As I lug my luggage traversing in the seemingly efficient maze within Changi, I can’t help but get mesmerized by my surroundings. It’s been almost 2 years since I visited Singapore, and back then, the pandemic measures had just started. Nevertheless, in those two years of lockdown, Singapore managed to develop more in a scary yet awe-inspiring way.

Taking a moment to admire this vast space

 

While walking through cavernous hallways to the MRT, I couldn’t help but feel like I was walking on eggshells. Singapore made me feel like I was in a place where no mistakes should be made, and any hint of such would be embarrassing, which dominated my senses. 

Feeling “small” while waiting for the MRT to the city center

 

As I walked under the hot sun a day before the Dialogue started, I had this overwhelming feeling that the conference would be strict, perfect, and with no room for mistakes. 

Being proven wrong feels embarrassing, but this is one of the few times I felt euphoric about being wrong.

I immensely enjoyed both the academic and informal sessions. The educational portions were thought-provoking, insightful, and more conversational and experiential than the regular classroom-type sessions. I had the opportunity to learn about passionate efforts toward inclusiveness through Dignity Kitchen and Enabling Village.

Mr. Koh Seng-choon, the founder of Dignity Kitchen, teaching us sign language

Sneaking in a quick picture during a tour at the Enabling Village

 

What’s even more memorable were the informal excursions with my fellow delegates.

I had the chance to introduce the Philippines, more than the usual beaches and beauty pageants, through our popular TV game show “Hep Hep Hooray” and our popular modern dances such as “Tala”, “Otso-otso”, and “Paro-paro G”, all while wearing Barong Tagalog.

Teaching my fellow delegates the popular Filipino TV show game, “Hep hep Hooray” 

Photo Credit from NTU’s Instagram Page

 

In addition, the conference had pocket interactions which I cherish. 

We had a hangout on Sentosa island, where we danced by the beach and played football and card games.

Enjoying Sentosa beach and each other’s company

 

We also rode the trains and buses in groups, all while our local friends would do some anecdotes and fun facts about Singapore.

Dinner at Newton Centre (aka the Crazy Rich Asian Hawker Center scene)

A quick snap before the train arrives!

 

We even danced the night away as we partied (more of a Zumba session) in a famous club. 

After a sweaty yet memorable party night

We also got to know each other deeper and candidly with late-night talks, either in a hotel room or a park. 

Trying to keep it quiet with our late-night talks and laughs

 

On our last day at the conference, we had a fitting farewell with an NDP (preparations) firework display and laid down on the warm floor under the Supertree Grove to witness the Gardens by the Bay light show.

Some parting photos after the light show at Gardens by the Bay

As a photographer, I was honored to have captured smiles, laughs, and quirky poses from these amazing and beautiful people.

 

Through conversations with my fellow Singaporean friends, I understood the city-state deeper beyond the classic touristy lens. I realized firsthand that even as a developed country, Singapore has its fair share of problems and issues that must be addressed.

As I reflect upon the Dialogue’s theme, social cohesion, what made the entire YRAD “cohesive” isn’t the same qualifications of the delegates, such as being achievers or innovative young thinkers, or the “commonalities of our differences”, i.e., various backgrounds and perspectives. Instead, the openness to learn, listen, and collaborate made the entire YRAD experience cohesive yet diverse. 

united in diversity, colors, and smiles

I applied for YRAD in 2020, but I wasn’t accepted. I was disappointed because I really wanted to join the program. Fast forward to 2022, and I applied again. They say the second time’s a charm, but I believe that this time was the right and the perfect time for me to experience such an amazing opportunity and I won’t have it any other way.

Thank you, NTU-USP, for the chance to see, experience, and live Singapore a little bit more than the regular tourist and also for the chance for my friends from all over Asia to experience the warm Filipino hospitality and congeniality that we are known for.

And thank you, Singapore, for inspiring me to dream bigger and aspire deeper for my country so that one day (hopefully soon), I can feel and reminisce a bit of Singapore’s comfort right here, in my home.

 

Maraming salamat po!

 

Submission by: 

Gerald John Guillermo, YRAD 2022 Participant