At around the second week of June, I got word that I am supposed to leave for the United States to attend the 1st International Grand Alumni Homecoming of UNEP/MMC Graduatates in Chicago at around the last week of July.
It has been around six years when I last had a MAJOR international travel. That was to an International Law Conference in Berlin which included a trip to Weisbaden to visit a friend in which she was able to squeeze in a weekend motorcoach tour to Paris. My 2007 trip to KL, Malaysia does not count because it was only for a few days to attend another conference, the Rotary Zone Institute and I did not need a visa for the trip.
My first concern whenever I decide to take such trips, whether local or international, is what to bring. In 2004, when I went to Germany, I had a large "maleta" (luggage), that was as high as my waist, a carry-on luggage that was actually an overnight bag and of course, my larger than usual handbag. It was crazy and difficult to travel especially at the last part of my Germany tour. I had to take the ICE (or TGV - I don't remember now), from Berlin to Weisbaden alone. I was struggling with my big maleta that a co-passenger joked that he hoped there were no dead bodies inside coz it was so heavy even for him (he helped me after seeing me struggle).
The thing is, I thought my luggage was already streamlined. In 2004, I surfed the net for tips and ideas on how to travel light and yet, was still lugging around about 70 lbs of luggage.
Now, I am travelling solo again, international. So, I started surfing the net again for new ideas. I had good reason to do so, because my packing list is now longer than when I started to adopt it in 2004 from the website onebag.com. It is nice to know that the old classics are still up and running. http://www.travelite.org/ is still up along with http://www.onebag.com/ and the Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info/).
The advice I get from these websites are truly a great help specially for me because I travel a lot locally. I maintain a toiltetry bag which I replenish every month and keep several no-wrinkle clothes. Here are some of my advice to add to the plethora of knowledge on the matter:
1. If you travel a lot, it is wise to maintain an overnight bag with the basics: a toiletry bag, a first-aid kit, a t-shirt, pants, slippers (flip-flops), underwear (1 bra, 3 panties). I also include basic ladies accessories in my bag like a string of faux pearl necklace and earrings (people don't care if its real or not). If I have no time to pack, I just take the bag and go. If I need to wear something fancy or dressy and I was not able to pack something of that caliber, I just buy when I reach my destination.
2. When I travel, I always check in my maleta (luggage or overnight bag) and have with me my carry-on. My carry on always have one pair of underwear, a t-shirt and a boxer shorts. This saved me when my connecting flight from Berlin to Amsterdam was late and I had to be booked by my airline in a hotel overnight to catch the next flight to Manila. The airline only gave me (and the rest of the group who was delayed) a 7 Euro gift check for toiletries. It was a fortunate that I brought an extra shirt so I would be fresh for next day's flight. I forgot, we were also given a phone card that we can use to call home for five minutes only. I used it to call my Dad that I was going to be delayed.
3. Always follow the rules. It is difficult to talk to people to beg them to make you an exception. If they say you have to be at the airport 3 hours before departure, do so. Its alright to wait, as long as you are waiting at the boarding gate and not in a taxi stuck in traffic somewhere and your plane will leave in 30 minutes. This is universal. Even in the Philippines, when the gate is closed, it remains closed. There is so much hassle. So, just follow the rules to make your trip stress free. One time, I had to shell out more than the amount I paid for my ticket just to get on the next flight that I missed due to traffic.
4. Always bring basic medicine like paracetamol, immodium, etc... You will never know when you will need it. I alwasy do bring home remedy stuff.
Thats my take on travelling light. He who travels light, is a happy traveller.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
1st UNEP International Alumni Homecoming in Chicago, Illinois, USA
The University of Northeastern Philippines will be having its 1st International Grand Alumnni Homecoming at the Sheraton Gateway Suites in Chicago O'Hare on July 30, 31 and August 1, 2010.
For Reservations, please call (847) 699-6300. You can also visit their personalized website at http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/UNEPCN.
This event was organized under the initiative of the UNEP International College of Nursing Alumni Association.
Please contact the following for further details:
LUZ AND DANNY DELA ROSA (630) 863-7904; danluz1955@hotmail.com
EUNICE AND REMU DE LEON, JR. (630) 378-5301; rdeleon327@hotmail.com
SHIRLEY AND JOE MADAYAG (630) 985-7583; smadayag@comcast.net
MARILYN AND CARY DELAS LLAGAS (510) 352-4152; m_delasllagas@sbcglobal.net
YOLLY AND VIC MAGISTRADO (718) 881-3159; vicandyolly@aol.com
EDEN AND ED REGALA (818) 845-1381; edenregala06@aol.com
The Homecoming features the following events:
1. UNEP College of Nursing Pre-Class Reunion 2011
2. UNEP Fund Raising for the University Alumni Hall
3. UNEP College of Nursing Fund Raising for on-going scholarship grants
4. 16th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for Former Dean of College of Nursing Dr. Ofelia Cruz Pascual and Atty. Patrick Pascual
5. Friday Night Welcome Party
6. Saturday, Grand Dinner and Ball/ Lotter Ticket Drawings
First Prize: (2) Free Round Trip Tickets from US-Manila
Second Prize: (2) Free Round Trip Tickets from Hong Kong-Manila
Third Prize: (2) Free Round Trip Tickets from any city in the US
Five Consolation Prizes: $100.00 for each winning ticket
7. Cash Bonanza:
Sell 5 booklets of raffle tickets you will receive a $50.00 incentive.
Sell 10 booklets of raffle tickets you will receive a $100.00 incentive.
8. Recognition awards for Outstanding UNEP Alumni
9. Sunday, Thanksgiving Mass/Free Grand Outdoor Picnic
ALL GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES, MABINI MEMORIAL COLLEGES, MABINI MEMORIAL SCHOOL FROM KINDER, ELEMENTARY, HIGHSCHOOL, COLLEGE AND POST-GRADUATES ARE INVITED TO JOIN US.
For Reservations, please call (847) 699-6300. You can also visit their personalized website at http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/UNEPCN.
This event was organized under the initiative of the UNEP International College of Nursing Alumni Association.
Please contact the following for further details:
LUZ AND DANNY DELA ROSA (630) 863-7904; danluz1955@hotmail.com
EUNICE AND REMU DE LEON, JR. (630) 378-5301; rdeleon327@hotmail.com
SHIRLEY AND JOE MADAYAG (630) 985-7583; smadayag@comcast.net
MARILYN AND CARY DELAS LLAGAS (510) 352-4152; m_delasllagas@sbcglobal.net
YOLLY AND VIC MAGISTRADO (718) 881-3159; vicandyolly@aol.com
EDEN AND ED REGALA (818) 845-1381; edenregala06@aol.com
The Homecoming features the following events:
1. UNEP College of Nursing Pre-Class Reunion 2011
2. UNEP Fund Raising for the University Alumni Hall
3. UNEP College of Nursing Fund Raising for on-going scholarship grants
4. 16th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for Former Dean of College of Nursing Dr. Ofelia Cruz Pascual and Atty. Patrick Pascual
5. Friday Night Welcome Party
6. Saturday, Grand Dinner and Ball/ Lotter Ticket Drawings
First Prize: (2) Free Round Trip Tickets from US-Manila
Second Prize: (2) Free Round Trip Tickets from Hong Kong-Manila
Third Prize: (2) Free Round Trip Tickets from any city in the US
Five Consolation Prizes: $100.00 for each winning ticket
7. Cash Bonanza:
Sell 5 booklets of raffle tickets you will receive a $50.00 incentive.
Sell 10 booklets of raffle tickets you will receive a $100.00 incentive.
8. Recognition awards for Outstanding UNEP Alumni
9. Sunday, Thanksgiving Mass/Free Grand Outdoor Picnic
ALL GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES, MABINI MEMORIAL COLLEGES, MABINI MEMORIAL SCHOOL FROM KINDER, ELEMENTARY, HIGHSCHOOL, COLLEGE AND POST-GRADUATES ARE INVITED TO JOIN US.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Great News!
Today I received great news. Last Saturday, I took the Ateneo Graduate School of Business Entrance Examination.
About a year and a half ago, I had been contemplating on taking up graduate studies, but could not decide what program to take (MAEd or MBA or Master of Laws), or where I would take it (UP, Ateneo or La Salle or even abroad).
This contemplation came about when CHED and PACU-COA started to crackdown on schools which allows non-masteral graduates to teach college courses. Although my Ll.B. is considered as a post-graduate degree for purposes of teaching college, still I felt that if I want to start cracking down on my non-masteral graduate faculty I have to walk the talk and take up post-graduate studies myself.
This brought me to Ateneo-Rockwell last Saturday. I was not all together prepared. I read some books, reviewed a little on my math using some GMAT and GRE Reviewers that I had with me for the last three years. So, although I was not really nervous, I felt that I needed more time to study if I wanted to pass the exams. As usual, what I lacked in preparation I submitted to the Lord and prayed for guidance and wisdom.
I started checking the website for the results since Monday. Luckily this morning, when I checked, it said "Congratulations!", and that I have been accepted for the program I applied for.
I immediately felt so thankful and so relieved that I passed the exams. I was already contemplating on my next move if I don't get in. But then, it seems I am destined to be an atenean after decades of trying avoid sectarian schools after my U.P. undergrad education.
Right now, I am looking forward to going back to school and sharpening both my theoretical and experiential learnings.
Wish me luck in this next chapter of my journey.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
BAR EXAM SEASON
The University of Northeastern Philippines - College of Law have just received a packet of documents from the Office of the Bar Confidant, Supreme Court of the Philippines. For me, this is the start of the Bar Exam Season.
I was the one who received it considering that I am now the Acting Dean of the UNEP-College of Law. Its former Dean for decades now, Dean Mariano Baranda has already retired upon reaching the obligatory age and decided to enjoy the rest of his fruitful years.
The packet includes the Requirements for the Bar Examinations for New Applicants and Guidelines for the 2010 Bar Examinations. It also includes statistical data on the passing percentages of ALL law schools in the Philippines.
The National Passing Percentage for the 2009 Bar Examinations was 24.58%. Out of 5,903 takers, only 1,451 passed. It is interesting to note that 68,78% or 998 of the passers were first takers, while only 453 passers or 31.22% were repeaters. This is despite the fact that out of the 5,903 takers, 3,005 or 50.91% were repeaters, almost half of the takers.
I think this is a warning to repeaters. Only 15% of the repeaters passed. I am not saying that they have to give up their dream of becoming lawyers, especially that I am a one-take passer. That would be too arrogant of me. What I am saying is that, repeaters should assess themselves before they embark on this strenuous journey of taking the bar again.
Questions on how I passed the bar hound me everytime I meet law students who are really interested to pass. I always tell them that the matter of passing is always different for each person. The key is to KNOW YOURSELF.
Recently, my husband's fraternity brother passed the bar on his third take. I asked him how did he do it this time. He said he really made time and prepared for it even more than he did the last time. He resigned from his job, asked his siblings to support him in this endeavor. He even lived in a dorm inside the campus of the law school where he took his refresher to get all his efforts focused on his bar review.
He arrived at his plan upon honestly assessing himself and accepting his weaknesses. In the previous exams, he was working while he reviewed. He also spent more time drinking and cavorting with his brods and airsoft friends than studying. You see, this guy is quite intelligent and felt he had been studying the law for more than five years and thought he can wing it. But, if you do not give time to preparing for the exams, it won't give you time also.
As we start another season of preparation and study for the Bar Exams 2010, I pray that all who endeavor to hurdle this exam do so without much pain and obstacles. Good luck to you all!
I was the one who received it considering that I am now the Acting Dean of the UNEP-College of Law. Its former Dean for decades now, Dean Mariano Baranda has already retired upon reaching the obligatory age and decided to enjoy the rest of his fruitful years.
The packet includes the Requirements for the Bar Examinations for New Applicants and Guidelines for the 2010 Bar Examinations. It also includes statistical data on the passing percentages of ALL law schools in the Philippines.
The National Passing Percentage for the 2009 Bar Examinations was 24.58%. Out of 5,903 takers, only 1,451 passed. It is interesting to note that 68,78% or 998 of the passers were first takers, while only 453 passers or 31.22% were repeaters. This is despite the fact that out of the 5,903 takers, 3,005 or 50.91% were repeaters, almost half of the takers.
I think this is a warning to repeaters. Only 15% of the repeaters passed. I am not saying that they have to give up their dream of becoming lawyers, especially that I am a one-take passer. That would be too arrogant of me. What I am saying is that, repeaters should assess themselves before they embark on this strenuous journey of taking the bar again.
Questions on how I passed the bar hound me everytime I meet law students who are really interested to pass. I always tell them that the matter of passing is always different for each person. The key is to KNOW YOURSELF.
Recently, my husband's fraternity brother passed the bar on his third take. I asked him how did he do it this time. He said he really made time and prepared for it even more than he did the last time. He resigned from his job, asked his siblings to support him in this endeavor. He even lived in a dorm inside the campus of the law school where he took his refresher to get all his efforts focused on his bar review.
He arrived at his plan upon honestly assessing himself and accepting his weaknesses. In the previous exams, he was working while he reviewed. He also spent more time drinking and cavorting with his brods and airsoft friends than studying. You see, this guy is quite intelligent and felt he had been studying the law for more than five years and thought he can wing it. But, if you do not give time to preparing for the exams, it won't give you time also.
As we start another season of preparation and study for the Bar Exams 2010, I pray that all who endeavor to hurdle this exam do so without much pain and obstacles. Good luck to you all!
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
A New Day
Today is the first day of my birth month.
It has been hot in the dragon's lair -- too hot even for a dragon -- literally and figuratively. But what makes a person like me prevail is my faith in God, my faith in myself and my faith in my intentions.
Due to my recent endeavors I had set aside a lot of career concerns and right now, I have so many things in my mind, what if things, where to go from here things, moving on things -- generally what to do with my life things.
When I decided to move here in the province, I had so much hope. After seven years, I feel tired and just completely burned out. I really need a boost.
The only thing that drives me now is my little boy Nico, and my supportive husband Ramon. I only have to look at my little boy and like coffee, I am spurred to action. What action? Whatever needs to be done.
But, I do not work like this. I need a plan. I used to be so confident about my skills of having Plan Bs. Failure never really faves me. I have always seen it as a phase. "This too shall pass", ika nga sa movie na My Best Friend's Wedding.
But now it seems I am stuck in a rut.
I have to bounce back. Like Roo -- bounce, bounce, bounce.
Right now, my most major contemplation is going back to school. I am planning of taking my MBA in ADMU. I hope it works. I still need to pass the entrance exam etc... etc... But, it is something to look forward to and something that I really need for my career.
Been planning this for years now but I never really got around to doing it. Maybe this time, I can work on it and be successful.
I have also many things to work on, the BFHE Conference where I am the Conference Director and the preparation of our programs in the University which is up for accreditation. So, all is not lost. I hope things work out better for me.
What is important is to keep the faith and not lose hope. As our country embarks on a new chapter, we hope to become a better nation and become better people.
It has been hot in the dragon's lair -- too hot even for a dragon -- literally and figuratively. But what makes a person like me prevail is my faith in God, my faith in myself and my faith in my intentions.
Due to my recent endeavors I had set aside a lot of career concerns and right now, I have so many things in my mind, what if things, where to go from here things, moving on things -- generally what to do with my life things.
When I decided to move here in the province, I had so much hope. After seven years, I feel tired and just completely burned out. I really need a boost.
The only thing that drives me now is my little boy Nico, and my supportive husband Ramon. I only have to look at my little boy and like coffee, I am spurred to action. What action? Whatever needs to be done.
But, I do not work like this. I need a plan. I used to be so confident about my skills of having Plan Bs. Failure never really faves me. I have always seen it as a phase. "This too shall pass", ika nga sa movie na My Best Friend's Wedding.
But now it seems I am stuck in a rut.
I have to bounce back. Like Roo -- bounce, bounce, bounce.
Right now, my most major contemplation is going back to school. I am planning of taking my MBA in ADMU. I hope it works. I still need to pass the entrance exam etc... etc... But, it is something to look forward to and something that I really need for my career.
Been planning this for years now but I never really got around to doing it. Maybe this time, I can work on it and be successful.
I have also many things to work on, the BFHE Conference where I am the Conference Director and the preparation of our programs in the University which is up for accreditation. So, all is not lost. I hope things work out better for me.
What is important is to keep the faith and not lose hope. As our country embarks on a new chapter, we hope to become a better nation and become better people.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
A New Advocacy
These past few days, I have been very busy working on an easy to understand module for voter's education aimed at voters 45 and up. I have been scouring the net for available material for this newfound advocacy. But, despite the tons of information I got, the best video I got was in English. The one in filipino is a segment in a t.v. program, but it's not comprehensive enough and might even confuse the voter. The one which I got from the COMELEC website includes portions for the BEI. The viewer/voter often asks me "Ma'am, kailangan pa pala kaming mag-pindot ng pin bago makaboto?" and "Ma'am saan po nakukuha ang pin?" after I show them the video.
So, I totally dropped the video. I show them the Quick Guide Video from YouTube instead and just explain what is happening in the video in Bicol dialect because the video is again in English.
Anyway, today, I came up with a one-page guide which I distributed in a voter's ed seminar I conducted in Goa, Cam. Sur. It's in Filipino but I will have it translated in Bicolano later. Some people advice to make it into a comics. We'll see. Please post your comments and suggestions.
PARAAN NG PAGBOTO
A. MGA IMPORTANTENG IMPORMASYONG DAPAT TANDAAN:
a. ANG BOTOHAN AY SA MAY 10, 2010, LUNES
b. ANG ORAS NG BOTOHAN AY 7:00AM HANGGANG 6:00PM
c. MAGHANDA SA MAHABANG PILA. ANG BAWAT MAKINA AY NAKAKATANGGAP NG HANGGANG 1,000 NA BOTANTE KAYA’T MAHALAGA NA PUMUNTA SA BOTOHAN NA NAKAKAIN NA NG ALMUSAL O PANANGHALIAN.
B. MGA DAPAT ALAMIN BAGO MAGBOTOHAN
a. SAANG POLLING CENTER KAYO BOBOTO?
b. ANO ANG PRESINTO NA IYONG KINABIBILANGAN?
c. SINO ANG INYONG IBOBOTO PARA MAKAGAWA NA KAYO NG LISTAHAN.
C. MGA DAPAT DALHIN BAGO MAGBOTO
a. ISANG I.D. NA MAGPAPATUNAY NA KAYO NGA ANG TAONG NASA LISTAHAN.
b. SAMPLE BALLOT OR LISTAHAN NG MGA KANDIDATONG INYONG IBOBOTO
D. ANG PROSESO NG PAGBOTO
a. PUMUNTA SA POLLING CENTER O PRESINTO NA INYONG KINABIBILANGAN
b. LAPITAN ANG BOARD OF ELECTION INSPECTORS (BEI) PARA IPAKITA ANG INYONG I.D. AT SUMUNOD SA MGA INUUTOS NG BEI
c. TANGGAPIN ANG BALOTA NA IBIBIGAY NG BEI
d. BUMOTO
i. ITIMAN ANG BILOG NA HUGIS ITLOG KATABI NG PANGALAN NG KANDIDATONG INYONG IBOBOTO
ii. HUWAG SUMOBRA NG BOTO SA HINIHINGI NG POSISYON. KUNG SOBRA ITO, HINDI MABIBILANG ANG INYONG BOTO SA POSISYON NA SOBRA ANG BOTO NINYO.
iii. HUWAG SULATAN O MAGLAGAY NG ANO MANG MARKA SA BALOTA
iv. TANDAAN NA ANG BALOTA AY BACK-TO-BACK.
v. TANDAAN NA HINDI NA MAAARING HUMINGI NG PANIBAGONG BALOTA KUNG KAYO AY MAGKAMALI KAYA'T DAPAT SIGURADUHING MAAYOS ANG PAGBOTO SA BALOTA.
e. PAGKATAPOS BUMOTO, PUMUNTA SA COUNTING MACHINE AT ISALANG NG DAHAN-DAHAN ANG BALOTA
f. SIGURADUHIN NA UMAKYAT NG ISANG NUMERO ANG NUMERO NA MAKIKITA SA MAKINA
g. MAKAKAKITA NG MGA SALITANG “THANK YOU FOR VOTING” KUNG TAPOS NA ANG MAKINA SA PAGTANGGAP NG IYONG BALOTA.
h. BUMALIK SA BEI UPANG MAGPALAGAY NG INDELIBLE INK O TINTA SA DALIRI.
(ANG DOKUMENTONG ITO AY ISANG PROYEKTO NG UNIVERSITY OF NORTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES-COMMITTEE ON RESPONSIBLE VOTING)
So, I totally dropped the video. I show them the Quick Guide Video from YouTube instead and just explain what is happening in the video in Bicol dialect because the video is again in English.
Anyway, today, I came up with a one-page guide which I distributed in a voter's ed seminar I conducted in Goa, Cam. Sur. It's in Filipino but I will have it translated in Bicolano later. Some people advice to make it into a comics. We'll see. Please post your comments and suggestions.
PARAAN NG PAGBOTO
A. MGA IMPORTANTENG IMPORMASYONG DAPAT TANDAAN:
a. ANG BOTOHAN AY SA MAY 10, 2010, LUNES
b. ANG ORAS NG BOTOHAN AY 7:00AM HANGGANG 6:00PM
c. MAGHANDA SA MAHABANG PILA. ANG BAWAT MAKINA AY NAKAKATANGGAP NG HANGGANG 1,000 NA BOTANTE KAYA’T MAHALAGA NA PUMUNTA SA BOTOHAN NA NAKAKAIN NA NG ALMUSAL O PANANGHALIAN.
B. MGA DAPAT ALAMIN BAGO MAGBOTOHAN
a. SAANG POLLING CENTER KAYO BOBOTO?
b. ANO ANG PRESINTO NA IYONG KINABIBILANGAN?
c. SINO ANG INYONG IBOBOTO PARA MAKAGAWA NA KAYO NG LISTAHAN.
C. MGA DAPAT DALHIN BAGO MAGBOTO
a. ISANG I.D. NA MAGPAPATUNAY NA KAYO NGA ANG TAONG NASA LISTAHAN.
b. SAMPLE BALLOT OR LISTAHAN NG MGA KANDIDATONG INYONG IBOBOTO
D. ANG PROSESO NG PAGBOTO
a. PUMUNTA SA POLLING CENTER O PRESINTO NA INYONG KINABIBILANGAN
b. LAPITAN ANG BOARD OF ELECTION INSPECTORS (BEI) PARA IPAKITA ANG INYONG I.D. AT SUMUNOD SA MGA INUUTOS NG BEI
c. TANGGAPIN ANG BALOTA NA IBIBIGAY NG BEI
d. BUMOTO
i. ITIMAN ANG BILOG NA HUGIS ITLOG KATABI NG PANGALAN NG KANDIDATONG INYONG IBOBOTO
ii. HUWAG SUMOBRA NG BOTO SA HINIHINGI NG POSISYON. KUNG SOBRA ITO, HINDI MABIBILANG ANG INYONG BOTO SA POSISYON NA SOBRA ANG BOTO NINYO.
iii. HUWAG SULATAN O MAGLAGAY NG ANO MANG MARKA SA BALOTA
iv. TANDAAN NA ANG BALOTA AY BACK-TO-BACK.
v. TANDAAN NA HINDI NA MAAARING HUMINGI NG PANIBAGONG BALOTA KUNG KAYO AY MAGKAMALI KAYA'T DAPAT SIGURADUHING MAAYOS ANG PAGBOTO SA BALOTA.
e. PAGKATAPOS BUMOTO, PUMUNTA SA COUNTING MACHINE AT ISALANG NG DAHAN-DAHAN ANG BALOTA
f. SIGURADUHIN NA UMAKYAT NG ISANG NUMERO ANG NUMERO NA MAKIKITA SA MAKINA
g. MAKAKAKITA NG MGA SALITANG “THANK YOU FOR VOTING” KUNG TAPOS NA ANG MAKINA SA PAGTANGGAP NG IYONG BALOTA.
h. BUMALIK SA BEI UPANG MAGPALAGAY NG INDELIBLE INK O TINTA SA DALIRI.
(ANG DOKUMENTONG ITO AY ISANG PROYEKTO NG UNIVERSITY OF NORTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES-COMMITTEE ON RESPONSIBLE VOTING)
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