2013

UP MBA Chronicles: The Results Night

Posted on 12:58 PM No Comments
Labels: University of the Philippines Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business MBA Evening Program

The day we all dreaded has come... Philippines the results are in! After the nightly workshops... after the cramming the night before... Did I pass??? Or I would have to continue this UP MBA craziness next year??

During the exam, board instructions said that the results will be on the 22nd. However in the middle it was suddenly changed to 23rd (but its okay for me since I was there all throughout. For some who have only the accounting exam to retake, they messaged me nervously the night of the 22nd and to their demise they found out results will not be until the next day. (That's what you get for passing the quanties!!! - Love, your bitter batch mate)

And so the next day, I was refreshing the UP website like crazy over and over and over and over again. Its like Ate Ida will post the exam every other second... every hit of the refresh button will make my heart jump and my intestines worse... Until the time when PEX announced (maybe one student cannot take it anymore and called) that Ate ida told her/him for us to call. True enough UP MBA page says we should call. At first I hesitated... until the time I decided to have courage since I will have to know otherwise. And yes I passed UP MBA evening program. Yey for me!!!! I entered the gates of hellven!!

To my fellow batch mates who are actually reading my blog for I don't know the reason why ... This is just the beginning I've heard that we would have to maintain a grade of 2 if not we will not even get a diploma only a certificate and that would be really sad. :'(

So lets get in this together and graduate together!!! We can doh it!! UP MBA!!!!

UP MBA Chronicles: UP MBA Workshops

Posted on 12:53 PM No Comments
Labels: University of the Philippines Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business MBA Evening Program

After the first proficiency exam, workshops will be given only for those who are willing to pay for the subjects you did not pass. (Please pay first!! How could you sit in when you did not pay!! You don't do this to us!! That is so unprofessional you deserve to fail!! XD!) Anyway, these series of workshops will eventually refresh your minds the hidden (??) concepts of accounting and basic quantitative knowledge.

UP MBA program offers five workshop for you to avail:

1. Accounting : 30 hrs 4000 Php
2. Algebra: 6 Hrs 1000 Php
3. Calculus: 6 Hrs 1000 Php
4. Statistics: 6 Hrs 1000 Php
5. Math of Finance: 6 Hrs 1000 Php

1. Accounting Workshop

UP MBA: Credit/Debit Frog

The accounting workshop will take place on Saturdays and weekday nights usually twice a week. I highly recommend you to take the accounting workshop as UP MBA program may require you more or less ample amount of knowledge for it. Not to mention the professor teaching accounting is very good in teaching accounting (that is redundant and so?) >_<~!

The accounting workshop is very informative and very fun. you will always get a good hard laugh each and every meeting. No, I am not attending the workshop just for the jokes.... er.. maybe I am but it does not matter I feel like an an accountant now.... >__<~!!!

"Umattend lang ng workshop feeling accountant na"

But seriously the accounting workshop is informative to the next level! I mean I've got accounting subjects during my undergrad but.. hell yeah I don't understand all of those until now. (sorry accounting teacher back then). Accounting workshop will definitely take your time but it will really give you everything you need to know about basic accounting. How to read financial statements, how to interpret them and how to look at them. Added value are the jokes mostly containing racism should I say schoolcism about other school... but since I graduated in UP and now in UP again I still find them 100% funny. >_<~!! Sorry other schools.. (but the professor is making an effort not to mention other schools that the workshop participants graduated in maybe he is afraid that they may get back on him after workshop hours ^_~) Even preschoolers will learn accounting I feel like I am transported to the accounting world every time.

I really miss the professors' evil laugh, evil smile and evil grin. Everything is evil including accounting... lovit!!! Go UP MBA!

2. Algebra

I did not attend algebra as for the reason that it is hurting my pride that I did not even pass algebra. I seriously asked my self "What the hell is wrong with you? Are you retarded? How the hell did you even become an Engineer?" But anyway, instead I practiced tons of algebra problems. Work Problems, Production and such. I also conspired with my nice batch mates to spare some problem question given during the workshop. So being friendly pays off mind you.

3. Calculus

Same as accounting I was not able to attend the calculus workshop as I am at some other part of the world enjoying my last days as a free person. The calculus teacher is also the professor in the MOF workshop so I can somehow assure you that it is worth it specially if you are without calculus background. Plus the professor is really trying hard to make jokes so even if you're tired please make a good laugh or so... (also she looks really young for her age. I thought she was a newly grad ... )

4. Statistics

I have attended the statistics class just to know where the hell did I go wrong?? I am over confident that I have passed the Statistics exam but I don't know where I went wrong. The problems given in the workshop are really helpful

5. Math of Finance

And so I attended the MOF workshop because I don't want to learn it by my self. As I said Ms. young-looking professor will the one teaching you. It would have been perfect if she have quizzes but since time is not ample enough she didn't. You will learn the main points on MOF but I suggest you get sample problems from the net as below:

http://www.math.uh.edu/~ben/Math1313-Chapter5-Identify-problem-with-key.pdf

Note: I find a couple of answers wrong

All in all, the workshops are really helpful not only to pass the UP MBA proficiency exam but also in the future UP MBA use. I think they will not force us to learn all these if they don't think that it would be useful during to us on the duration of the UP MBA / MS Finance program. Also like Mr. Fun-"Lovit" accounting professor said "your accountant classmates will most likely gobble you up".

UP MBA Chronicles: The 2nd Proficiency Exam

Posted on 10:43 PM No Comments
Labels: University of the Philippines Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business MBA Evening Program

After one month from the 1st proficiency exam, will be the second proficiency. This is for the subject you failed or did not take. If you still fail in this exam, you may take the exam you failed again next year (status deferred). The second proficiency is not far from the first but it is still equally challenging, So I suggest you take the first exam as it will give you the whole idea what the second exam is all about. So study hard!!!!

I will admit that I have not passed any of the exam from the first round just to give you hope. Don't lose hope without trying and be serious, this is just the first step the actual MBA is harder!

UP MBA: Exam

Well, I said in my previous post that I will be posting based on the results... CONGRATULATIONS! I am now a student to be of UP MBA evening class. But I will ponder more on that later on.

Image Credit to owner

UP MBA Chronicles: The (1st) Proficiency Exam

Posted on 11:00 PM No Comments
Labels: University of the Philippines Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business MBA Evening Program

As I have said in the previous section weeks/days after receiving the GPAT results will be the 1st proficiency exam. I said first because you will actually get another chance in the event you fail any of the five exam during the first take. Do yourself a favor and pass any one or two to save yourself from all that pressure. Got It?

The Proficiency exam consist of the ff as below. Each exam should be passed. Based on what I have heard circulating around (chism), I placed the unconfirmed passing score for each,

1. Financial Accounting - 35
2. Algebra - 7
3. Statistics - 6
4. Calculus - 7
5. Math of Finance 5

1. Financial Accounting

The Financial Accounting exam is 1 hour. It is a multiple set of exam (so far heaven knows what magic it could be in the future).I will strongly recommend that you attend the Accounting workshop as it is fun and very informative. I feel like an accountant thereafter I have attended ("Feeling accountant agad umattend lang ng workshop??") Anyway I will post a separate item regarding the workshops so let me get back to action. The accounting exam is difficult specially for those without accounting background or even if you have you may get confused as for some items the answers are closely related. And mind you this is not a calculating exam this is an analysis type of exam.

What to review:
- Financial Statements
- Balance Shit.. er... sheet
- Income Statement
- Cash Flow
- Inventory
- PPE
- I am sincerely trying to recall the last topic...its about shareholders stock and equity
*If I missed anything it should be because I was absent during the workshop day it was discussed.

Don't just review the "how to" of these items remember the exam is not very technical, it will test how well you understand each item.

2. Algebra

From time and memorial we have been dealing with algebra and yes it will still haunt you. The algebra exam during our time was a 10 Item give-the-final-answer type of question. The Horror! Can you feel it?

What to review:
- Linear Equations (one to three unknowns)

Just practice over some problems and see if you still got the magic of solving these type of questions.

3. Statistics

Should you have an exam to ace this should be the one. (yeah right like I aced it). The stat exam has 4 multiple items and 6 give-the-final-answer question. Did I mention that it was decided to give this kind of exam because the people are actually spilling the exam contents at PEX? But to me it doesn't matter you will pass whatever type of exam as long as you are knowledgeable. Even if they give you oral exam in the future, you will pass if you know how right? So hope they do... I mean don't. >_<!

What to Review:
- Measure of Central tendencies
- Probability
- Normal Distribution

4.Calculus

The calculus exam is different from those who are taking the MBA program and MS Fin Program. As an MBA applicant I can only share the MBA part and the chism (chismis) on the MS FIN. The Calculus so far was a multiple choice type of exam but who knows UP is very creative they may change it in the future so pray that they don't.

What to review:
- The Tangent Line Problem
- Limits
- Derivatives
- Min/max values
- Application in Economics (marginal cost/revenue)
- Integration (MS FIN)

5. Math of Finance

I don't really recall any question in this exam during the first take as I really have no idea what this is all about. (I have but I don't want too recall haha!)

What to review:

- Simple Interest

- Compound Interest

- Present and Future Value

- Annuities

- Perpetuity

- Application on Amortization and Stock

So actually I am planning to write about the second proficiency exam and the workshops but tomorrow I will get the results so depending on the result I might get the enthusiasm to write about it or the broken heart and make myself forget about it so... wish me luck tomorrow.... But above have pretty much summarized what the exam is all about. Just put some effort into it and if it is meant to be then you will achieve it, If not then there is always next year.

UP MBA Chronicles: GPAT

Posted on 10:36 PM No Comments
Labels: University of the Philippines Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business MBA Evening Program

The GPAT is a general admission exam. During my time it took place during a Sunday morning. Please do come early as you will still need to look at your names and rooms assignments.

How do we prepare for GPAT? For me I bought the most expensive GMAT reviewer book in National Bookstore: the P95.00 one.

UP MBA: GPAT Book

I greatly recommend this book if you have any plan to review. It is cheap so if you did not actually review, it is okay. I only browsed a couple of pages but this book will really help as some question types are the same as the exam. So stop your self from buying the 1000+ PHP GMAT reviewers and just take this one. If you read it or not no loss right?

UP MBA: Exam time!!

Anyway the exam has 3 parts. the Logic, Math and Reading Comprehension.

Note this exam is right minus 1/4 of wrong

1. Logic.

If you bought the book you will see some similar exam types in there so you will have a bit of an idea on how some parts of the exam will look like. If not, you can read some logic items over the net, some series questions and such. For me Logic questions are the easiest of the three so if you are planning to ace any of the three exam this is the exam you should.

2. Math

The math questions honestly, I don't recall anymore. I guess it is filled with fraction questions and some word problems. I recall this one problem regarding a guy with money and buying caps of two different colors. If I have that kind of money I would not be buying caps for sure!

3. Reading Comprehension

This is the exam where the Kraken was released. To me this is the hardest of all the three exams. Yeah, just reading right? Not if you have to read a five to six page thesis about stock and asks you who the hell said what in 15 minutes. Or read a three page thesis about differences in cultural groups around Asia and asks you which groups of countries was compared to what. This exam is easy if the time is not that limited. Also did I say that you are not allowed to go back to reading once you started answering? You will be automatically be cut off if they caught you doing that. So save your selves from the horror do that! >_<~~

Results will be announced one month later so If you feel good and positive about the results start reviewing for the proficiency exams.I tell you again START REVIEWING FOR THE PROFICIENCY EXAM. After they released the results it will just be a week or so until the 1st round of proficiency exam takes place. And that my friend is the start of the application nightmare!!

Hot Chism (Nag-iinit na chismis):

I have read somewhere that the only take around ~30 full time MBA students and ~100 for the evening program.

Added:

There had been a debate on whether we guess or not. Remember the exam is right minus 1/4 wrong. I think this is up to you if you are choosing between two answers (sure that one of the two is right) I suggest go ahead make a guess but if you totally don't have any idea on what you are doing stop yourself and pass the answer. I have many blank answers and I still passed so..... I'm boasting (Joke! please hit me!)

Disclaimer: Please don't be afraid of applying I am just expressing everything in over the top extreme exaggeration. Although UP application process is indeed more challenging that others.. Well.. You're entering UP so it shouldn't be that much of a surprise. You should really know by now what you are getting into.

UP MBA Chronicles: How to go to UP CBA

Posted on 9:24 PM No Comments
Labels: University of the Philippines Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business MBA Evening Program

The last time I went to UP was when I took the UPCAT and it was around 10 years ago and I don't know how in heaven did I get there. So I wondered, what is the fastest way to UP Diliman from Alabang (where I work and reside) guess what... Yes... its the MRT!

1. Take the bus towards Magallanes (better take Lawton buses that will drop you off just below the overpass than EDSA as the EDSA buses will drop you off miles away from the station and it is better to go down Ayala but warning, going to Ayala is very slow. If you are taking this route I will tell you later on when is the right time to buy you stored value card.

2. Ride MRT up to Quezon Avenue. Note MRT is until 10:30 pm so no worried evening program mates!

3. From Quezon Avenue go down there will jeepneys just below (follow where the people are going). Fare is P 11.00.

4. Ask the driver to drop you off but for anyone who are wondering here is what you should be looking for. (Should I receive good news on Thursday I will post a picture) A helicopter (which does not look like one since it is closed)

UP MBA: Front

5. Smile at kuya/ate guard, state your business, sign the ledger and hop off towards room 105. The humble kingdom of Tita Ida.

UP MBA Chronicles: Applying for Graduate Degree MBA Program (University of the Philippines Diliman - Cesar E.A Virata School of Business)

Posted on 9:02 PM No Comments
Labels: University of the Philippines Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business MBA Evening Program

It was a year ago when I had planned to take up MBA at UP Diliman at the (old name) College of Business Administration. To my demise I had to wait for a year as the university is strict regarding the working experience required to take the program. After a year of arming myself additional experience to be able to qualify for the MBA Evening program (3 years working experience minimum for Evening program; 2 years for full time program) I dare take the challenge of going through the grueling cruel, twisted, emotionally torturing and mind breaking MBA application process (>_<)!

UP MBA: Welcome!!!

What to do?? Here's my checklist

1. Fill up the form

The form will be available at the UP CBA (Now Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business) Website. Here's the Link: http://cba.upd.edu.ph/mba/downloads.htm My Google search bar has been filled with 'UP MBA' searches and tada... it will always give you the UP CBA website first (Now C.Virata). Here is the form during the time I enrolled. Please remember that it is for 2013 application only and will not be applicable should you decide to apply now. During my time the application form is not available year round and will be posted when the application process starts.

Now after getting my hands on the form my next problem was how the heaven does this work?!?! The thing is you have to fill it all up (obviously). The catch is you wont be able to save it so better type your answers to a word document first where in an event of an empty laptop battery you would not be crying in vain (Listen to your battery warnings for heavens sake!!!!) . After successfully answering the questions click save to file name surname.xml. Print it and Email your file to mba@up.edu.ph. If your submission was successful you will receive the ff messages (this is a automated reply so don't fret like me):

From: UPCBA Graduate Program (might change as it is now C.V. School of Business)

This is to acknowledge your online submission. No response is required.

Should you have done anything wrong and the college cannot open your file don't sweat they will special mention you during the exam and ask you to resubmit.

2. Recommendation

Long before the recommendation forms are available I already asked our Old Director (promoted to VP) and Department Chairman (promoted Director) to give me recommendation so just threaten or give brownies to people to give you very nice recommendation (>_<) LOL!

3. Latest Certificate of employment indicating duties and responsibilities

Coordinate with your HR to get this one but explain carefully that your are not trying to apply a new job behind their back (or maybe you are) as asking this will be questioned since it is very rare to have the certificate of employment with duties normally it is just with salary.

4. Photocopy NSO Birth Certificate and smile for 2x2 Photo

Say cheese in your mind as this is a professional shot. Just don't open that mouth too much. Well okay.. smile!! :D!!

5. Photocopy of Original transcript of Records

UP MBA: I'm a visitor!! for now...

Now go to UP CBA College pay the fees (P 750.00) and submit all your requirements. Smile to Tita Ida as this will be the last smile you will be giving to her.

Congratulation you just submitted your application to hell.. Bwahahhahahahahahha! (>_<)

On Philippines vs Taiwan: We apologize for the death but please stay out of our waters.

Posted on 12:23 AM No Comments
Labels: Pilipinas: Mga Pangyayari at Pananaw

This month has been hot for Taiwan and PH. As you know already a fisherman died from PH cost guard defense of PH territory. The thing is we are very sorry for Taiwans' loss and we admit our fault regarding the fisherman's death but please in the near future to avoid such conflict inducing war, discipline your people to leave PH waters alone.

I am very inflamed as I watched this false video I assume was made by a Taiwanese. DO NOT PUT ALL THE BLAME ON US. WE ARE NOT BARBARIC PEOPLE. In fact it was Filipinos working in Taiwan who got hurt by random Taiwanese who attack them. Whose barbaric now?? Your people crossed our waters why else would we chase you? Are we stupid to chase you and induce war just because we wanted to? What would we get if we hurt you? War which we do not need? Stop us with all the bullying we already apologized and our government is sincerely making amends but as if it was entirely our fault you go rampaging on every other Pinoys in your country like gangsters/mobsters. How would you feel should we do it to Taiwanese in our country too? No I am not threatening you because I know FILIPINOS IN GENERAL CANNOT DO THAT KIND OF THING. They would even rather hug you and sing KPOP songs with you even if you kill every Pinoy in your country - Filipinos will still warmly welcome you, because we are forgiving people. A double edged sword for us as to speak. We are warm loving people that even if your fishing vessel have successfully rammed our PCG vessel and a Pinoy got killed we will not resort to violence and bullying like you do.

For the nth time, should you have not fished in an area that is not yours this would not have happened in the first place. Please stay away from the PH waters. There are hundreds of men willing to kill and to die to protect us and our territories please save yourselves from conflict and war. Let us altogether be responsible.

We are sincerely sorry for your loss, we cannot in anyway replace a life, however please also reflect on your actions towards us and our PH nationals in Taiwan. I am sorry if my statement is hard to believe (regarding apologizing), but I am furious on how you treat us in general and our nationals in your country. Please be reminded that there are always two sides of the story.

This is not only PH fault, this is fault of both sides. The blood of the fisherman was not shed only by the hands of PH but it was also shed by the hands of Taiwan ignoring PH territories. Unless you accept this fact this conflict will not be resolved as you will continue to come across our borders and us continuing to chase you and then blame us for any unfortunate ending. Please be reminded that a few days ago your fishermen have again crossed another territory (Japan). And the fishing vessel fought japan vessel which is 1/3 of its size (almost same as PH). The only difference is Japan used water against you because they heard what happened when you crossed PH waters. If you don't recognize your fault you will again and again cross every other territories and I hope I am wrong, that you are using this opportunity as a free pass to cross and fish other countries' water as well (they may fear of chasing you out of their territory). We will do our part but please do your part also. Respect each other's boundaries if this has been done none of this will happen.