Nominations for Metrobank search for Outstanding Teachers now open

TUGUEGARAO CITY—The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Search for Outstanding Teachers who have served as role models to their students and have inspired them to follow a path of excellence.

President Aniceto Sobrepena said 10 outstanding educators who are committed in improving the quality of education in the country and educating the youth will be recognized.

He said that on its 26th year, the search is open to all elementary, secondary, and higher education teachers with 10-year minimum teaching experience. Schools in the secondary and higher education categories are entitled to only one nomination per level, to be entered by the school head or principal. On the other hand, elementary schools can nominate two, one for primary and one for the intermediate level.

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Jose Carillo’s “Give Your English
The Winning Edge” now available

Give Your English the Winning Edge, the third book in Jose Carillo’s English-usage trilogy, was formally launched last July 20 in ceremonies at the Centennial Hall A of The Manila Hotel in Manila.

Carillo and Manila Times Publishing executives led by its president and CEO Dante Francis Ang II were joined during the launching by Dr. Isagani R. Cruz, the multi-awarded writer, critic, and educator; Dr. Ma. Lourdes Bautista, professor emeritus of English and applied linguistics of the De La Salle University-Manila; John Nery, senior editor and columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer; Ed Maranan, writer and Hall of Famer of the Palanca Awards for Literature, and several other guests. A lively discussion about English usage in Philippine literature and journalism ensued during the program.

BOOK LAUNCH OPEN-FORUM: Award-winning author Jose Carillo (center) explains a point about English grammar during the open-forum that followed the launching of Give Your English the Winning Edge, the third book in his English-usage trilogy, last Monday (July 20, 2009) at The Manila Hotel. He was joined in the panel by Dante Francis Ang II, president and CEO of Manila Times Publishing Corp.; Dr. Isagani R. Cruz, multi-awarded writer, literary and language critic, and educator; Rony Diaz, former Manila Times publisher now editorial consultant and a Palanca Awardee for English fiction; and Ed Maranan, writer and Hall of Famer of the Palanca Awards for Literature. Click image to see larger version

The 486-page volume by the National Book Award-winning author discusses the various mechanisms and tools of English for combining words and ideas into clear, logical, and engaging writing. It shows how the various connectives—the conjunctions, the conjunctive adverbs, and the prepositions—establish the six basic logical relationships in language, then demonstrates how to make them work with the various other grammar elements to form more effective, convincing, and readable expositions.

Carillo, a nationally awarded writer and editor and an internationally awarded corporate communicator, won the National Book Award for linguistics from the Manila Critics Circle in 2005 for his first English-usage book, English Plain and Simple: No-Nonsense Ways to Learn Today’s Global Language. He came out in mid-2008 with his second English-usage book, The 10 Most Annoying English Grammar Errors.

A former newspaper journalist and corporate communications executive, Carillo ran a Metro Manila-based English-language services company as its general manager for nearly five years until mid-2005. He is now an independent editor and communication consultant based in Metro Manila, and writes a weekly English-usage column for both the print and online editions of The Manila Times.

Read two early media notices of the book

Read another media notice of the book

Click to browse the book

100 Best Blogs for Teachers of the Future

Working hard to earn your teaching degree, you are likely ready to jump right into your own classroom already. Before you do so, check out these blogs to help you prepare for the real thing. From resources for teacher to veteran teachers’ perspectives to the special education classroom to education news, politics, and policy, and much more, these blogs offer information on a wide variety of educational topics.

These blogs offer tons of great resources for teachers, whether just starting out or experienced veteran:

The Top 101 Websites for Teachers. This blog is a great resource for quality places teachers can go on the Internet to find inspiration and more.

Creating Lifelong Learners. Elementary teachers can find tips for teaching traditional and new media literacies.

Dynamite Lesson Plan. Tips and information for teachers with a bit of education policy mixed in is found on this blog.

HOPE Foundation. Offering professional development for teachers in an effort to improve learning for all students, this foundation shares its mission on its blog.

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Philippines outsmiles neighbors, raises P1M for UNICEF

MANILA—Sony Ericsson recently turned over P1 million to the local unit of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), marking the conclusion of a two-month campaign that “collected” one million smiles from users of the company’s products. The donation will go to UNICEF’s fund for children education programs.

Sony Ericsson donated P1 for every smile captured in its camera phone kiosks that are located in SM shopping malls in various parts of the Philippines.

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Public schools in Mountain Province take a new road to learning

Thanks to the advent of information and communications technology, the Mountain Province, a quaint, landlocked little corner of Luzon, has been brought closer to the rest of the globe.

By bringing ICT to seven public schools in Mountain Province, Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), through its Smart Schools Program (SSP), widens the horizon of both teachers and students.

In time for the opening of the new academic year, Sabangan National High School, Banao National High School and Guinzadan National High School, and four elementary schools—Bontoc Central School, Data Elementary School, Bun-ayan Labbay Elementary School and Sabangan Central School, were officially welcomed into the fold of the Smart Schools family.

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Apple’s “I Love Philippines Year 2” promo underway

Three participating Apple Mac dealers are running “I Love Philippines Year 2,” a promo enjoining people to share their snapshots, videos, blog features, or original music compositions about their experiences on Philippine travel destinations, local delicacies, crafts, traditions, and festivals. The promo is being undertaken by the Digital Hub @ Robinsons Place Ermita, iStudio @ Bonifacio High Street, and Power Mac Center @ Greenbelt 3.

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Livemocha reaches 3 million members

SEATTLE, Jun 25, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE)—Livemocha, the world's largest online language learning community, announced today that it has surpassed 3 million members in just 20 months of existence. Livemocha also unveiled free language courses in 12 additional languages, each translated and verified entirely by Livemocha members. With a thriving community from over 220 countries, Livemocha is also emerging as a powerful platform for leading language publishers around the world. Earlier this year, Livemocha and Pearson had announced an agreement to co-develop a new, direct-to-consumer, conversational English-language learning experience on Livemocha's online platform.

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TEFL institute's teaching abroad programs—adventure of a lifetime

Chicago, IL (PR.com)—TEFL Institute has expanded its suite of services. The company’s success comes during a season when more and more people are realizing their professional ambitions lie in destinations outside the United States.

TEFL Institute has attracted a growing number of candidates due in part to the courses’ flexible schedule and hands-on curriculum. The “2009 class” (TELF students who have completed or are on their way to becoming certified English teachers) has exceeded the company’s forecasting.

TEFL Institute trains more than 1,500 students a year. 2010 is shaping up to be an even more profitable and enriching year for those native English speakers eager to share their talents and display their language skills on the international stage.

English has become the world’s preeminent language of culture and commerce. English is the official language in 53 countries. More than a billion people are fluent. Many non-native speakers have some background in speaking and writing English but they desire full proficiency.

With such high demand the time has never been more opportune to take the plunge and explore new destinations. TEFL certified teachers gain exceptional professional experience in an international setting. This makes for a powerful resume booster in an increasingly globalized world.

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Telephone access to interpreters in over 150 languages made available

Washington, D.C. (Vocus/PRWEB )—Consumers, business and government organizations across the nation now have a new option when communicating with non-English speakers. Language Learning Enterprises, Inc. (LLE), the leading, global provider of language services, including telephone interpretation, translation and language testing, now offers the ability to access a professional language interpreter over the phone in over 150 languages simply by using a credit card. This option compliments LLE’s telephone interpretation network, LLE-LINK where customers still have the ability to create an account for live access to a professional linguist.

"This new feature is exciting because it enhances the 'on-demand' nature of our organization, as you never know when a language barrier is going to challenge everyday business transactions," states LLE's founder and CEO, Kathleen K. Diamond.

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Educational DVD on English language released

It is difficult not to begin with a string of superlatives, for this entertaining and educational DVD set is worthy of much praise. Melvyn Bragg, president of Great Britain’s National Campaign for the Arts, narrates the beautifully filmed and enthralling story of the English language.

English speakers all around the world will be interested in the past, present and future of the language as roots, development and expansion are explored.

The politics of a place seem to play a large role in the development of the primary language. Beginning with the Germanic tribe from Frisia who came to the British Isles after the Romans left, and pushed the remaining Celts to the far corners of the land, the history of the English that we speak today is traced.

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The world’s first virtual world for English learning released

SHANGHAI, CHINA and WOBURN, MA (Marketwire - July 16, 2009)—8D World has released Wiz World Online (www.wizworldonline.com), the world's first virtual world dedicated for global English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners to improve their spoken English in a highly motivating environment.

Wiz World Online was first released in Chinese to the general public and has attracted a rapidly growing user base while partnering with hundreds of public and private schools in China. In addition, users can go directly to www.wizworldonline.com to join.

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English proficiency championship among Metro high school students held

Nine finalists from as many Metro Manila high schools vied for the championship of the First A-Z English Proficiency Challenge (AZEPC) held last September 16 at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The championship round was conducted during the opening day of the 29th Manila International Book Fair, which runs until Sept. 20.  

Adjudged champion after the two-hour on-the-spot competitions in English grammar, vocabulary, and syntax was Jose Maria H. Zaldarriaga of Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, who was sponsored by the Rotary Club (RC) of Mandaluyong. Second place went to Juliette Michelle Aciedo of the high school department of the Cainta Catholic College, sponsored by RC Cainta; and third place to Rose Anne Acedera of Maysan National High School of Valenzuela East, sponsored by RC Valenzuela East.

They received cash prizes of P25,000, P15,000 and P10,000, respectively, as well as trophies and various books from the world-renowned academic and trade publishers that co-sponsored the event.

English proficiency winners. The winners of the First A-Z English Proficiency Challenge championships are onstage after their proclamation: Jose Maria Zaldarriaga, champion (center); Juliette Michelle Aciedo, second place (third from left); and Rose Anne Acedera, third place (to the right of the champion). Also in photo are (from left) Lirio Sandoval, president of A-Z Direct Marketing; the coach of the second place winner; Jose Carillo, AZEPC test panel member; the coach of the champion; Jaime Cura, Dr. Flordeliza Magday, Department of Education assistant regional director for NCR; Rodolfo San Felipe, district governor of Rotary District 3800; Dr. Isagani Cruz, AZEPC test panel chairman; the coach of the third place winner; and Ariel Roselo, AZEPC chairman. Click image to see larger version

The other six finalists in the competitions were Vanessa L. Gregorio of the Malabon National High School, sponsored by RC Malabon; Ruth Desiree V. Zabala of the Bagumbong High School, RC Caloocan Silangan; Joycel Angelique F. Chua of San Mateo College, RC San Mateo; Bernadette M. Lobarbio of the Child Jesus of Prague School, RC Binangonan; Camille April S. Trinidad of La Consolacion College Pasig, RC Pasig East; and Karen Cecilia C. Tan of the Immaculate Concepcion Academy, RC San Juan East.

The AZEPC, jointly undertaken by A-Z Direct Marketing, Inc. and Rotary International District 3800 with the endorsement of the Department of Education, is a high-school level competition aimed at boosting the English language proficiency of students. The finalists were the winners of Metro Manila district-level competitions conducted from July to August 2009.

The overall objective of the contest is to create an educational outreach program in support of the national government goal of improving the English language proficiency of high school students. Its specific objectives are to establish a platform for exchange and healthy competition among schools, to provide an enriching and fun experience in English learning, and to create goodwill through friendly competition.

The AZEPC test panel consisted of Dr. Isagani R. Cruz, multi-awarded writer literary and language critic, and educator as well as Philippine Star language columnist, as chairman, with Dr. Rodolfo Reyes, business communication trainer and Manila Bulletin English-usage columnist, and Jose A. Carillo, English-usage book author and Manila Times columnist, as members.

A-Z Direct Marketing, the primary sponsor of AZEPC, is a leading distribution and marketing company for international and local publications with a network of over 1,000 sales agents engaged in subscription solicitations and direct selling of books and home entertainment products. Co-sponsors were Readers Digest, Newsweek, Fortune, McGraw Hill Education, Wiley, Cambridge University Press, and Cengage Learning.

Gunning for the championship. The nine finalists of the First A-Z English Proficiency Challenge compete during the championships at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City last Sept. 16. They were the winners of the Metro Manila district competitions conducted from July to August this year. Click image to see larger version

Campus journalism fellowship in Manila set this October

To promote press excellence and foster camaraderie among campus journalists all over the country, The Varsitarian, the 81-year-old official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas, will hold “Inkblots 2009: the 11th UST National Campus Journalism Fellowship” from October 21 to 23 at the Thomas Aquinas Research Center.

The fellowship will consist of seminars on news writing, sports writing, investigative reporting, features writing, culture and lifestyle writing, opinion or column writing, parallel sessions on writing for broadcast, cartooning and lay-outing, among others.

The fellowship is open to all student writers, campus press advisers, high school journalism instructors and school officials.

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Philippine telecom giant and retailing giant to build new public schools

MANILA—Smart Communications and the SM have pledged to build dozens of new schools to give education to many more Filipino children around the country.

Smart has announced the expansion of its Smart Schools Program to include an additional 30 public high schools and 30 public elementary schools nationwide this year.

The SM group of Filipino-Chinese shopping and banking magnate Henry Sy Sr. pledged seven two-classroom, one-storey school buildings to the Department of Education. Aside from the seven school buildings, the SM group—comprised of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and SM Foundation, Inc. – pledged an additional school building it will build in partnership with Deutsche Bank.

Under the agreement among Smart, the Department of Education and the Philippine Business for Social Progress, teachers of selected public high schools nationwide are provided training as well as access to the Internet and to educational content.

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New DVD Series for English language teachers released

Denver, CO (PRWEB)—A new DVD series entitled English Language Teaching in Action has been published by BridgeTEFL, a Denver based provider of teacher certification courses. The "how-to" style videos are designed as a professional development resource for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teachers.

The DVD series is a high-quality, versatile product that can be used both in classroom training contexts and for self-access purposes. It is a long-awaited resource that has the right combination of quality, extensiveness, and price 

"These videos fill a gap in the current materials that are available to TESOL teachers," explains Sarah Athanas, one of the producers of the DVDs. "While most TESOL-oriented videos lack a clear focus, these videos are professionally shot, edited, and reinforced with helpful graphics. Each video focuses on a specific topic, such as tips for remembering students' names or how to use timelines to teach verb tenses."

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