Educational Trip Broadens Grade 12 HUMSS Students’ Knowledge of Asian Nations

Contributions of: Ivanna Mikayla K. Seballos

The Grade 12 HUMSS students of St. Mark visited four different culturally significant locations as part of their course Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century (TNCT)—specifically in relation to their Performance Task. 

One of the first places they explored was the Korean Cultural Center (KCC), wherein a representative facilitated a tour while explaining the different traditional items—including utensils and clothing they used as part of their culture and heritage that were exhibited. They also showcased different perspectives and details of Korean dramas and films as the students continuously deepened their knowledge of Korean culture, even having a short film viewing to see the processes done in production design. Moreover, they gathered to attend a short music class, learning a traditional song that was sung with hand gestures and dances known as “Arirang.”  

The second destination was the Taiwan Expo 2025, which was located at the SMX Convention Center. The students explored booths from various companies showcasing devices, technologies, and innovations for sustainable development, engaging with manufacturers, asking questions, and learning about their environmental solutions. This part of the trip had been very insightful for the students as it related most to what their Performance Task demands of them: the different practices and technologies that the three countries (Korea, Japan, and Taiwan) have in relation to solving issues like climate change and global warming.

Afterward, they proceeded to the National Library of the Philippines, where they viewed historical records and volumes such as books, documents, and artworks that were significant to the country’s independence and democracy. During this visit, the students were able to see up close the works of the authors they had studied time and time again in their Filipino and Social Science classes.

The final stop was the Japan Embassy, where resource speakers discussed Japan’s government, culture, and its ties with the Philippines. Along with this, they also presented the process of applying for scholarships to different university programs and courses that the Japanese Government offers to Filipino citizens. Listening to the speakers, many in the group became intrigued and curious to the point where some started to consider the idea of studying abroad, specifically in Japan. To close the talk, the students who volunteered demonstrated how a yukata—a traditional garment—is put on and how it looks when worn with the help of the speakers.

Through this educational trip, the HUMSS students were given the opportunity to learn and understand different cultures, customs, and history. They were also given the chance to see the importance of sustainable development, the role of democracy and government structures, and the interconnectedness of nations in addressing issues and shaping a more developed Philippines for the future generations to come.