VOICES

Learning never stops, not just for our students, but for our teachers too! This summer, our teachers embarked on journeys of professional growth and travels which have truly enriched their minds, bodies, and human connections. Get ready to be inspired by the incredible stories from Coach Tin Cornista, one of our dedicated PE teachers at Keys, and Binibining Mariel Pabilin, our Filipino Coordinator in Primary School, and Teacher Sofia Saguyod from the IB Team–three educators who prove that the best teachers are lifelong learners!

On Coach Tin’s Self-Growth

Which professional development training had the greatest impact on your coaching approach this summer?

I would say the greatest impact on my coaching approach came from completing the BWF Coach Education Level 1 course. I learned a great deal throughout the program. As a coach/teacher, it is essential to know how to plan, deliver, review, and evaluate your sessions effectively. This course helped refresh and enhance my coaching abilities, allowing me to gain new insights and perspectives. I realized that being a good player is not enough—you also need strong planning and coaching skills. Both are equally important to succeed in this field and to pass the course. 

Coach Tin is now a Certified Level 1 BWF Badminton Coach! 

Photo © Kristine Mae Cornista

What coaching success are you most proud of from this summer season?

I’m incredibly grateful to have passed the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Coach Education Level 1 course held at Riverside College, Bacolod, last June 2–7, 2025. The class ran from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with the structure divided into three days of lectures, two days of coaching delivery, and the final day dedicated to the interview assessment.

There were 20 participants in total, and after all the hard work, I’m thankful I passed. Before taking the course, I assumed it would be easy and that everyone would pass—but I was wrong. The standards are high, and unfortunately, not all of us made it through.

I believe one of my advantages was my background as a former varsity player for UP Diliman during my college years. That experience helped me with the practical skill demonstrations. However, passing the course requires more than just skills—you also need to know how to plan a program and deliver it effectively, especially with strong communication.

Overall, it was a challenging yet rewarding experience, and I’m proud to have earned this certification.

What new certifications or skills did you pursue to advance your coaching career?

The BWF CE1 is an international certification. This course helped me deepen and refresh my knowledge of badminton, while also providing skills that can be applied to other sports.

Coach Tin is very much looking forward to transferring her learning to her students  this upcoming school year. She adds, “I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned to help develop my students’ skills and growth in the sport.”

On Bb. Mariel’s Vietnam Trip 

Which destination from your summer travels with friends was the most memorable and why?

Our trip to Vietnam with fellow Filipino teachers was the most memorable of all my summer adventures! We visited beautiful places like Hanoi, Sa Pa, and Ha Long Bay. We also made new friends during this trip.

Bb. Mariel with the Filipino Department in Vietnam! Xin chào!

Photo © Mariel Pabilin

What unexpected experiences did you and your friends discover during your trips?

Sa Hanoi, favorite meal namin ang Bún chả (Vietnamese noodles with grilled pork). Of course, the coffee was amazing too! For me, the city felt so romantic. Kahit saan ka lumingon, may mga bulaklak, which made the place extra beautiful.

Sa Sa Pa, ang babait ng mga local at sobrang peaceful ng paligid. It was the perfect place for heart-to-heart talks. As in, naglabasan kami ng feelings haha!

And in Ha Long Bay, our tour guide was hilariously funny. We also met a wonderful girl named Liz. After the tour, we ended up eating pho together. During our conversation, we found out that she’s also a teacher based in China!

How did your summer adventures strengthen your friendships?

At one point, one of us accidentally got locked inside the Airbnb bathroom. We tried everything we could to help! We called the host, searched for tools, and even attempted to help her squeeze through a small window using a chair. While we waited, I found myself reflecting on all the moments we shared during the trip and how much we genuinely care for each other. Safe namang nakalabas!

Nakakatuwa kasi we booked two rooms but ended up all staying in just one. Ganon ka-clingy! I learned so much from this trip and from them, and if I ever get to visit Central Asia, I hope I’ll have the same people by my side because being with them feels just like family.

On Teacher Sofia’s Experiences in Japan

Where did you spend your summer this year? What cultural insights did you gain from visiting it?

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Japan. It was a personal celebration for me and my loved one and also a much-needed break from our busy schedules. From bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene shrines of Kyoto and the vibrant cityscape of Osaka, each day offered new insights and cultural experiences that expanded my perspectives. 

We visited different famous shrines and temples, including Senso-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Toji Temple, Kiyomizu Dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, and Yasaka Shrine. Walking through centuries-old temples nestled among futuristic skylines reminded me of the importance of tradition and innovation. It amazed me how these peaceful shrines are just steps away from the busy pedestrian crossings and lively, neon-lit streets. Exploring these areas allowed me to slow down, observe, and learn about their culture. It deepened my appreciation for context and identity–a practice that I need to strengthen to help my students and understand their perspectives.

Teacher Sofia explores the Land of the Rising Sun!

Photo © Sofia Jade Saguyod

How did your journey through Japan—from awakening your inner child to finding stillness—transform both your personal perspective and your approach to creating meaningful, empathetic learning experiences for your students?

As an adult, it’s always fun to awaken your inner child. Our trip to Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea, Universal Studios Japan, and The Making of Harry Potter Tour offered unexpected insight. We enjoyed riding different extreme rides and looking at amazing arts and designs–offering lessons in collaboration and the power of strong storytelling.  These spaces reminded me how powerful engagement can be when learning feels immersive and joyful. It challenged me to think about how I might create more meaningful experiences in my own classroom.

Visiting the Mt. Fuji region was perhaps the most grounding experience. With the iconic mountain in the distance and the quiet of Lake Kawaguchiko surrounding us, I was reminded of stillness and reflection. Wandering through the area felt like a reminder that sometimes we just need to find our corner of peace to reflect, breathe, and reconnect with what grounds us before we head back to our busy lives.

As I return to the classroom, I bring back not only stories but also renewed inspiration and a deeper commitment to teach with more empathy and intention to nurture global citizens. 

Coach Tin’s, Binibining Mariel’s, and Teacher Sofia’s  stories remind us that learning comes in many forms. These could be through rigorous professional certification, meaningful travel experiences, and the bonds we build with fellow educators. At Keys, we celebrate all paths to growth because we know that enriched teachers create enriched learning experiences for our students too.