Free Foreign Language Courses

I love to teach different languages to my kids. I used to speak Japanese and Korean and a bit of Russian and Chinese. I told them how cool it is to learn a new language and how helpful it is for our business. Most of our customers are foreigner and most of them are either Japanese, Korean and Chinese. It is really an advantage if you could communicate in their language because some cannot really speak English well. I found an app that could teach my kids different languages. 

Since it was so easy – and free – I thought I’d share the app, and website, with you! The program is called Duolingo.  It is used by many schools and even some governments for language learning.  It’s 100% free (forever free, they ensure), and I can tell you from our experience, it produces great results!

WHICH LANGUAGES ARE AVAILABLE?

Here are some of the languages available to native English speakers who want to learn another language:

• Spanish
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Chinese
• Russian
• Hebrew
• Portuguese

Many other languages are available,  including Hawaiian, Welsh, Hindi, Irish and Polish. 

HOW IT WORKS

You’ll choose a language to learn. Duolingo then asks you to “Choose Your Path” — you’ll choose either Basics 1 or  you’ll take a Placement Test. 

You’ll then create a daily goal of how much time you can give the program: 5 minutes or more. 

Each day, you’ll receive a reminder (unless you opt out), asking you to come by to meet your daily goal. 

Your daily lessons consist of auditory and written learning.  Sometimes, you’ll speak the language you’re learning; and sometimes you’ll speak in English what you’re reading in the other language. Sometimes, you’ll type in responses. 

TO BEGIN LEARNING WITH THESE FREE FOREIGN LANGUAGE COURSES

Visit Duolingo! Or look in the app store, if you’d prefer (you can choose both!).

How to take PEPT Test

Two years ago my kindergarten daughter was enrolled from a traditional school and we planned to homeschool her with a provider along with my two older kids. Upon checking with her previous school she doesn't have an LRN yet which is required by my homeschool provider. What we did that time was to apply for it personally. We just asked DEP ED for the requirements needed to take the exam. We went to DEP ED near my place in Pasig to get the application form filled it up and submit the following requirements;

1. 2pcs 1x1 ID picture of your child                         

2. Birth Certificate

3. 200php fee

Right after that the schedule was already given. On the day of the exam there was a typhoon and we were hesitating to proceed because schools are already been suspended. Our schedule was around 9AM, We called DEP ED if the test would proceed. The staff told us that examination is still on going and we may come even after the scheduled time, So we went there around 1PM. My daughter took the kinder and grade one exam. It took her about an hour or two. After the exam they gave us a copy of the form and contact number to call for updates on the results. Results will be out after 2 weeks. 

After two weeks the results finally came out. She passed the exam with higher scores. She is now eligible to enroll for 2nd grade since she passed the exam.

To parents who are hesitating if they should go independent or go with a provider its still your choice, but as for me going independent was the best decision I have ever made. My eldest was on 7th grade when we were enrolled with a provider but as per DEP ED rules and her age she should be in 8th grade now. We were misled by too much relying on school and providers for our children's education. Right now we are happy doing independent homeschooling. If you are still unsure on how to take PEPT Test and its exam coverage, PEPT exam has the same curriculum as the public schools exam in the Philippines. Follow the link below for FAQ about PEPT 

https://bizandmoreph.blogspot.com/2019/03/independent-homeschoolers-faq-about-pept.html

Independent Homeschoolers FAQ about PEPT

Philippine Education Placement Test (PEPT) is a paper and pencil test administered by DepEd's NETRC (National Educational Testing and Research Center) to  determine the grade or year level appropriate for the test taker. PEPT covers all grade/year level from  Grade 1 to Fourth Year high school so that takers can have a chance to move to the next grade or year level  or even complete basic education in just one examination. 

1.  What is the purpose of the PEPT?
To validate and accredit knowledge and skills in academic areas for re-entry to school, for job promotion and the like.


2.  Who are qualified to take the test?
Filipino citizens who:

• dropped out of school and failed to finish elementary or secondary education.
• are enrolled in school but are overage for their grade/year level.
• independent homeschoolers

3.  Is there an age limit to those who are applying for the test?
None


4.  What is the coverage of the test?
Elementary Level
Science
Mathematics
HeKaSi (Heograpiya, Kasaysayan at Sibika)
Filipino
English

Secondary Level
First Year – General Science
                    Elementary Algebra
                    Philippine History (Kasaysayan at Pamahalaan ng Pilipinas)
                    English I
                    Filipino I
          
Second Year – Biology
                         Intermediate Algebra
                         Asian History (Kasaysayan ng  mga Bansang Asyano)
                         English II
                         Filipino II

Third Year – Chemistry
                      Geometry
                      World History (Kasaysayan ng Daigdig)
                       English III
                       Filipino III

Fourth Year – Physics
                       Advance Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics
                       Economics
                       English IV
                       Filipino IV
The PEPT can also be administered to individuals with visual impairment whether Braille or non-Braille readers.


5.  When and where is the PEPT administered?

• The PEPT Regular  for those coming from the public school is held once a year, usually in June. The conduct of the test is held in respective testing centers of the division offices.
• The NETRC also administers PEPT Walk-In for walk-in examinees the whole year round. Sometimes, they have to wait until there are 25 test takers to administer the test.
• Special PEPT is also conducted upon request of concerned parties within the year. The venue and schedule of the test depend on the necessity of the said request.

6.  Where and when to register for the PEPT?
For the PEPT Regular, prospective examinees should register at the nearest DepEd Division Office from July to September. 
See addresses here: 
http://www.deped.gov.ph/contact/directory/division-offices

For the PEPT Walk-in, prospective test takers should register personally at the:

Test Administration Division
Rm 215, 2nd Floor, Mabini Bldg., DepED Complex (ULTRA), Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.
Contact Nos.: 631.2571 / 631.2591 / 631.6921

• For the Special PEPT, interested parties should coordinate with the Office of the Director-NETRC, Rm 209, 2nd Floor of the same building

     Telefax: (02)6316921


7.  How much should an examinees pay for the test?

PEPT Regular - Php50.00
PEPT Walk-in - Php200.00
Special PEPT -  Php200.00
* No fee During Independence Day *


8.  What are the requirements to be presented during registration?

• High School Level: Form 137 from school last attended (original and 1 photocopy)
  Elementary Level: Form 137 or 138 from school last attended (original and 1 photocopy)
• Authenticated birth certificate from the National Statistics Office (original and 1 photocopy)
• Two (2) pieces of recent and identical 1 x 1 colored pictures
• Registration Fee
• For first time takers coming from "private school or homeschooling provider" only, must show the school's permit to operate or government recognition (1 Original – just to show that you have original and 2 xerox copies).
• For 2nd time takers of PEPT. No need for form 137 or form 138 and school permit. Just show your previous PEPT test results with 1 photocopy.
• Child's appearance (For fill-up application form and interview)

9.   Does the NETRC-DepED provide a reviewer for the prospective PEPT takers/examinees?
No. Please refer to the subject area coverage of the test.

But you can check the DepEd resource center for reference. The DepEd EASE high school modules (298) can be helpful
 http://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/search?query=EASE&page=1   

ALS Modules (elem and hs) can also be another good source

 https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B_qlnahSfCToMzEyMjRiYjMtMzliMS00NDMwLTk3YTgtODA3NTE5YzBjNzk3&usp=sharing 


10.  What would the test results show?
Test takers would be given a certificate of rating attesting what grade/level they are qualified to enroll in. The certificate can also attest if they are qualified to go to high school or college depending on the score they obtain.
If you want to enter a particular grade/year level but your scores show that you did not meet the requirement for a particular subject, you will repeat the test only for that particular subject


11.  If an examinee lost his/her copy of the original PEPT Certificate, what should he do?
The examinee must file a request and avail a copy of the PEPT Certificate of Rating at the Verification Room (Rm 214) of the NETRC. A payment of Php50.00 will be charged for every copy of the test results.
When are test results released?

• The results of the PEPT Regular are usually released after 3 to 4 months from the date of examination. 
• The results of the PEPT Special/Walk-In are usually released after 2 to 3 weeks from the date of examination.

12.  How is the PEPT similar with or different from the Accreditation and Equivalency Test (A & E)?

• The PEPT and A & E are both under the Accreditation and Equivalency Program.
• The PEPT was designed based on the regular school curriculum while the A & E Test was based on the alternative and learning system curriculum. 
• The PEPT results enable examinees to know their exact grade or year level placement (Grade I to Year IV) while the A & E Test results provide information on the level of educational qualifications they met, either elementary or secondary. 
• The A & E Test is administered by the Bureau of Alternative and Learning System every October or December. The PEPT is conducted from January to June (Walk-In), every November, and upon special request.  
• It is required to pay a test fee for the PEPT while it is not for the A & E Test.   
• BALS provides modules and practice tests (both levels) for the prospective A & E test takers while NETRC gives pointers or subject areas covered in the test (both levels).

13.  I am enrolled in a school not accredited by DepEd, what test can i take?
Philippine Validation Tests are intended to validate learning acquired by those who enrolled in elementary/secondary schools without permit; those and those who studied in a non-graded school or distance education programs. The subject areas are English, Filipino, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies (HEKASI)/Araling Panlipunan). Applicants for the test should get an endorsement from the office of the Regional Director.
DepEd Regional offices - http://www.deped.gov.ph/contact/directory/regional-offices

Museo Pambata Tour

Philippine Culture and History is one of my favorite subject when I was in high school. I've noticed that most of the children nowadays are not familiar with our history and most of the kids we know barely speaks Tagalog. It made me sad that my kids also didn't know some words in Tagalog because their previous school taught them only in English. Its a great thing that I was now in charge of their education.To give them an idea I bring them to my favorite place which is Manila.

I remember when I was a child, we used to go to Rizal Park, Manila Zoo and Fort Santiago. As a child those memories were unforgettable to me because the place was full of story to tell. To be able to educate them better of our history we went to Museo Pambata located in Roxas Boulevard There they were able to see some old stuffs we used to have at home when we were little like the old type writer, telephone, flat iron, baro't saya, bakya, sewing machine and a lot more. My seven year old daughter was fascinated with the old things she saw at the museum. She appreciates those old stuff which I think is rare for most kids in this generation.

This was the Binondo Church found in China Town near Carriedo Station. We normally roam around here whenever we craved authentic Chinese cuisines. Manila has a lot of old but authentic restaurants as well.

The old meat store that can only be found now on wet markets but kids don't normally get to experience these because supermarkets already replaced these traditional way of selling, And most of the time when we shop we don't normally bring them to wet market anymore instead we bring them to airconditioned supermarkets like Landers and S&R which is way too different from these stores which is normally manage by an individual.

This place is a must try for everyone. I really recommend this place like I've said before you can actually experience what is it like to live in the old days. What do I mean by that? In the old days our great grand parents and grand parents were able to support their family and bring their kids to a decent school by selling meat, vegetables and fruits at the market, running their own tailor shop, farming, a sari sari store or neighborhood sun dry store and more. There we also found a very interesting way of how people from the old days treat illnesses by using herbal plants as a substitute which I think is very popular nowadays.

If you want to visit the Museo Pambata make sure to visit their website first and print their coupon to get a 50 peso discount. You should print one coupon for each person. Museo Pambata is open from Tuesday to saturday 8AM to 5PM and Sunday 1PM to 5PM. Admission fee is 250/ head.

Selling on Shopee

Today's blog is all about online selling on shopee. It was May 2016 when i first started my account with shopee selling my laundry bags. During that time shopee was not yet that popular in the Philippines. Luckily I was able to benefit from it. I actually saw it when a friend of mine from facebook sells her own line of nursing dresses. So I also began creating my own account and started posting different items that I could sell.

My first month was not bad but I actually had orders. Then I remember the shoppe rider who collects from my house told me " Oh this is your first time using the app, You will have more orders coming soon justy like the other sellers" So I just continued to do my thing like the usual. I began designing  different kinds of laundry bags design, tote bags and then t shirts.

It was Summer of 2017 when a well known brand of t shirt was so popular that made me think to make an inspired shirt and put some patches and different accessories which I personally make that I almost sold 100pcs or more shirts. I was always busy making shirt and designing for my store. I was being recognized and LBC was almost everyday collecting parcels from my home.

So now lets talk about how to sell on shopee.First of all you need to create your own accont input your store name, address, contact number and also your bank account details. After that you may now start posting your products to sell on the app.

You may want to buy and sell different products according to your preference. In my case I started selling my own laundry bags, tote and then I began on putting more products like branded detergent soap, chocolates, branded bags and so on. Once an order arrive you will have 2-3 days to complete the orders. Then you simply have to book or schedule a pick up once your done packaging the item. Once booking has been scheduled a courier rider will come to collect the parcel and you just have to wait for the completion of the delivery. Once delivery has been successful your customer will have to rate your products and you also need to rate the order back to let other seller knows that the customer is a good customer. Once completed your pay out will reflect on your shopee wallet that you can withdraw to your bank account. Typically it takes 1-2 banking days for the payment to appear in your bank account. Shopee is actually giving you 3 free withdrawals each week and if you exceeded you will be charged a 15 pesos transaction fee for the next withdrawals.

Now lets talk about the unsuccessful deliveries. Those unsuccessful deliveries will return back to you or once lost you will still get compensated for the full amount of the item. Some customers will order via cash on delivery then once the item is already there some just ignore it. You can report that to shopee to take action and the customer can no longer use the cash on delivery mode. Once reported the customer will need to pay first via remittance or bank transfer before they can make a purchased again.

One more thing that you should consider is before shipping to make sure that your item is all in good condition otherwise the customer may file a complaint via shopee and asked for a refund. In this case you will have to shoulder the shipping expenses once found that you are actually at fault. To eliminate this make sure to take a clear photo of the item before shipping. I have several complaints when it comes to shipping of fragile goods such as broken glass and mirror and I need to swear to them that it was actually the courier's fault not mine.

I hope you get more info on this blog and if you have any questions just comment below and I will try to answer those question of yours.

You may also want to check my shopee account link below.
https://shopee.ph/appleberryenterprise

Manila Ocean Park Tour

As a homeschooling mom, I always try to teach my kids the unconventional way. I believe that in order to teach them successfully they must be able to experience it and also repetition is another key. We were lucky to get a chance to go out with the whole family. So we decided to visit Manila Ocean Park in Roxas Blvd. To make it easy for us to get in, I already booked online to buy our tickets. It was our first time to visit Manila Ocean Park along with my kids.
I was not informed that my 1 1/2 year old kid has to pay an entrance too so we need to go inside first and let my husband buy a ticket for my toddler. Me and my 4 other kids went inside first and start exploring what's inside.

Oceanarium is one of the best attraction that me and my kids enjoyed. 

We arrived late so we don't get to see so much. The Birdhouse and The Barnyard closes around 5pm.

Unluckily we were not able to get a chance to visit those two since its already closed.

If you would want to visit the Ocenarium below are some of the details.

Entrance fee for our package amounting to 590.00 per head which includes 

Ocenarium, Barnyard, Bird House, Sea Lion, Symphony Evening Show and the World of Creepy Crawlers.

Homeschooling Journey

It's been a year now that I have been homeschooling my kids. The first year, I thought would be impossible and too hard. Yes it was so challenging managing business, family matters and homeschooling my kids all at the same time. But if i should do it again i would definitely choose to do it all over again.

My eldest already graduated from 6th grade and my youngest son was now in kinder. I still have a little toddler who would turn two in a few months from now. Our homeschool routine was always unpredictable due to our demanding business and activities but despite this we can actually say that my kids had changed a lot. Before when they were attending the regular school, We don't have time to bond as a family. My kids is not that close to each other compared now.

Our homeschooling would start by teaching them more on how to be independent. How they can apply all they learn in their everyday life. They always amazed me. I can see that they really learn a lot compared when they were at the regular school. My eldest son can't read and was tag as a non reader when he was in Grade 2. I was so worried about him losing weight and even got sick, that made me decide to pursue homeschooling. My husband was not convinced with my idea at first. I was into it and now after a year of homeschooling my now Grade 4 son can finally read. He was able to read when he was in Grade 3. He was good at Math and a fast learner. It made me think that regular school is really not compatible for our family. They always try kids to be competitive and be good in academics.Wherein they don't emphasize that everyone is unique. Not everyone is good at Math or any subjects but each kid has different talents as well. You know we can't all be a doctor or an Engineer. Most of our school today they just focus on conventional way. Like in the career month, they would suggest you to dress up for the career you want to pursue when you finish school. Most likely kids would say I want to become a Doctor, Teacher, Nurse, Police Officer, Engineer, and so on. But did you notice that there are a few who would say I would like to become an Entrepreneur. I want to build my own empire. You know why? because regular school and your parents are all the same. They want you to finish your schooling and then eventually got employed. If your a Doctor you will surely work for an Entrepreneur who took risk of opening his own hospital. You might become an accountant of a large company or a lawyer of a firm. Too few would also take risk and pursue their dream of becoming an Artist, Musician, Writer, Ballerina etc.

When I was in elementary I learn how use the sewing machine. I was so fascinated to be able to sew a piece of clothing. I was so interested in sewing from then on. As a parent, I believe that we have to introduce to our children different kinds of activities that can improved them.
I always heard my parents and other parents as well that "you should study well so you can get a great job" which is now a huge contrary on my belief and the way I am trying to raise my kids.

I began homeschooling because I think that every child has their weaknesses and strengths. Each child is unique in every way. That each child has their own needs. Regular schooling doesn't satisfy me anymore. Having a one size fits all education. Teaching kids to compete with other fellow kids by achieving a higher grades. Not bringing out the best in each child. As a mother of five, being their mom doesn't make them all the same. My kids has different characters and interests.

I am not a teacher but I can say that everyone could be one given the circumstances. I love what I do and I enjoy every part of it. My life would not be perfect and I am not a perfect mom as well. I have my shortcomings and I do make mistakes. But being a teacher and a mother teach me how to be more human god created me to be. Homeschooling teach me how to appreciate life well spent and learning is not limited to just one place. Our lessons are held everywhere. Learning is endless, Rain or shine the learning never stops.