I’m no longer used to it. Earlier this year I wrote about my plans to pursue an M.A. degree in Public Management from the UP Open University. So I sent my application and a week before the exam I received my exam permit which advised me to be at the audio-visual room of the National College of Public Administration and Governance at UP Diliman last Saturday.

So off I went to take an academic exercise that I have not done in five years. The admission exam had four parts - all with an essay format, everything in long hand. After three hours of writing, I felt my right hand so numb and my elbow aching. Of course, this was still different from the clammy, sinking feeling of doubt whether your answers had merit.

Let me recount the questions and you can see whether the exam was fun:

The first part was to paraphrase four 5-sentence (compound complex sentences) statements written by the most brilliant public administration authors. The quotations ranged from what comprised good governance vis-à-vis bad governance to the relevance of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals.

The second part was to write a 300-word essay on one of these issues - and don’t forget to write your arguments and statements supporting those arguments!

- the problems of and your prescriptions to the Philippine electoral system

- Philippine sovereignty and the Visiting Forces Agreement

- implications of a reenacted budget

- implications of the concept of the mega-regions

- implications of dual citizenship

- implications of the Philippine diaspora

The third part was to analyze, interpret, and explain a table full of economic statistics. No guide questions here, but just your observations of the trends in the figures.

The last part asked for our understanding of governance vis-à-vis governing; the role of public administration in development; what comprises the Philippine administrative system; and what is public management.

After answering these questions, I told my friend, the acclaimed journalist Yvonne Chua who also took the exam, that we won’t tell our other colleagues if we don’t pass the exam. Results will be posted next month. Hehe…

I have always been a fan of Cebu Pacific, not just with their on-time and friendly service, but more so with the dynamic business ethic that they project through their advertising and the latest media releases that they send out - the low cost carrier model, the refleeting program, the fun games, and the in-flight magazine. Yes, the in-flight magazine. Personally I think any self-respecting airline should offer an in-flight magazine to all its passengers - in all flights, domestic or international, and in all classes- from economy to first class. That is why I have always been impressed with CEB and even Seair! I don’t understand why PAL, with all its boastfulness of still being number one can’t offer its Mabuhay mag to all its guests.

However, let me recount to you my latest experience with Cebu Pacific last week. Flew to Cebu last Thursday through the depressing and chaotic Manila Domestic Airport terminal and saw how Cebu Pacific could further improve its service. Since CEB is the largest airline now operating out of Manila Domestic, it should exert more effort on ensuring that its several check-in counters are manned. CEB seems to open a lot of routes that fly at the same time and that definitely causes congestion in the terminal. That particular morning - flights to Butuan, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Tacloban, and Dipolog were all flying out at the same time - with only one counter per flight. There were at least three more vacant counters which were unmanned. Imagine if those counters were manned, it would have helped decongest the queues significantly!

Actually, my travails with Cebu Pacific started when I chose to rebook my flight. Initially, I was impressed with the airline’s on-line reservation, payment, and ticketing system. And I still am impressed. But is it really asking too much from CEB to also include rebooking in its online system? The current situation does not offer on-line rebooking such as other budget airlines like Air Asia. So one has to call the reservation hotlline (which takes a lot of time) and then going to an airline office to get your “revalidated ticket.”

So I went to its office in Makati and tried to pay my penalty charge - but unfortunately, they don’t accept credit cards for the penalties! I really don’t understand why. I would understand why they won’t accept credit cards for taxes, but for penalty charges and rebooking fees that certainly go to their coffers - I don’t know why!

So I withdrew some cash (PHP 1,500) and then returned to the ticketing office to find that their computers are down. Oh well….

Back in the terminal, there was a sign in my check-in counter (for Cebu) “Sorry for the inconvenience, our computer system is down.” NICE.

In Cebu, I contacted their reservation office to confirm by rebooked flight. The agent told me that I can pay for the revalidated ticket at their ticketing office at the Ayala Center Mall. When I went there, there were a lot of people. After waiting for 20 minutes, my number was called only to learn that their office does not handle “online booking transactions” and since my original booking was made online, they couldn’t help me and was advised to go their main office at the Robinsons Mall. For heavens’ sake I don’t know why they couldn’t help me - what’s the philosophy why they cant handle both online transactions and the traditional “over the counter” bookings.

So off I went to Cebu Pacific’s main office at the Robinsons Mall in Fuente Osmena where I waited for one hour and fifteen minutes to: secure a number, find a seat, watch Mr. Bean reruns, watch agents chatting and going for a coffee break (yes, I understand they’re entitled to it.), and finally having my number called, paying the amount, and receiving my ticket - a process that could be done with a phone call, or a log-in in the Internet, or even more agents at their customer service counter.

Nonetheless, I would still choose to fly Cebu Pacific over Philippine Airlines for its efforts to improve the concept of flying in this part of the world. And really, I always get to win a prize in their games!

Part of the requirements in the application for the Master of Public Management degree at the UP Open University is a 500-word essay explaining your purpose in applying and your plans after graduate study.

Just for selfishness sake, I’m going to post here the essay I wrote…

___________________________________________________________

It will be my third attempt to pursue graduate studies.  The first time was in 2002, when I registered for the Master of Public Administration program at the National College of Public Administration and Governance in UP Diliman.  I dropped out after the first semester feeling disheartened with the work ethic of a particular professor in one of the courses I was taking.

The year after, I applied for the MA in Media Studies program in my home college,

College

of

Mass Communication

.  I was then in the transition from working in the media to working in public relations so I thought my experiences from both sides of the media spectrum would be helpful in stimulating more academic thinking in class.  I finished three semesters and then gave up, getting tired of the commute from

Makati

to

Quezon City

twice a week.  The workload at the Australian Embassy then was also getting hectic.

However, there are two things I have never given up on: to continue learning, and in the future, to teach.  Those are the reasons why I would like to pursue and hopefully complete a graduate degree. 

Why public management?

In my work in public diplomacy with the Canadian Embassy, I have become involved in issues not just directly relating to public affairs, media relations, or cultural activities, but also in issues that look at a bigger social picture why we are doing these things - issues of governance, democracy, human rights, and development.  These are definitely big words with such heavy meaning, but in the end, I would like to think they refer to “human security” – respect for the dignity of the person; because if everyone thinks about the dignity of the individual, everything follows – including and most especially, government’s desire and its competence to serve its stakeholders – the public, the citizenry.

Canada

’s development cooperation program with the Philippine government underscores good governance and human rights as the foremost themes of our development projects.  Studying public management in an academic setting will be helpful in learning how to further align local public policy with defined development and governance needs of a community.

How government in the

Philippines

works is always very interesting to learn.  On one side one learns about the propaganda of the government, another side has the perception of the international community and the business sector, and another shows the sentiment of the public.  Through the master’s program, I expect that it can give me a good glimpse to see the ideal and check the real work of government.  And then from there, be able to know if our government pales in comparison with the “ideal.”  Learning these things will surely help me formulate educated observations that I can use in my work in the Embassy.

Plans?

I would like to think that I am starting to quench my thirst for higher learning this year.  Aside from plans of completing an MPM degree, I also registered for a non-formal course on enterprise planning with the UPOU starting January 27.  I am also applying for the professional teaching certification program next semester so that I would be able to think of a career in teaching in the future.

I am planning to be more involved in development cooperation and public diplomacy work for the Embassy of Canada and its strong relations with the

Philippines

.  In the future, I may have plans to work for the United Nations, or a similar international organization.  I am not however, closing my doors, on plans, to work for the Philippine government especially in the tourism sector, which I believe is a star in the country’s report card.

I have just recently discovered that friendster allows bloggers to upload 50 photos a month  so here are some photos during the Christmas holidays.

Powerbarkada’s Christmas Dinner

Dave and Mau’s wedding

What a way to start the year! I’m quite excited to go back to school - in a different mode, distance learning.  January is the deadline of application for courses offered by the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU).  My family and friends know that I tried graduate studies two years after I got my bachelor’s degree - and attempted twice actually:  first was in 2002 when I applied for a master’s in public administration also at UP. One sem lang ang tinagal ko - I still remember my subjects then, PA 201 (Intro to Public Ad) and PA 299.1- quantitative research! So there. Napaka intimidating pag may "point one" at 299 kaagad first sem pa lang.  I thought that public ad would not have a lot of math but apparently, first sem pa lang meron na agad - how disheartening.  I clearly remember not finishing the classes nor the final exam of 299.1 to be able to take a vacation in LA.

So my first attempt was not successful.  Off I went now to my home college, UP-CMC to apply for master’s in media studies.  Ok, now there’s my forte… working in media at that time, breathing media, idealistic, and adventurous.  I think I was able to finish three semesters. Nung last semester nga lang I was not able to submit my final project. Hehe… so I was kinda delinquent I know.

And so I was recently checking out UPOU’s website and found some neat and relevant courses for me to take - the most serious of which is the MPM - master’s in public management. Para syang MPA pero I guess the difference now is that this is distance learning, you don;t have to be pressured to get in the classroom, which I found so hectic (traveling from Makati to UP Diliman).  So I’m quite excited to apply.

At hindi lang yun.  I’m also applying for the Certificate Program in Teaching (for me to be a licensed teacher) and a one-semester long non-formal course on New Enterprise Planning.

It’s so exciting.

Below are the course structure of the programs I’m interested to take.  Baka kayo rin, you might want to consider going back to school:

New Enterprise Planning

This non-formal course aims to provide individuals with knowledge and skills in preparing and analyzing a business plan as well as in making business decisions.

The course is designed for 50 hours of self-study and 12 hours of tutorials.

Objectives

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

• Identify, screen and select business ideas and opportunities;
• Define a business plan or a new enterprise plan and explain the importance of preparing it;
• Enumerate and describe the components of a new enterprise plan;
• Identify the information needed when preparing a new enterprise plan;
• Prepare a complete new enterprise plan based on a pre-screened and selected business idea; and
• Determine whether a business idea is worth pursuing based on the findings of the plan.

Admission Requirements

Individuals interested in taking the course must have a high school diploma, and profiency in mathematics and reading and writing in English.

Course Structure

The course covers the following:

1. Identifying and generating business ideas and opportunities
2. Screening and selecting business ideas and opportunities
3. Introduction to new enterprise planning
   • Objectives of new enterprise planning
   • Partsof a new enterprise plan
   • Limitations of a new enterprise plan
   • Basic steps and tools involved in preparing a new enterprise plan
4. The market plan
5. The production/technical plan
6. The financial plan
7. The organization and management plan
8. Socio-economic aspects of new enterprise planning
9. Practicum - Actual preparation of the plan
10. Presentation of the plan

The learning package includes print modules and video supplements. There are face-to-face study sessions as well as online discussions.

Professional Teaching Certification program:

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

CLUSTER 1

CLUSTER 2

CLUSTER 3

CLUSTER 4

CLUSTER 5

I was not so excited a day before I left for Coron, Palawan.  I was there last year in a totally different circumstance, with an entirely different disposition. 

But minutes before landing at Busuanga airport, the scenery changed from the very blue sea to green rolling hills… this was not the Busuanga I saw last year - brown and dry.  Well, it was a different season.

From the minute I landed at the newly paved runway to the drive towards Coron town, my attitude towards this trip changed from ho-hum to sheer excitement.  The hills reminded me of Jurassic Park and any moment I was expecting to see dinosaurs running wild in Busuanga’s green fields.

I knew it was only the beginning of a memorable return trip to Coron. 

If you think you’ve seen the best of Philippine beaches if you’ve been to Boracay, think again.  I can think of at least three places in the Philippines with better beaches and bluer waters than that of Boracay:  Bantayan in Cebu, Siquijor, and the islands off Coron in northern Palawan.  Coron has everything - inland lakes, twin lagoons, untouched beaches, hot springs, everything that nature and water lovers look for.  Part of the package that we took from Divelink (www.divelink.com.ph)  was an island hopping tour that brought us to the many attractions Coron has to offer - snorkeling and rafting in Kayangan Lake, in an area managed by the indigenous Tagbanua, the ship wreck lying a few meters from an island, and kayaking in Twin Lagoons.

But while I was doing all the kayaking in the island, I can’t help but remember the circumstances I was in last year - inspired, in love, in control.  I noticed the differences this year.  Isn’t it amazing that sometimes you have to go to a place which means a lot in your past to discover where and what you are right now? 

I just did.

Just a plug - if you’re thinking of a holiday in Coron, you might consider Dive Link for a commendable personalized service in their resort.  Until October 30, their package of PhP 4,950 per person (based on twin sharing) includes 3-day/2-night accommodation, full-board meals, island-hopping tour, and roundtrip airport transfers.  You may call them at 3719928.

When I took my job at the Canadian Embassy I thought that it would be like any normal 8-5 job that would just see me on my desk typing on the computer and attending cocktails, launches, forums, etc…

But lately, the list of official out of town and out of the country trips has become siginificantly more interesting - including adventures and challenges that do not normally come with a conventional day-time city job.

Get this - in the last three weeks I had a very long road trip that took me from Laoag in Ilocos Norte to Vigan to La Union to Baguio to Banaue and back to Manila - all in 5 days.  The biggest adventure was the road trip up Halsema Highway from Baguio to Banaue.  Rugged would be a term to descrieb the beautiful scenery of the Cordillera.

The week after I was in Tawi-Tawi riding speedboats, soaking wet, to the island municipalities of Sitangkai (where all houses are built on stilts), and Tandubas,(where they make really good mats), climbing Bongap Peak, and sleeping in my hotel room with at least 10 Marines guarding me and my colleagues outside my room.

Last week I was underground - literally, 800 meters under the mountains of Benguet visiting the mines of Philex.  It was a surreal experience and not for the claustrophobic.  Nevertheless, it took me a good 5 minutes to calm myself as the pitch black atmosphere engulfed us.

I am not complaining abouth all these.  I’m actually relishing every memory, every feeling that goes with these adventures.  And then looking seriously forward to the next - kayaking in Bantayan.

Kahapon binura ko na yung mga huling text mo sa cellphone ko - mga text na nagsusumigaw ng nararamdaman mong akala ko na hindi matatapos, hindi mawawala…

Kahapon tinanggal ko na yung litrato mo sa opisina ko. Ilang linggo ring hindi ko ito ginalaw dahil akala ko maaayos pa natin ang lahat.

Kahapon napansin kong burado na ang testimonial ko sa yo sa friendster… hindi ko alam kung ako ba ang nag-delete o sadyang pinabura sa yo ng bagong nagmamay-ari…. Oo, "nagmamay-ari." Yan ang text mo sa kin nun, sabi mo, "Carlo, somebody owns me now…" Ang baduy. Ang pangit.

Kahapon, inisip ko na ayoko na. Gusto ko nang kalimutan ka. Pero hindi madali e.

Dahil parang kahapon din lang, nagpunta tayong Baguio para dun mag-Valentine’s.  Sinorpresa mo pa nga ako di ba? 

Parang kahapon lang na nag easter tayo sa Tagaytay, kumain pa sa Sonya’s at nagpunta pang Calleruega. Sabi mo pa nga yun yung isa sa pinakamasayang araw sa buhay mo.

Parang kahapon lang nagpunta tayo Davao, Pangasinan, at Boracay. 

Parang kahapon lang nagplano tayong pupunta sa Cebu, Palawan, o Bohol.

Pero kahapon yun.  Nandito ang ngayon. Wala ka.

Higit sa mga lugar na pinuntahan natin, ay ang mga alaalang nakaukit sa mga pagkatao nating mula sa halos isang taong nating pagsasama, pagdamay, at pagkakaibigan.  Ito yung masyadong masakit - na sa bawat pagkilos ko sa mga sitwasyong sinuong natin dati, ang maaalala ko ay ikaw.  Yun ang dapat makalimutan.

Sinabi ko sa yo dati na walang isang araw na hindi kita naiisip.  Hanggang kahapon, totoo pa rin yun.  Kagabi, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, nakatulog akong hindi ikaw ang nasa isip ko.  Malakas ang loob kong unti-unti ka nang mawawala dun…

Sana mas masaya ka na ngayon. At sana madiskubre mo din kung ano yung nawala sa yo.