LET’S GIVE THEM A TRY!

LET’S GIVE THEM A TRY!

THE PILOT GROUP OF RAMPING CADETS AT ISNTC

Ramp – A roadway leading from one level to another

Last June 2006, ISNTC launched is pilot Ramping Cadets group. Basically, these are cadets

who are aspiring to be cadets of ISNTC and work on board. Because of constantly changing international standards set by the global demands on the maritime industry the company initiated a program to upgrade the academic skills of its cadets through a training entitled “ Ramping Cadets” The training department, headed by Captain Palenzuela and Captain Moro saw the great need to fill manning requirements of foreign principals. They saw diamonds in the rough among the cadets and decided to mold these young men into full-fledged cadets. Thus, the Ramping Cadets program began.

The program consists of two review courses: English Proficiency and Mathematics. The English part of the program was handled by ISNTC’s training affiliate Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals or ASAP. It involved a review of basic grammar, essay and letter writing, public speaking, and reporting skills. The Mathematics program, on the other hand, reviewed the participants on job-specific Math skills.

The training worked around an elimination process, where only the toughest survive. The English and Mathematics trainers were instructed to give the participants a battery of tests, drills, and periodic evaluations to see who are academically prepared to undergo the full cadetship program. The participants were fully aware of this setup and strived hard to meet the requirements.

The ISNTC training department is happy to say that the program yielded positive results. The passing rate ensures a sufficient cadet population to help keep ASM in its niche in the maritime industry. The successful passers now feel the challenge and are ready to step up to the plate and show what they are capable of. The positive result has inspired ISNTC and there are talks of more groups of Ramping Cadets to come.

“Courage is the first of human qualities, because it is the quality which guarantees all others.”

- Winston Churchill

REGINES SPA: A RETURN TO THE CLEAN IMAGE OF THE PHILIPPINE MASSAGE

REGINES SPA: A RETURN TO THE CLEAN IMAGE OF THE PHILIPPINE MASSAGE

Carmela Baluyut 10/7/06

Regine’s Health Spa has been in the therapeutic health service for 12 years now – longer than the survival years of many other spas in the business. “When we started in 1994, there were only three major players in the Makati area, including us. Now, there are at least 30 spas and that’s only in our area, Kalayaan, Makati, says Ammy Lemana, Regines owner and founder.” But Regines has outlived its rivals through 12 years of industry challenges and slumps. What’s their secret? “Traditional, effective, and no hanky panky spa services,” says Ms. Lemana. She believes “The best customer is a satisfied one. When he’s happy when he walks out of our spa, you can be sure he’ll be back – and he’ll bring friends.”

A DAMAGED IMAGE

Sadly, “satisfaction” from a spa, which is generally known as a massage parlor, seems to have taken on a less professional sound these days. Locally and abroad, spas and massage parlors face a new threat to their professional image. There is now a proliferation of unscrupulous “massage” parlors that maintain a bevy of young, attractive, however often unschooled young ladies. Why the particular requirements? Obviously these masseuses have been instructed to offer more than just massage. This new class of prostitution is causing serious problems to the credibility of spas and massage parlors in general. Says Ms. Lemana. “Now, if a man says he’s going to get a massage, you get raised eyebrows from those around him.”

Soyon Im wrote in The Great Divide: Interracial Romance Divides Asian Americans, that Asian women are portrayed in Hollywood as sex symbols because this is “an extension of the intercontinental Asian sex trade,” and this is because of “the system of military prostitution that has migrated overseas to the US in the form of 'Oriental' massage parlors, dating services, and marriage brokerages.”

REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE

In June 2006, the newly-founded Spa and Wellness Association of Cebu (SWAC) met and discussed to create new provisions measures to prevent further deterioration to the industries image, and steps have been taken to reify these provisions.

The Philippines is also a winner in the Asian Tourism industry. In November 2005, The Philippine Spa Association bagged five top awards at the very first Baccarat AsiaSpa Awards (BASA), attended by over 120 spa owners, experts and supporters at a cocktail and spa cuisine event at the Inter Continental Hong Kong. And as Ms. Lemana says, quality of services go a long way. The global market is full of happy visitors to the Philippines. Here are some happy tourists’ testimonies:

“This is the best place I have ever been to…I don't know why this country suffers from bad publicity…The Philippines is a very nice place for people to shop and it is also has very cheap but very good quality goods. People are really friendly.” -- Sacramento, California

“Overall, I like the Philippine atmosphere, convenience, and values. It’s a great place to shop in and have spa and other massage treatments.”-- Hollywood, CA

“According to GAWC's 2006 studies, Manila is one of the Gamma Cities of the World. (a Global City). In layman's terms, it's one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. I love this city!” – Bangkok, Thailand

REGINES’ FAMILY FRIENDLY SERVICE

In support of the efforts of spa associations, Regines is promoting its massage services for the whole family. Amy and her husband Uly jointly manage their Makati and Boracay branches. “My whole family is involved in this business and I see no reason why a whole family should not get a massage together.” She believes that a family can get stress from work and school, and will invest wisely in therapeutic health services. “This is a real massage: Simply a health remedy for a tired body and mind.”

Sample the best of Regines services such as massages, scrubs, and other beauty treatments. Enjoy their homey atmosphere and the expertise of their masseuses trained by Masseuse Board Exam First placers. Visit their branches at the Mezzanine Floor, 8429 Kalayaan cor., Makati City, Manucmanuc Boracay, and soon to open in Plaza Aldea, Taytay. You can also visit their website at www.regineshealthspa.com

KEEPING FILIPINO CRUISE EMPLOYEES IN DEMAND

The cruise industry calls for dedicated Filipino tourism professionals who specialize in a variety of areas. Cooks, waiters, wine experts, hosts, gym instructors, and many more go onboard year in and out, earning dollars for their families. Yet despite the attractions of this industry, a great void still remains to be filled in cruise ship job opportunities. This need has put many manning companies under pressure. They need to fill requests for skilled workers and professionals, maintain the same work excellence, and make sure the Philippines maintains its footing in the industry. Engineer Ambatali of Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. is an officer of one such company that deals with this issue every day.

The real problem, according to him, is not that there are no willing or skilled applicants. It is a fact that countless hopefuls flock to manning agencies to work on cruise ships. The real problem is that not all these applicants show the desirable level of confidence and communication ease that distinguishes cruise workers and professionals from others in the maritime industry. Of course we cannot sacrifice quality just to fill orders for new cruise personnel. He took a necessary step, therefore, and asked for assistance from a group of professionals with exciting English enhancement methods proven effective for many skilled workers and professionals.

Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals or ASAP has conducted trainings with various maritime companies. It has trained people from rank and file on the critical skills necessary for English fluency: grammar refinement, English proficiency, use of idiomatic language, conversational skills, accent neutralization, essay writing, technical communications, and business English. So, from December 2005 to January 2006, PTC applicants underwent the “Cruise English – Presentation and Social Interaction Skills in the Global workplace” seminar.

ASAP took into great consideration the fact that “PTC services a wide range of principals worldwide from the Far East , U.S., Europe, Middle East and Scandinavia.” This helped the program developers to have the central principle of “Global English.” Simply put, the world has become one global community via communication technology. Cruise professionals should likewise display the same international consciousness. This streamlined approach to dealing with passengers will allow for a comfortable and memorable cruise experience. This global consciousness can be felt in ASAP’s lessons, activities, discussion topics, and mock presentations. One example of a section of the course is that of “Englishes” all over the globe. This talks of the variety of English variations in different countries. What makes these versions unique and how best should one communicate with these speakers? The participants, on their part, showed enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and open-mindedness to comments regarding their performance as communicators. Their positive response has inspired Engineer Ambatali to further maintain collaboration with ASAP as a training affiliate for future projects.

Another critical part of the training was the job interview coaching. ASAP’s goal was to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for answering questions in English. It was here that participants realized the skills that they needed to enhance in order to pass job interviews successfully. The training brought on laughs, of course, but after that realization set in and they worked hard to improve their performance. All of their hard work paid off. Engineer Ambatali is proud to announce that at least 95% of the participants passed their job interview with foreign nationals and they are now earning dream incomes for their families.

First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak. – Epictetus

THE NEW ENGLISH TEACHERS

THE NEW ENGLISH TEACHERS

Many Filipinos believe that the best English teachers are native speakers. However, times have changed and native (monolingual) speakers are now faced with competition in the form of non-native (multilingual) English teachers.

Can non-native English teachers be better than native English speakers?

The answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’ The global market is changing and one of the most significant adjustments is hiring multilingual employees. This makes sense because an employee who can speak more than one language will be more flexible and thereby more useful. A significant article entitled English Next, by David Graddol of The English Company (UK) Ltd talks about this emerging phenomenon:

“…the economic and competitive advantage of English for the UK (and perhaps other native-speaking countries) seems to be ebbing away.”

He says this because as global businesses open their doors to a more international clientele, their people must likewise be able to cater to a more culturally diverse market. Graddol adds,

“At present we are in a transitional phase, in which the rapid growth of English learners around the world is concealing more fundamental changes in the status of English learners’ relationships to it…the ELT (English Language Teaching) will take on more of the characteristics of the Global Phase.”

Why did this change happen?

According to Graddol, native speakers previously had the advantage but since non-native speakers learn fast, also through the help of various forms of media (movies, publications, etc.) native speakers are now more competitive, probably only as far as their authentic accents and colloquial expressions are concerned. However, the core ability to communicate in English is no longer exclusive to them.

“…the language (English) was learned by non-native speakers either as a ‘foreign language’ or, by immigrants as a ‘second language.’ In multicultural (former colonial) countries, English also formed part of a national dynamic. The whole business reinforced the natural superiority of native speakers and native-speaking countries who, in quite complex ways, picked up most of the benefits.”

“…as bilingual and multilingual proficiency becomes more sought after in employees, so it does in teachers; monolingualism becomes second best.

”

ACB / ASAP Inc. / www.advancedspeech.net

A Filipina in New Zealand reaches out to needy countrymen

A Filipina in New Zealand reaches out to needy countrymen

Meet ML. A true-blue Filipina now living in New Zealand; her home for several years. She works as a fashion consultant and buyer for no less than SAKS, one of the biggest European fashion houses exclusively carrying brand names like Versace, Escada, Hugo Boss, Boss Orange Label, Armani Collezione, D&G, Caruso, Cantarelli, and Brioni. Aside from this, she is sometimes a personal stylist to a number of TV and top sports personalities in New Zealand.

This glitzy world of high fashion is a far cry from her roots in the Philippines. Sa young woman, she was a nun with the Daughters of St. Paul in Pasay City. She was deeply moved when she saw the news report about the Leyte mudslide that wiped away the entire village of Guinsaugon, St. Bernard. Having grown up in Hinunangnan, a few kilometers away from the disaster area, she was also left grieving for a place so close to her heart.

ML got hold of TV3 NZ presenter Mike Mc Roberts, a close friend, and together they traveled to Leyte. Nothing prepared ML for what awaited her there. What used to be a busy road in which trucks for trading went to and fro was now completely erased. Miles and miles of land stretched before her where houses, public buildings, marketplaces, and small chapels used to stand. Being the fighter she has always been, she initiated steps to help alleviate the sufferings of the surviving relatives of the landslide casualties. Her priority? The children.

Even while traveling back to New Zealand, ML’s mind was already at work on how best to help the children left behind. Her first step was to have two powerfully moving documentaries made about the tragedy. Her goal was to gather all forms of support via the PAGLA-UM (Hope) Trust she founded. The trust aims to ensure that the surviving children of St. Bernard finish their entire education and create a brighter future for themselves and get on with life despite what happened to them. On April 29, 2006, a fundraiser “Forgotten Victims charity Dinner” will take place in New Zealand and will be hosted by Mike Mc Roberts himself.

ML believes that a home is not earth that we build houses on. Rather, she believes it is in our hearts and we take it with us wherever we go.

ACB / ASAP Inc. / www.advancedspeech.net

JO TANKERS INITIATES ENGLISH ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS

JO TANKERS INITIATES ENGLISH ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS

Captain Alinea of Jo Tankers Incorporated began his maritime career earlier than most. At a young age, he graduated with distinction from his BS Marine Engineering course. He became a captain and finally became the second youngest captain in the Philippines with his then company. He has been with Jo Tankers for years. He would have also been one of the youngest retirees. If his plans fall through, he would bow out of active work. However, because of the great lack of qualified maritime officers the country is experiencing now, he has been asked to return as captain.

He says he is equal to the task, of course, but he can’t help wondering at the current lack of aspirants for officer positions. He remembers a time when these opportunities for career growth were the motivations of seamen for performing their duties.

One solution he sees is giving our seamen more confidence to eye promotions as maritime officers. In fact, there are now proposals to require junior officers to undergo trainings courses for higher administrative work later in their careers. In support of these initiatives Captain Alinea collaborated with Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals or ASAP. He and his administrative officers were the first to undergo classes for various areas of English communication. The first was Intensive English Grammar, a 20-hour class they took from January to February of this year. It reviews the basic principles of grammar and their common misuse due to factors like media and reluctance to conform to conventions. Jo Tankers is a multinational company and Captain Alinea believes that updating one’s services and performance according to global developments is critical to company survival. He and his staff are now halfway through their second class, Conversational English. He leads his staff in displaying open-mindedness to comments about writing and speaking skills. He believes that life is a learning experience that has no graduation.

Capt. Alinea showed concern for the few Filipino seafarers willing to take administrative positions, only because such promotions entailed heavier demands in English communication with foreign clients. He encourages other Filipino seamen to face the challenge of the global maritime community and earn more recognition for our country. He is now considering English enhancement classes for the junior officers and cadets of Jo Tankers.

“Skill in the art of communication is crucial to a leader's success. He can accomplish nothing unless he can communicate effectively.”

- Norman Allen

ACB / ASAP Inc. / www.advancedspeech.net

NATION BUILDING THROUGH WORLD-CLASS FILIPINOS

NATION BUILDING THROUGH WORLD-CLASS FILIPINOS

“As soon as I graduate, I’m going to work abroad.”

This has been uttered by countless Filipinos, with the full support of their families, since the first wave of OFWs found greener pastures in Western and more affluent Asian countries. The long lines of hopefuls at the POEA and foreign embassies are proof of the unwavering determination of Filipinos to “make it big” in another country. But what about those equally skilled Filipinos left here who may not have the means or the connections to leave the country? Is their situation necessarily hopeless? Let’s consider some facts about Filipinos.

Filipinos are naturally talented.

In the Business Process Outsourcing industry, Filipinos lead in terms of communication skills. From an October 2006 article on callcentersindia.com, Indians themselves profess their acknowledgement of Filipino excellence:

“When it comes to training a Filipino agent, you have to invest less. Very few call centres spend time on voice and accent neutralisation. So automatically the duration of training period gets reduced. While an Indian BPO guy takes 24 days to get trained, his Filipino friend spends only 19 days as a trainee.“

“When it comes to multi-lingual skills, Filipinos are much verbose. 64 per cent of Filipino agents can speak more than two languages as compared to India where only 40 per cent multi lingual skills.”

“So, do Filipinos make better BPO agents than our Desi BPO guys? The answer that emerges from the facts and figures from the survey by ACA Research and Kelly Services is yes.”

Filipinos are well motivated.

An October 2006 article from Soundclick talks about Asia's songbird Regine Velasquez:

"Regine was born in Manila, Philippines on April 22, 1970. She came from a poor family. The family was so poor that her mother would not eat so she can give it to her children. They didn't have any TV so they would go to their neighbor to watch - the neigbor was very rude to them, they also didn't have water so they would shower under the rain with soap!"

The rest is history. She, with the help of her father/trainer Gerry Velsaquez, joined contest after contest. She got noticed and was a successful international recording artist before she even turned 30.

Another success story is that of Jhet Van Ruyven, the owner of DigiPrint Graphics, a digital printing and graphic design company in South Surrey, British Columbia. She was hailed “1996 Business Woman of the Year” in Surrey, B.C.,. An article from The Canadian Immigrant talks of Jhet’s humble beginnings:

“Born the second of twelve children, Jhet lived in extreme poverty in Barrio Pader, Lian, Batangas, without electricity and stuffed inside a cramped nipa hut. Forced at a young age to help her parents raise and feed her brothers and sisters, she took to vending on the beaches of Matabunkay; selling mangoes, pan de sal, ice drop – anything to earn very little money and ensure survival.”

What’s common about these two Filipinos? They used the challenges of the environment to dream and reify their dreams of a better life through hard work.

However, success is not found only on foreign soil. These Filipinos became successful not just through opportunities but more importantly through hard work to improve themselves. They learned their craft to the hilt. They were ready.

Others have led the way.

From a May 2006 article by Peachy Forbes about a series of Gawad Kalinga concerts in Canada, we have this account of a 19 year-old Filipino:

“Calvin, student of Georgetown University grew up in California. Calvin returned to the Philippines to work with the poor…he encouraged ex-patriots to become heroes to their country. ’It is not about charity but nation-building,’ he says.”

The challenge to us Filipinos here the country is the same: Let us ready ourselves. These days we usually go to other countries to look for opportunities. What if opportunities come to us? Are we in top form right now? Will we be chosen?

This is a good time for self-assessment. Let us make an inventory of our skills. If there’s a dearth, then let us accumulate skills. So many government and private organizations provide specialized trainings. There is a preponderance of rags-to-riches stories of successful Filipinos. You are a Flipino. You can be great. You have in you what it takes to be world-class.

They say that the art of life is a constant adjustment to our surroundings. Like soldiers preparing for war, let us fight for recognition as Filipinos not only abroad but now more than ever, here in our own country.

“If you have a product, and it comes from the heart and a higher purpose, then the universe will conspire to make this happen for you.”-- Jhet Torcelino-van Ruyven

Advanced Speech & Academic Professionals / www.advancedspeech.net

Dannieboi_DRINK UP SOMETHING NEW AND REFRESHING

DRINK UP SOMETHING NEW AND REFRESHING

Want something to tickle your music taste buds? Take a sip of Dannieboi and you’ll be asking for more! He’s simply a cocktail of various musical elements suited to quench the thirst of today’s discriminating listeners.

On Saturday, March 31, Dannieboi launches his self-titled album “Dannieboi” at Aberdeen Court, Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon Avenue. Admission is free and celebrity guests from Pinoy Big Brother will sing his upbeat songs and ballads with him.

The Fil-Am born in Austin, Texas has been singing since he was five. “I got a rush from the positive reaction I got from my listeners and the idea of singing professionally came to me as early as then.” With that, one can expect he will walk the same road with predecessors like Michael Jackson and Britney Spears who overflowed with talent whilst still very young.

His musical influences include Michael Jackson, Motown, American ballads, Bobby Brown, Jodeci, Ginuwine, Usher, and Justin Timberlake. But not to be mistaken as a mere carbon copy, a sampling of Dannieboi’s sound will show you he’s a completely different sound on his own. He in fact wrote 8 out of 10 songs, and produced 4.

“My music is eclectic and experimental. Those who have heard it say they take something away with them. I don’t box my musicality and style. It works well for Hip Hop, Trance, and RnB purists,” says the excited new artist. It takes a lot to satisfy such a diverse audience, so grab a CD now and see, or rather, hear for yourself.

The Filipino elements in his artistry takes full form in his single “Dapat pa ba?” for which, Danny had to get intensive Tagalog lessons in order to give the appropriate feeling to the lyrics. From Dannieboi, practically American bred, it’s surprising and pleasing to hear such genuine warmth and sincerity when he sings Tagalog; something one would expect only from a pure blooded Filipino male. Being a natural charmer, Dannieboi stands 5”8 and brandishes a shy matinee-idol smile. Currently single, he says he’s not particular about race or nationality in his future significant other and that “All that’s important is I love her.” Down, girls!

Today, Dannieboi, real name Dannie Farmer, is living his musical dream. He is busy with several singing stints such as shows at Klownz Bar in Quezon City. He sang several songs with Allan K and Teri Onor in July 2006. He’s been actively promoting his album and is slated to make guest appearances on TV and radio. He was recently at Tanauan City, Batangas where he sang several songs for an audience of locals and tourists. This April, he’s also scheduled to sing a few tracks for the San Miguel Beer sponsored festival for Synergy Music.

Featured on the cover of Intrigue Magazine’s February 2007 issue, Dannieboi also has a flourishing modeling career. He dons apparel for lines like BUM Equipment, CD Jeans, Kacha, Walker, Sexier Than Nude, and Sundance Clothing.

For more updates, on Dannieboi’s shows, appearances, and album, visit his website at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=99983261

From:

Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals Inc.
1805-1806 Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower
2210 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati
1231, Philippines
632-8944311 / 632-8930449
asap_asia@yahoo.com / advancedspeech@gmail.com
www.advancedspeech.net

A.S.A.P. PARTICIPATES IN THE T.K.T.

A.S.A.P. PARTICIPATES IN THE T.K.T.

British Council Philippines, the internationally recognized private agency of Cambridge University UK launched its newest international exam. The TKT or Teaching Knowledge is the newest in a long list of Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) examinations, which includes the IELTS, YLE, and CELTA.

The British Council article TKT Workshop Held in Manila describes the test:

“The TKT is an international certification from the University of Cambridge that tests English Language teachers’ knowledge of up to date theories and skills related to teaching English as a second or foreign language.” The full article is available at http://www.britishcouncil.org/philippines-exams-tkt-news.htm

Participation in the seminar to prepare test takers for taking the TKT Exams (October 30-November 4, 2006) was limited to a select few and the fortunate ones were from Ateneo de Manila, the University of Sto. Tomas, and from the private sector, Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals. CEO Glenda Barba and Consultant Carmela Baluyut were the representatives.

The five-day training was a fruitful exercise in knowledge and skills training. The speaker was Ian Cawley, Deputy Country Examinations Manager of the British Council. Questions and suggestions regarding teaching practice, skills, and challenges were thrown around and there was much energy among the participants that Ian Cawley was quite delighted with the positive reception of the TKT workshops.

Finally, on December 6, at the Legend Villas Hotel in Mandaluyong, workshop participants from the two TKT Groups arrived to take the exams which consisted of three modules: Language and Background to Language and Teaching, Lesson Planning and Use of Resources for Language, and Managing the Teaching and Learning Process.

By next year, 2007, the TKT will be administered in Manila four times a year and British Council hopes it will get much recognition from Philippine educational organizations and professionals. ASAP in its part will promote the TKT as an internationally recognized exam and which can allow its certificate holder to open more doors to teaching opportunities both locally and abroad.

ASAP Inc. holds regular English Camps and provides camp tutors who patiently and creatively instruct students in their English learning experience. ASAP will urge its tutors to take the new test. The TKT is a new, revolutionary, and highly useful tool in preparing oneself for an English teaching profession. It accepts test takers from all fields who would like to teach English. It provides a framework for a streamlined and effective approach to language instruction. On top of all this, the TKT is administered by no less that the University of Cambridge ESOL exams, and that guarantees its reliability as a testing tool.

You can also get more information about the TKT at this link from the British Council website:

http://www.britishcouncil.org/philippines-examinations-tkt.htm

Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk

Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk

Anna Carmela Baluyut /2007

Migrant workers are common these days. One persons’ story is the same as another’s. These days, migrant workers seem to be sharing something new: Poor English skills.

English speaking nations suffer

According to the May 2007 ABC.net article “Report finds English skills hampering foreign horticulture workers,” poor English skills are heaping more tasks for employers worldwide”

“A study has found that non-English speaking workers in the horticulture industry are finding it difficult to further their skills,” and

“The council's training coordinator, John Chase, says more support is needed for those who do not speak English.”

This means more work for employers. Work they wish they didn’t have to deal with.

In the UK front, the same dilemma has arisen. In the July 2006 issue of Personality Today, these facts showed a growing problem among UK employers who hire non-native English workers:

“The report, by the Learning and Skills Network, says the majority of migrants from EU accession countries are highly qualified and skilled…However, it warns that many are failing to find jobs that match their experience and qualifications because of their poor English skills. Instead they get caught in the trap of low-paid, low-skilled and temporary employment.”

The Solution

From the same UK source, a plea was made: “Can we find someone to work alongside them to support them and encourage them from time to time and help them understand what the issues are and how they can deal with them?"

Did we hear someone say “We need an English teacher?” This seems to be the obvious solution. But others are arguing that lessons are expensive, and not many native speakers are available to teach adult students.

To the first argument, English skills instruction has developed radically through the years that there are a variety of affordably priced English lesson with reputable quality available online. A quick run-through of Internet search engines will overwhelm you with choices among native as well as second language speakers of English.

To the second argument, the British Council itself, a well established agency with ties to Cambridge University (UK) has released findings that say the traditional English teacher (blonde, fair skinned, and blue eyed) is now facing a competitor in the face of Asians who have grown up using English as a second language, have further studied it to the hilt, and now teach it with the same ease and even more practical applications than their blue eyed counterparts. Take Filipinos for instance. Koreans, Japanese, and Chinese students and professionals flock to the Philippines yearly to undergo intensive English lessons. Those who are either too busy or cannot afford the trip simply study online.

Quality of Online English Lessons

Are online lessons as good as face-to-face ones? Definitely! With a qualified tutor and internationally recognized materials, anyone needing improvement in English will definitely learn. You can even get a free demo lesson before deciding to get paid lessons!

There are various websites based in the native speaking countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and new Zealand. Expect a hefty price tag, of course, but you can be assured of the high quality and authenticity of instruction you’ll be getting. ESL (English as a Second Language) countries offer the same quality at a lower price. As to quality, the Philippines and India rank highest, having been exposed to English the longest, compared to other former colonies.

Okakura Kakuzo said “The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” Let us not fight the way language develops. Instead, let’s find ways to stay afloat, follow the current, and eventually reach our destination.

CONTINUOUS ENGLISH TRAININGS AT ISNTC

“ISNTC is a non stock, non profit corporation aiming to improve the knowledge and skills of seamen by enhancing and supplementing the existing minimum training standard. We evaluate, train and guide seamen to ensure personal safety, safe and better-maintained ships, environmental protection and success in their career.”

Surely, this company motto reverberates in the minds of Captain Palenzuela and Captain Moro as they go about their duties as training directors. They work together with the ISNTC and ASM staff and administration to produce skilled merchant marines who display world class excellence and professionalism. Their ongoing collaboration with ASAP or Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals is a testimony of their dedication to continually upgrade and polish the skills of Filipino maritime professionals.

Last July, 2005, ASAP conducted its first training, Global Maritime English, for rank and file personnel. It was soon followed in October by a demo class for cadets in English listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Then, in December, it was the junior officers’ turn for supplementary training with the Technical Writing and Executive Business English (TWEBE) seminar. This course combined lessons in grammar refinement with its application in essay writing, Then, it moved on to technical communication skills with its application in business English. In culmination, the young officers were asked to make oral presentations, where their skills in welcoming visiting officers, leading onboard meetings, and asking critical questions during investigations were put under observation. The participants voiced their appreciation for the helpful refresher seminar: “The training helped me remember long forgotten rules of grammar. It’s important to know the rules so you can speak with confidence,” says 2^nd officer Ferdinand Popen.

ASAP made an important insight into the Philippine maritime industry during the TWEBE training. A recent proposal was made to require junior officers to take higher level trainings, since they are next in line to current supervisors. This bid garnered mixed reactions. While some saw this as leverage for career appraisal, others saw it as more time away from their families and a further financial burden. Captain Palenzuela and Captain Moro and have anticipated and do understand the sentiments of all concerned. However, they cannot help expressing hope that more maritime professionals would aspire for higher positions. They are aware that many Filipino captains who have already expressed their desire to retire are being asked to stay in active service simply because there is a great lack of qualified Filipino maritime officers for merchant ships. What does Captain Moro suspect to be the reason for this? “Confidence. Not many Filipinos have the confidence to present themselves to others, especially foreigners. The sight of a blue eyed 6-foot tall blonde officer stops their tongues instantly. They are also insecure about their knowledge of maritime law because they do not read often enough to be masters of the subject.”

This need for more reading skills and practice has inspired ASAP to start developing a reading course specially designed for maritime professionals and skilled workers. The course will identify reading problems of participants, give the necessary practice and instructions to solve the problems, and develop positive attitudes and disciplines in reading.

The two captains are also excited about the newest training taking place this month (June, 2006). This is the Ramping Cadets Course, a bridge program for aspiring ISNTC cadets. Given that many maritime cadets come from a variety of educational backgrounds, ISN needs to ensure a streamlining of skills and attitudes in preparation for highly technical and specialized maritime training. This program will be divided into three modules: Math, Science, and English. ASAP will take charge of the English training and promises to deliver the same customized and personalized approach to ISN’s people.

ASAP is proud to continually enjoy the trust and support of the ISNTC family, especially Mr. Gomez, Captain Moro, and Captain Palenzuela. True enough, as the maritime industry evolves, ASAP and ISNTC will work hand in hand to promote the excellence of Filipino merchant marines worldwide.

“Certainly a leader needs a clear vision of the organization and where it is going, but a vision is of little value unless it is shared in a way so as to generate enthusiasm and commitment. Leadership and communication are inseparable.”

- Claude Taylor

CADETS UNDERGO INTENSIVE ENGLISH TRAINING

CADETS UNDERGO INTENSIVE ENGLISH TRAINING

The DOHLE-PHILMAN Manning Agency Inc. puts a high premium on the excellent performance of its people from all ranks. Its cadets, most especially, must show qualities which stand as a testimony of the work ethics the company lives by. These qualities are professionalism, effectiveness, and initiative.

Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals, or ASAP, supports the company in its efforts to ensure that only qualified and ready maritime cadets receive specialized training for future maritime professionals. In January 2006, ASAP conducted a three-day training entitled English Proficiency for Cadets. English being the language of the sea, ASAP believes that it is never too early to require cadets to strictly adhere to language conventions and developments to ensure their effectiveness as international professionals and workers. The training was comprised of interactive lectures, tests, and classroom presentations on Listening, Grammar, Technical Writing, and Public Speaking proficiency. Diagnostic, Pre, Post, and Final exams were given to accurately measure the English level of the cadets.

The cadets showed a positive response to ASAP’s efforts. They eagerly participated in discussions, asked useful questions, opened up about their insecurities during speaking situations, and took comments with open-mindedness.

This class is a sign of a good beginning between ASAP and DOHLE-Philman. Mr. Castro looks forward to more cadets taking advantage of the highly customized programs of ASAP. He fully supports the highly innovative approach of the center, and is happy to report that out of the _____ participants who underwent the training, ____ passed the critical (country)_ embassy interview, and are now on their way to training and eventually the start of their careers as full-fledged seamen.

“There are four ways, and only four ways, in which we have contact with the world. We are evaluated and classified by these four contacts: what we do, how we look, what we say, and how we say it.”

- Dale Carnegie

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TRAINING

ACB/July2007

The Blue Manila cadets of 2007 went through a week’s intensive training on English communication skills from July 9-13, 2007. The course: Effective Maritime Personality through English Proficiency.

Like in its previous English trainings, Blue Manila commissioned the services of Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals Inc. The Makati-based company assessed and trained the participants on the dynamics of English, how best to apply the language to Maritime situations, and how to become more familiar with its literal and idiomatic meanings.

The engine and deck cadets showed enthusiasm and interest during the sessions. They were particularly interested in the job-interview practice. Here, ASAP invited guest interviewers to measure the speaking skills of the cadets. They were graded according the presentation of their answers as well as the delivery and audibility with which they answered. ASAP uses internationally recognized references such as The European Framework of Reference for Languages to stratify the level of its trainees and give the appropriate intervention for each.

Maritime professionals are required to communicate clearly and give accurate information to seafarers worldwide. This was the guiding thought that inspired the ASAP trainers in handling the cadets’ training.

Blue Manila, through its management fully supports the continued training and education of its people. The Maritime industry continues to evolve and with it, so should its people. There’s a competitive world out there and Blue Manila is equal to the challenge.

“We can accomplish almost anything within our ability if we but think we can.”

- George Matthew Adams

A Customized Training for Customized Service

A Customized Training for Customized Service

ACB/August 2007

In its goal to deliver “utmost personalized care” to its guests, Pan Pacific continuously devotes time and money to training its people. One such training, for business writing, ran from July 25 to August 21, 2007.

Joyce Barcelona, Director of People Innovation and Aubrey Tolentino, Senior Operations Manager for Education are at the helm of staff skills development. They consider quality customer service through efficient and effective business correspondence and documentation skills a paramount concern. Thus, they took on the services of Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals Inc.

Prior to the seminar, Technical Writing and Executive Business English (TWEBE), the hotel’s 15 participants (shift managers and supervisors) underwent a pre-assessment they described as simply “challenging.” Nonetheless, they understood the importance of regularly updating their skills and knowledge and dutifully attended the sessions.

The trainer, Carmela Baluyut came to find intelligent and driven professionals in the participants. They asked questions which helped her identify their needs quickly. The workshops were fun and interactive. Each meeting, she gave feedback on their skills for vocabulary use, logic, tone, etc. She made the approach as customized as possible, given the unique needs of Pan Pacific’s clientele. A series of trainings on communication skills for conversational skills and foreign languages this time will follow and ASAP Inc. will continue to provide quality training for the hotel’s specific needs.

Pan Pacific is known for its impeccable and unique Butler Service: one of its kind in the country. It continues to shine above the rest with its excellent services delivered by its excellent people.

“One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent”.

- Epictetus

THE CHALLENGE FOR PHILIPPINE TOURISM PROFESSIONALS

THE CHALLENGE FOR PHILIPPINE TOURISM PROFESSIONALS

ACB / September 8, 2006

The Philippines has a strong and dynamic tourism industry. According to “Philippine Hotel Personnel Named Number One In Worldwide Survey On Service” of January 31, 2006,

“When it comes to contentment of guests at hotels around the globe, the Philippines - a country long known for its friendliness - is currently achieving the highest levels of service. The finding, reported in a Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI) survey for the third-quarter of 2005, is based on some 10,000 interviews relating to non-U.S. hotel stays. Philippine hotels and resorts ranked number one with a mark of 89.9 percent in delivering a premier level of satisfaction.”

Obviously, the international market is satisfied with Philippine service so far. However, there is a saying that goes

“When my horse is running good, I don't stop to give him sugar. - William Faulkner”

For this reason, hotels need to invest on regular enhancement trainings for its people. The global tourism industry is highly competitive and for Filipinos, this should be no time to sit on their laurels.

Organizational innovations are even taking place at this moment to further strengthen and diversify services and products among local and international tourism players. This will mean new challenges for employers and staff alike. All this was predicted as early as 1997, as shown in the paper entitled “Human Resource Development In Asia and the Pacific In the 21st Century: Issues and Challenges for Employers, and their Organisations,” a summary of issues discussed during the ILO (International Labour Organisation) Workshop on Employers' Organizations in Asia-Pacific in the Twenty-First Century Turin, Italy, May 1997. The paper said that

“The production of goods and services have become flexible… Instead of fragmentation of tasks, increasing use is made of teams and multiskilled workers. The gap between those in control of institutional leadership and those responsible for production and delivery of products or services is narrowed. As a result of these changes in working patterns, the role of workers has broadened with a consequent need for a wider range of skills.”

This poses a new challenge for today’s employee. In order to compete effectively in the global market, he must reassess himself and see how he fits in the new and more competitive arena. Employers and employees can maintain a symbiotic relationship by coordinating with subcontractors who can help them assess and enhance skills critical to the tourism industry: technical and communication skills.

Still from the same paper is a discussion of the challenge presented by a multicultural environment.

“Executives need to understand the political, social and cultural situation of the country they will be operating in. They will need skills in managing a multicultural workforce. As international alliances become a competitive necessity, executives will need to be trained to make such collaboration successful. Often the success of such international alliances require skills in managing the people related issues involved with two enterprises, each with its own culture and operating systems and procedures, coming to work together.”

Several languages interacting will naturally pose conflicts but these can be anticipated and supported through regular communication skills enhancement.

Various industries in the Philippines and even those with international affiliations are currently working hand in hand with training centers like Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals, Inc. ASAP has been involved in communication skills enhancement and has conducted seminars, studies, and trainings for companies exposed to a multicultural environment and skills based revenue. We have a list of satisfied clients that we are working with right now and with whom we have plans for more future collaborations.

Filipinos already have an edge in the race, as stated in the worldwide survey article:

“The friendliness of the Filipino people, along with the destination's diverse and attractive things to see and do, are major factors in the steady growth of tourist arrivals that the country of more than 7,000 islands has been receiving. Specifically, North America has posted an increase of 11.9% based on the latest statistics - from last year's 396,185 travelers to 2005's 443,184 for the period of January to September 2005. The United States continues to be the country's top source market for international arrivals.”

This natural hospitality combined with world-class communication skills will allow the Philippines to stay as one of the most competitive players in the global tourism industry.