Tsok, Abroad, Education, OFW Journey, Teachers
Ms. Maricel Manalo: An Amazing 17-Year Journey of Triumph, Excellence, and Inspiration
April 2023 Special Professional Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers Board Passer: The Story of Maricel Manalo-Panes
A Brief Summary Maricel Manalo-Panes
Maricel Manalo-Panes is an experienced training coordinator with 17 years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in frontline ambassadorship, has a decade of experience, and has spent seven years in training and teaching roles. Maricel holds degrees in information technology and teaching, and she is proficient in various administrative tasks.
Her areas of expertise encompass training material preparation, technical writing, and a strong command of banking systems, particularly in anti-money laundering and KYC procedures. Maricel is also well-versed in airline ticketing reservation systems and excels in virtual and hybrid teaching using platforms like Zoom and Moodle.
Maricel Manalo-Panes has built a dynamic career marked by unwavering dedication. Since July 2016, she has excelled as a training coordinator at Al Muzaini Exchange Co. in Salmiya, Kuwait, focusing on pre-training preparations, course development, and external collaborations. During the challenging period of May and June 2020, Maricel adeptly delivered essential training to over 200 staff members, seamlessly transitioning between online and in-person formats.
Furthermore, she has been an adjunct instructor at the Int’l Institute of Computer Science & Administration (ICSA) in Kuwait City since March 2021, guiding students through the Office Management Course.
Maricel’s professional journey began with roles as a teller and branch head at Al Muzaini Exchange Co., including the Kuwait International Airport Arrival/Departure Branch and Universal Storefront Services Corporation (Western Union) in Iloilo, Philippines, where she managed financial transactions and provided services such as Western Union transfers, insurance consultations, and airline ticket bookings.
Early in her career, Maricel expanded her horizons as an on-the-job trainee at Geoplan Cebu Foundation – DOST Region VII, Philippines.
Throughout her career, Maricel has exhibited unwavering commitment, versatility, and a steadfast dedication to professional growth.
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An interview with Ms. Maricel Manalo: A Middle East Board Topnotcher’s Insightful Journey
Maricel Manalo, a distinguished Middle East Board Topnotcher, opens up about her remarkable journey and shares invaluable insights into preparing for board exams. Maricel, a graduate of West Visayas State University with a BSIT degree in 2005 and a Diploma in Teaching in 2020, embarked on a comprehensive study strategy that led her to excellence.
Her preparation journey involved enrolling in online review sessions with various centers and educators, including CBRC and Sir Melvin Buracho’s team. Maricel diligently answered mock exams daily or every other day and made the most of her commute time to listen to lecture videos and take notes. Consistent exposure and repetition proved pivotal for retaining knowledge.
Challenges emerged as she grappled with the vastness of information across different subjects. To overcome this, Maricel focused on specific topics about a month before the exams, mastering them rather than attempting to cover everything.
Mentorship played a pivotal role in her success. Guidance from review coaches and advice from fellow Kuwait OFWs who had passed the LET before were instrumental, offering both knowledge and practical exam tips.
During the board exams, effective time management was crucial. Maricel allocated the first 2 hours for answering the questionnaire, ensuring careful consideration of each question. The remaining hour was dedicated to shading the answer sheet without any erasures.
Maricel found valuable resources in the CBRC online review portal, particularly for ProfEd, while Sir Melvin Buracho’s review drills on YouTube were highly influential for GenEd. For her major, Social Studies, Coach Gio Quebral’s guidance proved invaluable.
Balancing academic studies with other aspects of life requires proper time management and prioritization. During her preparation, Maricel served as the President of the Pearl of the Gulf Toastmasters Club in Kuwait, a communication and leadership development club that inspired her pursuit of professional growth.
Collaborative learning through Zoom review sessions with fellow SPLE LET exam takers across the Middle East under CBRC and Sir Melvin’s team was motivating and helped keep her on track.
Reflecting on her journey, Maricel wishes she had started her review earlier to alleviate the stress a month before the exams.
For aspiring success-seekers, Maricel emphasizes commitment, the right mindset, and strategic review as essential components. She encourages embracing challenges with determination, echoing the sentiment that where there’s a will, there’s a way. Lastly, Maricel plans to utilize her knowledge and skills in teaching and, ambitiously, aims to become a diplomat representing her country.
Maricel’s future goals include returning to her alma mater, West Visayas State University, as a professor and taking the Philippine Foreign Service Officers exam to potentially serve as a diplomat. As a role model, she intends to offer free review sessions and share materials to support others in their quest for excellence.
In her closing remarks, Maricel emphasizes the importance of strategic studying, health maintenance, and the role of mnemonics and relatable stories in the learning process. Her journey and insights undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring students in the Middle East and beyond.
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READ MORE ABOUT TSOK
A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books. Read more: About DiaryNiGracia
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