Life of CEP onsiters in Cebu Philippines

More than a month after the ramp-up program for project D. in Cebu – the Philippines, the number of CEP pioneers onsite has increased to over 30.

Away from home in a new environment and culture, CEP’s onsiters have to face initial surprises and difficulties. Yet, the members still remain enthusiastic and passionate to adapt to the work and life here. All members are trying hard to gain more experience, practice their English, and learn new technologies.

Ngo Trung Kien (CEP.IC), shared about life in Cebu, “At first, it was fun. We just went eat out together a lot but it’s kind of scary seeing policemen holding guns in public. The food here tastes different from the food back home. It’s salty and sour and there are not as many vegetables as in Vietnam. Mainly, it’s just meat. Eating out here is quite expensive compared to Vietnam so we carry a bottle of chili sauce everywhere we go.

The onsiters in Cebu have always been close. They have supported each other from the very beginning when they received the news to go onsite, to the time when they got to fly to Cebu and started a new life there. It is a rare occasion for the onsiters to get together and cook a meal while being far away from home.

During this time, CEP’s onsiters do not forget to spend the weekend traveling to learn more about the culture and people of this country. This can be seen as a new experience when they have the chance to leave their “comfort zone” for a while to grow up a little. It’s youth, let’s dive in! And to help FSOFTers who need to learn about onsite work in Cebu, Ngo Quang Chinh Nghia (CEP.IC) has dedicatedly built a guideline for traveling and dining, among others. With the guideline, new onsiters can have certain knowledge on how to start their life here.

Since July 2022, CEP has implemented a 6-month ramp-up onsite program in Cebu with a major client in the media industry. In addition to the main benefits, CEP’s onsiters can visit home every month if they need to.

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