Public invited to ‘intentional parenting’ confab

Parents who feel they need a different style of parenting to raise kids in an environment that emphasizes character-building and not just academics would be interested to join the 2018 Philippine Homeschool Convention (PHC), with the theme “On Fire!”, on Sept. 22, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.

According to the event’s organizers, the PHC this year is inspired by the quotation commonly attributed to the poet William Yeats, but is said to originate from Greek biographer and essayist Plutarch’s original words: “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”

“As homeschoolers, we believe that our approach to education is characterized by this very concept. In homeschooling our children, we do not merely fill their minds with information. We aim for character-building that goes beyond the academics. We strive to guide our children to find what fuels them. We kindle these passions and vocations in the hopes that they find their meaning and purpose in life,” reads a press release from Educating for Life (EFL), the main organizer of PHC.

Veteran homeschoolers

Organized in partnership with Moneygment and SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, the convention “aims to gather Filipino parents and provide them with inspiration and encouragement to keep the flame burning as they fuel and kindle their children’s passion and purpose.”

PHC 2018 speakers include:

• homeschool student-turned-homeschooling veteran mom and advocate Cassandra Shepherd from New Zealand/Singapore;
• homeschooling dad, bestselling author, and motivational speaker Jayson Lo;
• veteran homeschooling mom, author, and speaker at major U.S. homeschool conventions Dr. Teresa Moon; and;
• homeschool coach and author of the first homeschooling book in the Philippines, Nove-Ann Tan.

‘Intentional education’

Everyone from first-time parents to long-time homeschoolers have a reason to join the PHC and hear about new parenting ideas and frameworks.

“I am very eager to homeschool my child. As a first-time mom, I want to learn more about this and connect with those who are already doing it and find a community to support [us on] this journey,” shared Glaiza Tan Reyes.

For Theresa Orteza, the program will be refresher on why parents want to shift homeschooling in the first place.

“All the talks can uplift you and encourage you to go on and never give up homeschooling. It reminds me of my why’s and teaches me the how’s,” she said.

Interested parties may register online here.

Fees are as follows:

• Early bird rate – Full access (With access to plenary talks, breakout sessions and expo) – Php1000 per participant
• Expo only ticket – Php100 per person
• Walk-in and on-site payment rate – Full access – Php1200 per participant

Kids 3-years old and below are free (lap seating only).

Physical tickets are also available at:

• Catholic Filipino Academy
• OMF Literature Bookstores
• Peniel Integrated Christian Academy of Rizal
• The Parenting Emporium

Tickets are non-refundable. If participants are unable to attend PHC 2018 for some unforeseen reason and wish to dispose of their tickets, they may email registration@educatingforlife.co.

Established in 2014, EFL is a group of four homeschooling mothers who organize events for homeschoolers and other individuals or groups interested in “intentional education.”