School Matters Part 2

It's been a while... Lot's had happened in between and so I was not able to write for a while. Anyway, I guess there are really a lot of people who look for school information in the Subic area and so I am writing my part 2. 

Special Education for the Gifted- Kalayaan

Yes.. this is a public school run by no other than the Department of Education but among the schools in Subic, it is the most coveted one. A series of tests and interviews are conducted each year with only limited slots to fill. The school is most awarded in terms of academic specifically Math. 

Rooms are well equipped with projector, TV, VCR player, air conditioned rooms. It is run by PTA parents supporting the school to provide with best facility to compete with other private schools in the area. 

My son is very fortunate to have graduated in this school. All I can say is that parents should be ready to be hands on if you want to be part of the community. It foster friendship and camaraderie and yes competition    ( healthy and unhealthy) among parents. Students here are trained to aim for the best and reach their potential. As early as primary grade- some students who really excel get to experience competing in national and international competition. 

Pros: 1: 25 ratio, no tuition fee ( technically), excellent study environment

Cons:  Teachers are not be expected to look out for your kids. When they are out of the school, then end their responsibility  as they foster independence at an early age.

         Location is a challenge especially if you don't have your own private vehicle. There are shuttle service but scarce. 

          Be prepared to be busy. They do not run out of activities. 

         They only accept Filipino citizens.

         Traditional 
         No school gates

Another public school, you may want to check out is " Centex", Center for Excellence which is a public school although this would not have the same facility as SPED, kids here are also competitive plus school is very accessible. 

The Manila Times College

Fairly new in the area but a lot of parents is in awe of this school in terms of teaching innovation. 

Imagine a school with equestrian, golf and archery classes incorporated in their curriculum. They also teach financial literacy among their student at an early age. No books- they use e-books and multi media for their lectures and assignments. When a student missed his class, the teacher can just send out via portal or email. English is their first language and secondary language is also being taught. 

Pros: Innovative and generation appropriate style of teaching. Excellent facilities. Great school environment 

Cons:  In the highs ( 75k to 100k) tuition fee

           Location is quite far inaccessible to public transportation although they do have their own buses you may take. 

One school, Ianthe Christian Academy  recently opened which caters to pre-school and is very promising. They are also creative and very caring and nurturing to their students. 

So much for school, there are still some I have yet to research. I will try my best to add more on the list. Happy School Hunting!

  

School Matters Part 1

Just like other parents, I yearn to have my only child study in the best possible school there is. During my time, there are only two schools you may choose from. St Joseph's School and Columban College. Nowadays, there are several school in Olongapo and Subic Area to choose from. Let me give you a bit of information  about some of the schools around Subic Bay and Olongapo. Some based from my own experience, some from feedback of my co-parents and others done thru research. Hope this might help you in deciding the best school for your child. 

 

High School Campus

St Joseph's College 

Formerly St Joseph's School, my Alma Mater, has been around for such a long time. A Catholic School with long line of tradition. 

Major points:  If you want to bring up your child with solid Catholic value, this is the school for you.  The proximity of the school is also advantage as it is in the heart of the city and accessible to public transportation. School is very secure with gates well guarded (Ate Fely has been with the school during my time) and parents are required to wear their ID before they can even enter the premises. NO ID NO ENTRY rule is strictly enforce. Tuition fee is reasonably priced.

Minus points : Traditional way of teaching (subjective). Teacher -student ratio is 1:40 which may mean, child won't have that much attention from teacher. Though some of my parents argue that being in a big school helps the kids deal with different types of people. 

Olongapo Wesley School

An ecumenical  institution where most Christian family send their kids to. They have recently open a branch in Barrio Barretto.

Major Points : Learning Bible verses are part of the kids daily routine. Elementary Program is one of the best in the city- (again,Subjective). Shorten classes as they are only half-day until Grade 3. Promixity is excellent as it is located in one of the major roads of Olongapo. Tuition Fee - lowest among private schools.

Minus points : School is a bit run-down and needs facility upgrade. Teacher - Student ratio is 1:40. 

 

 

  Subic Montessori

One of the newer schools located inside SBMA with branches in Olongapo and Bataan but I can only give input on their Main Campus which is inside SBMA.

Major Points :  Adheres to Montessori style of learning even their grading system wherein grades are not numeric. English language is strictly used inside campus. I visited their campus once and was surprise that even security personnel speak English. There is a low teacher-student ratio, nice and inviting facilities and secure location.

Minus Points :  Tuition fee is in the high end compared to other private schools in the area. 

Fun Preschool Activites in FIRST SCHOOL

FIRST SCHOOL OF SBFZ

The school started as a technical/vocation school but instead found success in their preschool education. Eventually they have stop offering technical courses and just focuse on preschool,elementary and high school education.    

Major Points : School is very accommodating and  find  their faculty members and admin sincere in their  vision - the school being child centered .They are the first to offer toddler classes where kids between 2- 3 years old can learn and play. Low teacher-student ratio. One of the highlight of the school is teachers provide parents of their weekly lesson and homework plan.This gives student and parents an overall view on what the week is going to be. Advance reading can be done and even homework since they are transparent with their schedule. English is the medium of instruction as it is not surprising to see other nationalities  (mostly Koreans) enrolling in this school. Very good location as it is near the SBMA gate.

Minus Points : Though the main building is secured, the campus is in a compound set-up sharing with other school near the area. Tuition fee is mid-range. Tuition fee is in the mid-range.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

The Making of SM Olongapo

Finally SM Olongapo is scheduled to  open on December 16,2011. Blessing will  be presided by none other than the Bishop of  Iba. It was mixed emotions for me. I love one stop shops. I am used to shopping in big malls in Manila where everything is in one cool place. I love to shop and dine and watch movies and this is my comfort zone. On the other hand,when I think about the local businessman of our city I feel sorry for them. I sometimes feel sorry to the people of Olongapo. Yes, it creates jobs and opportunity but where do the employees go from here? How are the local businessmen be able to compete with a giant? Is having an SM Mall really is a sign of a progressive city? And then, I think of the place, what it was before and who was in there before? Where are they now? How are they now?  

History

This was Lot 21. A prime lot just outside the SBMA Main Gate and now the site of the 7- storey
 ( the highest among the rest, I think) among SM Malls.  

The development of this parcel of  land  was one of Gapo's urban stories. They said, it was a vacant lot before registered to 21 individual people hence the name " LOT 21". It was a big scrap of land and undeveloped so the local government eventually "borrowed" the supposed land, made it useful by  putting  in a "tiangge" during holiday season .                             

 Eventually, it was called "Night Market" which now runs the whole year round.  Majority of owners were small to medium enterpreneurs. The Muslim community added a vibrant and lively atmosphere and for some years became the main venue for people buying clothes, shoes, gift items, toys  and yes, pirated dvds.                                                                                                                    

   The local gov't have dreamed of having a mall in Olongapo. Hence, the idea of " Olongapo City Mall" came about.The previous owners, some are dead and some are now living abroad did not contest. Some may have objected, 21 owners would have filed a restraining order to make the case strong. There were speculation that LOT 21's ownership eventually was transferred to the local government without due process. Despite of the question about the land's ownership still it was a peaceful transition. The previous stall owners where given priority for the 5- year lease in the mall so that they can continue their business. At first , it was an ideal place to go to. Olongapo City Mall was spacious and cool but towards the fourth year, it could not hide the poor maintenance. It became crowded with little to none cooling system. Towards the end of the 5 year lease of the stall owners, there were great big buzz that contracts will not be renewed anymore. There were news of SM coming in but no one confirmed the news. Henry Sy,Jr  was even seen with the mayor inspecting the Olongapo City Mall. Finally, a meeting was held where batch of stall owners where called in and announced that Olongapo sold the land to SM Corporation. They were asked to vacate in a month. There was a silent objection from the owners. They do not want to leave..not that soon as their livelihood depends on it. The news that the Olongapo government earned billions for the sale of the lot has took a toll on the stall owners.The government does not have any plans for the displaced small time businessmen. The stall owner fought their way by staying in. They did'nt leave the premises even when the cooling system was shut down and later on, the electricity was cut off. It was an almost oven like temperature inside the mall. The sight was pitiful. It was not a place conducive for human. The fight went on for almost 9 months. The government did not falter and just gave in when one brave lawyer fought for their rights. Eventually, SM or the government gave- in.  There was an out of court settlement. Minutes after papers where signed, SM security guards were in the area securing the place. They said they will convert the place but eventually torn down everything. Hear say, substandard construction of Olongapo City Mall. Now, the new SM will soon open giving hundreds of employment opportunity. I just hope that they can look back at this and say they made the right choice.

My Inspiration

At the age where internet is like the “vitamin capsules” in our life, where most of our decision evolves having to consult Mr. Google and Yahoo, I was surprise to learn that not a lot of things have been written about my little town. Famous it maybe, information available are limited to the tourist spots inside Subic Bay Freeport Zone area  also known as SBFZ or SBMA.

Although I was born and raised here in Olongapo, I am used in living the fast pace life of Manila. I somewhat forgot that not everything in Olongapo is within my reach. I realize that when I finally settle down here in Olongapo just two years ago. I consulted my "vitamin capsules" when I was looking for a school here but failed to find helpful information. Even our telephone company  directory does not have that extensive listing. I could only be guided by word of mouth. I was  always looking for special events and happenings on several occasion but even the official page of SBMA did not this information (Disclaimer: maybe they have that information now, hopefully). All events are posted at the Main gate but what if I was one of those who seldom pass by that area. Again, I could only be guided by word of mouth. What about places to shop? (Thank God, SM and Ayala are now just around the corner SOON) I just have so much difficulty just buying gifts and clothes for me (I'm a plus size) and my family.

This site is dedicated to the locals of Gapo. I am going to write whatever things I learned, discover,tried and complained about our dear sweet little town of Olongapo and SBMA areas from an Olongapenos point of view. Hope that you will find this blog helpful and enjoyable. AIM HIGH OLONGAPO!!! This is for us.