August 2020

Pilot Episode (Senior High School Department)

Opening of Classes via Microsoft 365 ft. Buwan ng Wika

Ms. Juchel Caning, an SHS Teacher, featured the start of classes via Microsoft 365.  

Microsoft 365 is the official Learning Management System of Midway Colleges. With the use of applications and features of Microsoft 365, the components of the Learning Continuity Plan are properly implemented.  

Despite the changes and challenges, Midway Colleges guarantees that no student will be left behind.  

Part of the efforts to ensure engagement and learning of the students, the Academic Department also crafted the Learning Enhancement Program which contains activities that will keep the students entertained while learning new set of information.  

The launching of the Learning Enhancement Program showcased an online seminar of Mr. Reyzeljan Delos Trinos. In celebration of “Buwan ng Wika” with this year’s theme “Wika ng Kasaysayan, Kasaysayan ng Wika: Ang mga Katutubong Wika sa Maka-Filipinong Bayanihan Kontra Pandemya” 

Mr. Delos Trinos talked about the importance of using one’s own language to express thoughts creatively.  SHS students participated in the discussion.  

Ms. Caning said “Katulad ng taun-taong pagdalumat sa buwan ng wika ang nagaganap na pagbabago sa ating mundo at sa ating edukasyon ay magiging bahagi na lamang ng ating kasaysayan.” 

September 2020

Online seminar for Buwan ng Wika – Reyzeljan Delos…

Wika ng Kasaysayan, Kasaysayan ng Wika – Online seminar ni Reyzeljan Delos Trinos

Kaisa ang Midway Colleges SHS Department sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika na may temang

Nagbahagi si Reyzeljan Delos Trinos ng kanyang kaalaman sa wika at pagsusulat noong ika-30 ng Agosto taong 2020.

Ang nasabing webinar ay ginanap sa pamamagitan ng online seminar via Zoom na ipinalabas naman sa Midway Colleges Facebook page. Mga mag-aaral ng SHS ang mga naging tagapakinig nito.

Si Reyzeljan DL Trinos ay isang manunulat, mananaliksik, at manggagawang pangkaunlaran. Siya ay nagtatrabaho bilang Senior Technical Officer sa ilalim ng Pambansang Komisyon Laban sa Kahirapan. Nakapaglathala siya ng mga tula at sanaysay, kabilang ang dalawang koleksyon ng mga kuwentong may pamagat na Orbituaries (2019) at Delirium (2018). Itinanghal siya ng Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF) bilang pinakabatang Mananaysay ng Taon noong 2016 bilang pagkilala sa kaniyang sanaysay hinggil sa virtual na espasyo. Kasalukuyan siyang nagsusulat ng komprehensibong pagsusuri tungkol sa COVID-19 sa lente ng kalusugang pang-ekonomiya.

Tinalakay ni Delos Trinos ang malikhaing pagsulat sa malikhaing paggamit ng wika. Ayon sa kanya, ang malikhaing pagsulat at binubuo ng 50% wika at 50% pagkamalikhain. Nakaugat ang mga ito sa karanasan ng mga tao ngunit pinagyayaman ng malikhaing paggamit ng salita.

Ayon sa kanya “Ang malikhaing pagsulat ay hindi ito ikinukulong ng wika, bagkus pinapalaya ng panitikan at wika ang isa’t isa. Kwento din ang nagbibigay ng danas, contemplation, face to face communication, between and among ourselves, trina-translate natin into long term memories.”

Matapos ang diskusyon, nagkaroon naman ng open forum. Nagkaroon ng pagkakaton ang mga mag-aaral na magtanong ukol sa proseso ng pagsusulat.

Isa sa mga tanong mula sa mag-aaral ay “Bilang nais na maging manunulat, ano po ang dapat kong gawin at taglayin?”

Sinagot naman ito si Delos Trinos ng “Kailangan ng paglilimi, yung contemplation. Lahat tayo may araw-araw na danas, beyond that mundane, importante na may expertise at paghahanap ng koneksyon. Sa isang ordinaryong tao, pagtawid ng kalsada, yun ay isang simpleng danas na kaya mong hanapin ng mas malalim na karanasan, yung simpeng karanasan than what they are intended.

Stories are everywhere, kailangan lang na ipakita mo sa iyong mga kasama na makikita nilang teksto sa pang-araw araw, ugnayan ng salita ng uniberso at ng sarili, lalo na ngayon, dumadami ang human interest stories.

Success stories na meron tayo lalo na sa front liners. Pick your interest, lahat naman ng tao may interest, kailangan lang pagyamanin.”

Maayos na natapos ang diskusyon.

Patuloy naman na hinikayat ni Delos Trinos ang mga mag-aaral na magsulat ng kanilang mga karanasan sa araw-araw na buhay at pagyamanin ito sa malikhaing paraan.

August 2020

Start of Classes and launching of Learning Management System…

Classes for School Year 2020-2021 were officially opened on August 24, 2020.

Midway Colleges held its classes online in compliance to the Commission on Higher Education’ CHED COVID ADVISORY No. 7, ‘Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Mitigation of the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)’.

In response to the changes and challenges brought by the pandemic COVID-19, Midway Colleges has crafted the Learning Continuity Plan which has the three-phase learning such as Remote Flexible Learning, Blended Learning, Enhance Residential Learning.

Through Microsoft 365, the Learning Management System (LMS) was launched as the institution began to open classes online.

Students were given institutional emails as access to their accounts. Through Microsoft 365, students can easily attend their classes, study their lessons, connect with their teachers and classmates, and be updated with the important updates of the school.

They were guided accordingly on how to effectively use and maximize the Office applications. Midway Colleges also supplied a way for students to raise their concerns whenever they need help through the virtual Help Desk.

August 2020

Faculty Training on Learning Continuity in Response to COVID-19

The Academic Department of Midway Colleges spearheaded by Richard L. Oandasan, PhD headed the “Faculty Training on Learning Continuity” on August 10, 2020 at the Academic Building.

The training was designed to capacitate the participants for effective and efficient implementation of the remote learning for school year 2020-2021.

The participants consisted of teachers and program heads from the departments of Marine Engineering, Marine Transportation, College of Business, Senior High School, and Institute of Training Skills and Development.

The CEO of Midway Colleges, Mr. Sabino Czar Cloma Manglicmot II, graced the opening program of the training. He welcomed the teachers and discussed the vision and mission of the school.

He gave highlights on the following:

· Driven community starts with being personally driven

· Importance of Midway core values

· Navigating the next normal for the opening of school year

· Learning new ways and unlearning old ways to adapt changes

· Operational viability

He said “While other higher education institutions promise quality education, Midway Colleges provide transformative education. We help transform the lives of Filipino youth. We cater to low income families especially the children of farmers to help them reach their dreams.”

The following are the training aims:

· Orient the faculty on Midway LCP

· Re-design the syllabi into learning packs

· Familiarize the faculty with the Midway’s official Learning Management System

Workshop on re-calibration of syllabi were done as part of the main activities in preparation for remote learning of the students.

Thorough training on Microsoft Office applications via Microsoft 365 were also facilitated by Audentes Technologies to cater the needs of the teachers as they prepare for the opening of classes.

August 2020

Online seminar – August Benedicto

Filipino International Triathlete, August Benedicto on Health and Fitness

August Benedicto, a Filipino International Triathlete, talked about health and fitness in an online seminar entitled “Exercise and Healthy Diet During the COVID-19 Pandemic” on August 15, 2020 via Midway Colleges Facebook Livestream.

As an international triathlete, Benedicto has already bagged plenty of awards and recognitions.

Some of his awards include:

· Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao Asian Elite Champion 2019

· ALVEO IRONMAN 70.3 DAVAO ASIAN ELITE CHAMPION 2019

· 4x Cobra Ironman 70.3 Cebu Filipino Elite Champion 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012

· 4x COBRA IRONMAN 70.3 CEBU FILIPINO ELITE CHAMPION 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012

· 4x Cobra IRONMAN 70.3 CEBU Filipino Elite Champion 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012

Months in quarantine did not stop Benedicto to continue his training and workouts at home. With the tournaments and races postponed until further notice, Benedicto stayed on track of his goal to stay fit and healthy.

He shared tips to students and faculty members on how one can achieve health and fitness goals even at the comfort of their homes. He discussed the benefits of having an active lifestyle such as more energy, less stress and anxiety, and lower risk of having heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol to name a few.

Having a healthy lifestyle consists of a good workout activity and a balanced diet. Benedicto shared pictures of himself showing different home workout activities that can easily be done such as lunges, planking, and high-knee exercises. He also shared meal plans and foods that help in adapting a healthy eating habit. This includes eat fruits as a snack mid-morning and mid-afternoon, eat a fiber-rich diet, and eat nuts, soy, fish, egg, lean meats such as chicken as source of protein.

His discussion stirred questions on how he became an international athlete. He then told his story on how he started his journey in biking.

As a young child, Benedicto used to work as an ice delivery boy riding a bike. This experience has led him to cycling. Eventually, he became a member of the Philippine Duathlon National Team. He met Chrissie Wellington, professional triathlete, and four-time Ironman Triathlon World Champion.

Benedicto married Anna Stroh, a fellow international triathlete. They now live in Germany with their two kids.

August 2020

Partnership between Microsoft and Midway Colleges via Audentes Technologies

On August 11, 2020, Midway Colleges signed a contract deal with Audentes Technologies.

Audentes Technologies is a certified partner of Microsoft which supplies the linkage and services to Midway Colleges.

Through this partnership, Audentes Technologies is now running on Microsoft 365, a productivity cloud that brings together best-in-class Office apps with powerful cloud services, device management, and advanced security.

With all the features of Microsoft 365, it corresponds with the need of Midway Colleges for a platform to continually supply transformative education to its students despite the limitations caused by the pandemic.

The partnership provides trainings to teachers and students to equip them with advance technologies and skills development that are needed in adapting to blended learning.

Teachers are now eligible to have Microsoft Certified Educator Certification (MCE), this certifies that teachers have the global technology literacy competencies that are essential in supplying a rich, custom learning experience to students.

Moreover, students can also have Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (MOS). Through this certification, students will be trained to have advance skills in MS Office, data comprehension, and in preparation for their future careers.

The partnership between Midway Colleges and Audentes Technologies seals a promising delivery of excellent services and programs towards a transformative education.

August 2020

Pedal pa more

Asia’s Duathlon Queen talks on Transit Options

Asia’s Duathlon Queen and internationally renowned triathlete, Monica Torres, talked in an online seminar on transit options entitled “Pedal pa More para sa Pag-aaral” on Saturday, August 8, 2020, via Midway Colleges Facebook livestream.

Monica gave emphasis on benefits of biking, beginners guide, and safety measure.

She shared points on how biking can improve one’s health and fitness, increase one’s appreciation of nature, and how to explore different places. Moreover, she highlighted that biking can be a suitable alternative mode of transportation especially in this time of pandemic.

She shared the joys and benefits of biking, as well as how it could help people cope with stress.

Monica Torres graduated Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Sports Science. During her college years, she joined the dragon boat team whose members would ride their bikes to school. This influenced her to start biking as well; she borrowed her father’s bike and her interest in cycling cultivated from there. She has then joined –and won– competitions over the years. Based on her personal blog, Monica Races the World, through which she would share her journey as a professional athlete. She was won gold medals in SEA Games; she has over 40 gold medals and counting.

July 2020

Exit Interview

It is not new to the graduating students of Midway Colleges that they should undergo an exit interview before their names be included on the final list of the graduating students. Amidst of this pandemic it was still decided to conduct the exit interview inorder to help the students as they try to apply and be hired to their desired jobs. As usual, CEO, Czar Cloma Manglicmot serves as the interviewee. The graduating students from BSCA were tasked to do their  Digital Portfolio, Cover letter and Resume, it serves as the basis of the first part of the interview questions. Most of the students were nervous during the interview thus they are not able to answer the questions correctly. Nevertheless, because of our CEO’s generosity, they were given a minute to think or review their answers. Sir Czar also allowed the graduating students to seek help from the Director of Student Affairs, Sir Jemmuel Roque and to the Guidance Coordinator, Sir Kevin Christian Juan. The exit interview lasts from July 22-31, 2020. In the end all of the graduating students were able to pass the exit interview and successfully finish the requirements of their graduation. 

July 2020

Bright side of e-games

Mobile gaming and esports, although relatively new, are industries that are skyrocketing these days. Competitions have sprung left and right, with the top events giving away millions of dollars in prizes. It has truly become a multi-million dollar “sporting” activity. Corporations and investors have taken notice of this, as well as educational institutions.

Understandably, many are still skeptical of this industry. But whatever opinion one may have about this, there is no denying the fact that it is a huge industry. Some are in it for the money, some for fun, some for both. These seem to be the main reasons why they get into esports. However, like any other sport, those are not the only factors that come with playing it.

Players learn from engaging in mobile gaming or esports. First off, it gives a sense of community. People who play mobile games feel like they belong to a certain group and this helps in their well-being and mental health. They form communities where they interact and help one another. They form communities where they teach each other. They form communities where they grow alongside each other. It strengthens their relations with their family, relatives, and friends.

Playing video games also boosts problem-solving skills. Analyzing opponents, their tactics, their team builds, their strengths and weaknesses, and their tendencies, among others, are all part of gaming. There are a lot of cognitive functions that take place while playing. These are beneficial in improving one’s thinking and analytical skills.

Those who play mobile games also experience an increase in creative output. They tend to be innovative and imaginative with the resources they are dealt with in-game. This pushes them to be creative because if they don’t, they lose. This is an effective strategy of improving their ingenuity.

More importantly, playing mobile games give players a chance to recharge, improve their morale, and reduce stress. Student life is hard enough. Life, in general, is tough too. A breath of fresh air and a chance to relax is what they need. It helps them re-focus on the important things like studying and self-improvement.

Many still scoff and bat their eyes when they hear about mobile games and esports. However, the educational and personal benefits of gaming should not be underestimated. People are not just playing, but they are learning as well. Supporting esports helps in developing the young.