Special Feature: CPMS kicks off 20th anniversary this year with a Family Camp

CEBU CITY—The Children’s Paradise Montessori (CPMS) kicked off its 20^th anniversary this year with a Family Camp Out at LaVie Resort in Liloan, Cebu on February 1 with more than 200 participants composed of children, parents and teachers gamely adapting well to be more creative, spontaneous and independent, highlighting the importance of recognizing children for their values and character rather than just their academic achievements.

“This Family Camp communicates the significant growth of CPMS from 11 children to around 191 today with 80 families involved.  The presence of graduates and alumni, including teachers marked the generational impact that CPMS brings to these families,” CPMS president, Marivic Bathan in an interview with this writer.

Bathan shared a personal story about her niece that inspired her career shift from corporate to education to establishing a school that promotes inclusive education, the Montessori Way.  She reflected on the validation and the relaxation she felt after 20 years of doubt, feeling that the career change was the right decision because she revealed that her niece now will soon become a professional teacher despite her special challenges.

According to Bathan, the Family Camp activities included family games, arts, workshops, breakout sessions and other evening activities including a bonfire, s’mores, and a symbolic lighting ritual involving “One-Fire”.  These activities are collaboratively facilitated by a team of long time CPMS consultants that included Fr. Loreto Jaque and Coach May Soriano with the teachers and alumni students.

Bathan and Soriano recalled some of the notable memories from the two decades of impactful education and the CPMS journey, achievements, and commitment to holistic Montessori education. A series of activities and workshops were conducted for the students with their families aimed at promoting growth, creativity, and community engagement.

“Children are not miniature adults; they are our teachers, showing us the essence of life—joy, wonder, and unconditional love. At CPMS, we honor the divine nature of every child, creating an environment where they are heard, respected, and supported to thrive. This is why the school remains a beacon of hope and a true paradise for children,” Fr. Jaque said while he guided families in a joyful workshop.

In celebration of its 20th year, CPMS has lined up activities that aim to promote growth, creativity, and community engagement starting with the CPMS Family Camp, Best Buddies Friendship Walk, a Teacher’s Appreciation Week, a CPMS Recital, and a much-awaited Children’s Summit: Where Innovation Meets Purpose and the Child Shapes the Future as its theme.

Part of the 20^th year anniversary is to launch the Vivencia Foundation that is dedicated to advancing educational innovation and expanding access to Montessori education.  CPMS will also participate in the 1st Asian Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) in Thailand, offering students a unique opportunity to engage in global problem-solving and diplomacy, Bathan said. 

Bathan mentioned that the integration of scouting activities and the excitement of the children, with some staying overnight and others returning the next day outlined the values of CPMS which are creativity, respect, excellence, authenticity, teamwork, and empowerment.

Validation and holistic approach of CPMS

In a media interview at the Camp site, Bathan emphasized on the holistic approach of CPMS--caring for children, parents, and teachers that have been validated by them, reflecting on the relevance of CPMS in the next 20 years, focusing on engagement, excitement, and parental involvement in education.

Coach Soriano envisioned CPMS as a tool to show that educational solutions are possible to build a foundation for future generations. She expressed pride in CPMS as the first ever strengths-based education program in the Philippines. 

Bathan on the other hand introduced CPMS 2.0 that focus on innovation, purpose, and the child's future. She explains the goal of empowering and preparing children for the future, emphasizing the importance of innovation and purpose, describing the intention to create experiences that foster connection, family, and community, countering the impact of digital age isolation.

“The goal of the Family Camp is to create the lasting memories and experiences for the children with the hope that the children will carry forward the values and experiences learned at CPMS,” Bathan said.

CPMS impacts on teachers, students and parents

Donna Carmina Castelo, an academic expert, Dean of College of Arts & Sciences, SWU-PHINMA, and a CPMS parent, emphasized the unique value of CPMS’s educational approach. “Dr. Maria Montessori had it right. This is the best kind of education any child can have. At CPMS, children are guided gently, lovingly, and holistically to reach their fullest potential,” she added.

 “We stay true to these principles, and the success stories of our students—many of whom thrive despite challenges—are a testament to the strength of this genuinely child-centered system,” Bathan replied to Castelo’s comment.

Selena Sanchez Gonzo, a 14-year-old grade 10 student reflected on her experiences with CPMS which that began at age one and culminated in a significant impact from attending the Australian International Music Festival at age seven, where she performed at the Sydney Opera House.

This experience boosted her confidence on stage, she said. Transitioning from Montessori to traditional schooling was challenging, but CPMS' teachings helped her adapt and excel academically, achieving a general average of 90 percent and improving to 95 percent in the first semester of her current year.

“My involvement in writing and journalism fostered by CPMS, has continued into my high school activities.   The educational materials and teachings from CPMS facilitated my transition to high school, despite initial challenges.  I attribute my current success in campus journalism to the foundational skills I developed through CPMS' writing activities,” Selena said.

She also mentioned that the added challenge of the first year being online, which made the transition even more challenging but despite these challenges, Selena managed to pass her classes and maintain good grades, even earning a silver award in grade eight and grade nine. 

Selena recalled her involvement in a newsletter called "Paradisias" during her elementary years, which allowed her to start her journey in journalism.  Currently, Selena is actively participating in her school's newsletter, where she holds a leadership role in one of the categories.

Conversations with Memmai and Steph

Dr. Stephanie Olano and Carmina Castelo taught at CPMS before they transitioned to their current careers now and the conversation always revolved around the experiences of teachers at a Montessori school, highlighting the benefits of the Montessori approach.  Both shared their teaching journey, starting in college and moving to CPMS.

Olano underscored the importance of creating a conducive environment for children to learn naturally and noted on the joy of seeing children's progress, the fun and practical nature of Montessori materials, and the positive impact of field trips on students' future aspirations.

They noted that Montessori education follows the child's interests, making learning enjoyable and facilitating a smooth transition to traditional schools, where Montessori graduates often excel academically.

Both Olano and Castelo described the Montessori environment as a blend of play and learning, where children use materials to learn and they particularly enjoyed the math materials, which made learning fun and engaging for the children.

Castelo shared the excitement of a field trip to Negros which was a very memorable experience for both children and parents while Teacher Steph highlighted the importance of giving children opportunities to explore their interests, as seen in a graduate who pursued communications due to a field trip experience.

“Such exposure and experiences help children discover their passions and career paths early on.  Montessori education follows the child's interests, guiding them in their learning journey,” Dr. Steph said.

Castelo noted that while transitioning to traditional schools can be challenging, Montessori students eventually adjust well.  She mentioned that Montessori graduates often excel in traditional schools, becoming honor students.

The conversation concluded with a sense of pride in the success of Montessori graduates in various educational settings noting the positive impact of the Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) in the lives of the teachers, students and parents with “TATAK CPMS” becoming the signature brand of the school towards inclusive education and life-long learning. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

P16.93B new Int’l Container Port soon to rise in Consolacion, Cebu

CONSOLACION, Cebu—The Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Secretary Jaime Bautista with Consolacion Cebu Mayor Teresa Alegado, CPA General Manager Francisco Comendador III with the officials from the Korean Embassy and the EDCF Korea Eximbank and other hosts of local officials inaugurated the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) in Consolacion, Cebu on February 5 marking the start of the P16.93 billion port infrastructure projects in Cebu Province. 

“The NCIP is more than just a port, but a symbol of progress, commitment and efforts to meet the future demands of the maritime industry. The project is seen to improve port capacity, not only meets but exceeds the current demands of the transportation industry,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said in his opening message.

According to Cebu Port Authority general manager Francisco Comendador, III that the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) is a P16.93B infrastructure project that involve the construction of an international container port equipped with five quay cranes in a reclaimed land of 25 hectares with a 500-meter berth length; 14,000 container yard capacity, and water depth of (-12) meters to accommodate two 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent (TEU) vessels.

Comendador added that the project was awarded to a Korean HJ Shipbuilding & Construction Co., Ltd., and is expected to be completed by 2028.  Once completed, the NCICP increases the operational capacity of the main cargo gateway in the Central Visayas Region by redistributing the international container volume from the existing Cebu International Port to the NCICP, which will improve handling and container stacking facilities.

The project will also alleviate road congestion around Cebu Base port and provide a more efficient and reliable port infrastructure for the unimpeded flow of goods and services. This development is crucial to meet the increasing cargo demand and support the growth of commerce and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao Regions, Comendador said.

“This collaborative project symbolizes the enduring friendship and partnership between Korea and Philippines.  The transformative impact of this project is elevating Cebu’s role as  a key maritime hub of South East Asia,” Senior Executive Director Kiyeon Hwang of the EDCF Korea Eximbank said.

Hwang added that the project plays a crucial role not only make goods more affordable but will also create jobs and opportunities for port related activities that could improve local and global supply chain not only in Cebu but the entire country.

Bautista on the other hand added that the key objective of NCICP is to redistribute international container volume, to improve handling and container capacities, seamless flow of goods and services, ensuring the economy to remain robust and dynamic.

Also present during the ground breaking and time capsule laying ceremony were Senior Executive Director Kiyeon Hwang of the EDCF Korea Eximbank, Executive Vice President Kim Yong-Woon of the HJ Shipbuilding and Construction and Country Manager of the Yooshon Engineering Corporation Jin-Ho Lee; Ako Bisaya Party-list Representative Sonny Lagon and Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), Usec. Terence Calatrava.

It can be recalled that in December 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of several key transport deals expected to improve the country’s transportation system including the signing of the contract for the construction of the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (Cebu BRT), modernization of Bohol-Panglao International Airport, as well as the Agreements for the New Dumaguete and New Siargao airports. (Photos: Cebu Port Authority)

 

 

PMAP-Cebu notes key trends in HR for 2025

CEBU CITY – People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP)-Cebu Chapter noted some key trends in human resource (HR) management as it transitions from “Rehumanize IT” in 2024 to “Enablement” in 2025.

Human resource (HR) theme in 2024 was “rehumanizing IT” with emphasis on the need to balance technological advancements with empathy and emotional intelligence. The pandemic accelerated technology, raising questions about maintaining human connections in the workplace and the focus was on balancing innovation with the human aspect of work to ensure meaningful human connections, Nilda Ravina, PMAP immediate Past president shared these insights, in her presentation at the PMAP 1^st General Membership Meeting (GMM) and Induction of 2025 Officers on February 1 at Seda Ayala, Business Park in Cebu City.

“In 2025, the theme shifts to "enablement," focusing on equipping individuals and organizations to face future challenges.  The concept of enablement evolved from “rehumanizing IT” that aims to ensure individuals and organizations are skilled, agile, and prepared for the future,” Ravina said.

The focus is on enabling people to thrive in a world where technology plays a central role but humanity remains the guiding force and the power of transformation lies in humanizing every decision and innovation in a landscape of constant technological disruption, she added.

The shift towards “enablement” is about creating meaningful, long-lasting change that impacts every individual in the organization because true success is measured by the positive impact of decisions on people's lives, enriching communities, and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.

Organizations should embed human-centered values into their strategies to build workplaces that prioritize well-being, inclusivity, and sustainability and HR plays a pivotal role in driving enablement, focusing on key trends in 2025, Ravina noted.

Jan Mark Gellez, PMAP-Cebu president, in his opening message shared this year’s PMAP theme, “Enablement: Innovation, Resilience, and Growth in a Fast-Changing Environment” which captures the organization’s behavior towards the emerging key trends in HR for 2025.

“In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, organizations must not only adapt but also lead with agility, creativity, and strength.  As leaders, our role is to enable our people giving them the tools, knowledge, and support to navigate change with confidence. Innovation will drive us forward, helping us rethink traditional approaches and embrace new possibilities,” Gellez said.

Key Trends in HR for 2025

In Ravina’s presentation, she listed several key trends that include AI and automation; remote and hybrid work models; mental health support and stress reduction programs; diversity, equity and inclusion; skills development and lifelong learning, among others.

She said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation will continue to be integral to streamlining HR functions, making HR teams more efficient, data-driven, and agile. Automation will help eliminate administrative tasks, freeing up time for HR professionals to focus on strategic priorities like talent development and employee engagement.

HR professionals need to be well-versed in AI and automation tools to harness these technologies for organizational efficiency and proactively equipping the workforce with the knowledge and skills to stay ahead of technological threats is crucial.

Remote and Hybrid Work Models. The hybrid work model is here to stay, Ravina said, with employees having the option to work from home for activities that can be done remotely. HR leaders need to ensure remote and hybrid teams remain engaged, productive, and collaborative.

"Managing a dispersed workforce requires new approaches to communication, performance management, and team building.  HR's role is to foster a sense of connection and belonging despite geographical distances, ensuring employees feel supported, valued, and empowered,” she added.

Employee Well-being and Mental Health. Mental health support and stress reduction programs are becoming top priorities for organizations to foster a sustainable, productive workforce. HR needs to champion a holistic approach to well-being, offering employees tools and resources for mental, physical, and emotional health, Ravina continued.

She noted that investing in comprehensive wellness programs, including counseling, stress management workshops, and flexible work options, is essential, ensuring employees have access to resources to thrive both personally and professionally is crucial.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Diversity, equity, and inclusion also remain a focus in 2025, with organizations implementing comprehensive DEI strategies beyond recruitment and HR's role in DEI involves not just attracting diverse talent but also fostering an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued and empowered.

Implementing policies that promote fairness, equal opportunities for advancement, and support for marginalized groups is necessary and organizations must ensure that DEI efforts are integrated into all aspects of the workplace, from talent acquisition to leadership opportunities.

Skills development and Lifelong Learning. “In today's fast-paced business environment, job roles are continuously evolving, requiring continuous learning, reskilling, and upskilling.  Organizations must focus on ongoing employee development to ensure their workforce has the skills needed to meet future demands,” Ravina added.

Ravina said that HR should prioritize learning and development programs that empower employees to grow alongside technological advancements. Personalized learning and development programs that address growing needs in the organization are essential for success.

“By embracing innovation, nurturing resilience, and fostering continuous growth, organizations can create environments where people excel both personally and professionally.  In 2025, the focus is on technology and people working in tandem, prioritizing human-centered strategies. HR can enable organizations to navigate complexities and lead with purpose and impact. Together, organizations can embrace the journey of enablement, ensuring they are equipped for future transformation,” JM Gellez concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

CTTA to host 9th Cebu Travel Catalogue Int’l show on Feb. 14-16

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Tours and Travel Alliance (CTTA) with its event partners—Department of Tourism (DOT-7), Cebu City Tourism Commission, Cebu Association of Tour Operators (CATOS) and Ayala Center Cebu will host the 9th Cebu Travel Catalogue International (CTCI) 2025 exhibition show on February 14-16 at the newly renovated Ayala Center Cebu, with this year’s theme “Travel Beyond Limits!”

“Expect an extraordinary gathering of nearly 100 key industry players, including prominent airlines, renowned tourism boards, luxury hotels and adventure places, and trusted travel agencies to establish their respective booths at the exhibition area to showcase their travel/tours offerings to capture the spirit of boundless adventure, discovery and a whole new world of travel opportunities,” CTCI chair and CTTA Vice-President Angelita Dy told the media at the press conference at the City Sports Club Cebu, January 31.

Dy bared that participants to this year’s 9^th CTCI include local and international carriers, RCBC, Tourism Boards from Hongkong, Taiwan and Korea Tourism; major hotels, resorts and adventure parks; travel and tour operators and a host of other participants offering travel discounts and promos and unparalleled tour packages.

Multi-generational travel experiences and new travel trends for 2025

CATOS president, Alice Quiblatin said that the 9^th CTCI travel show hopes to promote Cebu as the hub for domestic, regional, and international travel emphasizing Cebu's central location with an international airport like MCIA, making it a crucial hub for travel within the Philippines and the region.

Quiblatin shared that multi-generational travel is now a significant trend, with families traveling to nearby regions, highlighting the importance of regional travel.  Cebuanos often travel to neighboring countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar, which can attract tourists from these regions.

“Collaboration over competition in travel must be the focus with packages designed to attract similar markets from Vietnam, Cambodia, and other regions and Cebu is positioned as a convergence point for both outbound and inbound travel, leveraging the same airlines and tour operators. Travel trends for 2025 include attracting families for multi-generational travel, with a focus on perfect accommodations and experiences,” Quiblatin said.

Quiblatin bared that another trend is the immersive travel packages that are gaining popularity, allowing tourists to experience local culture and activities deeply.   Immersive travel includes farm tours where visitors can cook and eat with local families, which has become very popular among Americans.

‘Do-it-Yourself’ (DIY) activities like painting ukuleles and visiting guitar factories are becoming popular too, offering hands-on experiences, according to Quiblatin, Cebu is also promoting local culture, such as learning the Filipino martial art Eskrima and Arnis which are now part of the Mactan tour.

“Multi-generational travel, immersive experiences, wellness packages, and culinary tours are all contributing to Cebu's new destination identity,” Quiblatin added.

Angelita Dy, CTCI chairperson explained that CTTA focuses more on outbound tourism, while their partner like CATOS handles inbound tourism.   The purpose of the Cebu travel catalog is to boost both outbound and inbound tourism, and it is created annually. 

Dy mentioned that airlines play a crucial role in supporting their efforts by providing special fares and packages and the travel catalog is in its ninth year, aims to promote Cebu and outbound travel opportunities. 

She acknowledges the role of the Department of Tourism (DOT), the local government units (LGU) and all other partners on the support, discussions on specifically carving the travel and tourism master plan for Cebu City and their respective roles in tourism promotion.

“We hope to gain from people going out and then bringing in and the good news that they come about the Philippines and Cebu as a destination.  We now expect that they will also come in, because travel is always reciprocal.   You know, people go out with to bring people in, by looking at Cebu as an accessible convergence point and as a hub, travel journeys and experiences here make good business for all of us,” Quiblatin noted.

RCBC Credit Cards, sole banking partner to make seamless travel

For seamless and financially worry- free travels, CTTA and CTCI have partnered with RCBC Credit Cards over the years which proved to be a comfortable alliance and business partnership enabling potential travelers to go for their travel dreams.

"We have partnered with CTTA because we believe that together, we can provide exceptional value to our cardholders. People travel to enjoy amazing experiences with their loved ones and friends, and CTTA helps make this possible with their impressive roster of event participants. From RCBC's side, we are committed to ensuring our cardholders have strong purchasing power, convenient payment solutions, security, and rewards to guarantee a memorable and worry-free getaway." RCBC Credit Cards FVP and Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Ma. Angela Mirasol said.

Mirasol said that RCBC Credit Cards can offer fast-track processing during the event at Ayala and New RCBC Credit Card holders will receive welcome gifts, such as Powermac gift certificates, American Tourister luggage, or Tumi bags.

RCBC will open the event for merchants interested in getting accredited to accept credit and debit card payments. "We are introducing Tap-to-Phone, an innovative feature that allows merchants to use their Android smartphones as terminals for accepting card payments.   Applications for RCBC Personal and Salary Loans will also be available during the event, Mirasol added.

Block February 14-16 on the calendar for this exciting travel extravaganza at the Ayala Center Cebu. (Photos: MBCNewman/Newsmansblog)