Learning Beyond the Classroom: JHS Students Explore Manila

Visiting the site where José Rizal was executed in Luneta Park, eating superworms in Lakbay Museo, and interacting with displays and demonstrations of Albert Einstein’s theories—these are just some of the things that the Junior High School (JHS) students of MGC New Life Christian Academy experienced as they embarked on an educational field trip last February 19 to deepen their understanding of Philippine history, culture, and the sciences.

The enriching and meaningful experiences emphasized the belief that education extends past the boundaries of traditional classroom settings. As JHS Supervisor Karen Fulgencio stated, “Learning should not be contained inside the classroom. Most of the time, students learn through experiences, so we want them to experience, we want them to see, [and] we want them to realize that the lessons we discuss inside the classroom are true.”

The JHS students started their day with a hands-on learning experience at key historical sites in Intramuros that are significant to our national identity: Casa Manila, Fort Santiago, the Presidential Wall, the Martyrdom of Rizal Mural, the Memorare Monument, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church. 

“It's good for the new generation to appreciate what [we] have because we have to understand who we are today as a nation. It's actually the fruit of their sacrifices, of those heroes who really fought from the very beginning,” said Grade 10 Araling Panlipunan teacher Elgin Mabolo. “[Learning to appreciate] the [value of our culture], the importance of sacrifices, commitment, and especially love for [our] country, love for [our] nation … [are] the things that I really [want] each student to emulate.”

In the afternoon, the students concluded the trip with a visit to the Lakbay Museo and Science XPdition, two interactive rotating museums located in Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City. Lakbay Museo showcased Filipino traditions, festivals, and native delicacies through immersive exhibitions, while the Science XPdition taught various scientific concepts through practical and interactive experiments in numerous laboratories.

Coming back from their visit to the Lakbay Museo, Roberto Fulgencio of Patmos C shared that the dance performance he watched inspired him to see the uniqueness of the Philippines’ culture compared to other countries, encouraging him to appreciate and share this culture with others.