6Sep, 2024

We are thrilled to announce the formalization of an exciting partnership between Financial Institutions Training Institute (FITI), represented by our CEO Kinley Gyeltshen, and the International Academy for Continuous Education (IACE), Philippines, led by their Managing Director, Mr. Aries B. Balanay. His visit in Thimpu culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the start of a promising collaboration.

This partnership opens up tremendous opportunities for both our institutions to advance our shared goals in education, training, and research. I am confident that through our joint efforts, we will create a meaningful impact on the professional development of individuals and organizations, said Mr. Balanay during the signing ceremony.

This MoU sets the foundation for a dynamic partnership, focused on training, education, research, and consulting. Together, we will organize joint workshops, seminars, and conferences on cutting-edge topics, while also enhancing staff and executive development through the combined expertise of both institutions.

We are confident that this collaboration will drive remarkable progress in our shared fields and create lasting value for both organizations. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, and we look forward to the impactful outcomes ahead!

Join us in this transformative journey of education and development. To learn more about the initiatives and opportunities from IACE, visit www.iace.ph or email us at inquire@iace.edu.ph.

6Jul, 2024

Empowering Bhutan: IACE and Depel Institute Forge a Strategic Partnership

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A new era of professional development is underway as the International Academy for Continuous Education (IACE), represented by Managing Director Aries B. Balanay, joins forces with the Depel Institute for Training and Development, led by CEO Lobzang Tenzin. This strategic partnership has already made a significant impact through the implementation of courses like Grant Management, with many more programs set to launch in the future.

Both IACE and the Depel Institute are committed to enhancing the capabilities of NGOs, CSOs, ministries, and private organizations in Bhutan. The Grant Management course has equipped participants with vital skills to secure and manage funding effectively. This program have been well-received, drawing a wide range of professionals eager to expand their expertise.

Looking ahead, this partnership promises even more opportunities for professional growth, with additional courses aimed at fostering innovation, sustainable development, and leadership across sectors.

Together, IACE and the Depel Institute are building a brighter future for Bhutan, empowering organizations and individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

3Sep, 2018

MANILA: One of the Best places to buy Corals & Pearls

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For accessories, Manila is one of the best places to buy jewelry. This is almost true for all the women who accessorize.

The Philippines boasts of corals and pearls, which most foreigners have as one of their “must buy” items in Manila. That being said, it is important to avoid buying fake pearls. As enumerated by Pearls of Joy, here are the ways to detect fake pearls:

Pearls are unique. When you look at each pearl on a necklace, the color, shape, size and luster the pearls are not all exactly the same as they were made by nature, each pearl has its individual “personality.”

As to size, fake pearls have no deviations in their size and when examined under a magnifying glass, show no hints of a ring or ridges around the drill hole, it will sometimes give themselves away with a sliver of glass or plastic bead showing visibly at the hole’s edge, where it is strung. While a real pearl often does.
As to color, fake pearls appear to have no difference in color from one pearl to another whereas a real pearl strand will have depth and include a body color and an overtone color.

Fake pearls lack the luminosity of real pearls and don’t reflect light as well. Imitation pearls may look shiny but won’t show depth and true luster.

As to weight, fake pearls feel light, and real pearls are more full and heavy..

One may also do the famous Tooth Test: To find out if a pearl is real, lightly rub it against the front of your tooth. But you must rub it not against the edge so as not to scratch the pearl. If real, natural, or cultured, rather than fake/simulated, the pearl should feel gritty and powdery. Additionally, it must be noted that fake pearls look perfect and can easily be burned.

In the Philippines, most people go to Greenhills Shopping Center for these pieces of jewelry. As what Ms Liz Uy, a famous blogger and fashionista said to Vogue magazine; “Greenhills Shopping Center is insane; you can buy everything from pearls to orchids, local handicrafts to shoes and clothes. If shopping is your thing, please make sure to stop by and haggle for the best price. Also: Beware of fake items!”

People abroad are known to fly to Manila just for these gems from the sea. They are world-famous yet affordable. So, if you’re in Manila, make sure to drop by these jewelry stores.

17Apr, 2017

IACE-Philippines and IMSL-Bhutan signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement

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IACE-Philippines and IMSL-Bhutan signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement

About International Academy for Continuous Education

The International Academy for Continuous Education (IACE) is an executive educational institution catering to the demands of industry and aims to turn the tide of continuous learning in the Philippines. It is currently in the forefront of developing cutting edge programs geared towards harnessing the innate talents of its trainees. It provides not just a common structured curriculum, but also adaptive and learner-centered programs that will immerse participants in concepts, best practice, and even experience a different kind of culture.

IACE x IMSL Joint Venture Agreement

Thus, to uphold and stay true to its aims and visions, IACE partnered with the Institute for Management Studies Limited (IMSL), a pulsating limited institute in Bhutan, established in 2008, coinciding with the historic coronation of Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and the centenary celebration of monarchy.
This joint venture will strengthen the partnership and connection of both institutes for their respective countries for a more successful and interactive community of learning.

About Institute for Management Studies Limited (IMSL)

Institute for Management Studies Limited (IMSL) was founded by a group of enthusiastic promoters with long years of working experience in the government, corporate and private sectors.

It has contributed in developing human capacities and human dynamics in the country through its wide range of innovative services that is abreast with the pace of time. IMS has entrusted itself with the mandate to engage in the development of human resources in the public and private sector agencies. Its development intervention is mainly through training and consultancy services in the field of management.

IACE and IMS shall be launching the first run of the program Seeds of Happiness for the Philippines, this will be happening by the 3rd Quarter of 2017.

Seeds of Happiness
The program creates a rare experience of time and space for you to contemplate and reflect so that you gain new insights and meanings and attain a more balanced and a harmonious way of living your life. Seeds of Happiness simply brings these serenemystical settings to recreate an experience – exotic and extraordinary for you to re-discover yourself. Through reflections and meditations, interaction with the Bhutanese, storytelling and field visits to touch, to feel and to taste Bhutan, this 6-Day Program will take you through the outdoor experience and visits, complemented by talks, discussions and interactive sessions on nurturing Seeds of Happiness.

It includes the following activities which will be conducted by IMS at Bhutan:

1. GNH: connecting to personal happiness
Upon arrival, visitors will be welcomed by receiving Khadhar (a ceremonial scarf of good luck) at Paro Airport. They will also understand the concept of the famous GNP – Gross National Happiness, and know all about its development Philosophy.

2. Meet the Bhutanese: discussing Stories of Happiness
A prologue will open the program in The Bhutanese way with a ritual in the Temple to have pleasant stay by invoking the deities. Visitors will be able to get an insight of Bhutan and catch glimpses of Bhutan’s emergence as a nation. They will also visit Kuensel Phordang and see one of the biggest statues of Buddha in the world where they may wish for peace and prosperity. The spectacular view of the capital city will also be viewed. In the Happiness Garden, the visitors will be able to plant a tree of Happiness and leave behind their foot prints in Bhutan. An interactive session on the culture of Bhutan will make the visitors know more about birth and death. Furthermore, to get in touch and let their friends know their adventure and travel while in Bhutan, they can get their personal stamp and send their wishes home. Team building and exercise of bonding with traditional games (Archery and Darts) will pave ways for the visitors to befriend and be in the company of others, that will surely gain them lots of friends at the end of the day as they have met Bhutanese people and have shared personal stories on Life and Happiness over the warmth of a bon fire.

3. Living with nature: hiking, rafting, playing traditional games, camping with bonfire
Hiking to ChhimiLhakang, the Temple known for its spiritual power for fertility and to KhamsumYuelleyNamgyel, Stupa dedicated to the fifth King and for world peace, and hiking through paddy fields will make the visitors feel and know the rural side of Bhutan. A raft ride in the Mochhu, the female glacier river and paying a visit to the fortress of great happiness, or the fortress between male and female rivers will give the visitors a memorable experience. They will also be able to hike at the Taktshang monastery (Tiger’s Den), a 2-3 hours uphill walk along the woods wherein they will have spectacular photo moments and relish a walk on the 800 meters high cliff face. And after all these hikes, they can relax with a hot stone bath.

4. A day at Village
Immersion in the village will be experienced by the visitors as they will be meeting and eating with the Bhutanese farmers and their family, interaction with the Bhutanese children and educators as they visit a school.
5. They will also get to wear and try on the Bhutanese Gho and Kira.

6. The Takin Reserve will give the visitors the opportunity to see the Takin (budorcastaxicolor), Bhutan’s national animal mythically created by a divine mad man. The handicraft market will also be visited. Driving to the old capital of Bhutan, Punakha will bring enjoyment to the visitors followed by the passing at the Halt at the Dochula, where they will feel the walk among the clouds and enjoy the spectacular view of the snowcapped mountains of the western Himalayas. Drinking Tea and some picture taking will be done at the Royal Botanical Park, they will also get to see His Majesty’s office and take pictures of it as background and the Paro Valley. They will also get to visit the fortress, “the heap of jewels” where famous Hollywood movie ‘The little Buddha’ was filmed and stroll at the Paro town.
Seeds of Happiness invite everyone to enjoy a higher quality of life by attaining a harmonic balance of living and experience a new culture.

For more information about the Seed of Happiness kindly contact International Academy for Continuous Education at +63 2 9869814 or email us at info@iace.ph

24Mar, 2017

Happy Birthday Sir A!

Sir A, Happy Birthday!

“There’s no second chance at making a good first impression”. This saying has guided the 30 year old creative marketing guru, Mr. Aries Balanay, “Sir A” to his corporate colleagues, presently one of the promising and innovative creative marketing directors today with in-depth experience in the advertising and strategic marketing.

He has proven his exceptional skills at producing creative ideas at the drop of a hat because at a young age, he was able to establish businesses in the field of creative advertising. Being a professor in several Ivy League caliber universities in the Philippines, where he teaches subjects related to marketing and multimedia, he has proven his passion for continuous education and learning.

His previous experience in working at the American Embassy in Manila made him at ease with dealing with international clientele, and consequently, he is the Director of the International Academy for Continuous Education, an institute dedicated to providing training for professionals in the international level.

Having the innate skills of being a leader, he also actively serves and volunteers for different organizations, and his hard work made him one of the youngest presidents of JCI Makati and currently, the youngest president ever elected in the Rotary Club of Intramuros.

He became part of the success of JCI Bhutan as he was the bridge who introduced the president of JCI Bhutan to JCI Asia Pacific Development Council.

Having served the Junior Chamber International – Makati as the 2015 President, which became the Best Local Organization, Category 2 in Area 2 and the Best Local Organization, Category 2 in the Philippines, he has accomplished outstanding projects which are mostly dedicated to education. Additionally, he was able to recover the JCI Makati Clubhouse located in Cityland 8 Makati City at no expense to the organization.

All of these achievements in his life were because of the sense of social responsibility that runs through him. The projects that have greatly benefited the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that were under his leadership and the trainees he accommodates, are manifestations of his dedication in his work. Even with all the accomplishments tied to his name, he remains grounded; a gentleman, of genuine character and humility.

IACE’s Director Aries Balanay wearing “Gho” (Bhutan’s National Dress) in the heart of Thimpu

To Sir A you have guided us on each step of the way. We appreciate that a lot and on your big day we wish you a great success and well-being.

10Mar, 2017

Acho Regie

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Acho Regie

For almost 10 years, Mr. Regie C. Boquio paved ways for arranging training in the Philippines for the clients from Bhutan. He has arranged and successfully managed different training that served more than 1,000 Bhutanese professionals on different fields.

Tracing his work background, he initially worked at Informatics as a Technical Person, where he was first exposed to training for international professionals as he was a Technical Person there and acquired his skills in coordinating training. His good interpersonal relationship skills deep understanding of the Bhutanese culture brought him a lot of clients.

Mr. Regie together with his first ever trainee in 2009, Mr. Birju Sunwar of Ministry of Health

His first client, Mr. Birju Sunwar, whom he met back in January 2009,still contacts him if there are clients who are looking for a training in the Philippines,

“Mr. Regie Boquio, my best buddy, is such a wonderful gentleman. His assistance towards me and the people I introduced him to is immeasurable, in regards to any matter. He is the most trustworthy, selfless and reliable person. He never lets us down while availing training in Philippines. I must say he is our “Bhutanese Ambassador in the Philippines. He really takes care of all the Bhutanese coming to his place of training institute.I wish him and his beloved family all the good luck and successes in their career and future endeavors. All the very best my dearest Buddy!”

Godfather Mr. Birju Sunwar together with godson Matthew (Mr. Regie’s son)

They are very good friends that Mr.Birju even became the godfather “ninong” of Regie’s son, Matthew.

He left his work at Informatics in 2014.

REGIE AND THE COUNTRY OF BHUTAN

RMA’s IT Department hosted Mr. Regie for lunch in Thimpu

Regie has visited the Royal Government of Bhutan twice, which even tightened his relationships, which are grounded on trust and friendship, with every Bhutanese client he has ever served.

Mr. Regie’s friends from Gross National Happiness

His visits in Bhutan were fruitful and pleasing, that when he availed of the local sim card there and posted his number online, a lot of his previous clients were calling him up and inviting him to bond with them that in a day, he had around 6-7 meetings.

Regie’s former trainees from Bhutan Telecom

In the industry that he is working with, it is very important to know and be familiar with the client, especially their culture, tradition, and preferences, and Regie already knows about the Bhutanese, which makes him very loved by them.

Regie’s picture in Tiger’s Nest

He is now working for the International Academy for Continuous Education as the Training Coordinator. He loves his work and is really aiming to give the best kind of training for every client. All clients that he has served are really lucky to have been taken care of by such a work-dedicated person.

Photoshop picture of Mr. Regie together with his clients/friends from different ministries in Bhutan

When asked how he manages to arrange different training for clients, “I have spent years working in a corporate setting and I must say that that has contributed greatly to the development of my work performance. It is very important that one loves his work, I mean, you must not be after the money (but of course, that’s part of it), but you must be after the purpose of your work delivered in an efficient manner, not doing the work just for the sake of doing it, quality is the key. One may do work in a short period of time but in a not-so satisfying manner. But others do work in a slow pace but you are sure that they did their work efficiently. The secret is, you do both. Do work efficiently in a reasonable period of time. But most importantly, aim to provide for the specific need/s of your client. Just love what you’re doing and all will go smoothly. Compassion and hard work will make your work, whatever it may be, effective.”

28Feb, 2017

Institutional Study Visit of Dzongkhag Administration, Mongar on Drinking Water Supply Management, Operations and Maintenance

An institutional study visit on Drinking Water Supply Management, Operations and Maintenance, was conducted by International Academy for Continuous Education last February 20-24, 2017 for the Dzongkhag Administration, Mongar, of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The institutional study visit aimed to introduce to the delegates the existing setting of water management and operation here in the Philippines, so that they may use it as a benchmark for their future program development back in Bhutan.

Additionally, the institutional study visit also helped them understand the technical operation and maintenance tasks associated with supplying water, including the technical aspects of water transport and distribution to ensure a reliable supply of safe drinking-water.

International Academy for Continuous Education led by Dir. Aries Balanay welcomed The District Governor Dasho Ugyen Sonam, District Commissioner, District Engineers, Project manager, Technicians, Surveyor and accountants of the Dzongkhag Administration with the traditional welcoming of putting lei (garland of flowers) around their necks in the airport. They then had lunch at the Food Club and visited the well-known Manila Hotel.

LWUA administrator Andres F. Ibarra together with the participants from Mongar District, Royal Government of Bhutan

They visited the Local Water Utility Administration (LWUA) during the first day of the workshop as they were welcomed by the LWUA administrator Andres F. Ibarra. Hydrology, water supply and water demand management, water transport and distribution were explained by LWUA’s Engineer DaniloBasilio. Engineer Allen Lowe also discussed about water treatment, pumps, pipes and storage the following day.

Attorney Leah Javier (Manager for Corporate Affairs division) discussed the Management structure and the operation of the Bulacan Water District

Engineer Florencio Lorenzo Manager of Water treatment Plant Division discussed about their water treatment process to the delegates from Mongar District, Royal Government of Bhutan

Attorney Leah Javier (Manager for Corporate Affairs division), Engineer Florencio Lorenzo (Manager for Water Treatment Plant Division), and Engineer Jay Limense delivered the lectures about the operation and maintenance of a drinking water supply during the site visit at San Jose Del Monte Water District, Bulacan on the third day.

The Batangas City Water District General Manager, Mrs. Yolanda Oyao and the team had a round table discussion together with Mongar District Delegates regarding Water District Management and Operation

Mongar District Delegates together with Batangas Water District Management and officials. Picture taken in front of their office.

The Batangas City Water District General Manager, Mrs. Yolanda Oyao warmly welcomed the delegates on the fourth day as they are to complete their workshop with the Batangas City Water District. Department Manager Engineer Bernardo C. Hornillaand Engineer Jose Roberto Maranan discussed with them the drinking water and treatment systems.

Engr. Bernardo Hornilla guide the Mongar District delegates in visting wells of Batangas City Water District

The delegates also were able to visit the Batangas Capitol during the afternoon. They were warmly welcomed by the Capitol Administrator Mr. Librado Dimaunahan and Ibaan City Councilor Socrates Arellano.

Mongar District Govern Dasho Ugyen Sonam courtesy call with Batangas Capitol Administrator

The awarding of the certificates by IACE CEO Susana Balanay together with President Dr. Albert Alday took place on the last day.

IACE CEO Susana Balanay and IACE President Albert S. Alday awarding the certificate to Mongar District Governor, Dasho Ugyen Sonam

Dasho Ugyen Sonam commended IACE Management team for delivering the institutional study visit more than expected as he said “Thank you IACE for arranging the training you made our stay here wonderful, not only the training part but all other aspects that go with the training”

The training ended with a send off lunch in Barbara’s Restaurant located in the oldest district of Manila in Intramuros, they were personally entertained by the owner Madame Barbara Delos Reyes and prepared a special recipes, Gambas and Fried Crablets cooked and served by Madame Barbara.

Mongar District Delegates together with Barbara’s owner Madame Barbara Delos Reyes

Mongar District Delegates serenaded by Barbara’s Restaurant musician while having lunch.

27Feb, 2017

Places to visit with loved ones

There are so many beautiful places in the world to visit with your loved ones. But Europe definitely is topping the list that you must go to. If given the opportunity, and I don’t only mean visa granting, but financially as well, then you must plan a European tour.

Make sure to include the following places in your travel plan:

Rome

Roma is a can’t-miss spot on your European tour. The Italian food, The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Trevi Fountain are places you cannot skip.

Paris

Paris has the famous museums Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, monuments like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe and churches like the Sacré-Cœur and Notre Dame.

London

That nursery song you sang when you were little is definitely a must place to see with your own very eyes. Also include the British Museum, the Tower of London.

Venice

This is definitely one place that you cannot just miss. The City of Water isn’t only for swooning lovebirds, Venice boasts of theaters, churches, historic sites and notable eateries, that all types of travelers will enjoy this place.

Florence

Renowned museums, stunning architecture and mouth-watering cuisine, Florence will give it to you. You must see Michelangelo’s David and climbing to the top of the Duomo.

Barcelona

Do you love architecture? Gaudi’s ParcGüell, La SagradaFamília, La Seu and Montjuïc Castle are must visit places. Then relax and enjoy the place more at Las Ramblas.

Amsterdam

Ride a bike along the city’s canals and stylish streets and visit Amsterdams’ noteworthy museums.

Prague

The gothic architecture and music alone will convince you enough to stay at the place.

Vienna

Go to the Habsburg’s Schonbrunn Palace, the streets of the InnereStradt, and the MuseumsQuartier and tour the Museum of Modern Art.

Tuscany

Finally, for the food lovers out there, you must definitely visit Tuscany to savor traditional Italian food.

14Feb, 2017

Origin of Valentine’s Day

People exchange cards, love letters, gifts, candies, chocolates and flowers during 14^th of February. Valentine’s Day is the day of romance and showing affection for another person. It is to give honor to Saint Valentine.

It started in the 3^rd century with an oppressive Roman emperor named Claudius II and Christian Martyr named Valentinus. Emperor Claudius banned marriage because he thought unmarried men made better soldiers while married men made bad soldiers. Valentinus broke the rules and secretly arranged marriage because he thought that the emperor was unfair. He was caught and thrown in the jail. He was even sentenced to death on February 14. But before he was taken to be killed, he sent a love letter to the jailer’s daughter whom he felt in love with. The letter was signed with “form your valentine”.

Celebrating the romance day originated from Roman festival called ‘Lupercalia’ in the middle of February. It was a pagan fertility and heath festival during 13^th to 15^th of February. During this gathering, boys drew names of girls from a box and they will be boyfriend and girlfriend for that day. They can also be married.

Time passed by, the festival was turned into a Christian celebration by Pope Gelasius to remember St. Valentine. Today, it is special day to express love for important people in one’s life. It could be our mother, father, grandparents, siblings, teacher or a special someone.

13Feb, 2017

Bicol Express: The Spicy Filipino Food

To all the spicy food lovers:

Have you ever tried pork cooked in coconut milk with shrimp paste and chilies? It must be your first time to hear that if you’re not Filipino. That dish is famously called Bicol Express, and is called as such because it originated in the Philippine region, Bicol, wherein Coconuts are abundant and the use of chilies is emphasized in most local meals.

Here is a simple recipe, adapted from Panlasangpinoy.com that you can try at your own home so you can get a taste of the famous Bicol Express of the Philippines.

Bicol Express Recipe

Preparation time: 5 mins
Cook time: 55 mins
Total time: 1 hour
Author: VanjoMerano
Cuisine: Filipino Recipe
Serves: 6

Ingredients

3 cups coconut milk
2 lbs pork belly, cut into strips
½ cup Shrimp Paste
1 tbsp Garlic, minced
6 pieces Thai chili or Serrano pepper
3 tablespoons minced ginger
1 medium onion, minced
2 tablespoons cooking oil
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat a pan and then pour-in the cooking oil.
Sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger
Add the pork and then continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes or until the color becomes light brown
Put-in the shrimp paste and Thai chili or Serrano pepper. Stir.
Pour the coconut milk in. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 40 minutes or until the pork is tender
Add salt and ground black pepper to taste
Serve Hot. Enjoy!

(Bicol Express: The Filipino Spicy Food)

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