it’s a sacred relic or something. But I suppose, it was worth exhibiting.

To sum it all up, it was one worthwhile and educational experience. It’s been years since I last had a field trip. This tour was just perfect. It was nice to know Rizal more about Rizal this way.