AFS IPP Iloilo Community

21/09/2026

It has been officially one month since Matt landed in Japan! To mark the 30-day milestone, we asked him to reflect on his journey and what has been his favorite part so far. Check out his response in the photo!

14/09/2026

What goes around comes around in the best way possible through intercultural exchange!

Last year, the AFS Iloilo Community welcomed Rino Konno from Japan, who found a home away from home in Iloilo City with her host family, the Abaleña family, while studying at Angelicum School Iloilo.

Now, their story comes full circle!

As part of Angelicum’s Japan Experiential Learning Program, Rino’s host sister, Kathy Gail Mucas, traveled to Japan, where she was hosted by no other than Rino’s family! Gail had the unique experience of attending Rino’s school, Miyagi Prefectural Sendai Nika Junior and Senior High School together with other Angelican learners.

From host sister to exchange student, and host family to hosts across borders, this incredible journey shows that AFS connections don't just last for a program; they make us family for life.

Thank you to the Abaleña family, Rino Konno's family, and the school coordinators and administrators at Angelicum School Iloilo who made this meaningful exchange possible!

Here’s to lifelong friendships that span across borders. 🇵🇭🇯🇵

Photos taken and shared courtesy of the Abaleña family

13/09/2026

17/08/2026

17/08/2026

From Guimaras & Pototan to Japan!

The AFS Iloilo Community, along with the supportive families of Hailey & Matt and our first AKP+ alum Chloe, gathered at Iloilo International Airport to give a warm send-off to Hailey and Matt as they embark on their life-changing intercultural exchange journey.

Padayon, Hailey and Matt! Carry the warmth, pride, and spirit of your roots in your exchange journey to Japan.

Your families, schools, friends, and the entire AFS Iloilo Community are all cheering for you!

Matt is a YS11 learner from Angelicum School Iloilo, and Hailey is a senior high school student at Simeon J. Jabasa National High School in Guimaras.

16/08/2026

𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐘𝐒𝟏𝟏 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐣𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐅𝐒 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐈 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭+

Angelicum School Iloilo proudly held a send-off for Matt Conejar of YS11, who has been awarded the prestigious Asia KAKEHASHI Project+ Scholarship through AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines. Joining him during the send-off were Fr. Marc Adrian dela Peña, OP, LPT, PHL, Acting Principal; Mr. Orlando M. Gamilla Jr., LPT, Assistant Principal and Linkages and Internationalization Officer; and Ms. Kristin Torendecia, AFS Iloilo Community Representative, as they extended their support and best wishes to Matt as he prepares for this life-changing international experience.

The Asia KAKEHASHI Project+ is a full scholarship program funded by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It aims to build bridges between Japan and other countries by providing outstanding high school students with the opportunity to study and experience cultural immersion in Japan. For the 2026 program, scholars will spend approximately five months, from August to December, attending a Japanese high school while living with a host family or staying in a school dormitory. The program also provides opportunities for participants to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture, communities, and industries while developing global competence and intercultural understanding.

As one of the scholarship recipients, Matt will join young scholars from participating countries in an enriching journey of academic learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth. The program seeks to develop future leaders who can foster friendship, mutual understanding, and stronger connections across borders.

14/08/2026

The only One student from Iloilo that qualifies for prestigious scholarship FULLY FUNDED by Asia Kakehashi Project Nationwide Selection Process involving applicant from across the Philippines ( Taga POTOTAN) he will be sent in Japan this August 2026.

14/08/2026

14/08/2026

𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐅𝐒 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Angelicum School Iloilo has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), in recognition of the school's unwavering support for intercultural education and its active role as a global host school for international students.

The award was received on behalf of the school by Mr. Orlando M. Gamilla Jr., LPT, Assistant Principal and Linkages and Internationalization Officer, who has been instrumental in advancing Angelicum's internationalization initiatives and global partnerships.

Over the years, Angelicum School Iloilo has strengthened its commitment to internationalization through its partnership with AFS Philippines. The school has warmly welcomed and hosted exchange students from Finland, Italy, Belgium, Canada, Germany, and Japan, providing meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and global learning within the school community.

This recognition reflects Angelicum's continuing mission of fostering globally minded learners and promoting intercultural understanding—an embodiment of its commitment to going beyond borders through education.

04/07/2026

🎉💙 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭! 💙🎉

Today, we joyfully celebrate the birthday of Brent David Rodrigo, our dedicated Liaison Coordinator at AFS Iloilo Community!

Your willingness to guide, support, and create meaningful intercultural experiences reflects the true spirit of AFS. Thank you for your commitment, reliability, and heart for service as a volunteer.

Wishing you a birthday filled with joy, good health, and continued success. Have a wonderful celebration from your AFS Iloilo family!