Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2: Grand Finals Review

Last June 25 to 26, 2011, the grand finals of the talent show Pilipinas Got Talent held in Araneta Coliseum. Fourteen acts from thousands who auditioned from different parts of the country made it to the final showdown of talent to win 2 million pesos. 

Freestylers, the hiphop dance troupe from Calamba City, Laguna

Freestylers from Calamba, Laguna did an amazing job to start the grand finals competition. They are consistent with their breathtaking and death-defying stunts from their auditions to the grand finals. They have the precise cartwheels and amazing flip-spins in their performance. In other words, they have the world-class hip hop dancing talent plus their intense stunts like the 12-foot dismount and somersoult. They can follow the footsteps of Philippine All-Stars in competing the international stage.

DJP Trio, singing trio from Bacolod City.

The singing trio of Danielle, Jeanny and Pauline or  the DJP Trio of Bacolod City were the youngest contenders who made it to the grand finals of Pilipinas Got Talent since the first season. From their auditions to grand finals, the things that made them stand out are the packaging, looks, and the harmonious blending of their voices. If they grow up, they need to improve their dynamics, modulation and song choice.

Happy Feet, the tap dancing duo from Bukidnon

The tap dancing brothers of Bukidnon, Happy Feet did an entertaining performance with their tap dancing routine. They have the perfect rhythm and footwork for this type of dance and it seems that they were enjoying their performance and they got the unity. They are one of the contenders who have the most inspiring stories in Pilipinas Got Talent because they are humble and they prove that they have the exceptional talent although they came from the rural area. They learned tap dancing through the movie "Happy Feet" and they used leather shoes instead of tap dancing shoes in their auditions where Miss Ai-ai delas Alas gave them tap dancing shoes for each of them. 

John Michael Narag, the young balladeer from Pangasinan.

John Michael Narag of Pangasinan is known for his heartfelt renditions of OPM ballads such as "Hanggang" by Wency Cornejo and "Kahit Isang Saglit" by Martin Nievera. He has a good voice quality and definitely, ballads will be a perfect song choice for him because of his vocal range. He is much better in the grand finals unlike in his semi-finals performance where he sang a rock song. His story also touched the hearts of many people because of his dedication to his family.

B4, the dance troupe from Baguio City.

The Baguio Boom Boom Boys or B4 is always consistent for their cool poppin and locking moves from their auditions to the grand finals. They have the cool packaging, song choice and choreography in their performance. Their costumes are always jiving with their cool song choice and popping dance moves.

Romarico Sanorjo a.k.a. Rico the Magician from Caloocan

The 60-year old funny magician from Caloocan, Romarico Sanorjo or simply Rico the Magician is definitely had an amazing impact because of his funny dance moves and exceptional magical tricks with the use of animals from birds, ducks, dogs, to large snakes and even a child and his wife was part of his magic. At first, he didn't make it to the grand finals because he lost the judges vote to the Madrigal Siblings. But he was given a second chance to prove himself in the wildcard week in order for him to make it to the finals. No doubt that Rico is one of the best acts of second season because of the audience impact and unique magical act. He did an amazing and impressive job.

Madrigal Siblings, the singing trio from Cainta, Rizal.

The singing trio from Cainta, Rizal namely Kristina, Katrina and Kristopherson or the Madrigal Siblings did a very good job in singing and considered one of the best singing groups in the competition. They have the powerful dynamics to the harmonious blending of their voices representing different ranges from soprano, alto and mezzo-soprano. They impressed the judges and the viewers in their audition with their rendition of Jennifer Holliday's "And I'm Telling You" and they sing with a purpose in their semi-finals with "Ako ay Pilipino" by Kuh Ledesma. In their grand finals performance, they performed with medley of nationalistic songs "Ang Bayan Ko", "Dakilang Lahi" and "Magkaisa" which proves that Filipinos have the talent. Before they joined in PGT, they already competed in international competitions including World Championship of Performing Arts or WCOPA.

Marcelito Pomoy, the falsetto singer from Cavite.

Marcelito Pomoy, the falsetto singer who impressed the crowd and the judges in his audition performance of "Narito Ako" by Regine Velasquez plus the approximately one million views of his audition episode in Youtube. He performed a classic from Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli entitled "The Prayer" in his grand finals performance. Although he struggled in his semi-finals performance of Regine Velasquez's "On The Wings of Love" due to vocal problems, he is still exceptional because of his clear diction and he got the male and female ranges of voice. 

Filogram, the dance troupe and choreographers from Baguio City

Filogram from Baguio City is also consistent in terms of their dance routine like their fellow dancers, B4. If B4 is known for their cool popping and locking moves, Filogram is popular for their old school and retro moves and song choice. They have the precise choreography and cool packaging. In addition, members of Filogram are choreographers of fellow grand finalist, B4.

Buildex Pagales, the teen acoustic singer from Digos, Davao del Sur

Buildex Pagales from Davao del Sur is one of the most favorite contenders because of his acoustic style and his voice which is similar to Bruno Mars. He sang "Billionaire" and "Just The Way You Are" in his auditions, "Marry You" in semi-finals and "The Lazy Song" fro his grand finals. He has a cool voice and guitar playing skills and his musicality is exceptional and definitely he is one of the most consistent performers in the contest. In addition, he deserves to have a break in the local music industry because of his style is on the mainstream. Aside from singing Bruno Mars' songs, he can also try singing Jason Mraz or Maroon 5 songs and he should try experimenting different cover songs in acoustic. Overall, he is one of the best male singers in the competition.

Leoniel Enopia and Elizabeth Dazo, the ballroom dancing duo from Bacolod City.

The ballroom dancing duo of Leoniel Enopia and Elizabeth Dazo or Nielbeth did a truly world-class dance sport act in the show which makes them the first ballroom dancing duo who make it to the grand finals since the first season. In their auditions, they shown a precise choreography and footwork of paso doble which lead them to the semi-finals. In their semi-finals round, they performed with many surprises such as impromptu costume change, energetic moves, character portrayal, showmanship, and definite footwork in their dance routine which is jive in the tune of "Proud Mary." In their grand finals performance which they performed salsa and cha-cha in the tune of "Let's Get Loud" by Jennifer Lopez, they maintained those things that impressed the crowd which proves that they can compete in international dance sport competitions.

Jem Cubil, the acoustic heartthrob from Cebu.

Jem Cubil is one of the most likable performers in the competition because of his good looks and musical talent. He always received the strong audience impact from the girls since his auditions. Although he didn't get the unanimous decision of judges in the auditions (Mr. Freddie M. Garcia said No for his audition performance), his best performance is on the semi-finals round with his rendition of "The Time of my Life" by David Cook. Jem's style is on the mainstream which is acoustic rock which matches his good packaging and looks.

Skeights, the alternative band from Davao City

The band from Davao City, Skeights became popular for their rendition of One Republic's "Secrets" and The Script's "Break Even" in their auditions. They have the perfect blending of instruments and the singing talent of lead vocalist. At first, they lost in the semi-finals over Angel Calalas in the judges vote, they made it as a wildcard contender with their rendition of "Next in Line" by After Image. They can be the next band in the country because of their type of music they played. 

Angel Calalas, the hula hoop tricker from Cainta, Rizal

Angel Calalas  is a familiar face in various talent search in Philippine television and she is the sister of first season's grand finalist and dance troupe, Velasco Brothers. She already proved that she's got the talent in twirling the hula hoops from regular size and large hula hoops, multiple hula hoops, and even flaming hula hoops. In addition, she also adds spice to her performance by adding stunts, balancing, and harnessing with hula hoops.  

This second season of Pilipinas Got Talent is successful which leads to Marcelito Pomoy as the winner of the show and all of the contenders did their best for their performance.

Source: Google Photos and Pilipinas Got Talent

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2: Wildcard Round

Last June 11 and 12, 2011, Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 held its wildcard round at AFP Theater where six semi-finalists who lost the judges vote where able to compete for the remaining slots for the grand finals. This wildcard week is one of the best episodes in Pilipinas Got Talent because of the performers who made it to the top 3 and lost the judges vote  improved a lot in order to make it to the finals.

Joy's Diva from Batangas

The first act of the night is the Joy's Diva, the singing trio from Batangas where they performed Tina Turner's "Proud Mary".They improved their showmanship and movements in their performance and they were able to sustain their harmonized blending and power of their voices. They have a very good start but in the upbeat part, the choreography and harmony is somewhat good. Overall, it was a very good performance.

Kenny Padalla from Baguio

Kenny Padalla from Baguio City sang "The Last Time" by Eric Bennett which is a very good song choice for him. He had a very good musical accompaniment and a cool voice which matches his good looks. Aside from being a pop singer, he can also be a crooner or a balladeer and his performance is much better than his semi-finals performance.

Next Generation Band from Davao del Norte

The Next Generation Band performed Whithey Houston's "Queen of the Night." They improved their packaging and stage presence and they remained consistent in terms of confidence, musical arrangement and vocal power of the lead singers. However, during the wildcard performance night the female vocalist had vocal problems in reaching the high notes.

Collins Gutierrez from Laguna

The music teacher from Laguna, Collins Gutierrez did a classical performance of Josh Groban's "You're Still You."  He had a very good entrance, musical arrangement, vocal prowess and song choice as well as his clear diction in singing. 

Skeights from Davao

Skeights were back in the competition for their performance of "Next in Line" by After Image. Unlike in their first performance in semi-finals, although the lead singer encountered vocal problems, they are much better this wildcard week. They truly deserved to be the next band sensation of the country because of the amazing blending of voices and the musical instruments.

Rico the Magician from Caloocan

Rico the Magician closes the show tonight with his funny dance moves and surprising magical tricks which is a novelty and a world class variety act. His performance is truly fantastic and the crowd went wild because of his funny and exceptional magical tricks in using animals like dog, duck, doves and rabbit which turned into a child and big snake. Definitely his performance is one of the best in PGT History. In the end, Rico the Magician and Skeights completed the set of grand finalists this Season 2.

Photos Source: http://www.starmometer.com

Philippine Independence Day

The proclamation of Indpendence in Kawit, Cavite. Source: Google Photos

Proclamation of Independence

It was June 12, 1898 where one of the most significant events in Philippine history happened in Kawit, Cavite which is the Proclamation of Philippine independence. Thousands of people from the provinces gathered in Kawit to witness the historic event. The ceremony was held at the balcony of General Emilio Aguinaldo's residence.

A dramatic feature of the ceremony was the formal unfurling of the Filipino flag amidst the cheers of the people. At the same time, the Philippine National Anthem was played by the band. Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista solemnly read the "Act of Declaration of Independence" which he himself wrote. The declaration was signed by 98 persons.

The Filipino Flag

The Philippine flag. Source: Google Photos

The Filipino flag was made in Hong Kong by Marcela de Agoncillo. During his exile in Hong Kong, General Aguinaldo designed the Filipino flag as it looks today. Agoncillo sewed it with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Mrs. Delfina Herbosa (niece of Dr. Jose Rizal). 

It was made of silk with a white triangle at the left containing a sunburst of eight rays at the center, a five-pointed star at each angle of the triangle, an upper stripe dark blue and a lower stripe of red. The white triangle stands for equality; the upper blue stripe for peace, truth and justice; and the lower red stripe for patriotism and valor. The sunburst of eight rays inside the triangle represented the first eight provinces that took up arms against Spain. The three stars symbolized Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The Philippine National Anthem

The Philippine National Anthem. Source: himig.com

The Philippine National Anthem was composed by Julian Felipe, a music teacher and composer from Cavite. He finished it on June 11, 1898 and showed it to General Aguinaldo who instantly liked it because of its stirring melody. The following day, the music band of San Francisco de Malabon played it for the first time during the unfurling of the Filipino flag in Kawit. For more than a year, the anthem remained without words. Towards the end of August 1899, a young poet-soldier named Jose Palma wrote the poem entitled "Filipinas." This poem expressed in elegant Spanish verses the ardent patriotism and the fighting spirit of the Filipino people. It became the words of the anthem. At last, the national anthem was complete with music and words.

Source: The Philippines: A Unique Nation by Sonia M. Zaide

Showtime Season 4: First Monthly Finals

The Kalumon Performing Ensemble of Davao City show a lively and colorful folk dance.

Today I watched the first monthly finals for the fourth season of Showtime. It was exciting to watch because the set of performers were fantastic (especially the batch of weekly winners who had a quadruple tie) and one of the most diverse batch of performers in Showtime history. 

The first act of the day was the folk dancing troupe from Davao City, Kalumon Performing Ensemble. Definitely, their performance was a perfect way to start the competition because of the colorful costumes and props, live musical accompaniment, and precise footwork and choreography in dancing tinikling and sayaw sa bangko. It was an amazingly entertaining performance and timely in terms of celebrating Independence Day. Score: 10

Dugong Pinas Kru are already familiar faces from the past seasons of Showtime. This season, they made it to the monthly finals with their army concept and their marching dance routine. They have the rhythm in marching and clapping and they have the energy. However, it sounds noisy due to frequent shouting. Score: 9

JE Color Guards of Paranaque did an amazing job in flag twirling. The most spectacular moment in their number was the blacklight scene where flags are twirling and it was truly visually entertaining. Score: 10

At first, the acrobatics stunts of Neutron Acrobats was predictable. However, it was surprising when they execute death-defying stunts which shown their perfect balancing and acrobatic stunts. Therefore, they leveled-up for monthly finals. Score: 10

The dance group from Laguna, Disco Motion remains consistent in their concept, choreography, and costume. However, it was predictable and no surprise at all. Score: 9

The tribal dancing group who used colorful mats (trademark of Basey, Samar) in their performance, Maximum Intensity X also considered as one of the most consistent contenders in their batch because of visual entertainment, colorful costumes and lively choreography. I think they need to have new steps or surprises in their dance routine. Score: 9

Southernside Montessori School Dance Theatre did a new dance routine in stage which shows that they have a lot of dance routines to show from daily to grand finals. However, it was not exciting and they need to practice more because they have the potential. Score: 9

In the eviction day of judges, madlang hurado Lawrence Lagdameo was evicted although he had low number of text votes and very good skill in giving critiques to the performers, he was evicted because of high audience votes. Binibining.Pilipinas - Universe 2011 Shamcey Supsup did a voluntary exit for the preparation of her battle in Miss Universe 2011. Lawrence and Shamcey, you did a very good job in judging and enjoying your time in Showtime as a Hurado. In the end, Kalumon Performing Ensemble and Neutron Acrobats made it to the grand finals.

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2: Sixth Semi-Finals

The sixth batch of semi-finalists: Larvae, Leoniel & Elizabeth, Suwahib Samplidan, Joy's Diva, Kapidamu Band, Marcelito Pomoy

The sixth semi-finals round of Pilipinas Got Talent was held last June 4 to 5, 2011 at PAGCOR Theater, where the last batch of semi-finalists compete for the last two slots in the grand finals. The contenders are composed of an all-girl singing trio, an acrobatics troupe, a returning tween alternative band  from last season, a ballroom dancing duo, a performer who sing while eating roasted spicy peanuts and a male singer who voiced like a girl.

The first act of the night was the all-girl singing trio from Batangas, Joy's Diva. They impressed the judges in their audition with "Stand Up For Love" by Destiny's Child. In their semi-finals performance, they sang "Survivor" by Destiny's Child where they have the harmony in singing upbeat songs. They have a good vocal quality and power but the choreography is just average.

The only ballroom dancing duo who made it to the semi-finals this season is Leoniel Enopia and Elizabeth Dazo from Bacolod did a world-class dance sport act in the tune of "Proud Mary." They were able to entertain the crowd because of the precise and energetic footwork, very good entrance of Leoniel who came from the audience and Elizabeth who did a classy acting plus the very exceptional choreography and movements in their dance routine which is jive. It was the most surprising and entertaining act of the night plus their team is one of the most consistent performers for season 2.

Kapidamu Band the returning band from season 1 performed Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger." Definitely, they have the passion in achieving their dream as a band and they improved a lot from the last season. They have the musicality, blending of insturments and the vocal prowess of the lead singer brings the band towards success.

Suwahib Samplidan sang Fantasia's "I Believe" while eating spicy, roasted peanuts plus other varieties of nuts. Unlike in his auditions when he sang "Listen" with a full of nuts inside his mouth, this time he did one nut at a time. Therefore, the singing prowess and the range of voice is still the same.

The acrobatics troupe and contortionists from Davao del Sur, Larvae did an amazing job in showing their acrobatics skills in a small circle plus their flexibility and gracefulness made their performance impressive. However, although one of their members fell out of the circle due to lack of balancing, they still continue to perform.

The last performance of the night was Youtube sensation and early favorite Marcelito Pomoy shown his pure vocals with a female voice in his performance of "On The Wings of Love" by Regine Velasquez. He had a spectacular impact from the audience. However, he had problems in reaching higher notes but it was a fantastic performance.

In the end, the amazing dance sport act of Leoniel and Elizabeth got the highest number of votes in their batch. Then, Joy's Diva improved their showmanship in their second performance to win the judges' vote and Marcelito shown a pitch-perfect rendition of his piece which leads to unanimous decision of the judges to get the 12th slot for the grand finals.

Next week will be the first wildcard round for the second season of Pilipinas Got Talent where two of the highest text votes will make it to the grand finals. Who among Rico The Magician, Skeights, Collins Gutierrez, Next Generation Band, Kenny Padalla and Joy's Diva will become the wildcard contenders for the grand finals?

Bookworm Review: Suplado Tips in Daily Experiences

"Suplado Tips" is a humor book written by cartoonist, stand-up comedian and writer Stanley Chi. This small, brown book is composed of a foreword by comedian and newscaster Ramon Bautista, one hundred suplado tips, ten supladong hirit, ten suplado commandments, five suplado meter signs and a suplado quiz. Suplado Tips costs only P95.00. Although it is affordable and cheap because of paper quality, Suplado Tips is one of a kind because of the author's candor in delivering punchlines and tips in this book.

Suplado is a Tagalog word for snobbish and the tips written in this book are practical in terms of dealing with situations which irritate, annoy or pressure us. Here are the list of situations where Suplado Tips are applicable.

1. My most favorite part in this book is dealing in worst-case scenario in your workplace such as office gossips, insecure people, laziness and tardiness, and arrogance of your boss or team leader.

• Kung may officemate kang maingay at walang ginagawa during office hours, hiritan mo ng "LAHAT KAMI DITO BUSY SA TRABAHO!" para pag narinig ng Boss mo iisipin niya na lahat kayo masipag at yung kasama niyong maingay ang tamad!
• Kung hina-hassle ka ng isang tao, sungitan mo para makahanap siya ng katapat niya.
• Kung may inutos sayo ang Boss mo pero kaya naman niyang gawin hiritan mo ng "Ano na lang mangyayari sayo kung wala ako?"
• Kung marami kang ginagawa at nakatunganga lang ang officemate mo paringgan mo ng "Buti pa ang mga ibang tao nagpapaka-busy yung iba dyan papetiks-petiks lang!" 

2. In spending our time in social networking sites such as Facebook and Yahoo and even in texting, there are situations which irritate us because of too much addiction in texting and internet surfing of a person.

• Kung may nag-text sayo pero di mo kilala kung sino siya dahil hindi nakaregister ang number sa cellphone mo, replayan mo ng "HUS DIS PLS?" at pag nagdrama siya ng "BINURA MO NA NUMBER KO?" hiritan mo ng "OO MATAGAL NA!"
• Kung panay ang tag sayo sa mga videos at photos na hindi ka naman kasali... I-delete mo kaagad sa Facebook yung contact mo!
• Kung may comment ng comment sa Facebook status mo na nakakainis, I-UNFRIEND mo tapos i-ban mo kaagad sa Facebook.

3. Suplado Tips are also applicable in dating or having relationships.

• Kung tinanong mo sa ka-date mo "Anong gusto mong kainin?" Pag sinagot niyang "KAHIT ANO" bigyan mo siya ng biscuit at tubig pag nagreklamo siya hiritan mo ng "Labo mong kausap sabi mo kahit ano tapos ngayon nag-rereklamo ka!"
• Kung ayaw mong mabasted ng babe, huwag kang manligaw!

4. Even in daily conversations and mingling with people around you, we cannot avoid to look on unusual and irritating people or situations

• Kapag sinabihan ka ng kakilala mo na "Ang suplado mo naman!" hiritan mo ng "Sige bigyan mo ako ng rason para hindi kita supladuhan" sabay walk-out para hindi na siya maka-hirit ulit.
• Kung nakikinig ka ng radyo at biglang nakikisabay sa pagkanta yung kasama mo, hiritan mo ng "Nakikinig ako ng radyo para marinig yung boses ng singer at hindi yung boses mo!"
• May mga taong puro sarili lang niya ang gusto niyang pag-usapan o kaya naman pag nagkukuwentuhan gusto niya siya lagi ang bida, kailangan sa mga ganyan hinihiritan ng "Hindi umiikot sa'yo ang mundo!"
• Kung may nagtanong sayo kung sino at ano ang trabaho mo, hjritan mo ng GOOGLE ME!
• Huwag kang makikipagplastikan kahit kanino, kung asar ka sa kakilala mo ipakita mo!

These Suplado Tips are funny and sometimes, it happens in real-life situation especially the annoying scenarios to deal with. Kudos to the book and to Mr. Stanley Chi! Therefore, after the launch of the first book, there are new sets of Suplado Tips posted in Facebook account of Mr.Chi which signals the sequel of the book. He truly deserves to have a sequel of it because if Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere has El Filibusterismo and Bob Ong's ABNKKBSANPLAko? has Bakit Baligtad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino? and if Chopsticks has three books published,  well this is it Stanley, you have the sequel now of your bestselling book. Here are the new set of tips:

• Pag nanonood ng basketball game sa TV at inaasar ka ng kasama mo dahil lamang ang team na kinakampihan niya... Smile ka lang pero mag-cheer ka ng mas malakas kapag natalo ang team niya.

• Kung sinabihan ka ng boss mo ng "Magresign ka na kung magreresign ka!" Magwalk-out ka at huwag ka nang pumasok, huwag mo na din tapusin ang trabaho mo para mataranta silang lahat! Pero kunin mo ang suweldo mo dahil pinaghirapan mo yan.

Excited to look forward to Suplado Tips 2.0!

Weighing the Pros and Cons: MANDATORY KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

Mrs. Magnarelli's Kindergarten logo (Google Photos)

“The Philippines is the only remaining country in Asia with a ten-year pre-university program, resulting to an insufficient mastery of basic competencies due to congested curriculum.” This is a statement by CEO VI Director III of Department of Education - Cordillera (DepEd-CAR) Teresita Velasco who proves that our country needs to change the year of our educational system from ten to twelve years.

Last year, the K+12 program was approved by President Benigno Aquino III. It composed of kindergarten and twelve years of elementary and secondary education which adds two years in high school. Recently, the mandatory implementation of universal kindergarten will be effective this coming school year. It requires five year old children to enter kindergarten before they enroll to first grade in elementary school. Velasco explained that the universal kindergarten education aims to ensure readiness of the children to enhance their social skills and creativity at an early age which will help them to cope with their new environment when they enter grade school.₁ In addition, Aurora Rep. Jose Edgardo Angara said the introduction of pre-school education should improve the quality of education in the public school system.₂

In order to meet the expectations in this program, most public schools are adding classrooms for upcoming kindergarten pupils. Besides, they also made the classrooms child-friendly and conducive to learning from the environment, instructional materials, facilities, and even the teachers were giving free educational materials and toys for the enrollees.

Many people agree on this program but there are others who are not favor on it. The reasons include lack of financial support for education, lack of academic preparedness in part of teachers and the idea that pre-school education should not be mandatory. There is a columnist believed that mandatory kindergarten program is not the solution to problems in education, but it relies on the improvement of teaching quality in secondary schools.

The question here is are we ready for the K+12 program especially the universal kindergarten? In fact, we should be prepared in the change of our educational system in order to meet the educational needs of our citizens and to improve the educational competencies of our country. As a matter of fact, it all started in home where parents teach their children on basics such as writing, reading, counting and socialization and they should guide and motivate them to have their interest in studying. Then, if the children are prepared enough to study, they can enroll in formal schooling which starts in pre-school where the basic knowledge, skills and values learned from home will enhance with the help of teachers, classmates and the subject matter taught in the class. In addition, pre-school education is different from first grade of elementary schooling. In the previous years, there are cases where a pupil didn’t go to pre-school and they enrolled directly to grade one. Although they have similarities in terms of learning the basic concepts, there are still few differences in terms of level of the subject matter and competencies.

For the pre-school teachers, they should choose the appropriate teaching strategies and classroom discipline for the learners and show their expertise in teaching the pupils for the better educational system of our country. Besides, the government and non-government sectors should invest on education for the salary of teachers, educational materials, and facilities in order to gain improvement in quality of education.

Therefore, the universal kindergarten program is a big help for improving the quality of education in our country, as well as the learners in public school. Being in kindergarten is the first step in having their basic education in terms of learning the basic concepts, skills and values in this level.

Sources:

₁ Kindergarten officially mandatory this year – Baguio News

(http://www.baguionews.net/news/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6730:kindergarten-officially-mandatory-this-year&catid=1:baguio-news&Itemid=9)

₂ House Okays kindergarten bill – Jess Diaz, Philippine Star

(http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=653034&publicationSubCategoryId=63)

Related Articles: Weighing the Pros and Cons: 12 Years of Basic Education