Adventures Await for PAAC’s 2025 Philippines Study Tour Students
As part of an ongoing commitment to strengthening Sister-State relations between Hawai‘i and the Philippines, a distinguished group of 14 students from seven high schools across three islands will embark on a transformative adventure to the Philippines this year in March. Under the theme "Weaving Our Interconnected Stories," this Study Tour highlights the deep historical and cultural ties between Hawai‘i and the Ilocos region, emphasizing the power of education and people-to-people exchanges in sustaining meaningful international relationships.
Through this immersive journey, students will learn about Filipino history and culture while building bridges between communities. Just as the art of Inabel weaving has been passed down through generations in the Ilocos region, these students will weave their own narratives—interlacing their experiences, histories, and aspirations with those they meet.
Hawai‘i is home to one of the largest Filipino populations in the United States, with many families tracing their roots back to the Ilocos region. People from the Ilocos region were among the first Filipinos to migrate to Hawai‘i in the early 20th century, working on sugar plantations and laying the foundation for the vibrant Filipino community that exists today. We are happy to work in collaboration with local efforts such as the Filipino Curriculum Project to highlight the history and culture of the Philippines.
Meet Our Student Travelers
Alexis Amulacion (Waimea High School)
Anika Joy Cortez (Waipahu High School)
Bernadine Danielson (Waipahu High School)
Conner Birdsall (Hawai‘i Technology Academy - Waipahu)
Froy-Ian Mariano (Radford High School)
Gregory John Cachero (Radford High School)
Haysten Jesus (Nānākuli High and Intermediate School)
Jo Salazar (Farrington High School)
Keara Kilakalua-Aguiar (Nānākuli High and Intermediate School)
Kim Beatrice Chloe Maderazo (Farrington High School)
Lia‘ina Kea (Nānākuli High and Intermediate School)
Mackenzie Agustin (Nānākuli High and Intermediate School)
Maren Rose Salomon (Waipahu High School)
Princess Kaitlyn Mangoba (Hilo High School)
Chaperoning this journey alongside Ms. Carol Li, PAAC Study Tours Director are esteemed educators and leaders:
Ms. Michelle Aquino (Farrington High School, Filipino History & Culture Teacher)
Ms. Maricris Juntura (Dreamhouse Ewa Beach, Special Education Teacher, and PAAC Alumni - 2013 Freeman China Study Tour)
Mr. Zachary Espino (East-West Center, Office of the President)
Special thanks to Carlos Juarez (East-West Center) and Raymart Billote (Filipino Curriculum Project) for their invaluable assistance in the selection process.
A Journey of History, Culture, and Connection
The Sister-State Spring Study Tour will take our student ambassadors through historic and contemporary aspects of the Philippines, beginning in Manila before traveling to Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. In Manila, students will visit key cultural and historical landmarks, including Intramuros, while also engaging with local organizations that focus on youth empowerment and social justice. From there, the group will travel to Ilocos Norte, where they will explore the region's rich history, visiting sites such as the Malacanang of the North and the city of Laoag.
The journey continues in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Spanish colonial architecture and dedication to cultural preservation. There, students will immerse themselves in traditional practices such as pottery making and Inabel loom weaving, which reflects the study tour’s theme of interconnected stories. They will also engage with local youth organizations and conservation efforts to preserve the Ilocano way of life. This experience is designed to deepen their understanding of the Ilocos region, equipping them with the knowledge and inspiration to contribute to global dialogue and cross-cultural collaboration. This Sister-State Study Tour will serve as a foundation for future collaboration in areas such as education, cultural preservation, and economic development.
We extend our deepest appreciation to the State of Hawai‘i and East-West Center for providing scholarships for our students. We look forward to the stories that our student ambassadors will bring home to our islands.