Pilina & Preparation: Our Philippines Sister-State Study Tour Orientation Weekend 🌺

On February 15–16, everyone heading to the 2025 Philippines Sister-State Study Tour came together at the East-West Center to kick off our journey—and it turned out to be way more than just an orientation.

From the very first speed networking icebreaker to sharing personal stories, dancing Tinikling, and writing poetry that made almost everyone tear up, the weekend was all about connection.

Some highlights we loved:
✨ Learning from amazing speakers who shared Filipino history, Ilokano culture, and traditional chanting.
✨ Creating our Community Ball—a chance to share what matters to us and listen to each other’s stories.
✨ Trying the Tinikling dance—some of us crushed it, others…got a cardio workout.
✨ Writing and performing Balagtasan poetry, which so many people said was their favorite part because it helped everyone open up and feel closer.
✨ Learning Ilokano phrases (even if we can’t remember all of them!)
✨ Breakout sessions on everything from photography to geography to help us get ready for the trip.

Students shared that this weekend helped them feel more confident, excited, and connected with the group. One person said, “It felt short because I never wanted to leave.” Another shared, “Balagtasan Poetry really moved me—it changed the way we think about each other.”

If there was one big piece of feedback, it was this: make it longer next time! Many of us wanted more time to hang out, learn, and build friendships before heading to the Philippines together.

Huge mahalo to everyone who made this weekend possible. If this is any preview, this trip is going to be unforgettable. 🌟✈️