Wednesday, June 27, 2018

CONTINUING HIGHER EDUCATION ABROAD: WHAT TO PREPARE

More and more parents are sending their kids to continue their higher education abroad. If you ask them why, you’ll get various answer. Some just wants their children to attend university that is better than those available in the country. Some other wants their children to get more opportunity and job offer upon returning. Some other believe that sending their kids abroad make them more independent and open-minded.


If you are among these parents, or at least planning to be, then be prepared. Sending your kids to study abroad sounds like a solid plan for their brighter future. However, every opportunity comes with cost. Not to mention, opportunity for studying abroad is pretty limited while the applicants are abundance. So, are you prepared to pay the cost?



First thing first, communicate with your kids


This is not one-party decision, unlike that time you entered your kids to kindergarten or grade school of your choice. Your kids were young, but now they are old enough to make a decision about something that will impact their future.

So, before deciding on anything, you and your kids have to be on the same page first. Ask them if they have any plan to continue to study in university. If no, why? If yes, where? Do they already have clear idea what university they want to go to?

Ask about their interest and match it with their performance so far. Is it reasonable for your kid to pursue math when he or she has better track record on social studies? If not, does your kid have any plan on how to overcome possible difficulty during his or her studies later? Do they have only one interest, or do they have more?

Do they like the idea of continuing education abroad? Do you think he or she is capable enough to be left alone abroad?

This is important, so you won’t get any surprised rejection from your kids after preparing them to pass the university admission. Before deciding, and planning everything, make sure to share the idea to your kids and your spouse, let them have some time to think about it, and ask what they think about it.

Sunday, June 17, 2018

MRS.WISE VISITS THE BRAINLIGHT LEARNING CENTER IN BGC



Let me start this article with a math problem.  Oopsie mommies, I know most of you will raise your eyebrows and roll out your eyes -- "really Mrs.Wise... a math problem"?  But I promise you dear mommies and daddies.... this post will open your eyes to the wonders of Math -- Singapore Math to be exact -- and how it will benefit your kids!


THE CHALLENGE:  MATH PROBLEM TO SOLVE

There are 8 goats and chickens in a farm.
Altogether, they have 28 legs.
How many goats are in the farm?
How many chickens are in the farm?

After my event, I went home and gave the math problem to my two teens, who have a short 3-year background in Singapore math.  

My son used the algebraic expression to solve it.




My daughter, the practical one, solved it by visualizing, drawing and the trial and error way.





Surprisingly, they got the answer correctly, but using two different methods.  Yey for the both of them, because I, the mom with "math-phobia" did not get to solve the problem.


Thursday, June 14, 2018

MR. AND MRS.WISE STAYCATION AT THE BLULANE HOTEL




Binondo has a vibrant appeal to me and my husband.  One, when we were building our house, we would always go to Binondo to source out budget friendly electrical and bathroom fixtures.  Two, Binondo is synonymous to food trips!  Authentic Chinese food (plus pasalubong staples like Eng Bee Tin and fresh fruits).  Three, Binondo is very near Divisoria -- and when you are in DiviLand -- you have to shop!  Bargain hunting at its best!






But this time... there is a fourth reason why we LOVE Binondo.  Because we were pampered, treated nicely, fed well by the newly opened, old-world charm meets vibrant modern luxury hotel -- the BLULANE HOTEL!


IG-worthy staircase at the lobby
The MEZZANINE OFFERING WESTERN CUISINE
ROAST DUCK JAPANESE MAKI COMBINATION
MY FAVORITE -- SEA CUCUMBER WITH ALABONE MUSHROOM



Monday, June 11, 2018

NEW SKIN CARE DEALS AT DERMSTRATA



Recently, interesting things are happening to me personally, and to my writing career.  It seems that the universe are bringing me projects not only to be written well, but projects that have a significant effect on me and my family.

Because I am obsessed with my teens' education now, choosing the right school and college course are of utmost importance to me, and the writing assignments that are coming in are exactly what I need.

Sometimes... when you project to the universe what you need, the universe gives it to you very easily.  


THE UNIVERSE INTRODUCED ME TO AN INSPIRING WOMAN:

Last June 7, I was invited to Dermstrata's BlogCon.  Apart from hearing about Dermstrata's new skin care deals for 2018, I met an inspiring woman, Ms. Connie Rodriguez, the brand's business director.



Of course, what we talked about, first and foremost, was about skin care. I specifically asked her about my daughter's skin concerns -- acne.   Her advice:


  • since my daughter's face is oily, she may need to refrain from using moisturizer, that adds up on oil content of the skin. She needs to wash her face at least twice a day.  
  • washing the face with water upon waking up and during mid-day will also help. Just to help eliminate excess oil, that clogs the pore resulting to breakouts.
  • she also said, that since my daughter is a commuter, to always keep her hair out of her face. And avoid touching her face with her hands throughout the day.
  • lastly, you cannot achieve good skin overnight. You must be diligent enough to visit a derm clinic regularly and stick to the skin regimen given to you.

Apart from the skin care tips that Ms. Connie gave, she also shared with me a lot of things about life and womanhood.

  • as a single mom, she has experienced a lot of challenges in life. But she owes it to herself to continue to "loving herself".  How?  By doing things that she loves.  And one of them is YOGA.  (Which hey, I am also interested in doing, but cannot find the time and schedule to do).  Yoga for her not only targets her health issues, but every session is a "me-time" session. It makes her forget the troubles around, she turns off her gadgets and just concentrate on the yoga session that she enjoys so much. Its a plus factor, that yoga and other forms of exercise, gives you healthy skin too
  • you must celebrate who you are, every single day. Embrace diversity. Embrace your skin color or your body shape.  This is the universe telling me... "embrace your body weight, don't be affected when people tell you, you are too skinny".  

WHAT SETS DERMSTRATA APART FROM OTHER DERM CLINICS:

They have certified dermatologists in their 38 branches.  And for 2018, they have exciting skin care deals for their valued customers.






(L-R)  MJ FAZONELLA (Marketing Head), MIKE SY  (General Manager), DR. WINNIE RODRIGUEZ (Founder and President), CONNIE RODRIGUEZ (Business Director) and KIM TAPEL (brand ambasador)

 For other info and deals, you can visit Dermstrata's Facebook page





Sunday, June 10, 2018

3 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE APPLYING FOR AN ITIN

Tasks that include paperwork, processing requests and dealing with government agencies can sometimes look a little scary and frustrating. Applying for an Individual Tax Identification Number, however can be made relatively simple if the applicant understands certain requirements and steps in the application process that may otherwise be confusing.



1.    Understanding Documentation That is “Certified by the Issuing Agency”


One important thing to know is that certain identification documents are necessary to submit along with an ITIN application. These must be certified copies from the issuing agency, but what exactly does that mean? These are exact copies of the original documents, which are officially sealed and certified by the institution releasing them (often an embassy or consulate). This clears them as a valid and legitimate copy. If an original document is sent in to the IRS, it will be returned to the address provided on the W7 form.


2.    Filing Form W7


A W7 form is needed to apply for ITIN. Instead of mailing Form 1040 or other tax forms to the address provided, W7 forms are usually attached to the front of one’s federal tax return. There are two ways a W7 can be filed:

·       They can be presented physically at any IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)
·       They can be mailed to the following address:

Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operations
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342


3.    Checking the Status of an Application


To check the status of a W-7 form and ITIN application that’s already underway, applicants should contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. This is the most effective way to receive an update on the pending application.


For more information on how to apply for an ITIN, be sure to review the resources on the ITIN W7 Application website. This site contains suggestions and details on the filing process, documentation and other requirements. This information should be helpful in learning how to start the process and obtain an ITIN number.

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

ADAMSON UNIVERSITY: GLOBAL EDUCATION. RELIGIOUS HEART.



I don't really know if I qualify as a "good parent" (because there is no concrete checklist to tick; friends and relatives don't give feedbacks if I am a good one) -- but one thing is for sure -- me and my hubby are "involved parents".  We try as hard as we could to guide, mentor and support our two teens. Most especially, in education -- now that they are both senior high school students and will soon decide on the career path they will pursue in college.

Back in my high school days, I remember doing everything on my own. My parents did not guide me at all in choosing the course or school that I want to enroll in. They just said, "bahala ka na. Kung ano ang piliin mo, suportahan ka namin."  And I wanted to be a writer ever since.  Well, maybe my parents were of a different generation, and dear readers -- those of you who are in your 40's will agree with me, that parents of our age are very hands on with our children's affairs and decisions. Which I think is beneficial for our millennials  :)

True story >> when I asked my son what course would he like to take up in college, he said, he wanted to take up engineering. Then I asked, what kind? And his reply was a blank stare.  He wasn't sure what branch of engineering interests him. Which brought me a lot of stress. Because, I myself is not too familiar with the course. I know I can easily google the info -- but I really wanted to explain things to my son in the most effective manner.

So I was very very thankful, when this opportunity to write about Adamson University came. And when I learned that its flagship program is ENGINEERING, its just like MrsWise getting the jackpot!  This is the right exposure, for me and my hubby, and my 17 year old aspiring engineer!  So to Adamson University we go!!!



GOING TO ADAMSON UNIVERSITY:

We travelled from Quezon City to Manila for 1.5 hours. But the good thing was, you can reach Adamson University by bus, van, jeepneys, and the LRT-1 route. Adamson University at San Marcelino St, Manila is highly accessible to all modes of transportation. 

 

GLOBAL EDUCATION:

Adamson University has 10 colleges offering various degrees >> Architecture, Business Administration, Education and Liberal Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Science, Graduate School and Theology. Basic Education and Senior High Programs are also offered.

But since this is an immersion project too for my son -- I will focus on the Engineering degrees of this university.

  

ADAMSON UNIVERSITY AND ITS FLAGSHIP PROGRAM - ENGINEERING:

For our immersion tour, we visited the College of Engineering, met some of their nice professors who toured and explained to us their facilities. Watch the highlight of our immersion tour plus know the 5 REASONS why you should consider Adamson University as a choice university for Engineering courses.




OTHER REASONS TO CONSIDER ADAMSON UNIVERSITY:

The university has one of the most affordable tuitions for a learning instution of its stature. 
The university offers various scholarship programs for deserving students.  

I talked to Maria Rose V. Mercado, head of Chemistry Lab, who has been working in Adamson University of more than 35 years. Her daughter also works in the university. She is very thankful that Adamson University takes care of their employees, by granting them full scholarship for their children.



MRS.WISE VERDICT:

Spending the day with my son at Adamson University really opened my eyes to what the institution can give as far as education is concerned. I was impressed with their engineering laboratories, workshop area and facilities. I also liked the university's attitude towards their students -- those who are not doing quite well academically are given the chance to make up, when professors give them their valuable time for consultation. Let's face it, not everyone is blessed with academic proficiency, but when an institution exert extra effort to help students, guide them well towards their goals, parents like me will consider that a big blessing.

Two years from now, when my son embarks on his journey towards his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer (which he finally decided after our immersion trip in Adamson), I will definitely consider enrolling him in Adamson University!  

If you want to learn more about Adamson University, or perhaps you might want to check out the courses they offer -- please visit their website









Friday, June 1, 2018

ON THE BEAT: SILENT CLUBBING AT SM CITY FAIRVIEW


It is always a refreshing experience to do NEW things you haven't tried before.  And this blogger momma experienced Silent Clubbing at SM Fairview last June 1!  What can I say... it was surreal, and it was sooo fun!


 



Got to party to the beat of three cool DJ's >> Callum David, Angel Villaronte and Marvelous!



We were given this headset to use, wherein we can access three channels to the three DJ's. Its choose your own jam!  I listened to all three --- but found myself sticking to DJ Angel Villaronte more.  Girl power!!!

THe DJ's would know who are on their frequency, because of the color. Each person's headphones light up with the color of the station they are listening to.  See.. the red light on my headphones, same as DJ Angel's color!  







MRS.WISE VERDICT:

I know that silent clubbing or silent disco has been happening for years now. I have heard of an Ely Buendia concert using the same silent concept. But experiencing it for myself for the first time was a cool experience.

I liked it because:  I have 100% control of the music and the volume. If I don't like what one DJ is playing, I can just switch to another channel.  I also liked the idea that the concept lessens noise pollution. And hey... admit it... it was awesome to wear that headphones and party with the coolest DJ in town!

Thanks to SM City Fairview for the experience. Watch the highlights of the event!