Hello everyone! I’ve officially completed half of my internship, and I’m excited to see how this next month goes.
Here are some highlights from this week:
Earlier in the week, my mom sent a beautiful photo of my cat, Jaeckle (J). I’m very glad J has such a loving family and safe place to sleep (a lot). At work, stray cats sneak in sometimes and I can hear them meow. That or the cats just meow really loudly from outside.
So yes, this past week was eventful. On Monday and Tuesday I worked on an upcoming presentation related to tracer studies. Though tracer studies are quite different from nutritional surveys in the Philippines, data gathered in tracer studies is important.
Read example questions (immediately below) or skip to Wednesday adventures:
How can the job market improve without learning about its weaknesses? What training actually benefits workers? Without tracking graduates of training programs or higher education, the system put in place can not be improved.
On Wednesday, Jessica and I were fortunate enough to join fellow workers of FNRI along several site visits in the Province of Bulacan. Three locations were checked, and took most of the work day. One of the site visits was a surprise check to more accurately determine the quality of the work. Once again, incredible kindness was shown by the workers at the site visits. All of the workers we engaged with were willing to provide information for the site visits. One worker spoke in as much English as possible so Jessica and I understood more of the conversation. At all of the site visits, the workers provided small meals – which definitely contrasts the serious work environment in the US. Site visits included meeting with workers, exchanging information, touring relevant areas, and further conversation during a small meal.
Boba tea 10/10 
View from Manila Bay
On Saturday, Jessica and I rode a Grab to Mall of Asia (MOA). After we got settled, I was amused by the Chili’s at the mall – I was not expecting it so I was very surprised. Lunch at Genki Sushi was wonderful, even though I kind of burned my tongue on the tempura shrimp. Is it possible to eat too much sushi? It is possible, but tupperware solves everything (and the sushi did not go bad either).
After walking around a lot, we went to Mary Grace – which seems to be a bakery/cafe chain the Philippines. Mary Grace has comfy seats with pretty lights and metallic doves above. Even the table had kind letters strangers have written, for themselves and for other visitors. One letter I noticed detailed the love within a relationship, and the desire to connect again. I love that sort of random kindness – everyone has a story.
After visiting Six Flags in Gurnee, Illinois when I was younger, I’ve realized I’m not a roller coaster fanatic (which disappoints some people). Either way, there are several fun rides at Manila by the Bay. One ride consisted of rising very high in the air, then spinning around and rotating upside down. I’m very glad the engineers are good at their jobs, because I still rationalize how one safety bar protects me when I’m spinning quite fast very high up in the air.
After exploring Manila by the Bay a little more, I grabbed some milk tea with boba at 19 Degrees – very aesthetic tea spot at MOA near the ice skating rink. MOA is literally a mini-city.
On Sunday, a change of plans occurred due to shenanigans with buses and jeepneys. I stayed hydrated, bought Pocky’s (chocolate cookie treat), and ventured to the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. Very calm area with stores in the area, which I imagine get busier after services. The shrine had a very positive atmosphere. I enjoyed seeing so many individuals connecting within a holy space.
New blog next week! Then only three weeks left in this internship – so much to do!