Good morning Tuesday, the last day of class for the school year (again)! I headed in a little earlier than usual for a singing lesson. I learnt that to truly sing a song in the best way possible one has to understand its purpose and possibly its history as well. Then you can know what to emphasise or know what time to use.

Today I had 2 exams. Both musical in nature. You know that feeling when you haven’t studied for a test… like, for an entire semester? Yeah. I had that. But with a bit of guesswork and many prayers I think I may have passed. It’s the first time I’ve ever done exams in a church (and sitting in a pew!). I feel like I’m cheating a bit because I’ve had that feeling of “I’ve finished my exams” twice in one year. My normal classes consisted of piano pedagogy and false theological systems where the subject was on the Jehovahs witnesses.

Something that surprised me when I was walking to the shops was that the street kids cheered at my appearance, maybe because I speak Tagalog to them… Maybe because I’m just a strange white creature they like seeing. Who knows…

As it was the last day of school there was a bit of a celebration in the evening. All the students and staff gathered together and after a carol formed 2 straight parallel lines. Then everyone in one line was handed an egg. I inquired as to what was going on but all my friend said was “itlog”.

Very helpful.

I know the word for egg but that doesn’t explain what we’re supposed to do with it! I most certainly didn’t expect the person opposite me to throw it high into the air towards me. I got the drift pretty quickly though and hurled it back. Then we both took one step backwards. And it began again.

I am glad I had changed out of my Barong and I feel sorry for the students who got egg on their uniform. I came fourth with my partner before it cracked upon impact against my unrelenting palm.

Back at the dorm we had our own little fellowship. I thought I had brought some mango bread to the party, I did not think I had brought MONGO bread to the party which is what actually happened. So mongo bread is a bean paste flavoured type of bread and is best avoided. More than a little crestfallen I instead tucked into the very fluffy banana bread which someone else had brought. I joined in a game or two but soon retired to my balcony bedroom as I knew that staying up until 1am is generally not justifiable for me.

By the way, greetings to the readers in Georgia, France, Spain and Ireland. I’ve got absolutely no idea who you are but I hope you’re enjoying the writings.