OUTBOUND EDUCATION January 28, 2010

The pre-school to grade four pupils of Hope Academy International Christian Schooll had an outbound education last January 28, 2010.

Our group first visited the Gardenia Plant. Gardenia is one of the most recognized and respected names in the bakery industry in Asia.

We had our plant tour and have learned that it utilizes fully automated and computer-controlled integrated production process. It was a very enjoyable and awesome experience, but unfortunately, cameras were not allowed that we were not able to take actual photos of the giant spiral cooler, wherein about 2,000 bread loaves are cooled before slicing and packing. Fortunately, we were given a brochure as a souvenir and a piece of Twiggies bread each.

Here are also the samples of Gardenia breads that we bought at factory prices.

After the Gardenia plant tour, we proceeded to the University of the Philippines Los Banos, where we had a tour of the Museum of Natural History.

In here, we have learned a lot about the different kinds of animals, plants, and rocks.

Kuya Miong have thought us about the Philippine monkey eating eagle. It is one of the indigenous and endangered species, and is on the top in the animal classification. It’s scientific name is Phytecophagia jeffreyii.

Kuya Miong told us that this kind of eagle does not fly by flapping its wings, but glides. Its beak is used for tearing the flesh of its prey, and its claws are so strong that it crushes its prey before tearing it apart and eating it.

We have also seen the skeleton of a tamaraw, a class of carabao, sperm whale, which is very very long.

Tamaraw skeleton

Whale skeletons

We also saw different kinds of fetuses of animals, each looking differently from each other.

We also saw a cobra snake, and a bayawak, a type of reptile.

Not just animals, we’ve also seen different types of rocks, and preserved shells and fishes.

We also had a chance to see different kinds of mushrooms. Some are edible, some are poisonous.

And before we went to the bus for our next destination, my mother, I and my kid brother had our picture in one of the large Molave trees. Since it is so big and had lots of leaves, I noticed that although it was sunny, it gave us shelter from the sun.

Next is our travel to Sta. Elena Fun Farm. I was really excited to go to this place. True enough, I really had a great time. In this place, I was able to see, feed and ride the farm animals. We were taught that these farm animals, unlike the wild animals that we see in the forest, help the farmers in farming. Before we get off the bus, I already saw cows and sheeps, which made me even more excited.

But the excitement was cut short for a moment since we had to take our lunch first. So when we arrived, I ate my food as fast as I could so that I could start enjoying the place.

Alas, we’re done eating, the children were asked to line up. The first thing we did was to ride the horse. It was so enjoyable that it was my first time to be so close with a horse and even ride on it. Though it was so hot, it did not matter to me. I even rode it twice with my kid brother during the second time.

Next is riding the carabao. It was also a very thrilling experience that I rode it twice. I have learned that carabaos help the farmers plow the soil and when carabaos get tired, they just stop moving.

We were also able to do boat riding. It was also fun. Kuya Miong rowed the boat. During boat riding, we saw ducks swimming and quacking.

Then we got a chance to fish for very small tilapias. My kid brother was able to catch two small tilapias, but I, unfortunately was not able to catch any. We were told that in fishing, we must move our fishing rod in the up down motion only and not sideways, since we will not be able to catch any. And we’ve got to be still and watch for the movement of the string. If it moves, then a fish must have bitten it. And when we pull up the rod, we have to pull it slowly so that the string with a hook will not swing and hit any of my classmates. Well, fishing needs a lot of patience. I am just sorry that I was not able to catch any.

We were also able to feed the guinea pigs and they love carrots. They were like big rats, only more cute looking. I have observed that these guinea pigs hide under the hay when they are afraid. And that holding and carrying them so much can make them sick.

We also fed the horses with hay. I observed that they chew their food gracefully.

After that we went into the cage of the rabbits. When we entered the cage, they all hopped everywhere trying to get away from us kids. But when we gave them carrots, they stayed put. They also love carrots like the guinea pigs. I tried carrying one of the rabbits but it was moving a lot that I got scared and let go of it.

Then we were given a chance to play on the playground. I was able to climb on the spider web made up of strong ropes, and ride the swing made up of truck tires.

Finally, the kids were asked to gather around a table. We were given papers and crayons and asked to draw and color our favorite animals. I drew a cow, rabbit, and a guinea pig.

Our field trip was really a very enjoyable and educational one. To God be the glory!