Eccentric Nori

By: Ami Morinaga “Ami”

DongSu Kim “Din”

HyeJung Oh “J”

Noritaka Tsutsumi also known as (a.k.a) Nori, a

Japanese student in Cleverlearn English Language Institute (CELI)

traveled from SM City – Cebu to CELI Residences on foot.

It sounds absolutely challenging but he did it anyway.

Our group conducted an interview with him at C-Spot about his journey.

Literary Arts Club (LAC): We have heard that you hiked from SM City to CELI. It sounds quite a long journey. Why did you choose to walk by yourself?

Nori: Actually, I studied Architecture in university, so I was curious about Filipino houses. That’s why I decided to walk back to CELI.

LAC: When was that?

Nori: That was June 20, Saturday at around 12 noon.

LAC: How long did it take?

Nori: I think, it took me about four hours.

LAC: Were there any obstacles for you while walking?

Nori: Not really. Actually, a lot of people think that it is dangerous to walk around in Mactan or Cebu City especially if we’re alone but I don’t agree with that because I didn’t feel threatened at all while walking. Contrary to our expectations, many Filipino people are kind and very friendly. I have actually an interesting story about that during my trip. When I was walking down the street, I got thirsty to death. But I had nothing to drink at that time. So, the only thing I could do was just to keep on walking. But suddenly one Filipino called me and gave me a bottle of coke for free. How lucky I am! I love this kind of unexpected experience.

LAC: As you’ve mentioned earlier, you studied Architecture in Japan. What do you think about Filipino houses?

Nori: Um… I think some Filipino houses look dangerous and unsafe. If typhoon or storm approaches to the ocean, most slums will be swept away. Besides, other houses are also easy to be ruined by natural disasters like earthquake, flood, and typhoon. In my country, Japan, the earthquake happens a lot. So, Japanese people have been striving to develop the technology of the architecture.

How Well Do You Know Your Neighbor?

Kids’ Camp: Welcoming Visitors or Little Rascals?

by: Oh, Hyejung “J”

On July 19 (Sunday), some unavoidable noise woke some CELI students up in the middle of the night. Where was the noise from? Some students in their pajamas with messy hair soon spotted that eighty-two students and twelve guardians just landed in CELI Island. That peaceful and quiet Mactan Island has started to be crowded. In other words, Kids’ camp has just started. ALERT, CELI students! This place is not our cozy shelter anymore for a good while.

Camp kids are supposed to stay at CELI for six weeks at maximum. Some have four-week camp program, the others have six-weeks. They are all from Korea, aged 8 to 14 years old, consisting of elementary and middle school students. As of July 24, they all stay at CELI residence with existing students. Kids’ camp program provides four regular classes for campers- 1on1 class, two 1on 4 classes, and 1on 8 group class with a native teacher. Mostly, the class starts at 8 a.m. and ends 5:50 p.m.

They also have extracurricular classes after the regular classes. Korean guardians help students keep an English diary or teach mathematics at PC room on the ground floor every night. On weekends, they have group activities outside CELI residence such as wall climbing, island hopping, bowling, shopping, and the like. So chances are we can enjoy quiet residence for a while on weekends.

So, why do choosy Korean parents select CELI as their kids’ camp? Well, the location is considered as safer place than Cebu city. Also, its easy-access to the beach and resorts is said to be one of the advantages of CELI kids’ camp.

CELI students, we would like to ask you how your day is these days. Are you getting used to the children? No matter what your answer is either ‘YES’ or ‘No’, I have to say that it is too early to be tired of kids. Twenty-four more children are scheduled to be coming on July 27. Fortunately, one good news is they will stay at Casablanca. Their course is supposed to end in three weeks. So, do not panic. Just enjoy the rest of your stay here!