My high school and grade school boys are both enrolled in traditional big schools.  But since I became a stay at home mom early this year, and upon seeing more and more of my friends are shifting to homeschooling their children, my curiosity and interest level on homeschooling rose.  Also, in Christian services and small group meetings with co-parents, they have shared countless times how our children will benefit from homeschooling. I also believe that parents are still the BEST teacher for their children.

Though yes, I truly believe in these to the point of even discussing this idea with my husband (to homeshool our second son and our toddler), questions like "Kaya mo ba?" or "Paano ma-aaccredit ang school tasks or performance ng mga bata?" or "Di kaya maapektuhan ang socialization skills nila?" - yang mga questions linger in our heads.

Gladly, there is a growing number of homeschooling orientation seminars and conventions almost year round, to educate parents about homeschooling - which my husband and I are very much interested to attend to learn more and finally have answers to our homeschooling worries and questions.  One is EFL's Philippine Homeschool Convention. 2018.

Educating For Life (EFL), in partnership with Moneygment and SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier is inviting us all to the 2018 Philippine Homeschool Convention on September 22, 2018 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.

EFL, a group composed of four homeschooling moms, organizes events for homeschoolers and other individuals or groups that are into homeschooling and what they'd like to call "intentional education." EFL has been organizing events for families—homeschoolers, in particular—since 2014.

The Convention, with the theme “On Fire!”, draws its inspiration from the quotation commonly attributed to the poet William Yeats, but is said to originate from Greek biographer and essayist Plutarch’s original words that say, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”

According to EFL, "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."

Thus, “On Fire!” is also a call to all Filipino homeschoolers—parents and children alike—to make a difference in a world that seems void of hope, empathy, and compassion. As we kindle the fire within our children and teach them life’s most important lessons, may all homeschooling families become tiny sparks that together will set the world ablaze.

To be held on September 22, 2018 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City, this year’s 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.

CONVENTION SPEAKERS
This year’s Philippine Homeschool Convention features inspirational speakers and seasoned homeschooling parents who aim to rally all homeschoolers to “Light the Fire”, “Fan the Flame,” and “Spread the Fire” of homeschooling within their families and communities.

Our line-up of speakers consists of both international and local speakers who will leave the participants inspired, encouraged, empowered, and equipped to start or continue their respective homeschooling journeys with even greater passion than before.

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

If you are interested to know more about the program and topics during the convention, do visit http://www.educatingforlife.co/philippine-homeschool-convention-2018-program/ or http://www.educatingforlife.co/2018-convention-plenary-and-breakout-sessions/ for the plenary and breakout sessions.

CONVENTION EXPO/ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND TEENS
Apart from the talks, there will also be an expo featuring more than 50 merchants.  Educational toys and materials, tutorials, and classes which all aim to support both homeschoolers and  non-homeschoolers will be on sale or made available.

There will also be activities for kids and teens should you wish to bring them with you to be provided by Learning Lodge, Institute for Cultural Communicators, and YoutMax Plus.

PHC 2018 REGISTRATION PROCESS AND FEES
Currently, interested PHC participants can register online via this link:
http://www.educatingforlife.co/phc-2018-registration-page

Below are the registration fees:

• Early bird rate - Full access (With access to plenary talks, breakout sessions and expo) - P1000 per participant
• Expo only ticket - P100 per person
• Walk-in and on-site payment rate - Full access - P1200 per participant
• Kids 3 and below are free (lap seating only)

Physical tickets are also available at the following:

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

REMINDER: ALL TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. If you wish to pass on your ticket to another participant, please email registration@educatingforlife.co.

I am pumped up for this for sure it will be a day full of inspiration and learning!  Parents like us who are exploring homeschooling or are already homeschooling are encouraged to come. 

To know more about the convention and homeschooling inspirations and stories, visit
www.educatingforlife.co or follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/educatingforlifeco and Instagram: www.instagram.com/educatingforlife.co