Manila, Philippines—On August 8th, Teach for the Philippines (TFP) celebrated its 3rd year anniversary, or Foundation Day.
As our CEO, Clarissa Delgado put it, this year marked the beginning of a new tradition – a night of many firsts. All three Cohorts (2013, 2014 and 2015) and the HQ Staff were gathered in the Highway Hills covered court to connect and reminisce with each other. Alumni pins and copies of their year-end video interviews were given to the 2013 Cohort to celebrate the completion of their two-year Fellowship program. Pins were also given to HQ Staff members who have stayed with TFP for more than two years, to celebrate their dedication to the movement.
Alumni Carlo Fernando gave a peek into the life of a TFP alumnus. He spoke to his experience working in the Commission of Higher Education (CHED). He also shared the challenges of an individual committed to education equity. In moments of frustration, Carlo looks to his “why” and recalls that he has the support of a TFP family. This gives him the courage to keep going and continue pushing. He assured the 2014 and 2015 cohorts that life after the fellowship program may seem uncertain, but one thing is for sure, they’ll always have their TFP family behind them.
After dinner, two Cohorts and the HQ Staff took turns to go on stage and perform. HQ Staff members did an ala sessionistas song number, 2014 Cohort danced to popular Original Pilipino Music (OPM), and the 2015 Cohort performed a self authored verse choir and a rendition of Rent’s Seasons of Love. Hidden talents were uncovered that evening!
The birthday would not have been complete without the blowing of candles. Each member of TFP, with a lemon cupcake in hand, made a wish. It was truly a night to be remembered.