Monthly Archives: July 2014

Dried Fish Arithmetic in Action

by Ike Prudente

Once when I was with my brother Rene’s Balikbayan family in the dried fish market in Taboan, Carbon, Cebu City, we bought some “danggit” and “pusit”

  • Ike:  
    Magkano ang pusit?
  • Vendor:
    P680 po.
  • Ike:
    Pabili ng isang kilo. Wala na bang tawad?
  • Vendor:
    Pwede po P640. Mura na po iyan…
  • Blessie(my sister-in-law):  
    Sige, pabili na rin ng kalahati.

After the vendor had vacuum-packaged the pusit, we asked her the price of dried Danggit .

  • Ike:  
    Magkano ang danggit?
  • Vendor:
    Bigyan ko na po kayo ng discount. P 180 po.
  • Ike:
    Pabili ng dalawang kilo para sa akin, at isang kilo para sa hipag ko.
    (then instantly added)
    Heto ang P 1,000.  Keep the change!
    Heto ang P 500 mula sa hipag ko. Keep the change!
    Pag kulang, bibigyan pa kita ng dagdag na P 500, keep the change!
  • Vendor:  
    Naku, maraming,  Maraming, MARAMING SALAMAT PO!

With a sweet smile, she grabbed her calculator, and excitedly punched the numbers, even before she packed the danggit, wanting to know how much is the “change” she will keep,

But her smile quickly vanished, and she exclaimed

  • Vendor:
    Ang galing mo naman Sir!

Do you know why?

Most people (like our vendor) would calculate the pusit first.

  • P 640 per kilo x 1 kilo = P 640.
  • P 640 per kilo x half kilo = P 320

Then calculate the danggit:

  • P180 per kilo x 2 kilos = P360
  • P 180 per kilo x 1 kilo = P 180

So after this lengthy computation, she adds them all up to compute the grand total :
P640 + P 320 + P360 + P180 = P1,500!

Walang sukli!

I did a much simpler computation in my head.

  • I purchased one kilo of pusit at P 640 per kilo, plus two kilos of danggit at P180 per kilo.
    P 640 + 2 * P 180 = P 1,000. I paid the vendor P1,000, so there is no change from me!
  • My sister bought exactly half of what I bought,
    P 1,000 / 2 =  P 500,   She paid the vendor P 500, so there is no change from my sister-in-law too!

Mental Math/Speed arithmetic is always useful, even when buying dried fish in a “palengke” in Cebu!

I remember we all had a good laugh that day! So I did give Manang a little extra. Remember she gave us a P 40 per kilo discount on the dried pusit? And we bought 1.5 kilos? I decided to give her back half the discount.  You do the math.

Dried Fish Stall

Mental Math is always useful, even when haggling with dried fish vendors!

 

And in case you have not yet figured it out:

  • P 680 – P640 = P40
  • P40 * 1. 5 = P60
  • Half of P 60 is P30.

We had fun that day, so I  gave her P30

  • Ike:
    Hati na lang tayo sa discount.  Bigyan kita ng P30.  Maraming salamat Manang!
  • Vendor:
    Maraming salamat din po!

 

Silid Booklatan - San Pablo City

Silid Booklatan: Buksan ang Isip, Buksan ang Mundo

Booklat Isip, Inc. (BII) is a non-profit organization that promotes a lifestyle of reading in order to build a nation of readers. They work with community partners to provide venues, reading materials, reading-related activities, support, and encouragement to members of communities in underprivileged areas. It is their goal to build community reading rooms – a Silid Booklatan – in every barangay in the Philippines.

MSC Institute of Technology, Inc. and Kiwanis Club of Buklod-San Pablo are community partners for Silid Booklatan-San Pablo City.

MSC high school and technical-vocational students regularly devote time to keep the Silid Booklatan premises clean and its wide array of reading materials organized while the Kiwanis Club of Buklod-San Pablo conducts education programs focusing on children 12 years and below. From December 2012 up to the present, the Kiwanians have been holding Read-Around-The-World projects and Big-School Readiness, and Math Remediation programs in Silid Booklatan-San Pablo City with neighborhood children as participants.

Silid Booklatan San Pablo is located inside the MSC Green Campus in Barangay San Gabriel, San Pablo City, Laguna. Architects from the UAP Diliman chapter designed its beautiful open-air-structure that blends in with the environment, and maximizes the natural light and ventilation. Definitely a place that will make you want to sit down and read! The main target reading audience is the elementary school children from public schools near MSC. Then secondary reading markets are the senior citizens looking for a place to hang out, and the moms with their 6-and-below kids.

“Silid Booklatan” is a play on the words “silid-aklatan” (room of books, or library in Filipino), and “buklat,” which means to open or turn pages of a book. With Silid Booklatan, Booklat Isip, Inc. hopes to open up a world of opportunities for people who otherwise may not have them. Their hopes are embodied in the tagline “Buksan ang isip, buksan ang mundo“—literally, open your mind, open the world.

Why Read?

Studies have clearly shown that better reading skills lead to better job opportunities and greater chances of success. Literacy is also linked to higher self-esteem. In surveys cited by the National Institute of Child Health and Development in the United States, about half of teens engaged in substance abuse and half of those with criminal records have poor reading skills. Reading encourages a curious mind, and helps build brain ‘muscle,’ develops creativity, and makes it easier to learn all throughout life. Reading gives an individual power and freedom.
It has been said that there is no progress for a nation that does not read, and the Philippines, despite its claim of one of the highest literacy rates in Asia, is tagged as a nation of non-readers. Several factors contribute to this, but two major ones are lack of access to appropriate reading materials, and lack of motivation to read, beyond any required reading.

These two reasons are what Booklat Isip aims to address.

Silid Booklatan in San Gabriel, San Pablo City

The first Silid Booklatan was opened in Barangay Fort Bonifacio on November 24, 2012 while the second one opened its (revolving) doors to the communities of San Gabriel, San Miguel, and San Bartolome in San Pablo City, Laguna on December 5, 2012. Silid Booklatan – San Pablo City started with only two donated bookshelves and kiddie tables and chairs, a loaned coffee table and chairs, and a couple of mats. After one and a half years, generous donors have donated thousands of books, hundreds of magazines, and a couple of shelves, tables and chairs.

The wide collection of storybooks, fiction and non-fiction books are mostly sent in from the United States. Books are collected from several public libraries and donors by Mrs. Mary Sabbatino of Mercy League, Mercy Medical Center, Rockville Center in New York and then shipped to the Philippines by Mr. Sergio Javier and Mr. Geng Prudente. To date, around 10 balikbayan boxes full of books were already received by Silid Booklatan-San Pablo City through the efforts of Mrs. Sabbatino, Mr. Javier, and Mr. Prudente.

Read more about Silid Booklatan:
Website: http://www.booklatisip.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilidBooklatanButukanSanPablo

Testimonials from High School Alumni

Where do our high school graduates go? Up the academic ladder in good schools (including University of the Philippines) and to IT jobs!

Money was a problem for us and studying in a private school was impossible unless I received a scholarship grant. I was so blessed that MSC High School offered me 100% Scholarship — including tuition fees, books, miscellaneous, and monthly allowances. For my four-years in high school, I enjoyed those privileges.

But MSC High School is not a spoon-feeding school. I enjoyed those privileges for four years because I had to meet high academic standards and maintain a range of grades. I made it because MSC High School provides Quality Education for its students. MSC education is one of the factors that enabled me to pass the prestigious UPCAT (UP College Admission Test) and enroll in the UPLB (University of the Philippines at Los Baños).
Read more…

Marline D. Brendia
Scholar
MSC High School, 2003

In my four memorable years in high school, MSC molded me to become who I am now. Teachers inspired me not just to dream big but also to go farther to reach it. And now that I already got my diploma as a UPLB Graduate of Statistics, I know that I am capable of becoming a good mother and wife to my own family.

It will always be a pride being part of MSC’s growing Family!

Jackieline Reogo-Tangkeko

I am now working as a Junior Multimedia Engineer at Rendition Digital Inc. in Makati City. My work involves screen capture, text and graphic integration, image manipulation/ optimization, flash integration, modification of design layout to suit changes in the content, conceptualizing and executing designs, innovative user interface for web and other multimedia projects.

The things that I learned at MSC is my shining armor when I applied for a job in Makati. My Internet Technology course introduced me not only to the latest technology but also to a problem-based and team-centered study approach. I have also experienced how to handle problems in the field of Desktop Publishing and Web Designing that gave me confidence in my current work.

ALBERT M. BRAVO
Junior Multimedia Engineer
Rendition Digital, Inc
Graduated:
MSC High School, 2004
Internet Technology , MSC Institute of Technology, 2006

MSC has helped me not only to become academically competent but also helped me become the confident person that I am today. Because of its various activities, during high school, I was trained to have courage to face an audience, which has been a great help since I am now majoring in Community Broadcasting.

Joan Miranda

 

 

Testimonials from College, Vocational, Technical Alumni

Where do our college, technical and vocational school graduates go? To success in various fields!

MSC provided me the knowledge that served as a tool to keep me moving forward in my career. I learned techniques on how to face challenging situations. MSC prepared me for this. No matter how much you know today, you’ll have to know more tomorrow.

Edgar Cauyan
President/CEO
CARD MRI Information Technology, Inc.
Graduated: Computer Technology, MSC Institute of Technology, 1994

I prayed to God and submitted my dreams to guide me and show me the right way to walk through. I was surprised when I received a letter from MSC regarding my 100% scholarship for a short course in Computer Operation.

On 1997, I finished my 2-year Computer Technology Course, which was full of training and hands-on experiences.

Ang hirap mag-apply ng trabaho. Buti na lang nandyan ang MSC para pansamantalang kanlungan at lalo ka pang bibigyan ng mga actual training. MSC gave me priceless skills and abilities which I treasure up to now. Ito ang nagamit ko sa aking kasalukuyan trabaho upang mapa-bilib ang mga boss ko. 
Read more…

RODERICK MERCADO
IT Manager – CARD Bank, Inc.
Graduated: Computer Technology, MSC Institute of Technology, 1997

Currently I am a Software Developer at Teligent Systems, Inc. in Makati City working on projects that involve mobile technology and banking solutions.

I feel that the education I received at VYP-MSC was carefully planned for me and provided me with comprehensive knowledge and experience in Office Management and Computer Technology. I have learned to handle multiple tasks at the same time without someone pushing for it. This experience helped me in my job a lot where I have to manage multiple projects and prioritize various tasks. Its caring faculty and staff who takes the time to get to know students on a personal basis is second to none, and it was very easy to build friendships with the receptive community of students as well.

Rommelson N. Guisando
Software Developer
Teligent Systems Inc
Graduated: Computer Technology, MSC Institute of Technology, 2001

My life at VYP-MSC Institute of Technology is something that I will always be proud of, and look back to. Its good people and the friendly learning experience helped me find out more about my abilities and interests. Thanks to the decision I made to take Office Management Course at MSC. My certificate has certainly served as my passport to my career….

My MSC experience was indeed incredible and helped me find the right career.
Read more…

Leticia Changco-Baybay
Branch Office Administrator
Silec Cable (a General Cable company)
Abu Dhabi, UAE

My stay in MSC Computer Learning Center was a very enriching experience. I came to this school to be simply acquainted with computer knowledge, and hoping it help me get immediate employment right after graduation. In reality; I got much more than an academic degree. I learned about “real-world” assignments…

For existing students or to those who are still choosing which school they think would be dependable for their future, I highly recommend to choose VYP-MSC Computer Center, You will definitely be in Good Hands.
Read more…

Annabelle Briones
VYP-MSC Computer Training Center, 1999

I am now working as a Junior Multimedia Engineer at Rendition Digital Inc. in Makati City. My work involves screen capture, text and graphic integration, image manipulation/ optimization, flash integration, modification of design layout to suit changes in the content, conceptualizing and executing designs, innovative user interface for web and other multimedia projects.

The things that I learned at MSC is my shining armor when I applied for a job in Makati. My Internet Technology course introduced me not only to the latest technology but also to a problem-based and team-centered study approach. I have also experienced how to handle problems in the field of Desktop Publishing and Web Designing that gave me confidence in my current work.

ALBERT M. BRAVO
Junior Multimedia Engineer
Rendition Digital, Inc
Graduated:
MSC High School, 2004
Internet Technology , MSC Institute of Technology, 2006

 

Choose MSC – You Will Definitely Be in Good Hands

It’s been many years since I bid goodbye to VYP-MSC Computer Learning Center.I am an alumni from batch 1999 and was the Vice President of College Department. That year was never been easy, though from reliable faculties and staffs; I was able to perform my duty as the VP of the college department. I would like to say that it was a great honor to be asked to write this testimonial.

My stay in MSC Computer Learning Centre was a very enriching experience. I came to this school to be simply acquainted with computer knowledge, and hoping it help me get immediate employment right after graduation. In reality; I got much more than an academic degree. I learned about “real-world” assignments. This was really the most solid lesson I learned from this school that helped me reach my dreams. It is difficult to sum up in few words because this school has proven many things. The atmosphere in the school is like we were a huge group of friends! The teachers were tactful, lovely, easy-going, friendly and perceptive and have experience and necessary qualifications for teaching. The staff was composed of really dynamic qualified and pleasant faculty so as to make you feel good and relaxed. The passion of the faculty to impart valuable lessons and skills to the students was really inspiring.

I chose MSC Computer Learning Centre for its uniquely relevant approach to business education, high-quality faculty, and intimate classroom environment and advanced teaching method particularly in terms of computer learning. I learned much more than I expected, both from outstanding professors with academic and business background and from my colleagues.

I worked in Philippines with few recognized companies such as PAGCOR and EPSON Precision Philippines. My position in these companies proved that my computer and business education obtained from MSC is really unfailing. In 2001, I tried my luck abroad and started my journey as a simple hotel receptionist. Due to my determination plus of course my MSC credentials, I received promotions almost every year.

In 2003, I began to impart my computer knowledge by teaching. Yes! I became a computer instructor in Abu Dhabi for almost 2 years. Believe it or not, I was giving computer lessons to students whose age were almost triple than mine. After that, I was hired in a large oil and gas company in Abu Dhabi as Secretary and I stayed there for a year. Since, this company preferred to develop UAE nationals; I searched for another job and fortunately had the post of an Executive Secretary in one of the very executive hotel properties here in Abu Dhabi. Currently, I am working as Administrative Officer reporting directly to the Chairman of the Executive Board of Abu Dhabi University, one of most recognized University and education provider in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

For existing students or to those who are still choosing which school they think would be dependable for their future, I highly recommend to choose VYP-MSC Computer Center, You will definitely be in Good Hands.

Annabelle Briones
VYP-MSC Computer Training Center, 1999

 

MSC High School – Memories Worth Remembering

MSC High School was a big help for me and my family! I am so blessed that there’s a school like this that cares for the needs of the youth, who like me, want to pursue their dreams.

Money was a problem for us and studying in a private school was impossible unless I received a scholarship grant. I was so blessed that MSC High School offered me 100% Scholarship —  including tuition fees, books, miscellaneous, and monthly allowances. For my four-years in high school, I enjoyed those privileges.

But MSC High School is not a spoon-feeding school. I enjoyed those privileges for four years because I had to meet high academic standards and maintain a range of grades. I made it because MSC High School provides Quality Education for its students.  MSC education is one of the factors that enabled me to pass the prestigious UPCAT (UP College Admission Test) and enroll in the UPLB (University of the Philippines at Los Baños).

Now I am a Research and Development Officer in one of the major food companies. I won’t forget that MSC High School once cradled me and nurtured me to become who I am today. I thank God for these opportunities and privileges. God made Sir Ike and Ma’am Lerma as vessels of His blessings. My experiences in MSC are very much treasured. It’s nice to become nostalgic because the memories of MSC High School for me are really worth remembering!

Marline D. Brendia
Batch 2003, MSC High School Scholar

What do parents say about MSC High School?

Nothing makes school administrators and faculty members happier than to get positive feedback from parents of students and alumni.  We’re proud to share some feedback:

Sa MSC ko pinapasok ang aking mga anak dahil sa ang pangunahing pangangailangan ng mga estudyante ngayon ay nasa MSC, tulad ng computers. Alam naming marami silang matututunan dito, lalo na tungkol sa computers.

Lorena Austria
Mother of Kim, May & Cindy

Ako po bilang isang magulang na nagpaaral ng apat na anak sa MSC ay lubos na natuwa at nasiyahan sa kadahilanang nakatapos po ang aking mga anak na marami ang natutunan lalo na po sa musika, teknolohiya, at ang tungkol sa computers. Para sa akin po, ang MSC ay hindi lamang para sa mayayaman kundi para din pala sa mahihirap, dahil nagbibigay po sila ng scholarship sa mga batang matatalino ngunit mahirap at me nakakatapos dito ng wala o konti kamang ang binayaran. Nagustuhan ko ang MSC dahil maayos ang mga silid aralan, matatalino at mababait ang mga nagtuturo dito, pati na rin ang may ari at staff nito.

Sana po ay patuloy ang pagbibigay ng discount sa mga mahirap ngunit matatalinong bata. at hanggang sa aking magiging apo ay patuloy ko pa ring papag-aaralin diyan sa MSC.

Benedicto T. Pabelonia Sr.
Father of Adrian, Philip, Abel, Benny, & MB

Tatlo sa apat kong anak ang nag-aral sa MSC HS. Kasabay ng pag-aaral ng mga bata ay ang pagpupundar ko ng isang maliit na negosyo. Kulang kami sa pinansyal ng pangangailangan noong panahong iyon subalit hindi naging balakid na ituloy ang pag-aaral ng mga bata. Naging maluwag para sa akin ang pagbabayad ng Tuition fee na hindi naman kalakihan kumpara sa ibang private schools.

Sa panahon ngayon, ang computer ang isa sa pangunahing pangangailangan ng bayan tungo sa kaunlaran. Kundi ka marunong sa computer, mapag-iiwanan ka. Napakalaking tulong ng computer noong tumuntong sila sa Colegio. Palagi silang nangunguna sa mga course requirements dahil sila mismo ang gumagawa at di na nakikipagsiksikan sa computer shop. Sa MSC, mahaba ang oras nila sa computer lesson kaya mabilis silang natututo kesa sa ibang schools na halos isang oras lang ang time sa computer lesson. Malaki ang pasasalamat ng mga anak ko sa malaking advantage sa kanila ang maging computer literate.

Emelyn Pascua
Mother of Marylew, Charlotte, and Kevin

 

Technical-Vocational Course – Stepping Stone to Success

Bago pa man dumating ang graduation ng High School, nag-set na ako ng plano sa aking buhay.

I was aware that sending me to College would be expensive for my parents. This was my basis to come up with a decision in taking a 2-year course first, then find a job and continue my education for a 4-year degree course.

I prayed to God and submitted my dreams to guide me and show me the right way to walk through. I was surprised when I received a letter from MSC regarding my 100% scholarship for a short course in Computer Operation. I was surprised … then I grabbed that opportunity.

On 1997, I finished my 2-year Computer Technology Course, which was full of training and hands-on experiences.

Ang hirap mag-apply ng trabaho! Buti na lang nandyan ang MSC para pansamantalang kanlungan at lalo ka pang bibigyan ng mga actual training. MSC gave me priceless skills and abilities which I treasure up to now. Ito ang nagamit ko sa aking kasalukuyan trabaho upang mapa-bilib ang mga boss ko, Akala kasi nila magaling ako, ang di nila alam MSC ang nagturo sa akin noon.

I was recommended by the President of MSC, Sir Ike to CARD Bank, Inc. I was interviewed by the President of CARD Bank and hired as (probationary) IT Assistant. After 5 months I received my regular appointment and later promoted to IT Officer.

After five years of working with CARD Bank, I decided to resume my studies and took up Accountancy. I was promoted to IT Manager, and later graduated from College.

What drives me to improve my career? Maybe I was influenced by my late father who was a teacher. My father was a working student. Magtatapas (coconut farmer) siya sa umaga at napasok sa gabi. Naging 2nd honor siya noong high school at 1st honor noong college. Hindi naging sagabal kay itay ang pagiging mahirap para makapagtapos.

I may have not received any honors during my study like my father. He may not see me now and witness what I have accomplished. But I hope he is happy for me and proud of me, “My son is now a Certified Public Accountant!”.

RODERICK MERCADO
IT Manager – CARD Bank, Inc.
Graduated: Computer Technology, MSC Institute of Technology, 1997

 

How MSC Helped Me Find The Right Career

My life at VYP-MSC  Institute of Technology is something that I will always be proud of, and look back to. Its good people and the friendly learning experience helped me find out more about my abilities and interests. Thanks to the decision I made to take Office Management Course at MSC. My certificate has certainly served as my passport to my career.

In my entire career, I never saw myself working in stressful business environments till I made my very hard decision of leaving the country eight years ago, armed with the dream of finding greener pasture. My new start abroad wasn’t very disappointing as I found a job after a month in a huge oil and gas organization. Carrying my valid MSC certificate, good computer skills, knowledge and good training plus my faith in God, I was given the chance to work as a Project Secretary in the offshore project team. That was the first entry-level job I had which was not easy for me in the beginning – working with a multi-cultural team.

Like any other Filipino worker, I experienced discrimination, being the only Filipino and female member in the project team. However, with each passing day, I felt it funny that people started coming to me for help. It was undeniably my computer skills and not-so-bad English skills that have helped me to survive and gain respect from my co-workers.

The secretarial course is in high demand in every business settings. It is a course which must be encouraged. I found job stability with this career and indeed opened for me other career options. My good accounting training at MSC led me to my present job, responsible for administrative and accounting functions.

I can say every school will give a piece of paper that would help one to acquire knowledge and skills, but very few can actually give you both, to be successful in your chosen field. This I can say: “I have found both at MSC”.

My MSC experience was indeed incredible and helped me find the right career.

Leticia Changco-Baybay
Branch Office Administrator
Silec Cable (a General Cable company)
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Exploring the MSC Green Campus

We have busy bees exploring the MSC Green Campus.  Specifically, we have a very Busy V (let us agree to use the name Veronica, to refer to this Busy V) doing the exploring, and documenting the rich flora and fauna found in the garden campus through her special blog site Busy Bees

Moth, science and computing?

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it is a moth found in the MSC Green Campus!

Our Busy V reminds us that it is almost Moth week! ( yep, Moth, not Math ) with this beautiful moth picture. arctiid moth

This arctiid moth (which looks similar to Alona lactinea) showed up reminding us that  it’s almost Moth Week! We all love butterflies but sadly, not a lot of us are particularly fond of moths. That’s because most of us believe that moths are dull-colored/ ugly versions of the well-loved butterflies. Follow the adventures of our Busy V, in BusyBees!