UpTraining

Our preliminary meetings on our English 22: Preparation of Instructional Materials class have been so worthwhile with full of learning. Two reporters who were tasked to discuss about their assigned topics have made the class more enjoyable while maintaining the student-centered approach of teaching and learning process. It has been a wonderful head start to the class and we look forward for more meaningful classes we’ll be having. On our first week of class, Mr. Carbon discussed with us about ASSESSING NEEDS AND INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS . I was even asked about what the topic is in my own opinion and so I said that it’s all about gathering vital data necessary to determine what the learners needs and shall do during instruction. Then, the best part of the report, which I have had great interest to learn from, was about particular information to be gathered. This information includes learners’ academic achievement, interest and preferences, personal history, medical background, social ...

“The greatest advantage of being a woman is being able to compose herself. Just like here, we’re standing in front of thousands of people, not knowing if you’re going to cheer for us or boo us. But we try to compose ourselves. We keep the emotions and show the beauty that is in us and tonight, thousands of people are standing here, celebrating the beauty of women.” Apart from the most alluring beauty that Binibini 25 really possesses, this honest and meaty answer she confidently made after being asked by Miss Universe 2014 Gabriela Isler: “March is the women’s month. For you, what is the greatest advantage of being a woman?” has definitely been a plus factor making her deserving to bring home the bacon as she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe at the Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Coronation Night on March 30, held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Mary Jean Lastimosa, a 26-year-old beauty from North Cotabato, a personal advocate of staying fit, finally won the crown after jo...

Photo by Google  'Ayosdito.ph' and 'Sulit.com.ph'--These are the two of the popular online classified-ads websites visited by hundreds of thousands of netizens who want to buy and sell products over the internet. Apart from being exempted from paying taxes, it is also convenient for those who have no time going outdoor for shopping. It's the easiest way for them to search for products like personal items, gadgets, cars, and many more. Moreover, Facebook which has been used mainly for social networking is now opening it's page for classified advertising functioning similarly as the previously mentioned websites. In fact, one of the Facebook group page having almost 200,000 members as of the moment, is the 'Davao Online Business (Davao Sale)'. Now, since we already have all the means for online shopping, what comes next? Of course let's consider the welfare of the consumers or buyers themselves. You might be part of those avid online shoppers who ...

Photo by Google What really is the most vital and practical approach or program in teaching English as a Second Language? ESP? EGP? Both? How could we justify that first thing shall be considered first when in fact, both are frameworks designed to develop especially the communicative needs of language learners? With the consequential information I learned from our ESP class, I shall now try to elaborate the major differences as well as similarities between ESP and EGP. Moreover, I anticipate that the inputs coded in this reflection sheet may help my bewildered colleagues in pointing out the significant distinctions of the two topics. First stop, ESP or English for Specific Purposes aims to develop learners’ communicative needs mainly for improvement. The fundamentals of the language are taught to them in order to be more prepared for their career path. For instance, if the learners shall be working as a call center agent, they are expected to learn the la...

“I invoke my right against self-incrimination.” Aside from the line, “Hindi ko po alam (I don’t know),” this is the common utterance that has been probably overused by celebrated resource persons or witnesses during congressional or senate inquiries on controversial cases. For instance, the most recent to attest at the Senate is Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged Pork Barrel scam mastermind. During her first Senate hearing, she repeatedly used the line to protect herself from being involved in the crime. What does this right against self-incrimination entail? Who are entitled to this right? When should a witness invoke such right? Can the authorities find other means to gather information even if the witness insists the right? Firstly, under Section 17 of Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, “No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.” Lastly, to complement this, under the Rules of Criminal Procedure, particularly Rule 115, Section 1 [e], an...

Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged pork barrel scam mastermind, appeared for the first time before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, last November 7, 2013, Thursday.  Napoles is now facing plunder charges at the Ombudsman for the P10-billion pork barrel scam involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of lawmakers.  Among her co-accused are the former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.  The involved government officials and their staff suspectedly received kickbacks from Napoles when their PDAF was channeled to the fake non-government organizations (NGO’s) allegedly established by Napoles herself.

Photo by INSI The Paris-based International News Safety Institute (INSI) previously reported the top 5 most dangerous countries for journalists in 2013. The ranking was based on the number of recorded killings of journalists and media-men. Let us see which among the 196 countries in the world top the rank. 5th SOMALIA (8 recorded killings) 4th PAKISTAN (9  recorded killings )  3rd IRAQ (11 journalists killed) 2nd PHILIPPINES and INDIA (both have 12 journalists and 1 media worker killed) 1st SYRIA (19 journalists killed in 2013) Journalists collect, write, and distribute news and other information relevant to the present society. Their aim is to publish the truth to the people. Hence, they deserve to be respected and saluted not killed. May there be many aspiring journalists to fulfill their dream despite the many alarming news about the possible risks they might be going through.

“An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.” -Pantone The color of the year expresses an extraordinary transition of the new year. According to the Psychology of colors, pink incorporates tenderness, sensitivity, care, emotion, sympathy, love and even sex, and purple associates royalty, mystery, arrogance, luxury, childishness, creativity, and even sadness. Combining all these elements in one, we can say that this year won't seem to be that lousy. There will surely be a dominant taste of love and luck among the humanities. Therefore, this year won't be as cruel as the previous one. The well-being that could be brought about by everyone's optimism will be present and hopefully dormant. May the color of the year inspire us to excel and move on. As a nation full of positive vibes, let us together expect ...

With its theme "Engaging the youth towards purposeful growth in personal and social accountability," a leadership summit organized by the Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN) was held last Nov. 21 and 22, at D'Leonor Inland Resort and Adventure Park, Davao City.The event was participated by the student representatives of its member institutions: Assumption College of Davao, Brokenshire College, Davao Doctors College Inc., Holy Cross of Davao College Inc., Philippine Women's College of Davao, Rizal Memorial Colleges, University of Mindanao, University of Southeastern Philippines , University of the Immaculate Conception, and the University of the Philippines Mindanao. The resource speakers were Mr. Derf Miaz who gave a talk about Cyberwellness: Respect for self and others, Safe and responsible use; Ms. Melissa Yeung about Eco-ethical Entrepreneurship, and Mr. Perfecto 'Jojo' Rom about Container Gardening: Household-based waste management and fo...