Study Academic and Business Writing for FREE

Jumpstart your career in writing. Get the basics to academic and business writing by studying online. EdX offers interactive online classes that enables one to study anytime and anywhere. 

The course, College Writing: Principles of Written English Part 3 will focus on basics of academic writing including essay development, grammatical correctness and self-editing. One will be able to write in different disciplines. Readings, video, online discussions, homework assignments and peer review can be expected during the course. At the end, you will be able to complete several short writing assignments. 

Classes will start April 1, 2015. The course is FREE. If you want to want to have a verified certificate of achieve, $50 will apply but that is OPTIONAL. You may enroll via this link. 

Take Your Step To Success at the 2nd Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo

Do you want to start a business? 

Are you lacking ideas or not confident about your own start-up?

Well, franchising may be an option for you. This business model is about utilizing and practicing a perfected business concept. Mostly, this is employed by opening another site or branch for a certain business. 

Mediacom Solutions, Inc. is inviting you to attend the 2nd Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo on June 5-7, 2015 at the Megatrade Hall 1, 5th Floor, Mega B Building, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. This event is going to bigger with more than 108 featured businesses and SMEs and 15,000 expected visitors. 

According to Mr. David Abrenilla, President and Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo Founder and Managing Director of Mediacome Solutions Inc.,  "We are expecting to see many new brand concepts at the expo, especially in the service industry, like beauty, healthcare, education and wellness. Our vision is to strengthen local businesses and provide a platform for them to showcase their innovative products and services. We also provide assistance for business owners and executives to network amongst other professionals and stakeholders in order to open opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own business and for local businesses to grow regionally” 

In line with this, visitors will be able to explore franchise opportunities from various business sectors, such as food, retail, eduction, travel, health and beauty. The show will also feature industry suppliers and SMEs from the agriculture, manufacturing, technology, automobile, logistic and financing sector and will hold several activities to encourage business professionals, company owners and decision makers to meet face to face.

There would also be seminars during the event. Topics will include: 

1. The Power of Social Media

2. Search Engine Optimization

3. 5 Secrets To Run Your Business Like A Top CEO

4. Promoting Your Business Online

5. What To Look For When Investing Into A Franchise

6. Financing Opportunities for Small Businesses 

The Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo 2015 is endorsed and supported by the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA) and the Young Entrepreneurs Society Philippines (YES); and sponsored by GLOBE MyBusiness, 2GO Express,  Benchmark and ESQUIRE Financing.

You may register for FREE online at www.efe.ph and don't forget to like their facebook page for more details. 

Interested to exhibit? Contact ELVIS ELORDE at +63.2.509.4792, +63.927.395.1575 or send an email at elvis@efe.ph. 

10 Things I make "kwento" about Davao City

I grew up in Davao and I am proud of it. So proud that despite being in Metro Manila for more than 5 years, I still keep my bisaya accent. No need to change to the "Tagalog" way of speaking. Thus, strangers and friends would immediately ask me, "Saan province mo?" and I would proudly say, Davao. Then, they would ask, "San sa Davao?" and I would reply "Sa Davao City mismo." Then the conversation would start.... 

Here are the 10 Things I make "kwento" about my hometown. 

1. Durian - When I was a kid, I did not like durian for an unknown reason. However, when I was in college, I discovered how delicious and special the "King of Fruits" is and it suddenly became my favorite. Aside from its taste, I love Durian for health reasons. Helps me whenever I have asthma attacks. It is also known to be rich in potassium.

Photo Credit: Janice Lopez

2. Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies - Whenever we talk about Durian, people would tell me, "I do not like the fruit but I like the durian candies". Yes, durian candy is an all-time favorite pasalubong from Davao City and do you know where to get the best durian candies? 

Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies makes the best durian candies in town. I am able to witness the humble beginnings of this company and how it grew to become the leader in the market. Their sweet treats are made with pure love and highest quality standards. Not to mention, whenever you visit their store in Matina, you will get the best customer service and unlimited free taste. 

For more details about their products and how to order, you may visit their facebook page. 

3. Davao Crocodile Park - Crocodiles are common in Metro Manila especially in EDSA -- ang dami. (hahaha!) Kidding aside, Val has long been fascinated by reptiles thus, whenever we talk about Davao City, it's impossible that this park is missed out. It is home to the famous 18-feet long crocodile named Pangil who's the largest living crocodile in captivity in the country (after Lolong died.) It is a petting zoo, wildlife sanctuary and a recreation all in one place. Thus, whenever you are visiting, make sure you include this in your itinerary. Don't forget to check the show schedules to maximize your visit. 

4. Samal Island - Samal Island is known for its white sand beaches, clear waters and beautiful marine life. Currently, there are a lot of beach resorts now open that I am sure you can find a place that suits your preference and budget. This island is actually no longer part of Davao City yet it is so near that you can afford to have breakfast there and be back at home by lunch time. You can reach this beautiful place by riding a ferry. 

Photo credit: http://www.pearlfarmresort.com/

5. Philippine Eagle - With too much problems going on in the Philippine society, we may feel that there is no more hope but did you know that this rare "PAG-ASA" is from Davao City? Okay! That is out of the topic. Going back, Pag-asa is the actually a male Philippine monkey eating eagle. He is the first one to be bred and hatched in captivity. The Philippine eagle is one of the critical endangered species and you may find the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary in Calinan.

6. People's Park - This is actually the safest park I know. With strict security at the entrance, ensuring that no deadly weapons and illegal stuff brought inside, one can truly enjoy the visit. I love that this place is well-kept and open to the public for free. I remember that there was even free "lugaw" for everyone. This place made me realize that being broke does not mean you can't have a good time. 

7. Drinking Water - Have you ever tried drinking directly from the faucet without worrying? Well, I can only do that in Davao. No need to go to the refilling station for your drinking water because it has one of the best potable water in the world in terms of cleanliness, safety, mineral content, and taste. 

Photo Credit: www.pixabay.com

8. No Smoking Ordinance - Being able to discipline people about smoking in public is such a huge achievement in a country where there is too much democracy. Less smoke means healthier lungs. 

Photo Credit: www.pixabay.com

9. 911 Emergency System - Have you tried calling 911 when you are in Metro Manila? Well, I guess nothing happens. However, when you call 911 in Davao City, it actually works. Davao City is the only city aside from US and Canada to have a integrated emergency response system. It responds to all kinds of emergencies: medical, fire, police assistance and other disasters. Available to all for FREE. Cool right? 

Photo Credit: http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/

10. Security - Lastly, Davao City is known for lowest crime rates and has the best police force in the country. You can enjoy walking outside your home even at 12 midnight without being paranoid. There are CCTV cameras all around the city for monitoring. It is known to be a dangerous place for criminals and a paradise for ordinary citizens like us. It has been ranked as the 4th safest place in the world. (Yey!) 

These are just a few things about my hometown that we can all be proud of.

Why did I write this? Well, It is actually Araw ng Davao (March 16) and I miss home.

HAPPY ARAW NG DAVAO! LIFE IS HERE! 

Endless Fun Under the Philippine Sun

I love the sun. Going out of the house enjoying the warmth of the sunshine during summer time was one of the things I look forward to when classes close in March. I grew up in a place where the beach was just 15 minutes away from home. So for me, summer meant the sand, the beach, the sun. It was pure bliss not until the ozone layer was destroyed. 

Now, you''ll get scared being soaked in the sun with the probability of getting skin cancer. Sun exposure leads to sun damage not to mention it speeds up the aging process.  

Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is the answer to your skin problems this summer. It is formulated with unbeatable UVA and UVB filters to protect your skin in the harsh ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Dermplus sunblock physically blocks and reflects light and it also helps heal skin damage caused by over-exposure to the sun.  

There are different SPFs depending on your skin type and intended use. 

1. SPF 24 is recommended for morena skin and for indoor use.

2. SPF 35 for fair skin 

3. SPF 80 and 130 for extreme outdoor activities. 

Now, we can have the peace of mind that we are protected when we go out. It is time to have endless fun under the Philippine Sun. Enjoy the beaches in Davao, Bohol, Cebu, Boracay and Palawan.  

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is available in all leading drugstores, supermarkets and department stores nationwide. For more information call 817 33 03 or like them on facebook.