Prepped for Grad

THE month of March comes with that sense of accomplishment, of success and temporary liberty for most students. And for those who are in their last year in school, March is one of the most special and memorable event in their life–the graduation day. This should be an exciting event, after all, you graduate from college only once. You now think of wearing your graduation gown and cap, and that graduation ring that cost your parents a lot of money. Then there’s also the thought of sending over dozens of resume to several companies right after graduation, and weighing which offer to accept or decline.

To many, graduation is a culmination of college life, a time to bid our terror teachers goodbye, and a time when they can forget about mind-boggling statistics exams—permanently. And before the proverbial closing of that chapter in your life and opening a new one, Zup shares some tips so you can breeze through graduation.

Study harder than usual for the finals.

With just a few days left before the final exams, extra effort and time should be allotted for review. Do not be too confident that you will ace that Philosophy exam or that test in your major that you think you know so well. It will take only one failing mark to lose that diploma. You surely wouldn’t want to be running after your professor while everyone is preparing for the graduation ball.

Settle Your Tuition

Most schools don’t allow graduation candidates to take the final exams and join the commencement rites until all school fees have been settled. Do not forget to pay for all these fees earlier, no matter how small the amount.

Book Your Gown Early

There is a very limited number of graduation gowns for all of Cebu’s graduating students to use. With all the schools preparing for graduation, there could be a shortage of the graduation garb so have your toga reserved as soon as possible, unless you want to join the graduation march in your favorite jeans and shirt. And don’t forget to return the gown immediately after your graduation to avoid extra charges, and to spare other eager graduates the anxiety of a toga-less graduation.

Be Cleared

You might be overexcited about your big day and could be forgetting that your clearance forms need to be signed. So go after all the signatories—your dean, students’ affairs office, accounting, library, etc.--and have their signatures on that important slip of paper.

Hope this simple graduation tips are of help. And congratulations to March 2008 Graduates!

This article by Eric Galvin Go (author of entreprestuff) was published by Sun Star Daily March 3, 2008 Lifestyle Section.

Things To Watch Out This Christmas

The Christmas holiday is fast approaching and we have had enough talks – talks about good foods, perfect gift ideas, coolest home decors and best holiday getaways to mention a few.

But let us pause for a while, and take a sneak peak on its negative effects that people seldom or even not talked about that are also very informative. Here at Sun Star Zup! We share to you some of the things to watch out for these coming holidays.

Health

Statistically, doctors reported that December has the most number of heart attack cases in the Philippines or even worldwide. This usually are being the result of too much and excessive eating of foods high in fats such as what Cebuano are know for – roasted pigs more popularly known as lechon.

Aside from heart ailments, one may also acquire diabetes from excessive eating and drinking of colas and other sweet foods around. So you watch out for your health!

Injuries

Got firecracker? Be very careful when lighting one. You wouldn’t want only 9 of your fingers to be left after the holidays or only 1 eye left to see the ever colorful fireworks showcase.

A few tips to follow when playing with firecrackers is that one must not put his face in front of a non working fountain or rocket. Otherwise, your face explodes!

Fire Hazards

During the holidays homes are well lit and are fully loaded with Christmas decors and lightings. But these lights can become your worse enemy causing fire due to faulty electrical wiring and insulation.

Take extra care for these electronic decors this holiday to prevent your much adored home of becoming a burning light of decors! It is most advisable to switch these lighting off till midnight.

Compulsive Spending

Be wary about your spending habits specially when you are shopping or you will be penniless after the holidays. Spend on food, gifts, travels according to budget. Having extra savings after the holidays would be a good idea.

Otherwise, you will go through the whole 2008 penniless that goes by the Chinese quote: “How you start a new year, is how you will be the whole year round.”

Happy Holidays Everyone! And Take Extra Care this Christmas!

This article was posted on Sun Star Daily issue December 24, 2007.

Future things of the past

Second Article for Sun Star Daily:

WHEN before people did things manually, this era of technology has made computers and other gadgets widely available--anytime, anywhere. To catch up with the so-called technology craze, there’s only one thing to do: adapt. There’s no harm in adapting, really. It can only increase your productivity and efficiency.

Click here to read the rest of the entry.

When you're running low on cash, here's how you can survive

My first article in Sunstar below:

WITH the start of another semester, students are again in the thick of things–submission of reports, feasibility studies, thesis and other projects. Budgeting your money for schoolwork, food, malling and other hobbies may be a problem for some, with school projects taking a chunk of your allowance. So 'Zup shares some tips on how to make money during the high months of “ber” (October, November, December).... Read the complete article.

Writing for Our Local Paper

I would like to make special mention to Architect Karl Cabilao for helping me out in starting to write for our local paper Sun Star Daily. Soon I will now contribute for the papers youth page, Zup. My first article will be out anytime October and from there on will be contributing monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Architect Cabilao is the regular writer for Zup contributing mainly about Architecture and Construction articles. I know Architect before, as he sent me a short note through the social networking site Friendster. However, did not bother responding him (grin...) . And the world as small as it is, the one who was not being bothered by me just to answer that simple trivia for the paper, was the one who help me up get through with my first article. I had made a promise to myself not to ignore his messages anymore (grin...)