I never thought that one day our college would be invited to an international game to assist 33 countries throughout Asia that will be held in the Philippines, and at first we were nervous because we were with different countries. I feel a mix of nervousness and joy because this is the first time it will happen in New Clark City Capas Tarlac, Philippines, the competition that went to us is swimming which the players are children from 13 years old to 18 years old. We will be assisting Swimming Competitions such as water polo, freestyle swimming, artistic swimming and other swimming activities. I was one of those who volunteered to help and we had different jobs in that event since they were in different locations.

At first I was hesitant to volunteer but I strengthened my self because it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The organizing staff and the city governor provide us the transporation to get to the venue every now and then. The facilities are also very nice and all the players are enjoying the beautiful view of the competition field and the place where they are competing. We are there for 2 weeks until the end of the competition, I never thought I would see players all over Asia and I was amazed at their skills in the field of swimming.

Going back to our purpose on that event, we did assist the players and we gave our best so that they could meet the Filipino brand of service excellence and of course we provided everything so that the flow of the event would be smooth. As long as we can serve the players, we gave our best, they are also talking to us and they want us to recommend something just like what to eat filipino food, where to go, and what are the different traditions in the Philippines. Us Filipinos love to share things that are beautiful in the Philippines such as beautiful scenery, delicious Pinoy food.

The word "mabuhay" will always be there and it means "hi", "welcome", when we say that word they smile on us and they try to say that word in return. We also have free time, we tour the new clark city and we watch the great players all over asia. One of my favorite games that time is artistic swimming since the movements they do under and above the water are amazing, which you wouldn't think they could do. Training also helps them to develop and nurture that specific game, sometimes it makes me think that I want to participate in such a competition because even when I watch it, I am happy and proud. One game also caught my attention and this is diving, it's just funny that they have motion and movement execution while they are in the air before falling into the swimming pool. There was also a competition with volunteers where we would do a swimming pose and guess what I won that competition in reward to that I was able to receive a simple bag where I am now using it at school.

Within the span of 2 weeks in event and water sports competition, I learned many things. One of them is being open and caring to the players we interact with, because communication was difficult at the time since our languages were different, but that didn't stop us from understanding each other. It's just a simple matter of giving them water after the game, and fixing their things before they start, they'll be happy and you'll always hear the word "Thank you" from them with a smile.

[Beautiful Architecture Spotted]

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Even though I am very tired from assisting them all day, it all goes away because of their kindness. Last day of the competition one player approached me and gave me a pin and it came from Thailand. I was so happy when I got a pin because it's so beautiful and one of the countries that amazes me because their players are so good, I was so happy and we even took a picture with them after their game. The event ended with a very fun after party where we had games and of course eating foods from the sponsors. That last day made me cry since those hard works we did as volunteers paid off.

They also give us allowance for our expenses and they always fill our stomach 3 times a day, which is breakfast, lunch and dinner.

[The Food]

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[Diving Area]

[The Building]

It was such an amazing and unforgettable experience! See yah!