Work Immersion Experience at Magic Ocean Dive Resort

 

Work Immersion Experience at Magic Ocean Dive Resort

by Nathanel Cedrick Compra

My journey as a work immersion student at Magic Ocean Dive Resort began on December 16. It was my first day as an immersionist, and I felt both excited and nervous because it was my first time experiencing a real workplace environment outside of school. Work immersion is an important part of our learning because it allows us to apply the knowledge we learn in school to real-life situations. It also helps us understand how different jobs are performed and how professionals work together in an actual workplace.

On that day, we arrived at the resort at around 9:30 in the morning. As soon as we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the staff. The resort had a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, which made me feel comfortable even though it was my first day. Shortly after arriving, we met Ma’am Grace, who was responsible for guiding and orienting us about our duties and responsibilities during our work immersion.

During the orientation, Ma’am Grace explained the rules and expectations that we needed to follow while working at the resort. She emphasized the importance of discipline, respect, responsibility, and teamwork. She also explained that work immersion students must always show a good attitude while working because we represent not only ourselves but also our school.

Ma’am Grace also introduced us to our work schedules. She explained that if we were assigned to the morning team, our schedule would be from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Because of this early schedule, we needed to wake up early in the morning so that we would not be late for work. Being punctual was very important because it shows responsibility and respect for the workplace.

On the other hand, if we were assigned to the evening team, the schedule would be from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The evening team would also have different tasks depending on the needs of the resort. Ma’am Grace assured us that the staff members would guide and teach us the tasks that we needed to perform. She explained that we should not be afraid to ask questions because the purpose of our immersion was to learn.

The orientation helped us understand what to expect during our work immersion. It also prepared us mentally and emotionally for the responsibilities we would experience in the following days. Even though I was a little nervous at first, I was also excited because I knew that this experience would teach me many valuable lessons.

During my journey as an immersionist at Magic Ocean Dive Resort, I experienced many different tasks and responsibilities that helped me learn about working in a real environment. On my second day, which was December 17, it was my first time being assigned to the morning team. Because our schedule started at 6:00 in the morning, I needed to wake up very early to prepare myself for work. Adjusting to this routine was not easy at first, but I understood that discipline and time management were important in any job.

When I arrived at the resort early in the morning, I immediately prepared myself for the tasks that needed to be done. As part of the morning team, we were assigned to different areas depending on where help was needed. Most of our tasks were related to housekeeping and maintaining the cleanliness of the resort.

One of our main responsibilities was cleaning the guest rooms. This included arranging the beds neatly, cleaning the tables and furniture, sweeping the floors, and mopping the rooms. Cleanliness is very important in a resort because guests expect a comfortable and relaxing place to stay. Making sure that the rooms were clean and well-organized helped create a positive experience for the guests.

Aside from cleaning rooms, we also helped maintain the cleanliness of other areas of the resort. These included hallways, outdoor spaces, and other guest facilities. Working in housekeeping taught me how important attention to detail is when performing tasks. Even small things like properly arranging pillows or making sure the floor was spotless could make a big difference in the overall appearance of the resort.

From December 18 until December 29, the staff assigned me the responsibility of cleaning the bathrooms. At first, I found this task challenging because cleaning bathrooms requires careful attention and proper sanitation. However, I understood that this responsibility was very important because cleanliness and hygiene are essential for the comfort and safety of the guests.

Every morning, after completing my personal daily routine at home, I arrived at the resort before our shift started. At around 6:10 AM, I would begin cleaning the bathrooms. My tasks included scrubbing the sinks, cleaning the mirrors, washing the toilet areas, mopping the floors, and making sure that everything was properly sanitized. I also checked if there were enough supplies such as tissue, soap, and paper towels.

I usually finished cleaning the bathrooms at around 6:30 AM. After completing my assigned task, I would go to my co-immersionists to help them with their work. One of the tasks that we often did together was setting up the tables for breakfast. This task required us to arrange the plates, utensils, glasses, and table decorations neatly so that everything would look presentable for the guests.

Once we finished setting up the tables, we would go to the kitchen area to help the staff with small tasks. Sometimes we helped carry supplies, prepare utensils, or organize materials that the kitchen staff needed. Helping the staff made us feel like we were part of the team, and it also helped reduce their workload during busy hours.

At around 9:00 AM, we were given time to eat our breakfast. This was also a moment for us to relax and talk with our fellow immersion students. After eating, we were given a 30-minute break to rest and regain our energy.

At around 10:00 AM, we would continue working again. During this time, we usually focused on housekeeping tasks such as cleaning rooms, organizing supplies, and making sure that the resort facilities were ready for the guests. We usually worked on these tasks until around 11:30 AM.

There were times when the work became tiring, especially when the resort had many guests. During busy days, there were more rooms to clean and more tasks to complete. However, these experiences helped me realize that hard work and patience are very important in any job.

I also learned the value of teamwork during our work immersion. Many tasks could not be completed alone, so we needed to cooperate and help each other. By working together, we were able to finish our tasks more efficiently.

Another important lesson I learned was the importance of having a positive attitude. The staff members always encouraged us to do our best and reminded us to stay positive even when the work was challenging. Their guidance helped us become more confident in performing our tasks.

Through this experience, I learned how to be more responsible and professional. I learned how to follow instructions carefully and how to complete tasks properly. I also learned how to communicate respectfully with staff members and fellow workers.

Working in a real environment also helped me understand how businesses operate and how employees contribute to the success of an organization. Seeing how the staff worked together to maintain the resort made me appreciate the effort and dedication required in the hospitality industry.

My work immersion experience at Magic Ocean Dive Resort was one of the most valuable learning experiences I have had as a student. It gave me the opportunity to experience the reality of working in a professional environment and taught me lessons that cannot easily be learned inside the classroom.

Through the tasks that I performed each day, I learned the importance of discipline, responsibility, patience, and teamwork. I also gained practical skills in housekeeping, time management, and communication. These skills will be very helpful for me in the future, whether in my studies or in my future career.

The staff at the resort played an important role in making this experience meaningful. Their guidance, patience, and encouragement helped me become more confident in performing my responsibilities. They also taught me how professionalism should be practiced in the workplace.

This work immersion experience also helped me develop a positive work attitude. I learned that every job is important and that every task should be done with dedication and care. Even simple tasks like cleaning or arranging items require effort and attention.

Overall, my journey as an immersionist at Magic Ocean Dive Resort was an unforgettable experience. It allowed me to grow as a student and as a person. The knowledge, skills, and lessons that I gained from this experience will continue to guide me as I pursue my goals in life and prepare for my future career.

 

The Adventure in Lamanok Island

The Adventure in Lamanok Island
By: Allen Dave Gultiano

Lamanok Island is a mysterious place located in Badiang, Anda, Bohol. The island is famous for its unique rock formations, spirits, and ancient rituals associated with it. Visiting Lamanok Island on January 6, 2026, was an adventurous experience for me, as it was my first time visiting a place rich in both history and natural beauty.

Lamanok Island offers three main activities: a mangrove tour, snorkeling, and an island tour. However, I chose to explore and discover the island itself. Upon arrival, the tour guide reminded us to remain calm, avoid shouting, and show respect to the island. With this reminder, I felt ready for a meaningful experience.

My adventure at Lamanok Island began as I boarded a boat and paddled my way toward the island. Along the way, strong waves appeared, causing the boat to shake. Despite this, I reached the island safely. Upon arrival, I was amazed by the beauty of my surroundings, which encouraged me to proceed to my next destination.

My first destination on Lamanok Island was a cave that served as an ancient burial site. Inside, I saw bones placed in coffins and large clam shells along the right side of the cave. According to our tour guide, these were the remains of early humans who once inhabited the area and were buried there after death. Next, we visited the Red Rock Hematite Painting Cave, where a large cross and ancient paintings could be seen on the rock wall. The paintings symbolized “here” or “we are here” and were created using a paste made from plants and animal fat mixed with water. The native people used their fingers or animal tails to apply the pigment onto the cave walls.

We then proceeded to the Ca Iska Rock Shelter and Bat Cave. On the way, I saw small monkeys hanging from the trees, unaware of our presence, which surprised me. Upon arriving at the cave, I was astonished to see many bats resting on the ceiling. The cave was said to have been inhabited by a woman who lived alone in the early 1880s. People feared her because they believed she was a witch who killed infants and young children. No one dared to visit the island until she reportedly died. After hearing this story, I felt a chill run down my spine and the hairs on my neck stood up. Because of my fear, we decided not to proceed further and instead moved on to another cave.

Afterward, I felt calmer when we visited the Shaman Cave, where rituals were performed during Holy Week. Roosters were commonly offered, while some shamans also sacrificed pigs, cows, or other animals depending on their requests. Many visitors had also left money and personal belongings in the cave as offerings. Another interesting fact about Lamanok Island is that it remains rich in wildlife. Bohol’s tarsier, known as mawmag in our dialect, can be found there, and flying lemurs or kagwang may also be seen if one is lucky enough. Finally, we returned home safely, and I felt grateful that our trip ended without incident.

Overall, my experience on Lamanok Island was truly memorable. I learned many things and experienced emotions such as fear, curiosity, and deep respect for the island. I realized the importance of respecting other cultures, nature, and the traditions passed down by our ancestors. Lamanok Island taught me that a place should not only be visited, but also respected and cared for.

 

Sinulog sa Cebu: Tagbilaran City’s Historic Victory

 

Sinulog sa Cebu: Tagbilaran City’s Historic Victory
By Diane Jinayon
All Rights Reserved

Sinulog sa Cebu is an annual Filipino cultural and religious festival celebrated every third Sunday of January in Cebu City. It is the country’s central devotion to the Santo Niño and is widely recognized as one of the largest cultural and religious festivals in the Philippines. The 2027 Sinulog celebration reportedly attracted more than 5.2 million attendees. Aside from its strong religious significance, Sinulog is also known for its lively street parties, which usually take place on the eve of the main festival. Because of its grandeur and scale, the event is often referred to as the “Grandest Festival in the Philippines” by both locals and participants.

The Sinulog Grand Showdown for 2026 was held on January 18, 2026, at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC). The program began at 9:15 a.m. and concluded with the grand parade and ritual showdown. A total of 37 contingents participated in the event, including 12 out-of-town contingents. These came from the Kalivungan Festival of Amas, Kidapawan City; Zamboanga City High School–Main; Bais City; Tabaco College (Albay); Muntinlupa City; Talon-Talon National High School (Zamboanga City); Maria Clara L. Lobregat National High School (Zamboanga City); Malita, Davao Occidental; Tagbilaran City; Antipolo City; Zamboanga Sibugay; and Las Piñas City. A special guest contingent from the MassKara Festival also joined the celebration.

Eight contingents represented Cebu Province and nearby cities, including Toledo City, Carcar City, Alcoy, Mandaue City, Carmen, Dumanjug, Moalboal, and Asturias, with Danao City participating as a special guest contingent. Meanwhile, 17 Sinulog sa Dakbayan contingents took part, representing Basakanon, Basak Pardo, Barrio Luz, Guadalupe, Banilad, Binaliw, Mabolo, San Nicolas Proper, Inayawan, San Roque, Tisa, Kasambagan, Babag, Tribu Kinaiyahan, UP Cebu, Labangon, and Talamban.

The grand parade passed through major streets such as P. del Rosario Street, Imus Road, General Maxilom Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard, and R. Landon Extension before returning to the Cebu City Sports Complex. The festival atmosphere was vibrant and colorful, highlighted by energetic street dancing and intense ritual showdowns.

After the competition, winners were announced in several categories. In the Sinulog-Based Category, fifth place went to Mandaue City (₱750,000), fourth place to Banay Labangon (₱1,000,000), third place to Carcar City (₱1,500,000), second place to the Municipality of Dumanjug (₱2,000,000), and the champion was Tagbilaran City, which received ₱3,000,000.

For the Free Interpretation Category, fifth place was awarded to Tribu Carmenon (₱750,000), fourth place to Lambo Mabolo (₱1,000,000), third place to Hudyaka sa Bais (₱1,500,000), second place to the Kalivungan Festival of the Province of Cotabato (₱2,000,000), and the champion was Toledo City, which received ₱3,000,000.

In the Best in Street Dancing category, fifth place went to Hudyaka sa Bais Festival (₱200,000), fourth place to Lumad Basakanon (₱300,000), third place to the Kalivungan Festival (₱500,000), second place to Carcar City (₱700,000), and first place to Toledo City (₱1,000,000).

For Best in Musicality (Free Interpretation), Lumad Basakanon placed fifth, Tribu Carmenanon fourth, the Province of Cotabato third, Hudyaka sa Bais second, and Toledo City won first place. In the Sinulog-Based Category, Best in Musicality awards were given to Zamboanga City’s Maria Clara L. Lobregat National High School (5th), Carcar City (4th), Banay Labangon (3rd), Banaun Cultural Group (2nd), and Tagbilaran City (1st). Best in Costume awards were given to Banay Labangon for the Sinulog-Based Category (₱100,000) and Toledo City for the Free Interpretation Category (₱100,000).

For the first time in Sinulog history, Tagbilaran City participated in the Sinulog Grand Showdown and made history as the first contingent from Bohol Province to win the prestigious competition. The city’s entry, Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Bol-anon, was declared overall champion in the Sinulog-Based Category Ritual Showdown and also won First Prize for Best in Musicality (Sinulog-Based).

The contingent was composed of 400 members, including 100 dancers, 200 props handlers, and 100 instrumentalists. Their dedication, discipline, and teamwork resulted in a synchronized and culturally rooted performance that captivated audiences during the Sinulog Grand Parade.

 

My Most Memorable Experience as an Immersionist at Anda Pearl Premier Resort

 

My Most Memorable Experience as an Immersionist at Anda Pearl Premier Resort

by EJ Magadan

Some days, I felt both excitement and overwhelming self-doubt. Other days reminded me how hard work truly is and how I needed to push myself every single day. There were mornings when I woke up feeling tired and unsure if I could keep up with everything I needed to learn and accomplish. From talking to guests, washing dishes, asking help from my co-immersionists, to coordinating with the staff and the people around me—everything required courage. Still, I am glad I took the risk and was willing to learn everything I could.

It was challenging, to be honest, especially when I made mistakes because I lacked knowledge or failed to ask how things should be done. There were bad days and there were good days. By taking small steps, I began to feel that I was no longer doing things just because I was an immersionist, but because they were important and would help me in the future.

I am just an ordinary person with no special knowledge about this kind of work. At first, I felt out of place and doubted whether I could do it. However, with the people around me, I found the strength and courage to face something new. The good side of the experience was that everyone believed in me and was willing to help. The resort staff taught me many things—from learning how to be patient and kind, to always smiling at the people around me. Through this, I found ways to overcome challenges that had been a hindrance to me since my first day. As I worked through every challenge, relationships grew stronger, and tasks slowly started to become enjoyable.

Looking back to December 15, when I first started, I realized how much I learned and how much I grew. The challenges helped me become stronger and taught me how to handle difficult situations. I learned that you don’t need to be perfect at everything, nor do you need special talents or skills to work well. With hard work, perseverance, and commitment, every effort pays off. I am proud of everything I went through, and I could not have achieved this without the help of the people around me.

Both the good and bad days taught me that everything takes time and does not need to be rushed—it’s a matter of moving forward step by step. This experience taught me that a privilege like this is not about being inferior or better than others, but about using the opportunity to gain knowledge, learn from it, and make the most of every moment we are given.

 

Education Week: Building Knowledge for a Better Tomorrow

Education Week: Building Knowledge for a Better Tomorrow
By: Rhea Mae Torreon

Education Week is a special school event that celebrates learning, creativity, and student growth. The purpose of Education Week is to improve and enhance students’ skills in learning. It helps students grow not only academically, but also socially and creatively. It gives students the opportunity to present their skills in arts, science, sports, entrepreneurship, and performances. As a TVL student, it was an amazing opportunity for me to practice our skills not just socially, but also in critical thinking. It felt like real practice, especially since we are all preparing for our Work Immersion. It taught me a lot about cooperation, leadership, and teamwork.

My experience during Education Week on November 27–28, 2025, at Badiang National High School was truly unforgettable. I was able to help sell different kinds of street foods such as barbecue, chicken intestines, and chicken feet. The campus was full of energy, and it felt exciting to be part of students who had their own small booths. We also won Best Booth Award and Best Christmas Tree Award. It was very unexpected, especially because we were so busy and did not have enough time to prepare properly. The preparation was rushed, but thanks to the help of the HUMSS students, they managed to decorate our booth and made it one of the best booths on campus. Selling street food taught me a lot—not just about handling money, but also about being patient and responsible.

What made the experience even better was the teamwork and laughter with my friends. We supported each other, helped cook and serve, and enjoyed every moment even when things became hectic. Handling customers taught me how to be patient and more understanding during times of pressure. As a TVL student, I learned how to deal with difficult customers. Based on what I learned in my strand, it is important to empathize with customers and put yourself in their shoes. These real-world lessons are just as important as academics.