First Day at Instituto Cervantes Manila Learning Español

The increase of Spanish speaking readers in my other blog, A Twilight Kiss, prompted me to enroll in twice a week night classes to learn Español at the respected Instituto Cervantes in Manila.

Our first class on 18 August 2009 already had the thirteen students speaking in Spanish in mock conversations of faux first time meetings, greetings, introductions and farewells. Our teacher, who requested us to call her Señora Trini, spoke in Spanish half of the time. Truly, it was not a tepid toe in the water type of experience but a plunge in the deep end.

Señora Trini encouraged us to dive headlong into the waters of speaking Español and to just laugh at our mistakes. ‘Venga,’ she would cry out encouragingly.

it is terrifying, truth be told, but also exhilarating. And, tonight, we start learning verbs, which is a complicated business in the Spanish language.

Nouns are easy, but verbs are tough. Pilipino just adds “ay kumakain” whether to ako, ikaw, siya, tayo, kayo, or sila (I, you, he/she, we, you-plural, or they). However, Spanish has at least 16 different verb forms, plus progressive tenses and imperatives.

¡Venga!

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20 Responses to “First Day at Instituto Cervantes Manila Learning Español”

  1. 20
    TheBachelorGirl Says:

    Hi Crista. When you paid for your fees you may purchase the books already.

    Learning anything new is pretty overwhelming, so it won’t hurt to repeatedly read the first four pages. Or not. Either way, it’ll work on the first day. Have fun! :)

  2. 19
    Crista Says:

    Hi :D I am afraid that I’m running a little late to stumble upon your blog. I will be starting my classes at Instituto on the 1st of October and as you know, people on the same page as I am is excited. As a begginer, I can’t help but get anxious because I know little of the langguage, thanks to Dora and Boots, that I might stammer and grow all the more axious on my 1st day.

    Yes, I am blabbing :D Anyways, the questions is, do you suggest that Inpurchase the book in advance or should I see classes first before buying.

    Thanks in advance,

    Crista

  3. 18
    TheBachelorGirl Says:

    Hello Senor Choy. Of course, your advancement is largely dependent on you. And, as I’ve written, you will speak Spanish already on the first class. Please do join Instituto Cervantes Manila

  4. 17
    senor choy Says:

    hi!
    i’m also interested to learn the language. is it hard and can you speak spanish already?

  5. 16
    Celina Says:

    Hi bachelor girl. I want to learn spanish too :) what will be the activities for the first day of class? and how many are there in a class? i have zero knowledge of the language. Im afraid i might be left out in the class.

  6. 15
    Instituto Cervantes- Manila, Académica Says:

    ¡Hola a todos!

    Hello everyone!

    Instituto Cervantes de Manila is pleased to know that you are spreading the word about learning Spanish on the blogsphere!

    For those who have any inquiries, you may visit the website at manila.cervantes.es , or become a member of the official Instituto Cervantes Facebook group to receive updates on both academic and cultural events:

    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=250519383077&ref=ts

    Gracias, BachelorGirl. ¡Esperemos verte en el centro!

  7. 14
    TheBachelorGirl Says:

    Hello Andrei. That’s great. And, there’s no need to take a jeep. Simply walk towards the Masagana store at the corner. If it has rained heavily, there might be slight flooding, in which case, you can ride a pedicab to avoid immersing your feet in water. Have fun!

  8. 13
    Andrei Says:

    But I have a question though. How do I go to Instituto from if I drop off from United Nations Station? Do I need to ride a jeeney or can I take a long walk from there?

  9. 12
    Andrei Says:

    Hi,

    This will really be helpful. I will be enrolling a week after next and I hope I will have more fun than difficulty learning a new language. Thanks!

  10. 11
    TheBachelorGirl Says:

    Hola Toni. In general, only under special situations will students be allowed to attend another class to make up, such as in the aftermath of Ondoy. Please ask Ronald in the administration office regarding any other concern. :)

  11. 10
    toni Says:

    uhmmm… i have just enrolled in the institute and i wasn’t able to see where the rooms are located. hehehe.. and may i ask, in case i wasn’t able to attend one of my class, am i allowed to enter into another class to compensate for the class i have missed. and if i feel like repeating or advancing a class am i still allowed to enter another class with a different schedule?

  12. 9
    TheBachelorGirl Says:

    Hi Toni. The beginners classes will have you in several Spanish conversations during the very first meeting. :)

  13. 8
    toni Says:

    me too, i want to learn spanish language. is the conversation class different from the usual beginners class? or do they integrate some conversation class in the beginners class?

  14. 7
    sam Says:

    Hi!
    Are you enrolled already? I had my Course 1 over. It’s cool and comprehensive…

    Good luck.

    :)

  15. 6
    doomstrik Says:

    woah, gracias muy bien…

    now im beginning to get excited. ^^

  16. 5
    TheBachelorGirl Says:

    Hola doomstrik. Yes, of course you’ll learn. The only difference among the three is the length of time. It will just take you longer to finish the course, but, it doesn’t mean you’ll get “less.” It’s the same number of lessons and using the same curriculum, which are standardized. I really suggest you call the Instituto at 526-1482, since they are more qualified to answer your concerns. Hasta luego (see you soon)!

  17. 4
    doomstrik Says:

    i mean, can i still learn lots of the Spanish language with just once a week? :)

  18. 3
    doomstrik Says:

    hi again,
    thanks for the reply

    im confused with the courses

    there are three choices
    intensive, semi-intensive, & extensive programs,
    im only available on saturdays, is it okay if im going to choose the extensive program?

    thanks again

  19. 2
    TheBachelorGirl Says:

    Hi doomstrik. Yes, the course will immediately plunge into Spanish on the first day. You will learn a lot. :)

  20. 1
    doomstrik Says:

    hi, im planning to enroll at instituto cervantes,

    is the beginner course gives you a lot of spanish things?

    thanks

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