It's More Fun With The Malaysians!

Written by Noraisa Simpal
Photographs by Melissa Chia

    I remember the first time I saw them. They were all stressed out because of the 12-hour journey they had to endure to reach Iloilo City. Because of the blog, I immediately recognized them the minute they got out of the vans when they parked outside the dorm. A lot of thoughts swarmed into my mind at that exact moment. “Will they be friendly?” “Will they be disappointed?” “Will this trip be a memorable one?” “What if something goes terribly wrong?” I was really nervous. Nonetheless, we, the student guides, rushed to meet and welcome them. “Hi, I’m Helen! And you are..?” After answering this question, all my worries immediately vanished. 

   Introductions were made. Names were exchanged. First impressions were made. Despite the stress from travelling and lack of sleep, they were still friendly and eager to learn about us and the place we live in. As their knowledge about Iloilo City grew and grew with each passing day and session, our experience with them became more and more memorable. 

Taking group shots Filipino style

     Of the days that we were together, I realized a lot of things. First, that the students that we were with were obviously intelligent. They knew what kinds of questions to ask. The admiring thing is, if we didn’t know the correct answer to their questions, they wouldn’t get mad or feel arrogant. They understood. They were kind enough to acknowledge our efforts. They always thank us every time we help them. 

    It was never just a one-way process. It was always a two-way interaction with them. Every time we discuss things, we compare our different cultures. They ask us, we answer them. We ask them, they answer us. We learned about Malaysia as much as they learned about our country, even if we weren’t in their country. They were also very helpful. They’d ask us if we needed assistance in our tasks, even when they were already carrying loads. They were as concerned about us as we were for them. 

    As friends become closer, conflict becomes inevitable. And we weren’t an exemption. Everyone has different personalities. They had to chase deadlines. Pressure was mounting. However, at the end of the day, everyone remained friends. The bond was strong, evidently. 

Pictures on the rooftop!

    Hanging out with the Malaysians made me realize that there were a lot of similarities between our culture and theirs. The difference is that what’s really spicy for us was not that spicy for them. Being with them also made us feel important. They treated as not just as student guides, but as real friends. It’s also important to note that my Filipino folks treated us differently since we were with foreigners. They were more accommodating and more hospitable. Somehow, I took advantage of that. XD 

    Everything was worth it. Being absent from school for days to be with our now Malaysian friends was worth it. I wouldn’t change the experience for the world. If one would ask if we’d ever do this again, all us student guides would willingly and enthusiastically be of service again. It’s such a shame that it’s already ended. Everything happened so fast. T.T 

     Thank you Chrish, Sarah, Melissa, Jon, Vince, Jia Wei, Esther, Andrea, Emily, Anis, Tracy, Gwyn, Sheril, Joyce, Kush, Helen, Lestari, and Dr. Yeoh! 

Saya Cinta Kamu! 

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Hello everyone! My name’s Noraisa. Please don’t call me Nora. For some reason, I feel like it doesn’t fit me, too girly for my taste. Call me Ais, Raisa, or almost anything else. I am 17 years old, taking up Business Management. 

I hate vegetables. I’m a proud carnivore. I love the colors black and white, though you might argue about them being “colors.” My brother would describe me as a “bottomless pit” every time we eat. I find it hard to say no to invitations, especially when it involves going out and food. For me, travelling is never tiring or stressful. I’m an otaku, and I wish to go to Japan someday, and maybe even participate in Cosplay. 

My idea of a good time? Karaoke! Singing at the top of my lungs! The correct term might be “screaming,” though. Haha