My First Time in Vietnam: A Journey of Taste, Culture, and Growth

By Scholar Marcelo | July 2–5, 2025, Hanoi, Vietnam

I still remember the moment I stepped out of the airport in Hanoi. The air was thick with the aroma of grilled meat, brewed coffee, and something else — something I couldn’t quite describe at the time — maybe curiosity, maybe excitement, or maybe the quiet realization that I was finally living a dream I never thought possible.

It was my first time in Vietnam. My first time traveling for a purpose this big. And it changed me.

Thanks to the support of BLL, I was given the incredible opportunity to take part in a culinary immersion in Hanoi from July 2 to July 5, 2025, where I learned not only how to cook Vietnamese food, but how to appreciate the stories, people, and traditions behind every dish.

What I Came to Learn

As a scholar with a passion for food and culture, I’ve always believed that food can tell you everything about a place — its history, its struggles, its joy. In Hanoi, I had the chance to learn how to make:

• Vietnamese Baguette (Bánh Mì) — freshly baked bread filled with savory meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs, the perfect mix of East and West.
• Bún Chả — grilled pork and rice noodles, served with a light dipping sauce and a plate full of fresh greens.
• Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice) — a dish made with humble fractured rice, grilled pork, egg, and love.
• Vietnamese Coffee — including egg coffee and coconut coffee, both comforting in different ways and unlike anything I’ve had before.

Each day was a gift — learning in kitchens, eating on tiny stools, speaking with local cooks, and walking through Hanoi’s busy streets where food is not just served, but shared.

More Than Food: A Life Lesson

This trip was more than a culinary lesson — it was a life lesson. It taught me to slow down, to listen to culture, and to be humble enough to learn from others. I met people who had so little but gave so much. I saw how food connects strangers and how passion transcends language.

I came back to the Philippines not just with recipes, but with a purpose. I want to introduce Vietnamese cuisine to my community — to create a space where people can taste stories from another culture and experience something meaningful through food.

Thank You, BLL — and to Everyone Who Believes in Students Like Me

This journey would not have been possible without BLL’s support — their vision to empower students through real-world learning changed my life. As someone who never imagined setting foot in another country, I am deeply thankful for this chance.

To everyone reading this: if you’ve ever supported a student, a program, or a dream — thank you. You may not always see the result right away, but I promise you, you’re shaping someone’s future in ways you’ll never fully know.

How You Can Help

If you believe in giving young people opportunities to grow beyond the classroom — through cultural immersion, hands-on experiences, and purposeful learning — I ask you to continue supporting programs like this. There are so many scholars like me who are just waiting for a chance to prove what they can do when given the opportunity.

Your support can help someone experience their “first time” — and possibly change their life forever.

With a heart full of gratitude and hands ready to cook,

– Scholar Marcelo