My Life in Cebu

My Life in Cebu
By: Jeon Eun Joo (Sindy)

I spent a week in Cebu. When I arrived at the airport I was so happy. I was really looking forward to visiting the Philippines. On the first day, I had a level test and then we went shopping with our guardian. There were three new students last Monday and one of them was me. I met good people in CELI, therefore we could be good friends. Although we are of different ages, different nations, different classes, we don’t care about these. They aren’t important to us.
For a week I tried many things. I’ve been to shopping malls. They are SM Mall and Ayala Mall. When I first saw the malls, I was surprised because they’re much bigger than the ones I’ve been in before. I watched a movie entitled 2012. I also went to Mactan shrine park and bought a hat. On my vacation, I want to go to the beach with a hat. I didn’t bring coffee. I love coffee so I had a good time in Starbucks. Yesterday I drank Café Mocha at Gloria Jean’s Coffee in Ayala Mall. I also attended a barbecue party in Saint Michael Village in Banilad. This is the place where a Korean staff who is a friend of mine lives. We call it, Korean Lounge. I could make many Korean friends in Cebu. I was pleased with everything. In addition, I bought many things after coming here. I bought post cards, stapler, 7D Dried Mango and so on.Everything was good, but now I have a cold. I have a fever and headache. That’s why I stayed in my room all day. I think I’ll be much better tomorrow.

Philippines-Brazil in Asia

Philippines-Brazil in Asia
By: Yoon Yang Shik

I sometimes listen to the national anthem of Brazil when I’m blue. I have no idea what the song is exactly telling about but the rhythm and powerful sound boosts me up every time I listen to it. Surprisingly, the Philippine national anthem which I listened by chance on Youtube gave me an impression similar to Brazil’s. The Philippine national anthem is like a march song to me. It reminds me of my army service times 5 years ago.
I could feel vigorous and dynamic energy when I listened to the song. And both countries have some common things. They had been influenced by Latin culture and Catholicism. And so are the hot weather, passion of the people, diverse ethnic make-up and poverty –I don’t have any intention to degrade the Filipinos, so please don’t misunderstand. The times I have had in the Philippines were wonderful just like paradise.I almost couldn’t hold my breath every time I see young Filipino ladies of dazzling beauty. But now is the time to say goodbye to the Philippines and CELI. I always thank the teachers who guided me along to the English world. At CELI, I met many people who gave me a lot of influence and inspiration that would be useful to my way to a happy life. And luckily, I could make international friends who came from Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, Australia and America. Everywhere I went around, everyone I met with, everything I thought of CELI and Cebu will remain in my heart and mind.

Adieu, Philippines and CELI.

Lee Sang Gu Experience in CELI

By: Lee Sang Gu

When I went to a university in Korea, I felt that English is a very important subject to those who are studying engineering. Since I have passed the university exam, I have never studied English. Hence, my English skill was not improved. One day, I had a chance to think about the dream that I had. A dream cannot come true without effort. I had to consider what kind of job I will get for my plan. I thought that I was no longer an impulsive person. That’s why I decided to go to Cebu where there’s an English environment. I was able to find a job easily because there were lots of jobs that were related to my major. After that, I operated some machine in the subway. But it was a very difficult job to deal with many workers under me. After six month, I accumulated a lot of money which makes it possible for me to go abroad. I reserved an airplane ticket. I had to discuss my plan with my girlfriend. She also had a plan to go to Australia for English. We supported each other. Though it was not easy for us to be away from each other, in the long run, it’s a good choice for me.When I came to Mactan airport, there were lots of people who were waiting for their customers and students. It was a very exciting experience, I thought. I met my first roommate after I arrived and then I arranged my things in my area of the room. My first roommate was Japanese who has good English skill. At that time, he helped me with many things even though he was younger than me. Because of him I could improve my way of studying. After two weeks, he left. I was sick for two weeks. My second roommate was also Japanese but he was older than me. When I saw him, I was puzzled because I didn’t know how to stay in my room with someone who looks like my father. In my memory, he was a very sincere person that’s why I could learn the most important outcome in CELI. There was not a trick in his effort. My last roommate is a Vietnamese. He is John. In my opinion, he is usually naïve even though some people criticize him. Since he came to my room, we could converse with each other. When I felt gloomy, he often entertained me. He is like a real family to me. Because of him, I always feel comfortable. I want to thank them for making me realize that relationships are important in our lives.
My stay in Cebu is over. I already obtained lots of experiences and friends who have different nationalities. Sometimes the experience can help me like a reference book does. When I decided to go to the Philippines, almost all of my friends warned me about the negative experiences. I think I have kept my promise to be a diligent student. I’m proud of myself. There are lots of methods on how to study English. Many teachers in CELI have taught me, even some local citizens in Cebu. Because of that, my English skill is improved. I can’t forget many happenings in CELI. And my friends…they are my treasures which makes me retrace my fantastic memories in Cebu. That’s why I can go back to Korea happily.

Yoon Yang Shik Experience in CELI

By: Yoon Yang Shik (Basie) For me, CELI is a good place to learn English. Mactan is far from Cebu City which has many things to distract me from my studies. I can surely say that CELI’s got geopolitical advantages. All teachers, especially Jennifer, are good at English. I have respect for her. While watching some beautiful teachers dance, I felt their explosive passion. I want to say that I had a pleasurable time there. All foods in CELI are delicious. I’m always thankful to the cooks for their endeavour. The only thing that has to be improved is the elimination of the smell of the meat. And I also thank the other CELI staff. They always try to maintain cleanliness and help students have convenience. These are what I have felt in CELI. I just spent 6 weeks in CELI. I can’t forget CELI, the teachers and my international friends when I go back to Korea.

Korea Tour

Korea Tour
By: Lee Sang Gu “Lee” Have you been to Seoul in Korea? Historical cultures and the future coexist in Seoul. The environment is good for enjoying your time. Do you want to taste the food of Korea? You should come to Seoul. There are lots of traditional restaurants where you couldn’t see anywhere. Do you want to experience cultures of Korea? There are lots of priceless cultural assets. Do you want to feel passion of Korea? There are a variety of festivals in Seoul. Do you want to know the future perspective? You have to visit Seoul. You can’t know without visiting Korea. You should try and you should make a plan to visit Seoul, Korea. I think you’ll never regret it.

Japan Tour

Japan Tour
By: Aya Sanetoh “Aya” There are lots of delicious foods, interesting things, beautiful nature and fantastic history. You can find these in Japan. It will overturn Japanese stereotypes. Tokyo is the capital of Japan. It is sophisticated, fashionable and extremely lively place. You can get everything in this city. Also, it has great technology. I recommend to go shopping there. Osaka is the second prosperous city in Japan. I hope that you eat Japanese food in this city. The customs and traditions of Japanese cultures fascinate a lot of foreign people. If you compare the cost between Tokyo and Osaka, Osaka is more reasonable than Tokyo. Hiroshima City is famous for atomic bomb. There is a place called the memorial park and museum. These historical places appeal a lot of things. There is beautiful nature. Japan has four types of seasons. So if you would like to go there frequently, I recommend to experience all seasons of Japan. You will enjoy and make good memories in my country.

Come and Learn in CELI

Come and Learn in CELI
By: Sumika Yasue

Studying English is important. Japan has plenty of famous companies. But Japanese children are decreasing, and Japanese population is also decreasing. So there is a limit of Japanese market. Everything such as working population, customers, gross demand, and the like are decreasing. Japanese companies should expand abroad. English is the common language in business. It is an advantage to speak English when job hunting. Some Japanese elementary schools have started using English in class. In the future I want children in all elementary schools to learn English.
But I can’t speak English. I have studied to read English but not speaking English is useless to business. I’ll work with foreigners. It’s necessary for me to speak English fluently.
To get maximum results in limited hours, I thought that studying abroad is a good way. I can get a lot of time in studying English, and be able to ask questions anytime.CELI has one-on-one lesson, and there are students from many countries and the price is cheaper than in other countries like America and Canada. So I decided to learn English in CELI. Cebu Island has a lot of beautiful beaches. So it is not only for studying but also for enjoying the seas. I like scuba diving. I went to Moalboal on a weekend with Japanese friends. We started after graduation ceremony on Friday. We rode on a jeepney, a highway bus and a tricycle for four hours. We stayed at a hotel looking at the ocean view. The next day, we got up early, and went scuba diving. We drove about 20 meters, and did it three times. We could look at some beautiful corals, turtles and colorful fishes. Our plan was to stay overnight but we stayed for one more night because we were tired.We left on Sunday morning there and came back here. We enjoyed the event. So there is the appeal to enjoy in Cebu. I’m hoping for happiness of studying and enjoying.

Lovers in CELI

Lovers in CELI
(A Short Drama)

By: Le Hai Nguyen (Le) and Jung Young Suk (Diane)
Literary Arts Club Students
It was a sunny day in CELI where students were busy studying English. Trang, a new student - a pretty girl from Vietnam had just arrived. She stayed in the cafeteria to take a quench. Woo Sung, a Korean guy approached her.

Woo Sung: Hello. You’re a new student, right?
Trang: Yes. I just arrived here last Sunday.
Woo Sung: I see… me too!
Trang: Oh, really?
Woo Sung: No… Actually, I’m just kidding!!!
Trang: You’re hilarious! And you can speak English pretty well!
Woo Sung: Yes, thank you. I have stayed here for 9 months already. That’s why I thank my teachers in CELI for this.
Trang: Hmm… Yeah, I heard teachers in CELI are more excellent than in any other academy in the Philippines. Anyway, it’s the first time for me to be here. I’m not familiar with the place and I have no friends yet. I want to go to the supermarket but I don’t know how to go there.
Woo Sung: Don’t worry I’ll accompany you later. Uhmmm,,, I’m so sorry Ms. Charming Lady, may I know your name?
Trang: Thank you, I’m Trang.
Woo Sung: I’m Woo Sung, nice to meet you here!
Trang: Nice to meet you– Woo S...onz?
Woo Sung: No, no, WOO SUNG.
Trang: (laughing) I’m so sorry WOO SUNG.

Both ate lunch together. They had chit-chats and Woo Sung shared a lot of experiences in CELI. He talked about the places to go in CEBU. After taking their lunch, Trang took an examination and later was oriented. It was indeed a tedious day for the neophyte student.
Woo Sung: How are you feeling today, Trang?
Trang: Fairly good, thank you. How about you?
Woo Sung: Always pretty good (smiling). What can I help you for this afternoon?
Trang: Well, I want to go to a market near here…
Woo Sung: Save More – It’s OK, I intend to buy myself something now, let’s go?
Trang: Yes, Thank you.
Woo Sung: You are welcome!

Day by day, they enjoy their company together, and the Korean guy showed the Vietnamese girl a lot of sightseeing in CEBU. They were comfortable with each other.

Bohol Trip

Bohol Trip
By: Kyung Mi Moon (May)

I want to go Bohol. So now, I will just try to plan for the Bohol trip. Bohol is not very far from Cebu. So, if you stay in Cebu like me, you can go to Bohol easily but you know, the security of Philippines is not perfect. So I need a companion. Fortunately, I already have my husband.

At first, I should book a ticket for the boat and hotel or a resort. I heard if you book a ticket earlier, you can get a cheaper ticket. I think cash is easier to use than others in Bohol. Philippines is very famous for water sports. Bohol is also a very good spot for that. And there you can see chocolate hills that became one of the 10 wonders of the world. In, addition there are very cute monkeys also known as TARSIERS. They are very small and interesting. I want to see dolphins, so I can go Island hopping. We can borrow a bike or car to look around Bohol and the price is negotiable. Anyway if I can go to Bohol, I really want to enjoy.

A Poem By: Moon Ji Hoon (Moon)

Throw your chest out

Throw your head back

You can see the star

But, there was no star

I want to cast a vote for my star

I can’t see the star

I believe to meet them someday

I believe them to change the world

World full of peace and love

But there was no one

I want to cast a vote

Still I can’t see

I believe to meet them someday

I believe them to change the world

A world longing for peace, unity&love

A Poem

By: Moon Ji Hoon (Moon)

CELI Presents

CELI Presents

Surfing the Net

by: Din & Justin

Poems from Literary Arts Students

Poems from Literary Arts Students




I saw the sea far from the mountains A small island appeared from clouds It was blue as her eyes It was beautiful as her face It was lonely as me Because she was far away from me Forever


* By: Le Hai Nguyen (Le)





See his strong power
See his endless depth
See his broad world
He can see my weak power
He can see shallow depth
He can see my narrow world
But he doesn’t blame
He just waits for me with a smile on his face
That’s why he makes me like him in the future

* By: Song Mi Suk (Michelle)






You look tired, see the sea!
Fish swims busily everyday
If they don’t swim, they will die.
You look tired, look at the sun!
Sun rises healthily everyday
If it doesn’t rise, you will not live



* By: Kim Hye Mi (Sandy) Lee Sang Gu (Lee)

CELI at Tambuli

CELI at Tambuli
By: Jung Young Suk (Diane)

Last Saturday all students joined activities. Actually I don’t like sports so I didn’t think of joining but I was motivated to join our activities. I arrived in Tambuli beach at 8:40 by jeepney. Jeepney always surprises me because I can ride or get off anytime, anywhere. It is small but it carries many passengers. Tambuli beach is very beautiful. Blue sea, white boats, children playing at the sea shore and people swimming. I’d like to just have a relaxing time. I walked around the beach and took pictures with Dianna, Ann, Johnny, Joy and Lynn. It was the first time I met Johnny and They’re from Taiwan. Johnny is funny and friendly.
At 10:00, the teams were called and the games started. The first game was limbo rock. All students played. And my team won two times but many other students were successful. I failed because I don’t have a flexible body. The winner for the first game was Le. Le is my teammate. The second game was touch ball. It has a different rule in Korea and Japan. In our rule, it’s ok to either catch the ball or not let the ball touch any body part. But in the Philippines, the player is out when he catches the ball. At 12:00, lunch time is on ….oh I was happy! All students cooked their traditional foods. Vietnamese students cooked the summer roll(Goi Cuon). I have eaten such in Korea. Summer roll has many ingredients but it’s delicious and a healthy food. Japanese students cooked Okonomiyaki. It’s made of pork, noodles, cabbage and cheese. It looks like pizza and it’s rich in taste and little salty. Korean students cooked Grilled Galbi, Kimbap and Jumugbap. We made a special sauce last Thursday for Saturday’s event. I cooked spinach, eggs and carrot for Kimbap. It was hard because I used a weak burner. Some students and some teachers took pictures while we’re cooking. Mostly, people were interested about Kimbap. I made Jumugbap from leftover ingredients of Vietnamese group. Edger cooked Grilled Galbi. But we didn’t show the process and we missed it.
After lunch, we took a break. Then Korean students presented Teakwondo. Teakwondo is a martial art form and sport that uses the hands and feet for attack and defense. The focus of Teakwondo is on training and disciplining the mind along with the body. And then we did seawater game. I joined the game. The rule is to use only the hands to fetch water and transfer to the basin. My team used our mouths and hands for victory. Well the winner was my team! Seawater taste was terrible! My mouth was so salty. The last game was the longest line. Each team had 5 representatives to join. I also joined and brought a shirt, pants and towel. Someone brought chairs, long string, blanket, etc. But the emcee requested us to make the shortest line. It was suprising. All players were noisy and some members were carried on the back, stood up on chairs and some just formed a line close to each other. It was very exciting! After dinner, we had performances. Vietnamese introduced their traditional dance, the Rice Drum presentation. Japanese introduced their traditional sport ‘Sumo’ and ‘Kumi Taiso’. Three Korean guys introduced the popular song, “Nobody”. They wore dresses and danced. Everyone went crazy.
It’s still fresh in my mind. I spent one month at CELI and CELI gave me a good memories. Thank you.

CELI - SPORTS

CELI - SPORTS
Shinichi Kimura - 2nd Place Winner (Yellow Team)

The things that we can benefit from sports are various. In general, many people do the sports to get good health or strengthen the body. But, in fact many sports affect the personal character without expecting. In my case, when I was a junior high school student, I went to the Karate school. Karate means that two persons compete to get the battling score like a campoo match. Karate methods make us teach how to protect and attack somebody. That training is to strengthen the muscle and stretch many body parts. We can easily get the strong body.

Besides, it is possible to get the good morale through the Karate match. In Karate match, it’s possible to admire the rival because the rival makes us do the match. In Japan, that traditional idea is very important. Spontaneously we get that good morale. In my second case, when I was a high school student, I went to the rugby school. As you know, rugby needs to run and tuckle with brave hearts. This sport is not only to strengthen the body but also enrich one’s own morale. Sometimes we advance by sacrificing our own body.
Of course, teamwork is very important. These things give me the cooperative mind. We enjoy and get good health through sports. But we shouldn’t forget the good aspects that give us good morals. In daily life, it’s difficult to get those things. Sports have possibility to affect our future by improving the mind.

Be a healthy man

Be a healthy man

Damian Lee - 3rd Place (Winner Blue Team)

There are many kinds of sports in the world. Basically, soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc. We know about those pretty much and most people know how to play those sports as well. Sports are really helpful, useful… what else? Could be all kinds of good things. Sports can make us have a good relationship with somebody easily. For example, in my case I wanted to make a friend and play soccer as well when I was in university. So I joined in my university’s soccer club. And then I played soccer with club players. I made lots of friends and I really enjoyed with them a lot. It’s really easy to make friends, isn’t it?
One of the club players is really a close friend until now. I’m really happy with that. He is a close friend ever since I’ve known him in 2008. Really close…really!!! We played soccer a lot before. We could get a chance to make friends with each other easily because of soccer. I’m really thankful to soccer. Secondly, sports can make a healthy person. In my case I worked out everyday 2 years ago. Not everyday, I mean often, 5 times per week. Actually my purpose was to make a nice body at that time. So I had to work out because I had some kind of a goal or something. Anyway I worked out habitually after that I felt very good everyday. I thought. “Why am I feeling very good everyday?” The answer was very easy. Because of work out. I worked out everyday, not everyday, five times per week anyway. Actually in my case I was crazy about working out. Sometimes that is not good for health but it was okay. Maybe I am still alive you know, I mean I am writing now. How interesting, isn’t it? Sports can give us some kind of good things. We can make friends, we can make a healthy person and we can get lots of benefits from sports. Do you agree with those things I counted? In fact, many young people don’t like outdoor sports these days. They like indoor sports. For example, computer games and video games. They usually play games in their houses during their free time. It is not a good thing because many young people are getting fatter than before, getting poorer than before, I mean in studying something. So, I think parents must help their own kids play outdoor sports. That is the correct way.
Even if their kids are too young. Lastly, I hope everybody, including kids, will be healthy. If you don’t really like sports, never mind. Just go out and then do whatever you want. You’ll be a nice person. I’m really sure about it. Just do it. Nothing is impossible, you know.

Sports Festival

Sports Festival
Matt - 4th Place Winner (Red Team)

We are having sports festival nowadays. I think it is a good time for us because our body needs to exercise but unfortunately, we can’t do it here in CELI. Almost all students are busy. They have to do something. For example studying or hanging out with someone or drinking. And our life pattern is the same day by day. We always wake up in the morning, go to school, study and sleep. This is our life pattern. We are fed up with it. And we spend a lot of time with our friends but new students couldn’t do it. That’s why we need something that makes our relationship better.
In my opinion, sports festival helps our health, mind and relationship. It makes our body become healthy. We feel stressed because of our life pattern but sports festival will make our mind clear. And it will make our relationship get better. That’s why we can make new friends from the sports festival.
Now, we only have two days. After the sports festival, we have to go back to our stressful life. But please don’t forget it was a nice time and we enjoyed that time. And sports festival gave us so many good things. It seems that we learned that we can do everything and how to enjoy our life. Finally, thank you for all the CELI teachers, staffs and students. Good luck!!!

CELI Weekend Fun

CELI Weekend Fun
By: Nguyen Le Hai Last Saturday, I had a trip with my CELI teachers and friends. It was so amazing! We had breakfast early in the morning and waited for the 8:30 departure. Almost all students and teachers went to Cebu Beach Club where we had fun and did activities.
Around 10 am, we started playing some games under the guidance of teachers. There were four teams: Green (my team), Blue, Yellow and Red. My team had played fairly well, winning the most games we played. We were the champion and it’s important that no other thing is more valuable than the smiles and the united efforts we had. When the sun was high up in the sky, we began to work. Some people were cooking, some were playing volleyball on the shore and some were chatting about the evening activity. I played volleyball until it was almost lunch time. And I felt so tired. Lunch was very good. We had food from Vietnam, Korea, Japan and of course from the Philippines. Each food had different flavors and I liked them although I couldn’t take all for myself. There was no more Vietnamese food left for me. In the afternoon, my friends and I rode a banana boat. It was terrific. When I rode through the waves, I enjoyed the speed but I was a bit nervous. We fell from the boat twice and I got some wounds on my face. It looked bad but it’s ok now. The boatmen intentionally let us fall for excitement.
In the evening, the highlight of the outing took place. I was absorbed in the cultural air. The Filipinos dancing under the fire made me have a glimpse of the history of the country. The men and the women were brave and always adjusted with nature and motherland. In the later part of the dance, the beat got faster so the dancers danced faster which completely attracted me. Next was the performance of Vietnamese students and all of the other foreign students and CELI teachers. Our interest reached it’s peak when the Koreans and Japanese male students danced “Nobody”. The dance made us laugh a lot. We continued dancing and drinking and singing together. The program ended around 9 pm.Everyone loved it.

CELI Outing

CELI Outing
By: Moon Ji Hoon


Did you join last Saturday’s outing? I went to Cebu Beach Club the day before yesterday. The weather was good. And also my feeling was good. Many students participated in this festival and we gathered as one through the sports. During the event, Celians were grouped into four teams.
We had blue, green, red and yellow teams. We played four kinds of games. We had always enjoyed the game. Green team got the first prize followed by red, blue and yellow. After that Giang and I rode a jetski for thirty minutes. That was very exciting! Then I want swimming with CELI friends. Swimming pool was as deep as I liked it to be.Korean guys presented taekwando and the other guys dressed in women’s clothes danced “Nobody”. Vietnam showed their traditional dance. After dinner, we watched Philippine traditional dances. We really had great time and we became comfortable with each other. And now we know each other more.