Spanish: The Language We Didn’t Choose to Lose

The Forgotten Majority: When Filipinos Spoke Spanish

The common answer says Spanish never really took root in the Philippines. That claim does not survive a serious look at the historical record.

Spanish was widely spoken in the Philippines by the time the Americans arrived. Not by a tiny elite (or ilustrados). Not only inside churches or courts. By ordinary Filipinos, as a first or second language. What changed was not public preference, but policy, power, and war.

The decline of Spanish was not natural. It was engineered.

First, we need to correct the numbers.

American censuses in 1903 and 1905 claimed that only around 10 percent of Filipinos spoke Spanish. With a population of roughly nine million, this placed Spanish speakers at about 900,000. But this figure counted only those who spoke Spanish as their first and only language.

In 1908, Luciano de la Rosa, a Katipunan veteran, lawyer, and member of the Philippine Assembly, published a different finding. He showed that around 60 percent of Filipinos spoke Spanish as a second language. Combined with first language speakers, this means close to 70 percent of the population could speak Spanish in some form.

That is a majority.

This was not an abstract claim. Early American officials confirmed it themselves. David P. Barrows, Director of the Bureau of Public Instruction, noted that the socially influential classes spoke Spanish. Politics, journalism, and commerce operated mainly in Spanish. English, at that point, was marginal.

Spanish was the working language of public life.

So what changed?

American rule deliberately disconnected the Philippines from the Hispanic world. This happened through three main channels.

First, education.

The Americans introduced a public school system that was broader and more efficient than what existed before. This part is often praised, and rightly so. But the system was designed to privilege English. Spanish was excluded from higher education and public administration. Over time, English became the language of mobility.

Ironically, early American education even increased Spanish literacy at first. Barrows himself admitted that more Filipinos knew Spanish after the American occupation began. This alarmed colonial officials. Barrows openly argued that Spanish would decline if it were cut off from institutional support, since the Philippines was geographically isolated from other Spanish-speaking countries.

That was not an accident. It was strategy.

Second, suppression and stigma.

Spanish was slowly removed from public life. It was portrayed as backward. Spain was framed as the villain of history, while the United States cast itself as the savior. English was presented as modern, practical, and necessary. Spanish became associated with the past, even with punishment. Speaking it meant exclusion from power.

Prominent Filipino educators resisted this shift. They were ignored.

Third, destruction.

World War II delivered the final blow.

Manila was the center of Spanish-speaking life. Districts like Intramuros and Ermita formed the cultural core of Philippine Hispanidad. During the Battle of Manila, over 100,000 civilians died. Most of the city was destroyed. Around 90 percent of Spanish-owned buildings and institutions were wiped out.

Spanish-speaking communities were physically erased.

Even then, Spanish did not disappear overnight. Before the war, Spanish literature in the Philippines experienced a golden age. Major Filipino writers were still producing works in Spanish well into the 1920s and 1930s. English literature was still developing.

Manila itself remained largely Spanish-speaking until the war. Ermita even developed its own Chavacano variety, now extinct.

After three American wars fought on Philippine soil, English became the language of the victor.

This history matters.

The disappearance of Spanish in the Philippines was not proof that Filipinos rejected it. It was the result of deliberate policy, cultural isolation, and mass destruction. Guillermo Gómez Rivera calls this cultural genocide. That term is debated. But the intent to sever the Philippines from its Hispanic roots is clearly documented.

The United States achieved many things. But its empire was built by dismantling other cultures. The Philippines is not unique. Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Native American nations tell similar stories.

Spanish in the Philippines is weakened, but not dead. What is missing is an honest conversation. One that acknowledges how language power works. One that accepts that history is not neutral.

You cannot explain the present if you erase the past.

References

• Gómez Rivera, G. La persecución del uso oficial del idioma español en Filipinas. Revista Arbil.
• Gómez Rivera, G. Statistics: The Spanish Language in the Philippines.
• Barrows, D. P. Reports of the Bureau of Public Instruction.
• Quilis, A. and Casado-Fresnillo, C. La lengua española en Filipinas. Madrid, 2008.
• Rodríguez-Ponga, R. Pero ¿cuántos hablan español en Filipinas? Cuadernos Hispanoamericanos.
• The Sack of Manila. The Battling Bastards of Bataan.

Beyond the Big 4: The Truth About Class and Education in the Philippines

Elite Education in the Philippines: Gateway or Gatekeeping?

Throughout most of Philippine history, higher education belonged only to the rich. From the ilustrados who went abroad to study in Europe in the Spanish period, to the pensionados who were sent to the United States during the American period, education was never merely about learning—it was about class.

Even now, our education system is still reflective of that truth. The better schools are still pricey and exclusive, while most Filipinos are stuck with under-funded public schools. As sociologist Dr. Lorenzana explains:

"Schools are a proxy for social class identity. The way this works as a class practice is through the process of distinction."

In other words, schools don't just educate. They sort. They define. They divide.

Education as Social Capital

Which "flavor" of elite education you receive often determines your career trajectory. Certain schools have a reputation for medicine, others law or business. Each one specializes, perpetuating the idea that education isn't about gaining knowledge—it's about gaining entry to opportunities.

This has implications:

• HR officers view the name of the school on a CV as a gauge of "quality."
• Networks created in elite schools become internships, employment, and promotions.
• Cultural capital—accents, mannerisms, even extracurriculums—marks class.
• The outcome? School reinforces inequality rather than eradicates it.

Rebuttal #1: "Everyone has equal access now, we have scholarships."

True, scholarships do exist. But they only serve a limited number of students, and most of them demand already solid academic backgrounds to start with. In the meantime, the rest still struggle through crowded classrooms, underpaid teachers, and archaic curricula in public schools.

Data Check: UNESCO (2022) indicates that the Philippines invests only 3.2% of its GDP in education, far from the recommended 6%. This constrains access and quality across the board. Scholarships will not make a dent in bridging the gap when the system is inherently unequal.

Rebuttal #2: "It's about merit, not money."

Education rewards talent and hard work in theory. Privilege tilts the table in practice. A student who attends a wealthy private school can score high marks on university entrance exams—not only due to aptitude, but because the private school paid for smaller class sizes, improved facilities, and test preparation.

Their equally able public school peers struggle with much fewer resources. Meritocracy is impossible without equal opportunity.

Rebuttal #3: "At least K-12 and CHED reforms make us job-ready."

The Education Department has made efforts to make K-12 "job market-ready," while CHED has pushed to lower general education requirements. The concept is to make employability more important than liberal arts.

But this sole focus can lead to schools becoming factories for low-wage jobs. A diploma that ensures only a ₱20,000 starting salary is not the life-changing promise of education—it's a compromise.

Education must not be merely about employment; it must be about self-empowerment, critical thinking, and civic engagement. Framing it as a pipeline for cheap labor devalues its real worth.

On Self-Worth Beyond the "Big 4"

What about those who don't hail from Ateneo, UP, La Salle, or UST? Are they bound for less? Maybe not.

Dr. Lorenzana's counsel pierces the illusion:

“To make it in this world, one needs to have realistic goals and survive. Do not resent yourself or society for your social situation. Learn the rules of the game.”

This means finding ways to build capital outside of school branding:

• Building a portfolio of actual work and skills.
• Leveraging online platforms for certifications and training.
• Expanding networks beyond school through organizations, volunteering, or freelance work.
• Prestige opens doors, but skills and hard work keep them open.

Last Thought

The Philippine education system is still highly bound to class identity. The "Big 4" and other elite universities continue to dominate channels to power and affluence. But education needs to be taken back not as a gatekeeper, but as a gateway—for all Filipinos, no matter the status.

We are not fated to an unfair system. But we cannot pretend that scholarships and ad hoc reforms suffice. True change calls for systemic reform: increased investment in public schools, more equitable hiring practices that don't discriminate based on alma mater, and a cultural shift that rewards competence over connections.

Until then, we play "the game." But maybe it's time we quit just playing by the rules—and began rewriting them.

Why we need reforms in the Philippines

Why Changing the System — Not Just the Leaders — Is the Key to a Better Philippines

Introduction

Many Filipinos believe that the country only needs good leaders to fix its problems. We often say, “If only we had honest and competent officials, things would be better.” But this belief overlooks a fundamental truth: systems shape behavior more than individual morals do.

From neuroscience to behavioral economics, evidence suggests that a flawed system can corrupt even well-intentioned leaders, while a well-structured system can encourage good governance. The real solution to the Philippines’ challenges is not just electing better leaders but redesigning the system itself.

Google Photo

The Science: Your Brain Adapts to Systems, Not Just Morals

Modern neuroscience reveals that human behavior is largely shaped by the environment and the incentives it provides.

The dopamine system in our brain learns which actions lead to rewards. If corruption leads to power and wealth, politicians are neurologically conditioned to repeat those behaviors. This explains why many politicians, once they experience success through corruption, continue engaging in it. (Schultz, 2015 – Neuron)

Key Takeaway: The system, not just individual morality, determines long-term political behavior.

Behavioral Economics: Systems > Character

Studies in behavioral economics (Thaler & Sunstein, 2008) show that even well-meaning individuals make poor decisions when placed in bad systems. This is called “choice architecture”—the idea that our choices are heavily influenced by the environment in which we make them.

In the Philippines, elections are won not by the most competent leaders but by those with the best name recall, patronage networks, and financial resources. This forces even good candidates to play the game or risk losing.

Key Takeaway: The problem isn’t just corrupt politicians; it’s the rules of the game that reward bad behavior.

Real-World Evidence: A System That Rewards the Wrong Behaviors

1. Political dynasties dominate elections

74% of Congress members come from political families (Ateneo School of Government, 2019).

Weak political parties, expensive campaigns, and lack of campaign finance reform favor family-based rule rather than meritocracy.

2. Presidentialism breeds inefficiency

The Philippines' presidential system makes it difficult to remove an ineffective president, even in crises.

The separation of the executive and legislative branches often results in gridlock, delaying much-needed reforms.

3. Weak, personality-driven political parties

Party-switching (balimbing culture) is common, as politicians shift allegiances based on power, not principles.

There is little long-term vision in political parties, leading to short-term populist policies rather than sustainable development.

Key Takeaway: The current system encourages nepotism, inefficiency, and short-term thinking over national progress.

The Alternative: Structural Reforms That Promote Good Governance

Many successful countries have restructured their political systems to encourage accountability and good governance. The Philippines can learn from them by implementing

1. Parliamentary Government

The Prime Minister is accountable to Parliament and can be replaced if ineffective.

The executive and legislative branches work together, reducing political deadlock.

Party coalitions must collaborate, encouraging long-term planning over personality-driven politics.

2. Federalism with Institutional Safeguards

Regional governments can address local needs without excessive dependence on Manila.

Decentralization encourages competition and innovation among regions.

Safeguards like transparent campaign finance laws, competitive political parties, and independent watchdog institutions prevent power hoarding at the regional level.

Key Takeaway: Well-structured political systems incentivize honesty, competence, and collaboration.

Why Structure Comes First — Not Just Good People

As Dr. BJ Fogg of Stanford's Behavior Design Lab explains:

If you want to change people's behavior, you need to change their environment.

Good systems can prevent bad leaders from causing harm, while bad systems can make even good leaders ineffective.

The Philippines cannot rely on waiting for the perfect leader. Instead, it must create a system that ensures leaders are held accountable and rewarded for competent governance.

Key Takeaway: Change the system first, and better leaders will follow.

Action Steps: What We Can Do as a Nation

To create a better system, Filipinos must push for:

1. Campaign finance and political party reforms – Reduce patronage politics and level the playing field.
2. Gradual transition to a parliamentary or federal system – Ensure institution-building before full implementation.
3. Strengthening watchdog institutions – Give agencies like COA, Ombudsman, and COMELEC more independence and power.
4. Public education and civic engagement – An informed electorate is the foundation of a strong democracy.

Conclusion

The Philippines’ biggest obstacle is not the lack of good leaders but the presence of a system that rewards the wrong behaviors. To achieve lasting progress, we must stop waiting for ideal politicians and start building a system that fosters competence, integrity, and accountability.

Final Thought: Don’t wait for better leaders to change the system. Change the system, and better leaders will emerge.

Sources

1. Schultz, W. (2015). Neuronal Reward and Decision Signals: From Theories to Data. Neuron. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2015.04.019
2. Donella Meadows. (2008). Thinking in Systems: A Primer
3. BJ Fogg, Ph.D. (2009). Behavior Model for Persuasive Design. https://behaviormodel.org
4. Thaler, R., & Sunstein, C. (2008). Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness
5. Ateneo School of Government (2019). The Persistence of Political Dynasties in the Philippines
6. Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab (2012). The Role of Social Context in Moral Decision-Making

Happy karga fellow actors!

What I Learned from the Chubbuck Technique: Lessons I'll Carry Forever

I started this acting workshop on May 3rd of this year, and as I finish up my last session of the Chubbuck Technique acting workshop on August 2nd, 2025, I find myself thinking about how life-changing the last 12 sessions have been. This is not merely an acting class—it's an exploration of the reality of the human condition, utilizing our own suffering, needs, and aspirations to craft real performances.

The 12 Tools of Acting book penned by Ivana Chubbuck is the very bible of this acting technique, which is The Power of the Actor. 

Screengrab from Direk Rahyan Carlos

These are my greatest learnings from this experience from film and TV director Rahyan Carlos, the only authorized mentor for this technique, as follows:

1. Your Pain is Power

The Chubbuck Technique instructed me to leave running from my past hurts behind. Instead, I learned to harness them into my character's goals. Through utilizing actual experiences as emotional impetus, each line and every decision feels real and authentic.

2. Fight to Win Every Scene

Acting isn't just "feeling" the feeling—it's actually going for what you're after. Every scene is a fight, and every character is fighting with everything they've got. This attitude shifted how I work in every role.

3. Substitution Creates Truth

One of the strongest techniques I learned was substitution or the "karga"—swapping the people or situations in the script for those from my life. This makes every performance highly personal and unique.

4. Inner Life Is More Important than Words

It's not what you say—it's what happens beneath the surface. The Chubbuck Technique instructed me on how to create a rich inner life for my characters, so even when they don't speak, you feel what I feel.

5. Vulnerability is Strength

Perhaps the biggest lesson I’m taking with me is that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s where true connection begins. When I allow myself to be fully seen, both as an actor and as a human being, that’s when my work resonates most.

Moving Forward

This workshop didn't only improve me as an actor; it improved me as a person. It taught me empathy, discipline, and the bravery to speak truth in my work. I look forward to applying everything I've learned to upcoming roles, auditions, and creative endeavors. Also to move to the next step of learning, the advanced class of the Chubbuck Technique. Whatever comes my way, I will be learning this technique.

Thank you to everyone who's supported me on this journey. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to showing you what's coming next.

Lights on. Let's tell more stories together.

Votes for sale

Vote Selling Won’t Stop Until We Fix the System

Every election season, we hear the same plea repeated over and over:

• Don’t sell your vote.
• Vote wisely.
• Think of your children’s future.

And while these slogans have the right intention, let's be brutally honest:
Do you really think simply telling people not to sell their votes is going to work?

The harsh reality is that no matter how many times we tell them, the practice of vote-buying will continue as long as the system that perpetuates poverty, desperation, and political dependency remains unchanged.

Who Are the Usual Targets of Vote-Buying?

It’s no secret: Vote-buying targets the poor, the marginalized, and the desperate.

The sectors that sell their votes are often not evil or ignorant—they are simply people struggling to survive. When someone’s daily question is, "Where will my next meal come from?" and a politician offers even a few hundred pesos, it becomes a transaction of survival, not betrayal of civic duty.

Given the cruel choice between "vote wisely" and "feed my family today," what do you honestly expect people to choose?

Moralizing Won’t Solve It — Empowerment Will

We cannot guilt people out of poverty. We cannot lecture people into ignoring immediate needs.
We must economically empower them.

Economic empowerment means providing people with:

• Stable livelihood opportunities
• Access to quality education and healthcare
• Decent wages and jobs near their communities
• Basic food security and affordable housing

It doesn't mean everyone becomes rich overnight. It simply means people live comfortably enough, so that vote-buying money becomes irrelevant, even insulting to their dignity.

Only when survival is no longer a daily crisis can people vote freely, wisely, and courageously.

The Root Problem: A Broken, Outdated System

Poverty is not random. It is manufactured and sustained by:

• An overcentralized government (Imperial Manila)
• A rigged economic system that favors elites and dynasties
• A Constitution that blocks real economic opportunity and regional growth

The 1987 Constitution, despite good intentions, has structurally locked millions into poverty through:

• Investment restrictions that choke job creation
• Political structures that protect dynasties
• Over-dependence on national government “ayuda” (assistance) during elections

If we want to stop vote-selling, we must correct the system—not just scold the victims.

System Change = Economic Empowerment = Electoral Integrity

• Imagine a Philippines where:
• Every region has thriving industries
• Every family has access to decent work
• Basic needs are not political favors but fundamental rights
• Politicians fear the voters, not the other way around

In such a Philippines, handing out P500 during elections would be useless.
People wouldn’t need to "sell" their votes because they wouldn't need rescuing.

They would vote based on principles, not survival.

Constitutional Reform: The First Step to Real Change

Our advocacy for constitutional reform is not about extending terms or power grabs.
It’s about finally fixing the structural flaws that keep millions of Filipinos vulnerable—and easy targets for corrupt politicians.

Reforming the Constitution means

• Opening the economy for more investments and jobs
• Decentralizing governance so provinces can develop faster
• Strengthening political parties to focus on platforms, not personalities
• Empowering citizens economically so that their votes are truly their own

It is because true democracy doesn’t exist where people are forced to sell their choices for survival.

Final Thoughts: Let's Be Real About Change

If we want free and fair elections,
If we want politicians to serve instead of exploit,
If we want a nation where dignity trumps desperation—
Then we must stop treating symptoms—and start healing the disease.

Vote-buying will end only when poverty ends. And poverty will end only when we #CorrectTheConstitution.

Let's maximize PhilHealth programs

Understanding the Significance of PhilHealth and Making the Most of Its Benefits in the Philippines

Among the most important elements for a functioning society is health, and for most Filipinos, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) forms the foundation of their health requirements. Whether you are a young professional, a parent, or a retiree, it is important to know and make the most out of the programs offered by PhilHealth so that you will be healthy and financially stable. Below, we have discussed why you should appreciate the benefits of PhilHealth and how you can maximize its programs.

What is PhilHealth?

According to record, PhilHealth represents a national health insurance program under the Philippines to ensure each Filipino has access to proper quality and affordable healthcare. This is a government corporation owned and controlled to help administer the National Health Insurance Program. Members of such a program pay premiums drawn from each of them pool together to have their cover on various medical and hospital services.

Why PhilHealth Matters

1. Safety Net: One of the major factors why PhilHealth is significant in life is that it stands as a safety net against medical emergencies. Medical expenses are indeed costly, much more if it is such a grave case or has been treated for several months in the hospital. By PhilHealth, part of the medical expenses including, at least partly, a portion of the hospital and surgery bill, outpatient even, would be cut short.
2. Health for All Filipinos PhilHealth hopes to provide accessible health care for all Filipinos, be it employed or unemployed, retired, self-employed, etc. Thus, everyone, including those vulnerable, such as seniors and families who are very poor and cannot afford the costs, can be ensured coverage so they are able to enjoy necessary health services.
3. Benefit Packages-Extensive Comprehensive benefit packages under PhilHealth include almost all health services, whether inpatient care, outpatient procedures, surgery, and specific treatments of diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, dialysis, among others. Its Z Benefit Packages even cover patients who have illnesses that are grave and fatal, requiring extensive treatment and rehabilitation.
4. Maternity and Newborn Care For families that would be expecting children, packages under PhilHealth really reduce the financial burden as it included pre-natal, delivery, and even neonatal care for mothers and baby from before, during, and after delivery.
5. Preventive and Primary Care PhilHealth advances equally preventive health care. It does this by offering early and voluntary programs that will prevent diseases. Members get covered for regular check-ups, vaccination, and screening to prevent severe diseases.

How to Maximize Programs from PhilHealth

1. Active Membership Ensure your membership is active and your contributions are current to benefit under the PhilHealth scheme. For employed members, it usually has already been deducted from their salary; in contrast, self-employed members should pay premiums at least quarterly or annually.
2. Know Your Benefits Familiarize yourself with the different packages offered by PhilHealth. This way you can prepare and look for medical services that fall under the package, which will save you money in the long run. For this you can check their website or on their hotline number for more comprehensive information about the various packages.
3. Update Your Records Always update your records, including dependents and contact information. Dependents, such as legal spouses, children under 21, and parents over 60, also benefit from your PhilHealth membership. Updating your records ensures that your dependents can avail themselves of the same healthcare coverage when needed.
4. Be Prepared With Your PhilHealth Identification Number Your PhilHealth Identification Number, or PIN, will be crucial in processing claims and checking membership. Bring your PhilHealth ID or have your PIN at hand when you visit the hospital or clinic so that you do not encounter any problem when registering or when the bill is presented to you.
5. Coordinate with your healthcare provider Before availing of medical services, make sure to coordinate with your healthcare provider if they are accredited by PhilHealth and which services are covered, so you will not encounter any surprise charges and making the process easier when availing of your benefits.

Why Love PhilHealth Benefits even when it's not the best in the world

• Peace of Mind: Financial help for health care during hard times brings peace of mind.
• Out-of-Pocket Expense Reduced: With escalating healthcare costs, PhilHealth would help bring them back into some manageable level. That would enable you to manage the expenditure on other aspects.
• Health Security for Family: Having a dependent enrolled for coverage brings health security benefits to the family members who would no longer have to spend an arm and leg just to avail of hospital and/or medical services that might already be needed.
• Support for Preventive Care: Using primary care services from PhilHealth to check up and receive an early diagnosis helps prevent worse conditions and keeps the patient's health in line.

More than as an insurance program, PhilHealth is the lifeline for millions of Filipinos. You may secure your health and your financial stability at the same time by fully availing of the different benefits which PhilHealth will offer to you. Always remember, good health does not cost a thing and having a dependable healthcare system through PhilHealth can save you money and make that difference for you. Become informed and pay your contributions ahead of the deadline, but know well what you can get under this vital public service.

Take the advantage of PhilHealth, which invests in your health and ensures you have a partner in your healthcare whenever you need it.

From bad to good credit score

From Bad to Good: How to Improve Your Credit Score and Build Financial Health

Your credit score plays a very important role in your financial life. It determines whether you are eligible for loans, credit cards, and even affects your job prospects and housing applications. This limits your options because of the low credit score, but the good thing is that you can definitely transform a poor credit score into a healthy one with an appropriate approach and dedication. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to go from bad to good credit and why it's essential to keep strong credit habits.

What is a Credit Score and Why Does it Matter?

Credit scores are three-digit numbers determined to represent your creditworthiness based on your financial history. It ranges between 300 and 850 in the following breakdown:

• Poor: 300-579
• Fair: 580-669
• Good: 670-739
• Very Good: 740-799
• Excellent: 800-850

This serves as an assessment of your credibility for the lenders and the financial institutions. The score will, therefore, mean that with a high credit score, you are at better interest rates, and normally, with higher credit scores, comes higher credit limits. Approval, in this case, will be easier; however, when the credit score falls on the low end, it may get very tough to qualify or gain desirable terms when applying for loans. How do you start making the journey from bad credit to good credit?

1. Be aware of your credit report

The only way one can begin fixing their scores is by determining what, if anything, exists on the report. Most people have something on theirs so check the account regularly for mistakes and illicit uses that may bring the number down.

How to Begin?

Get Your Free Report. You have access to view a free report annually directly from Experian, Equifax or Trans Union via the service AnnualCreditReport.com.

Review for Errors. Determine any wrong information such as the wrong account balance or a payment that is reported late where you never missed the deadline.

Dispute Inaccuracies. Where you notice such errors, dispute them with the credit bureau reporting the data.

2. Pay Your Bills on Time

Your credit report is comprised largely of about 35 percent payment history, and lags behind payments will surely affect you very badly or even take up to seven years after a payment that was once done is not cleared.

Guidelines for Great Payment History

Remind Yourself Regularly. Remember to send yourself reminders at the slightest signal using calendars, application prompts, or phone alarms for any due payments.

Automate Payments. Join the automatic payment facility on at least the minimum amount for all accounts.

Payment based on Due Date. In case of a liquidity crisis, pay the accounts which matter more, meaning, the credit cards and loans, since they affect the most about your credit profile.

3. Lower Debt-to-Credit Ratio

The most important factor in determining your credit score is your utilization rate, which is the ratio of your credit card balances to your credit limits. Paying off your balances in relation to your total available credit is important.

How To Lower Your Utilization Rate

Pay Off Debt Strategically. You may want to try paying down high-interest debt or smaller balances to just reduce your overall debt.

Demand Credit Limit Increases. Raise your credit limit to decrease the utilization ratio; but don't run up the card balance immediately after your limit increases.

Reduce Credit Card Use. Maintain credit card balances below 30% of available credit; even better would be below 10%, since it impacts your score the most.

4. Do Not Open More Than You Can Handle in a Single Period

Though you may be tempted to open new credit accounts in order to increase available credit, your score decreases with new inquiries. New inquiries cause a slight decline in your score every time. If you open many new accounts in a relatively short time, your credit scoring system will view this as abusive.

What Should You Do Instead?

Be Choosy. Only Apply When Necessary.

Space Out Applications. If possible, wait at least six months between new credit applications.

Pre-Approvals. Pre-approval checks won't affect your credit score and can give you an idea of which cards or loans you're likely to get approved for.

5. Keep Old Accounts Open

The length of your credit history is a factor that weighs about 15% in your scoring. Even though you will not be using older accounts frequently, try to avoid closing them, so that its age will keep increasing longer.

Managing Older Accounts

Do Not Close Unused Credit Cards. Close unused accounts only if the annual or monthly fees on them are considerably high. Leave the oldest credit cards open to support the average age of older accounts.

Apply Them From Time to Time. Apply some of the older cards when purchasing small items to keep these accounts open and active; this will prevent the credit issuers from closing them out.

6. Credit Mix Diversity

Having a mixture of different types of credit is also beneficial for your credit score. Lenders feel comfortable knowing that you have handled different types of credit responsibly.

How to Do It Without Risk:

Consider a Small Personal Loan: If you only have credit cards, taking out a small installment loan and paying it off can help.

Track Your Spending: Only take on new credit if you are sure you can handle the added payments.

7. Be Patient and Persistent

Improving your credit score takes time. Although minor changes can produce slow improvements, significant change will come from months and years of consistent good habits.

The Path to Good Credit

Be Consistent: Make paying bills on time a habit that lasts a lifetime.

Monitor Your Progress. Check your credit report and score regularly to track how your actions affect your overall credit health.

Celebrate Small Wins. Any positive action, such as paying down your debt or finishing off a month without late payments, is progress to be celebrated.

Conclusion: From Bad Credit to Good Credit

Making bad credit good is very much possible with the right willpower, consistency, and smart financial habits. While there is no magic fix overnight, knowing your credit report, staying on top of your payments, managing your debt, and watching for new credit are all keys to financial growth. Good credit does not happen overnight, so keep working at it. These steps will have you well on the way toward creating that healthy credit score, opening up new doors to exciting opportunities.

Why reading books matter

12 Reasons Why Reading Books Should Be a Part of Your Life

Life has become so fast paced that one can easily forget the simple, timeless joy of reading a book. Digital media and instant entertainment are right at our fingertips today, and sitting down to read a book seems almost old-fashioned. But books are the ultimate source of inspiration, knowledge, and personal growth. If you need reasons to re-fire or intensify your relationship with reading, here are 12 compelling reasons why books should be an integral part of your life.

1. Expand Your Knowledge

Books are one of the most reliable and enriching sources of information. With each book you read, you learn something new-whether it is a fact, a different perspective, or a unique insight. Books allow you to dig deep into topics and have a well-rounded understanding of subjects that interest you. The knowledge you gain from books will empower you in conversations, decision-making, and critical thinking.

2. Boost Mental Stimulation

Reading is among the greatest activities that ensure your brain is working perfectly. It is an excellent method to stay cognitive fit in the long term, according to a research about the prevention of aging decline through mental stimulation by reading. The books with intricate plots and complex characters as well as their ideas provide workouts to your brain so that you maintain your brain sharp and agile.

3. Explore New Worlds

Books take you to places and times far removed from your personal experience. Whether it's reading about historical events, futuristic universes, or different cultures, books let you live through the lives of people unlike yours. This must make a person more open-minded and culturally rich.

4. Spark Creativity

There is nothing as inspiring as a good book. Stories, particularly those that border on fantasy or philosophy, get one thinking out of the box. The more you read stories challenging your understanding or depicting an alternative reality, the more your brain starts piecing together its own creative ideas. It is not rare to see successful creatives from writing to entrepreneurship attribute inspiration to the books they read.

5. Reduces Stress

Feeling overwhelmed or anxious? A good book is just the perfect escape. In a great narrative, when you dive into it, the stress of your life outside fades away, and you are in another world, which helps you to calm down, relax, and refresh. Reading for 30 minutes can reduce stress levels significantly, making it a really effective tool for mental wellbeing.

6. Improve Vocabulary and Language Skills

The more one reads, the more words are exposed to him. Over time, this would build a vocabulary and enhance language skills, letting a person clearly articulate his thoughts and ideas. This builds confidence in speaking and writing but also improves their ability to interact better with people.

7. Improve Concentration and Focus

In an age dominated by the noise of notifications and fast swipes, reading books is one of the best things you can do to relearn how to focus. Unlike scanning online articles or social media posts, books require sustained attention. Thus, this activity trains the brain to pay attention over longer periods, making other areas of life more productive and concentrated.

8. Develop patience and perseverance

It's not an easy read when it is too long or complicated, but the reward is well worth it. Reading teaches you the value of patience as you struggle through difficult chapters or try to unravel intricate plotlines. When you finally get through a tough read, you realize that some of the most satisfying achievements take time and effort.

9. Expand Your Horizons

The exposure that books give is through knowledge of ideas and perception not normally found in real-life activities. Reading has presented different philosophies of lifestyles and ways of thought from one's own background, the reading of a book, such as a biography from a famous person to understanding the foreign culture about that particular place. So you learn to grow individually.

10. Develop Your Writing Skills

Reading is not only helpful for the spoken word but also an excellent tool to develop your writing skills. Reading through various styles and genres of writing makes you more familiar with the usage of language, sentence structure, and techniques of storytelling. This makes your writing more expressive and effective.

11. Build Empathy

One of the deepest things that reading does is to build up empathy. You see, as you read people's experiences and emotions, you enter into their shoes and feel and understand why they do certain things. This helps you better connect with people in life, making you more sympathetic to their plight and viewpoint.

12. Develop a Lifelong Love of Learning

Books feed on one's curiosity and develop a culture of continuous learning. Whether you are reading just for fun or for gaining a new skill, you are always prompted to read more, question more, and discover more. In short, this lifelong love affair with learning improves your life, keeps your mind fresh, and makes it less complicated to cope up in new situations.

Conclusion: Read Beyond the Pages

Books are much more than bound pages; they are the door to knowledge, growth, and relationships. The addition of a regular reading habit could really change your way of thinking, creativity, and all-around well-being. It is good to begin with topics and genres of interest and gradually expand in many other areas. Don't worry about how quickly you read or how many books you complete, but what you are really understanding from each one.

Grab a book today. Let it inspire you, teach you, and transform you. The journey of reading is one where every page turns into a new lesson, and every story adds richness to your life.

It's 2025 now

Welcoming 2025 in the Philippines: A Year of New Beginnings and the Call for Change

As we bid goodbye to 2024 and step into 2025, it is time to take a collective breath, reflect on our journey, and set our sights on a brighter future. For Filipinos, the new year symbolizes more than just another day of celebration filled with fireworks, family gatherings, and traditional media noche feasts—it's a hope-filled moment for renewal. But this year is even more special as it also signals not only a beginning but also a crucial phase in our lives: midterm elections.

The Year 2025: New Opportunity Awaits

Each year brings change, growth, and improvement. Thus, 2025 comes in the same expectation as before. As we usher in new projects, personal milestones, and community goals, it is also essential that we take stock of the past year. It's going to be tough but we learned a lot. Indeed, 2024 presented us with several trials and triumphs which brought in the lessons about resiliency and the kind of adaptability needed during tough times and showing our kind of solidarity. Now, as we begin in the year 2025, we should carry along all these lessons learned to continually strive to create a better Philippines for everyone.

2025 Midterm Elections: Time to Reflect and Act

One of the most significant happenings this year will be midterm elections. These are scheduled for the latter part of the year and will determine the makeup of the Senate, House of Representatives, and other key government offices. This is a chance for the Filipinos to vote on leaders who share their view of the future of this country.

The mid-term elections typically mark a deciding factor for the subsequent years that an administration spends in office, either building or breaking the policies of the incumbent government. It's that moment when voters ask the tough questions: are we moving in the right direction? Are our leaders keeping their promises on progress and service? Most importantly, what kind of change do we want to see in our society?

The Power of Change: Right Here, Right Now

Change can be so far away, occurring after elections or when laws are passed. But change doesn't wait. It begins in our homes, our communities, and with the choices we make every day. As we usher in 2025, it's essential to remember that the power of change lies in our collective hands. Whether we are focused on the ballot, community initiatives, or policy, we are the forces of change.

Change is always now. This makes us act on things today instead of procrastinating for tomorrow. Of course, midterm elections present the moment, but other forms of meaningful change in action are through educational programs, uplifting local businesses, sustainable practices, and the adoption of innovation.

Why Support Change?

Change is often met with resistance, especially when it disturbs the status quo. However, stagnation has its price because denying oneself the opportunity to grow means denying oneself, in the end. In a fast-paced world where technological development has been fast-paced, shifting global dynamics, and changing social challenges, one can no longer remain static. The Philippines has vast potential. Embracing change means committing to help unlock that potential for generations yet to come.

Think of the progress that has been made in the recent years: better infrastructure, increased access to technology, better health care, and economic opportunities gradually strengthening. None of those changes came overnight and none came without effort. They were brought about by people, leaders, and communities who believed that change was necessary and possible.

The Role of the Youth and First-Time Voters

As we are entering midterm elections, it would be pertinent to emphasize the role that young Filipinos and first-time voters can play. Being a majority of more than half the population, youth can sway elections, and they are bound to influence the country's future. Today's events will surely leave long-lasting impacts for future generations. By voting, joining a discussion, or advocating for what they believe in, the youth can be more proactive in civic life to be the voice of change for 2025.

Greeting 2025 with Open Arms and Minds

It is a clean slate full of promise, a year that calls for celebration of the achievements, acknowledgment of challenges, and commitment to positive action. As we prepare for midterm elections, let's celebrate this year with open minds and open hearts, ready to embrace change as an opportunity and not a threat.

To all the Filipinos, whether they are from the busy city or small towns, 2025 should be that year remembered for resilience and unity as we strive and push towards a brighter future. We move forward together as we realize that change happens not through grand gestures and pivotal elections but through ordinary choices.

Change is right now, and it starts with each one of us.

Why Spanish language is still alive in the Philippines

Refuting the Claim: The Philippines as a Non-Spanish-Speaking Country

The Philippines is not a Spanish-speaking country and my goal is to refute the same claim by Esquire Philippines writer Angelica Gutierrez. She claim that the Philippines is the only former Spanish colony not speaking Spanish and they keep on posting on social media. It is true in terms of the widespread and daily usage of the language, but it ignores the subtle ways Spanish language and culture have deeply embedded themselves in Philippine society. We have to look at history, linguistics, and the lingering cultural imprints that prove Spanish lingers, subtly, in the Philippines.

1. Historical Legacy and the Spanish Language Among the Elite

Spanish did indeed become the language of the elite, the educated, and the political class in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. For centuries, Spanish was taught in schools and was the primary language of government and literature. True, the Spanish friars focused on learning local languages like Tagalog and Cebuano to spread their religious teachings, but Spanish was adopted by the upper classes and those involved in governance.

Prominent Filipino writers like the works of José Rizal, "Noli Me Tángere" and "El Filibusterismo," to name a few, used their language to awaken national consciousness. The Spanish language came not only as a shadow of colonial power but in the very mouth of how resistance, reform, and an identity would be expressed: though the use of it declined, especially after its colonization by the Americans but never fully disappeared.

Also, most of the 82 provinces in the Philippines are named in Spanish language. The notable provinces with names ending in Spanish words like del Norte, del Sur, Occidental, and Oriental. My home province of Isabela was even named after the Queen Isabella II of Spain, the name of our country which is the Philippines is named after the King Philip. Another example is the municipality of Reina Mercedes which is also in Isabela is notably the most royal address in the world.

2. Integration of Spanish in Filipino Languages

No one can deny that the legacy left by the Spanish is very strong when it comes to the languages used in the Philippines. Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, and the regional languages are so filled with Spanish loan words that hundreds of words spoken every day in the country come from Spanish. The following are some examples of words used daily in the Philippines: mesa (table), silla (chair), kutsilyo (knife), gatas (milk), sapatos (shoes), and even numero (number).

Apart from basic words, some Filipino cultural practices retain a system of idiomatic phrases, counts, and other linguistic tools brought about by the Spanish that remained intact to this very day in certain circles such as among the elder ones or those who grew up within some parts of Zamboanga City. There is also the case wherein younger generations, without the actual knowledge of the subject matter, use Chavacano, the locally-influenced version of the Tagalog that blends local with Spanish tongues for people of their area. Being this type of Creole proves itself as evidence of how effective it is for Spanish not only in being retained over generations but also as able to integrate with native tongue even further.

3. The Position of the Spanish Language in School Education and in the Religion

Even though the Spanish Language is no longer prevalent in this country, which had been occupied by the Americans, it was studied in schools for centuries until, as recently as in the middle of the last century. In fact, until constitutional revision in 1987, there was, in the Philippines, an obligatory Philippine curriculum subject and, therefore, most of those living today have retained at least some familiarity with Spanish as part of their education.

In religious activities, influence from Spain is also strongly displayed. Their language in praying, hymns sung, and even terminologies used in religious gatherings were still derived from prayers through Santo Niño or the Holy Child, Nuestra Señora, the Our Lady, or terms like Hermanos (which means Brothers). It presents historical assimilation of Spanish to Filipino spirit under the tradition of Pasyon, which is a chant describing how Christ suffered during the Passion observed during Holy Week.

4. Revival and Modern Interest in the Spanish Language

In fact, recent developments showed the renewed interests about the Spanish language among the people of the Philippines. Various educational institutions, private schools that teach languages, and organizations in culture offer their course programs in Spanish for, apart from historical, cultural, and economic purposes, these are important relations for the two nations involved: the Philippines and Spain. Ties of Spain with the Philippines have been promoted through bilateral cultural programs as this will help to rejuvenate common heritage shared between two nations.

The boom in globalization and the increasing significance of Spanish as a global language is also a reason behind this resurgent interest. For a vast Hispanic market has started opening up, along with much economic potential related to countries speaking the Spanish language. Many professionals now consider it their advantage to be conversant with Spanish.

Conclusion: Spanish is Not Yet Over as a Lingua Philippines

Indeed, Spanish is no longer the lingua franca of the Philippines, unlike in other former Spanish colonies in Latin America. But to dismiss the Philippines as a non-Spanish-speaking country is to miss all the linguistic and cultural subtleties that continue to tie the nation to its Spanish past. From the rich blend of Spanish vocabulary in everyday speech to renewed interest in language learning and cultural programs, part of the Filipino identity is Spanish but not at the helm.

This would essentially oversimplify the case, claiming that the Philippines is now free of all of its Spanish roots. Of course, it runs much deeper and is wedged into the very fabric of culture, history, and even modern consciousness. Left, it may no longer be as dominant as once viewed and felt, but this lives on in constant repetition across generations, reminding the Filipino of a shared past, which defines their country's future and present.

Your stop doing list

Make a Not-To-Do List to Enhance Productivity

We are all familiar with the to-do list, the day-to-day tool for keeping tabs on tasks and boosting productivity. But how often do we think about what we should not be doing? A "Not-To-Do List" is just as important to build productivity and focus, as it helps avoid distractions, bad habits, and time-wasting activities that clutter our day. Here's how to build your own Not-To-Do List, and a list of unnecessary things you should stop doing today.

1. Stop Checking Your Phone Constantly

Our phones are powerful tools but can also be the ultimate time wasters. Constantly checking messages, social media, or emails every few minutes adds up, breaking your focus and eating into your productivity. Instead, try setting specific times to check your phone and stick to it.

2. Stop Saying "Yes" to Everything

One of the biggest productivity killers is the inability to say "no." Agreeing to every request and invitation not only overwhelms you but also drains time that could be used more effectively. Start prioritizing your own goals and commitments by learning to say "no" politely but firmly.

3. Stop Multitasking

The myth that you become more productive if you multitask has been disproved; in fact, it scatters focus and increases errors. Focus on one thing at a time. Use techniques such as the Pomodoro method to break tasks into focused intervals, maximizing efficiency.

4. Stop Starting Your Day Without a Plan

You go through the day without really accomplishing anything because you don't have a plan. Set clear priorities at the start of the day, identify what needs to be done, and make concrete steps to achieve them. Have a Not-To-Do List to remind you to avoid doing the things listed.

5. Avoid Reading Emails First Thing in the Morning

Most people start their day checking their email, which can be a huge distraction and start the day on a reactive note. Start your day by working focused on the most important thing you want to get done before checking your email.

6. Stop Office Gossip

All the gossips and negative conversation with the colleagues easily sweep you into their trap; however, all such meetings waste precious time and also divert one's attention without a proper cause. Therefore, one should politely avoid the same type of conversations and shift to their work.

7. End Overloading on Minor Decisions

We make thousands of tiny decisions daily, leading to "decision fatigue." Reducing this by setting up routines or automating choice in smaller daily decisions - for example, laying out clothes the night before or cooking all your meals for the week - leaves mental energy available for the bigger choices.

8. Quit Aimless Social Media Browsing

Social media can suck the time for much, much longer than you even think you will. Decide on a specific time in which to look at your social media and stick with it. Or try limiting screen time using apps like Freedom.

9. Stop Micromanaging (If You're a Manager)

Micromanaging wastes your time and does not allow your team members to grow or feel empowered. Instead, delegate tasks clearly and trust others to handle them. Focus on guiding and supporting rather than controlling every detail.

10. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Whether it is professionally or personally, constant comparison drains your energy and can make you feel unmotivated. Focus on your progress and accomplishments instead. Remember, everyone has their own journey.

11. Stop Working Without Breaks

You are bound to get burnout and will decrease your productivity in the long term. Take time out and refresh yourself by stepping out, a walk, stretch, or just a mental reboot; whatever it is, taking that time out may allow you to come back to your work with refreshed energy.

12. Stop Aiming for Perfection in Everything

While it is good to be the best you can, perfection in everything done is unattainable and takes much time. You should also be able to let go once things are "good enough". One of the worst pitfalls about perfectionism is that most often than not, people progress too slowly.

13. Let go of previous mistakes that continue to nag you

We all commit errors, but dwelling on the errors will not make you move forward. Learn your mistakes and let go. Holding too much to the past of what did not go right holds you from moving forward to achieving your new goals.

14. End Prioritizing Busy Work over Real Work

Some activities appear productive but aren't even moving you toward your overall goals. Find what actually matters and concentrate on doing those things. Don't do low-priority items just to be "busy".

15. Quit Being Your Own Critic

Negative self-talk drains your motivation and dampens your confidence. Make a conscious decision to end negative self-talk and replace those thoughts with positive affirmations. Focus on your strengths. Self-criticism isn't going to improve your performance; it just holds you back.

16. Stop Skipping Exercise and Self-Care

You need to take care of your body and mind for you to be productive. Do not treat exercise or self-care as a luxury; they are necessities to keep you energized, focused, and ready to take on challenges.

17. Stop Worrying About Things Beyond Your Control

The more you worry about things that are not within your control, the more it drains your mind. Take that burden off and focus on things you can control while leaving the rest. Learn to accept uncertainty as part of life and shift your energy toward actions you can influence.

18. Stop Ignoring Sleep

A major killer of productivity is lack of sleep. However, no matter the work you have to do, sleeping well is more important. At least, get 7-8 hours of sleep per night to be active and alert all day long.

19. Don't Overcheck Your To-Do List

Constant checking of the to-do list can easily interrupt the flow; rather, check in the morning, at noon, and end of the day. Balance between the time you spend planning versus actual doing should be kept at any given time.

20. Stop Overthinking Simple Things

It often happens that easy decisions make one procrastinate or feel paralyzed with an overdose of thoughts. In any event of such simple decision making, impose a time boundary upon it so that if in some case it exceeds a definite amount of time, put off and do not waste another precious time overthinking a little decision.

21. Avoid Procrastination on Big Tasks

The more time you take on the important tasks, the more you will pile up stress in your head. Eat that frog first thing in the morning and keep yourself moving towards your goal.

22. Avoid Working at Meal Times

You will find that you will be eating at work and you will feel you are productive, but the thing is, it actually hampers your digestion and won't really let you rest well. Take some time away from the desk to enjoy your meal and recharge.

23. Avoid Neglecting Personal Goals

Work goals are significant, but so are personal goals. Schedule time for fun activities that can help you develop as a person outside the workplace. Having a well-balanced life keeps you charged and focused.

Conclusion

Building into your daily routine, a not-to-do list is by far one of the best ways to quickly identify habits and activities that drain your energy or waste your time, thereby providing room to do only the meaningful work and experience that really matters.

Studying online for a diploma

Unlock your career potential-learn business and sales management online

Living in today's fast-evolving competitive environment, better education is a growing challenge, what with having to balance work, family, and personal obligations. Easy access to highly valuable skills and qualifications in the field of business and sales management, however, is right at your fingertips with online learning. Whether you are a working professional looking for an opportunity to advance your career or someone looking to break into the business world, an online diploma in business and sales management can open doors to countless opportunities.

I started my learning journey through Kingston International College based in Singapore to earn this diploma in business and sales management on October 4th, 2024.

Why Study Business and Sales Management?

Business and sales management is a dynamic field that cuts across such significant skills that include strategic thinking, leadership, customer relations, negotiation, and financial management. The process of conducting business is almost always subject to change and fierce competition, thereby increasing the need for a highly skilled professional who would be able to work in such areas. Preparing to make informed decisions, leading your team, and developing strategies that take businesses forward in any area.

Advantages of E-learning

Online education is flexible, convenient, and accessible. Here are some of the key benefits of learning business and sales management through online courses:

1. Study at Your Own Pace

One of the key strengths of online learning is that students have the flexibility to study at their own pace. Whether a full-time worker, stay-at-home parent, or juggling multiple commitments, online courses work around schedules. You can do coursework on your own for hours so that you continue with your work, attend to your responsibilities, or might be doing any number of other things while putting your education on hold.

2. Access to a Great Replenish of Resources

However, the best feature of online courses is that it can offer access to loads of resources such as video lectures, readings, case studies, and interactive exercises. Many courses further provide the possibility of interacting directly with instructors and peers through the use of forums and live discussions, thereby giving one an opportunity to collaborate and acquire other perspectives despite the distance between you.

3. Economical Education

Many online diploma programs in business and sales management are cheaper compared to campus-based programs. The beauty of this is that you save on transport, accommodation, and textbooks costs, while online programs often have lower tuition fees than classroom programs. Furthermore, it is easier to fund education if you can continue earning an income while studying.

Value of a Diploma in Business and Sales Management

It not only built one's knowledge but also heightened credibility in the business world. Some of the ways in which this diploma can be beneficial include the following:

1. Career Advancement

A business and sales management diploma tells employers that you have the skills needed to make you successful in any kind of job, from the simplest sales representative to the highest positions, such as business management. It makes you a more competitive candidate against others because people tend to choose candidates with a diploma rather than those who do not.

2. Higher Salary Potential

A diploma in business and sales management enables one to fetch higher-paid jobs. Account managers, business development executives, and sales managers, to name the most important, are paid competitively, and the more your credentials will enhance your prospects for the salary.

3. Success as an Entrepreneur

For business owners and entrepreneurs, a diploma in business and sales management will offer the right skills for running a successful business. This will include obtaining substantial knowledge about the managing of operations, optimal sales strategies, and market trends so as to lay the foundation of setting up a highly thriving company.

4. Increased Network

Most online business and sales management programs encourage you to connect with industry professionals, instructors, and peers. It can help you develop the network that may be associated with mentorship opportunities, collaboration, or even the opportunity to work under them in the future.

While there are many theories that might be applied to an online diploma in business and sales management, the degree focuses on practical application. Its delivery throughout the course provides exposure to real-life scenarios, case studies, and mirroring the current kind of challenges that may prevail among today's business leaders. That way, you can be quite sure to take up a lead position when you complete the course and immediately apply what you have learned in the workforce. An online diploma in business and sales management is as practical as its delivery.
Online courses accommodate students all over the world, irrespective of location. It is more easily accessible for time zone or a restricted facility dweller to access their physical institutions in pursuing their dream of getting a diploma in business and sales management. And, additionally, it gives ideas about learning community all around the world.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Future

Finally, within the dynamics of the ever-changing business world, it is imperative to stay ahead of that curve. With the online course in business and sales management, you will acquire skills, gain knowledge, and become more confident to stand out in your chosen career path, while offering you flexibility and convenience of learning at your own discretion. Be it stepping up the ladder in the corporate world, starting your own business, or just increasing your expertise, a diploma in business and sales management is an intelligent investment for your future.

Take a step today towards changing your career—unlock your potential and seize the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in the world of business and sales management.

Advantages of being a Spanish speaker

Learn Spanish Today and Understand Its Many Advantages

In this article, we have an expert guest who speaks Spanish, with a background in teaching the Spanish language and its culture. With experience in teaching Spanish, cultural awareness, and extolling the benefits of learning Spanish, this guest brings great experience and passion to the conversation. Showing the richness and diversity of the Spanish-speaking communities around the world, they are quite instrumental in teaching this beautiful language to someone.

Summary

Want to learn a new language? This is a really eye-opening episode, discussing the different reasons learning Spanish can be so very rewarding and useful: from the global outreach of the language to cultural reasons, work opportunities, and even how easy it is to learn. Appreciate Spanish music, dance, cinema, and literature while learning one of the most spoken languages in the world.

Key Takeaways:

Global Reach:

Second to Mandarin, Spanish is the most spoken language in the world in terms of the number of native speakers. There are approximately 500 million speakers worldwide. Learning Spanish will help you communicate with all those millions of people across 20 countries that declare Spanish as their mother tongue. While traveling, working, or even just getting acquainted with new people, Spanish will massively broaden your horizon.

Job Opportunities:

There are various job opportunities in the tourism, education, health, and government sectors by learning Spanish. The demand for bilingual professionals is huge, so fluency in Spanish is a big advantage in the international job market. The knowledge of the Spanish language can enhance your career from an international airlines and hotels to interpretation and teaching.

Ease of Learning:

Spanish is quite similar to other Romance languages like Italian, French, Portuguese, and Romanian; therefore, it is easy for English-speaking students to learn. Spanish and English are both written in the same Roman alphabet, and most of the words in Spanish are Latin-derived, just as in English. In addition, Spanish language speling is phonetical, with every letter having one sound attributed to it; hence, it is pretty straightforward to pronounce.

Cultural Immersion:

Live the passion of Spanish culture through music, dance, art, and literature. The Spanish-speaking world holds immense traditions, artistic creations, such as the passionate rhythms of flamenco and literary works like Gabriel García Márquez and Pablo Neruda. Through the learning of Spanish, a greater depth of meaning and appreciation for these cultural treasures is acquired.

Famous Quotes:

"Spanish is not only an international language, it is the second most spoken language in the world by native speakers."

"Explore a whole new world traveling the Spanish-speaking world."

"Spanish and English are European languages. They share almost the same alphabet."

"You will find jobs working for international airlines, hotels, tourism, education, interpreting, the health industry, government, and more."

"It's time to learn Spanish and feel the excitement of learning a new language and culture."

Resources:

Official website: Spanish Language Transfer

Bring yourself to this highly insightful episode and unlock the doors in a world full of opportunities as you learn the Spanish language. Enjoy the full episode and relish more exciting discussions in this engaging episode. Keep watching out for more learning enriching content in times to come. Allow the joy of learning the Spanish language to bring you countless opportunities at work and in your personal life.

Casting process in the showbiz industry

Unlocking the Casting Process: An Insight from Kurt Yu

Renowned actor Kurt Yu is popular for the role of George in the hit show Cobra Kai on Netflix. Having had extensive experience in his film and television career, Kurt has given a very special insider view of the casting process and offers knowledge to help aspiring actors find their way to success.

In this very informative episode, Kurt Yu looks deeper into the intricacies of movie and television casting. He takes his audience through meticulous details of the 13 essential steps in the process of casting a role—from hiring a casting director to making offers to the actors. In detail, breaking down each step, Kurt shows how actors can properly work around the casting process to book roles.

Kurt shared the importance of having a great headshot, the role that agents play in helping actors get in front of the casting directors, and the preparation required before auditions. His explanations are very detailed, allowing one to understand all the behind-the-scenes details of casting decisions and what constitutes an actor's successful positioning for the getting of roles.

Key Takeaways:

Knowing the Casting Process: Understanding the entire process from start to end is important if an actor wants to be cast in a movie or television series. From the initial role breakdown to the final decision, every single stage in casting plays an important role in choosing an actor.

The Role of Agents: For every actor, a good agent is quite important in the representation of actors and linking those actors to the appropriate casting directors. A good agent makes all the difference in an actor's career by opening doors for opportunities that are otherwise easily missed.

Attention-Grabbing Headshots: Having a great headshot is key to getting the attention of casting directors for auditions. In most cases, a headshot is the first impression an actor can make; therefore, it should really be outstanding and outshine all other hundreds of submissions.

Audition Preparation: Normally, auditions call for good preparation. Whether auditions are done in person or through self-tapes, actors have to be well-prepared to deliver a good performance since that is their chance to show their talent and suitability for the role.

Final Casting Decisions: The final casting choice belongs to none other than the producers, showrunners, directors, or the network—not the casting director. While the casting directors are pivotal in their positions within the selection process, they are not the actual decision-makers.

Memorable Quotes:

"The casting director doesn't make the final casting decision."

"HAVING A GREAT HEADSHOT IS SO IMPORTANT TO STAND OUT TO CASTING DIRECTORS IN CHOOSING WHO THEY WANT TO AUDITION."

Resources:

Now Streaming Cobra Kai on Netflix: Cobra Kai is now streaming on Netflix.

Deep Dive:

Kurt Yu's episode is full of great information for actors and anyone interested in film and television. Understanding the process and the number of steps it takes can help an actor prepare themselves for better success. From getting that great headshot to an agent's critical role and what one needs to be prepared for when auditioning, this episode gives a thorough roadmap on the very competitive world of casting.

Don't miss the real valued nuggets of the casting process by Kurt Yu. Watch the full episode to know exactly what goes on in the film and television industry. Connect for more engaging content and industrial tips, and start your first step toward the mastering of auditioning.

History of Isabela School of Arts and Trades (ISAT)

Courtesy of cityofilagan.gov.ph

One of the prestigious public secondary and vocational institutions is the Isabela School of Arts and Trades located in Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines. ISAT is among the largest Technical Vocational Schools in Cagayan Valley, which boasts a very long history from 1908. The main goal of the school is to provide quality education throughout the province by integrating academic instruction with courses offered by TESDA. The main campus of ISAT is located in Calamagui 2nd, Ilagan City, and provides a comfortable learning atmosphere for its students. Added to this is an adjunct campus of the institution located in Cabannungan 2nd, Ilagan City. Since both campuses are public high school in category, the wide range of local students will be given a chance to study.

The ISAT administration is headed by Gilbert N. Tong, principal heads of the Schools Division of the City of Ilagan. Under his leadership, the school was able to perform, and provided excellent educational opportunities for the students. Mary Ann Catindig is the present principal of ISAT and forms a core component in conducting the day-to-day activities and sustaining an excellent school. Basically, ISAT focuses on the grooming of students to be multidimensional by integrating the development of technical and practical skills with the acquisition of academic knowledge. The inclusion of the TESDA courses in the curriculum enables the school to offer its students relevant, practical skills highly needed in the labor market.

It offers students employable skills, relevantly equipping to have a positive impact on the economy and society for a career in arts and trades of all categories. The highly qualified instructors and staff of ISAT are committed to providing students with a safe and supportive learning environment. Students are assisted in their learning using state-of-the-art teaching techniques and current instructional materials. Besides, the school promotes extracurricular activities and encourages students' participation in various groups and organizations to enhance holistic development and further their interests and talents. The commitment of ISAT to quality extends beyond the classrooms. It also reaches out to the local community by forming links with professionals in the sector, outreach activities, and involvement in regional and national contests.

These kinds of programs broaden the horizons of students and increase their mental makeup by exposing them to real-life situations, hence enhancing employability upon graduation. In summary, Isabela School of Arts and Trades has been a premier educational institution in Ilagan, Isabela, for more than a hundred years. ISAT stays as a paramount influence in the lives of students and a strong catalyst in the growth and development of the region through its TESDA courses, dedicated teachers, and emphasis on holistic development.

Fostering the Spanish language in the Philippines

A way of consistently fostering the conservation of our Spanish heritage, particularly the Spanish language, is to use Spanish loanwords.

I had a good laugh watching this clip from a Dolphy movie where Babalu interrogated Yoyong Martirez. In response to the Martirez doubting that he's a real cop, Babalu replied, "O, heto ang tarheta ko". I also remember my father using tarheta or tarjeta (to refer to smaller cards) as well, but I don't remember any other adults using it growing up, so I was surprised to see that Dolphy movie clip with Babalu. Tarheta is rarely used nowadays because, first, it is regarded as an old word, second, business cards are rarely used nowadays.

I moved some furniture to my parents' house while I was on vacation in the Philippines last December. I was helped by a nephew who referred to it as "purnityur". I told him that's English and it doesn't sound right tagalized. Try saying muebles instead of "purnityur". He did and found it easier.

Our local languages are losing more and more Spanish loanwords as time goes on. Those of us who champion preserving our past should start using these old loan words in our daily lives and encourage the young to do the same. - A

10 spending habits to break before you turn 30

1. YOLO lifestyle The "You Only Live Once" (YOLO) lifestyle emphasizes living in the moment, often without much consideration for the future. It prioritizes experiences and immediate gratification over long-term planning and stability. While adopting a YOLO mindset can lead to adventurous and memorable experiences, it can also result in financial recklessness and neglect of important responsibilities.
2. Impulse buying. It refers to making unplanned purchases based on sudden desires or emotions, rather than careful consideration of needs or budget. It often leads to overspending on items that may not be essential or even practical. Impulse buying can be fueled by advertising, peer pressure, or emotional triggers, and it can undermine financial goals and budgeting efforts.
3. Borrowing money. It involves obtaining funds from a lender with the promise to repay the amount borrowed, usually with interest, at a later date. While borrowing can provide short-term financial relief or facilitate major purchases, such as homes or education, it also comes with financial obligations and risks. Excessive borrowing can lead to debt accumulation, interest payments, and potential financial strain if repayment becomes challenging.
4. Spending to impress others. It involves making purchases with the primary goal of gaining social status or approval from peers. It often leads to conspicuous consumption, where individuals prioritize material possessions and lavish experiences to project a certain image or lifestyle. However, this behavior can result in financial insecurity, as it may encourage overspending and neglect of personal financial goals.
5. Failing to track expenses. It refers to not monitoring or recording personal spending habits and patterns. Without accurate tracking, individuals may underestimate their expenditures, overspend in certain categories, or overlook opportunities for saving. Tracking expenses is essential for maintaining a balanced budget, identifying areas for cost-cutting, and achieving financial goals.
6. Spending first before saving. It involves prioritizing immediate consumption over setting aside money for future goals or emergencies. This approach can lead to a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, with little to no savings for long-term financial security. Saving should ideally precede spending, with a portion of income allocated towards savings and investments before discretionary expenses are considered.
7. Paying for convenience all the time. It involves opting for products or services that offer convenience or time-saving benefits, even if they come at a higher cost. While convenience can be valuable in certain situations, relying excessively on convenience-based purchases can inflate expenses and strain financial resources. It's important to weigh the trade-offs between convenience and cost-effectiveness when making purchasing decisions.
8. Credit card debt. It arises when individuals borrow money through credit cards and fail to repay the full balance by the due date. Credit cards typically charge high interest rates on unpaid balances, making it easy for debt to accumulate if payments are not made in full and on time. Carrying credit card debt can result in financial stress, lower credit scores, and long-term interest payments that hinder financial progress.
9. Never say "no". It refers to the tendency to indulge in spending without setting limits or boundaries. It involves saying yes to every impulse or request, whether it's dining out, shopping, or participating in costly activities. Failing to exercise restraint can lead to financial overextension, strained relationships, and difficulty achieving financial goals. Learning to say "no" when necessary is essential for maintaining financial health and prioritizing long-term objectives.
10. Spending too much on vices. It involves allocating a significant portion of income towards indulgent or addictive behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, gambling, or excessive entertainment. While vices can provide temporary pleasure or relief, overspending on them can have detrimental effects on both physical and financial well-being. It's important to balance indulgence with responsible budgeting and prioritization of essential needs and long-term goals.