National Homeschool Day 2017

Honestly, prior to researching more about it, I thought that homeschooling is just a relatively new movement in the Philippines’ educational system. There was no topic about it in any of my education subjects both in my undergraduate and masteral studies. But homeschooling has actually been practiced in our country for a long time now. A generation of homeschooled students are actually now homeschooling their own children. Admittedly though, it is only in recent years it has gained popularity.   In fact, homeschooling in the Philippines experienced a growth of 27.1% in the past 3 years. Today, there are approximately 11,000 homeschooled students; most of which are under various Home Education Providers (HEPs) while the rest are Independent Homeschoolers.

Last October at the 2016 Philippine Homeschool Conference, Senator Francis Pangilinan announced the Senate resolution that recognizes and supports the celebration of the first National Homeschool Day with the theme “Building Up the Philippines, One Family at a Time”. It was good news for Filipino homeschoolers. It is time for homeschooling to be widely recognized as an alternative educational system. Actually, as a lot of homeschooling families will say, homeschooling is more than an educational system it is a way of life.

So it is my great pleasure to be part of this momentous event last March 3, 2017. Homeschooling families all over the country gathered together in various venues to celebrate the first ever National Homeschool Day. My little Queen B and I are blessed to be part of the South Homeschoolers’ festivity at South Forbes Villas in Silang, Cavite.

We feel so blessed to be a part of this event. 

Going there I, actually, only know one homeschooling mom personally. Inadvertently, she introduced me to homeschooling. She is the wife of our senior pastor. Miss Christine Amador also happened to be one of the two speakers for that day. She is currently homeschooling her two children. Our other speaker is Miss Mavi Pelea, also a pastor’s wife. All her children are now graduates of homeschooling and are pursuing their own careers. Both lovely speakers shared to us what made them pursue and continue on homeschooling their children despite its various challenges. They also told us a few of the things they have learned while homeschooling. Their talks served as an inspiration for all of us, especially for newbies like me.

 Miss Mavi Pelea 

 Miss Christine Amador of the blog The Mommy Journey

While the talks were ongoing, some of the kids are enjoying some art classes. Others are playing with one another. It is amazing to see children of different ages warmly interact with one another. As all homeschooling parents know, socialization was and will never be a problem in homeschooling.

Afterwards, we all shared the bountiful spread we have for lunch. Each family brought something for the group to share. I am happy that my Kani-Mango Salad was a hit.

 A small portion of the feast we shared. 

While having lunch, the floor was open to some questions in which any mom can actually answer. There were questions about homeschooling while still working full-time, evaluations for homeschooled children, homeschooling without household help, homeschooling in high school, and many others.

Homeschooling mommies listening attentively to the speakers. 

The kids of South Homeschoolers. 

And since it is #walangpasok day for homeschoolers, my little Queen B and I along with my sisters and their friends went up to Tagaytay City after the event. We tried some creative ice cream flavors at 1^st Colonial. The first 1^st Colonial restaurant is actually a must-visit restaurant in Legazpi City, Albay. It serves traditional Bicolano dishes. It is quite famous for its Sili Ice Cream which we tried.

 Pipino, Tinutong na Bigas, Pili, and Sili (3rd Level) Ice Creams of 1st Colonial

We also went to Mahogany Market to have some bulalo and crispy crablets and shrimps. Hopefully, someday I’ll have the chance to roam around the market. I have seen some interesting market finds on our way to the Bulalohan section of the market.

We also took the opportunity to drop by at Sky Ranch-Tagaytay and view the beautiful Taal Volcano. My little Queen B, upon seeing the different ride attractions, was so excited to tour the place. Since we have to go back home shortly, George and I only rode the carousel. We’ll go back with Daddy J in the near future so we can enjoy the place with him (and also for a bigger budget for the rides).

 The weather was perfect that day! It was a nice day to view Taal Volcano with my little Queen B. 

 My excited Georgina who can't choose which area to explore first. 

 A carousel ride with my little Queen B who doesn't like riding the horses. 

Overall, it was a fun and elevating day! As a beginner in homeschooling, I am elated to be part of a group of homeschooling moms near my area. I find it uplifting that each mom in the group is willing to help and encourage one another. Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers especially Mommy Chris for our simple celebration. It is my hope and prayers that more activities will be in the works for our group.

Happy National Homeschool Day from the South Homeschoolers!

#xoxo

P.S. Thanks Joan, Clarisse, and Penn for accompanying us and driving for us.

Note to myself: Learn to drive soon.