Zenaida S. Cabangon tells it like it is in the Philippines.

English language proficiency in our schools has been rated an all-time low driving the Department of Education to intensify efforts to improve mastery of the English language in the whole educational system.

Different strategic interventions are completed,tested,and implemented to achieve the desired competency and mastery,but to no avail,thousands of students nationwide failed to achieve the expected mastery level.

Language institutions and experts have discovered a new appoach to English instruction in the classroom.The ESL (English as a Second Language) approach compared to usual teaching methods.ESL is considered classroom friendly. It can be easily understood by teachers and students because it provides opportunities and activities that can be easily done or performed by students inside the classroom which in return promote active participation activities like impromptu speaking,oral reading and conversation exercises do not not only develop listening and reading skills, but they make interaction among students possible which eventually encourage them to be more collaborative and participative.

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Without strict adherence to rules an principles the flow of communication in ESL instruction appears to be natural and simple. What matters in the ESL way is the communicative capacity of the learners even without reference to grammatical rules or procedures. Thus, Simple words may be broken down to multiple concepts or ideas bringing about multiplicity of meanings conveyed either by gestures, facial expressions and other body movements.

ESL, based on the studies and research conducted by experts on applied linguisties and English Teaching, follows certain principles when applied in classroom instruction. First, consider the student purpose in learning the English Language. Learning English the Varies from every student. It could be for enhancement, fulfillment, advancement or job opportunity. Thus, the Teacher will be able to frame a better way or Teaching English. Second, ESL uses oral communication or conversation models in the conduct of classes. Hence, if a teacher has a multilingual class, English becomes a common language through which the students can communicate and understand each other. At the same time, students are given the opportunity to practice and eventually improve their ability to speack the English Language class-wide learning instend of limited number of students gaining proficency. Third, Know your students-their strengths and weaknesses. This will help teachers improve students weak areas as in mastering conversational skills or academic English. Fourth, Know your students learning style. Learning style can be environmental, emotional, physical, physiological, sociological or psychological. This will help teachers determine what teaching style to use. Fifth, Encourage students to ask questions or give feedback. Teachers should answer questions properly and will. Enough time to complete assignments, projects and examinations should be provided to students. Words or praise and encouragement if given, can boost them confidence and ability to become participative. Sixth, provide interesting activities that will develop keen and alert. Familiar topics sjould be given in quest is and answer activity to make them more comfortable and confident. Seventh, create networks and share information, materials, resources,ideas English can be best taught. Eight… enrich vocabulary of students. Present new English words each lesson and requirement them to include these new words in their active vocabulary. This will help them learn English faster. Ninth,make grammatical structures simple. In constructing a sentence, for example, limit it into a single concept and use the active instend of the passive voice. Tenth, allow the students to talk and write. Giving the students opportunity to speak out loud in front of a class for a consistent period of time can build their confidence. While opportunity to write can enhance their English, their ability to spell and to constuct sentences and paragraphs.

About the author

Zenaida S. Cabangon works for the Department of Education, Lopez National Comprehensive High School in the Philippines.

By Alex Smith

After exploring the rich historical surrounds of the Philippines, it is only natural to unwind by delving into the local nightlife. The natural charm and surrounds of the Philippines allows you the total escape package which is complimented by the daily wind down phase of visiting the unique night time offerings. This is the place where you can dance the night away, lounge in comfort driven lounge bars or indulge in feasts fit for a king. The nightlife starts late and ends even later so you can be assured of finding the night time activity which will meet your every need.

Being a country which embraces contemporary advances and historical charm, you will find a wide selection of nightlife establishments both old and new. Most travellers find that the older style bars and clubs in the out skirts of the major areas provide not only a fine drinking location but also one where you can satisfy your hunger with ‘pulutan’ also known as bar chow. Pulutan is similar to tapas and ensures that you stay well nourished for your night of activity and fun. It is customary for bars and clubs to provide free meals to its patrons as the culturally rich customs which don’t condone drinking on an empty stomach. This is one country where you will receive free grilled meats, vegetables and nuts for simply purchasing a drink from the bar.

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The Philippines is unique in the sense that it is host to some of the seediest and most upmarket bars in the world. When visiting Manila you are likely to find more of a nightclub scene than you will find in the other areas such as Cebu, where you will find a more relaxing environment in the confines of the local night spot. The nightlife in the Philippines is somewhat different from western society. It is not unusual for a bar or nightclub in the Philippines to cater to a more relaxed atmosphere with substantial comforts as opposed to the standing environment western nightclubs usually provide.

Manila is the place to be if you want to find lively pubs and karaoke bars. When you enjoy the Philippine nightlife you will quickly learn that beer is the drink of choice. The Philippines has a large selection of international beers but unfortunately for the spirit drinker you may have to rely upon the local Ginebra which is a localised version of Gin. For those who are a bit more adventurous you may like to try the customary drinks such as Lambanog and Tuba. Both of these drinks are made from coconut sap. Funnily enough, these drinks are also the base for a number of well known bubble gum brands.

The Philippines is an extremely cheap place to visit and you can expect that all of your nightlife adventures will be well below what you would expect to pay back at home. Theatres and cinema’s are not dominant in the Philippine nightlife but with the low cost of food, alcohol and entertainment it is not necessary. The local population who also visit the night life spots are the ones that will make your journey complete. The Philippines offers you the opportunity to indulge in the historical sights during the days and learn the unique culture from the locals at night.

After leaving, you will not think of nightlife in the Philippines as a visit to the Opera. You will be left of memories of spending time with the locals, learning their customs, talking over a few drinks and enjoying the fine local cuisine that is part of the entertainment scene. The Philippines is unique in its ability to make your stay about the person, and the local memories it provides you with.