Hugot Moments at iACADEMY

I've always believe that learning is a lifelong journey.

That's why if there is an opportunity to visit schools or any educational institution, most of the time I will find time to squeeze it in between my work schedule and daddy duties. Which I did when iACADEMY held another open house event last February 28.

I was a bit of excited when I got the invitation since I have heard a lot of great things about the school  and their programs/ courses especially with regards to animation and multimedia--- stuff that really amazes me since I was a kid.

When I set foot at the entrance of iACADEMY, it somewhat gave this youthful feeling because I was reminded of the days when I was just a fresh high school graduate looking for a university to be my home for the next four years. So it was like a senti o hugot moment already for me at the entrance of  the school.

Inside the campus, there was this homey atmosphere because I see people greeting just about everyone entering while I was registering at the reception area. Well that's one good thing about smaller schools, students will get a family-like interaction since you'll definitely see just about everyone on  a given day.

I was told to go to the library where a program will be held prior to the tour for parents and prospective students. I was impressed because even though the school boosts an innovative approach on teaching, they still have an area for people who are fans of books and hard copies reference materials. I was brought back again to the library days with schoolmates many many years ago.

We were welcomed by the Deans, Chairpersons and Professors of iACADEMY and no less than its President and CEO, Ms.Vanessa Tanco who will pass as a student or even the school's model-endorser with her beauty and wit (actually even a slot at the Bb. Pilipinas Pagent). She will remind us of our school's official crush ng bayan who melts us with a chance smile and "hi's." But Ms. Tanco is cool and approachable which is another check mark for the school.

After the presentations of the courses offered by iACADEMY (which will be enumerated after this sentence), we were invited to take a tour of their rooms and facilities.

School of Computing
    Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering
    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with Specialization in Web Development
    Bachelor of Science in Game Development with Specialization in Game Programming and Design

School of Business
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Specialization in Marketing and Advertising
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Specialization in Financial Management

School of Design
    Bachelor of Science in Animation
    Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts and Design
    Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and Technology

The MAC Room

School of Design Hall

Animation Lab Room

This room is for the future Michael Cinco, Rajo Laurel and Monique Lhuiller of this generation.

After that interesting half-day introduction about iACADEMY, I was convinced that it is indeed one of the better schools today that can offer courses that cater to the needs of the industry by combining theoretical and practical learning techniques designed to equip them with the skills they need to thrive in their chosen careers.

Plus! The school is located along H.V. Dela Costa St. in Makati City, the country's  leading financial and central and business district. This means that safety and great opportunities awaits every student who will enroll at iACADEMY.

And  as I was about to fetch a cab going home, I can't help but notice this tambayan area infront of the campus. I'm sure every one of us has great memories of after school happenings that we still cherish until today.  That and the chance to shape the course of your future is what iACADEMY is all about.

For inquiries and other hugot moments, please call (02) 8897777 or visit their official website at www.iacademy.edu.ph or visit their FB fanpage www.facebook.com/iACADEMY.   

My Singapore Math Add-venture

I would like to believe that I am a person who loves to try on anything new just for the fun of experiencing it. I once did some bike stunts on my BMX because I want to bond with my friends. I got a tattoo to find out how painful it is to have one and boy it really did hurt (a lot) that I decided to get inked with another design. I kill roaches when their presence strikes fear to my wife.

Astig me, right? Not really. Since I have yet to overcome some things in life that has been my Waterloo for years--- heights, deep waters, dance floors and mathematics.

I’m willing to take on each of them one at a time and try to overcome my fears which ever comes first in sight. That’s why when fellow blogger and friend Ruth Floresca of Mommy Writes told me that Galileo Enrichment Learning Program, Inc. has an event for parents about the fast-becoming popular Singapore Math, I made sure to be there not only to see how I fare against numbers, 15 years after graduating from college but also to check out new things I can share to my toddler.

How serious am I? I took a leave from work and was actually at Fully Booked – BGC in Taguig City, the venue of Unlocking the secrets of Galileo Singapore Math event, an hour before the start of the session. There I met other parenting bloggers who some share the same dilemma in math that I have with me since I experience some horror stories with Algebra in high school.

Before we were introduced to Singapore Math, the very accommodating CEO of Galileo Ma. Rowena J. Matti welcomed us and introduced us briefly to the many exciting learning journies they offer.  She said that the idea of Galileo was born out of the intention to uplift the education industry. They saw that the model for learning was evolving with the time. 

“We saw the growing rate in tutorial services prompted by fast-paced schools trying to cope with the demands to produce competent and competitive members of society,” Matti added.  “However not all children march at the same pace. There are those who learn differently and others who are not suited for big classroom environments.“

Teacher Beth

Maribeth R. Lamis or Teacher Beth, Operations Head for Galileo, then came next to teach us the basics of Singapore Math. In my head I was telling my self not to make eye contact because I might get called since I am sitting smack in front of her in the middle of the room where the event was happening. 

But as the actual session begun to unfold, my fear of math starts to get lost in my system as I start to enjoy the activities that afternoon. We played a game about numbers with four teams competing for the bragging rights of being the first one to solve the challenge. My group ended last in the race but the fact that we were able to solve it without the help of a calculator is already a good sign that were doing good.

We were then  presented new techniques in solving problems the Singapore Math way and I must say, it was quite a simple yet effective and fast way of solving problems. After a few math exercises, I found myself in front of the class and was actually solving one of the challenges given to us. And thank God my answer’s correct!

Now, I think I can erase the item “overcome fear of math” from my bucket list.

In a nutshell, the Singapore Math method differentiate itself by integrating the system they referred as the C-P-A approach:

• Concrete – manipulatives
• Pictorials – visual models and drawings
• Abstract – written number and symbols

Singapore Math as presented by Galileo follows the golden rule of topic mastery to achieve a lifelong learning. Using audio-visual materials, kids will be engaged in a fun yet effective way of learning as the company lives up to its promise of “Learning can be fun“.

There I was receiving my early bird prize from Galileo CEO Rowena Matti

I was actually so impressed with the program that I signed up and will be attending the 2nd Singapore Math Learning Festival February 9, 2013 at Crowne Plaza, Ortigas Center, Quezon City. The math festival from Galileo Enrichment Learning Program is highly recommended for parents and educators to bring fresh ideas and exciting innovations that can be adopt to classrooms and parent-child tutorial sessions.

The conference will focus on how Singapore Math can complement and provide supplementary learning to the implementation of the K-12 program, a new development of the Department of Education.

Please click the event poster to view the bigger version

There will be concurrent learning sessions that will tackle topics such as the basics of Singapore Math, how Singapore Math can be applied in various activities inside and outside the classroom, manipulatives and materials to enhance a child’s learning capabilities, innovative activities in teaching geometry and fractions, and how Singapore Math helps students transition from basic to Algebraic concepts.

The conference will also feature a plenary lecture by Dr. Queena Lee-Chua – Math professor and multi-awarded educator – and her son Scott Chua, a multi-awarded student and a Carlos Palanca Awardee for Literature.

How to reserve seats:

1. Download Registration Form from www.galileoenrichment.com or call (632)845-1234 to get a copy.
2. Submit the accomplished Registration Form, copy of School ID and current school registration (if student) to events@galileoenrichment.com or fax to (632)845-1234.
3. Deposit payment to BPI bank account, details are as follows:Ban k of the Philippine Islands (BPI) – San Lorenzo, Makati Branch. Account Name: Galileo Enrichment Learning Program Inc.Current Account No.: 1811-0001-12.

To confirm your reservation, fax validated bank deposit slip together with accomplished registration form to (02) 845-1234  (telefax)  or email events@galileoenrichment.com.  For more inquiries on the conference, contact the head office at (632)845-1234 or send an email to info@galileoenrichment.com. You can also visit their website www.galileoenrichment.com and Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/galileoenrichment for other updates and special announcements.

 

This is just the start of my Singapore add-venture. My son will start schooling next year and I want him to be well-equipped in his class. We  will definitely visit Galileo in the near future.

NOTE: Images in this post are from Ms. Ruth Floresca of Mommy Writes.