Communication matters, effective communication that is. With the Philippines embracing a global culture, many foreigners are stepping into sight. Enter any mall to witness the variety: to your left a bunch of trigger-happy Koreans; on your right a brisk-walking American; behind you a busy group of Chinese; and fast approaching is a tall French man about to ask for directions while tagging along his pretty French girlfriend.

Imagine the possibilities with the advantage of being multilingual. To be on a par with the world means you have to be on a par with trends; and to be on a par with trends, you have to make connections. Connections are made through the simple act of conversation. “One has all to gain in learning to speak a foreign language...for success in business, for the sheer joy in living. That is the call of today’s modern and competitive living. Languages Internationale gives you that extra inch to make you feel taller than the rest,” says Languages Internationale vice president George Diploma.

Always responsive to current market needs, the language curricula are constantly updated and expanded to include relevant and ‘in-demand’ communicative skills for global business and management. Having pioneered the Conversational Method of teaching, clients with hectic schedules learn the foreign language of their choice fast and easy.

For only P7,900 for 30 hours paced at two to three hours, you get to learn under a more practical manner by diving into actual conversations rather than overemphasizing the rigors of grammar. Instead of waiting for seasonal classes to enroll in other schools, there are openings every month (as long as there are a minimum of five enrollees). For an enhanced learning experience, one-on-one classes are also an option (under a special rate).

Conversational and intensive courses in English, Chinese, German, Japanese, French, Spanish, Filipino, Italian and Arabic do not rely on a stiff grammar-based process; instead, an approach called the L.I. method is used. The L.I. method uses conversational, personalized and scientific activities so successful that you can speak a foreign language after just 30 hours of instruction, starting from the basic level of each course.

Under the English Proficiency programs, Languages Internationale also offers two kinds of 16-hour programs (P6,000 per program) every Saturday:

§          Dynamic Communication, which improves not only your communication skills but also your self-presentation. This focuses on your nonverbal stance, how you compose your body gestures, as well as selecting the right language and speaking diplomatically.

§          Project Yourself Confidently, which develops your self-image as an individual and communicates this confidence to those around you. Confidence and knowing your self-worth help you get ahead of the pack. This program increases awareness of your strengths and helps you use the right language to communicate your wants and needs.

For information: 810-7765, www.languagesinternationale.com, language@mindgate.com.ph, info@languagesinternationale.com.

The Most ‘Wanted’ Woman in the World

SOME things about the summer movie season are as predictable as...well, the summer movie season. There will always be movies based on comic books—like Wanted.

Gab Fab: John Lloyd is new Box-Office King

But like Vic, John Lloyd exudes a persona that is so humble and so likable, with nary a whiff of egotism. He recently celebrated his birthday in the company of orphans, spending an entire afternoon with the kids.

Cooks: Feeling chilly or feeling crabby?

JUST this Sunday after the storm, my husband Bob and I stopped at the fresh seafood Dampa “mall” along Macapagal Avenue. He was craving for fresh, fat, satiny-fleshed, luscious oysters. No less than 20 or more oysters were dedicated to his want, while I tackled my choice seafood and had them done at Master Cook, one of the biggest pa-luto restaurants in the cluster.

With ‘Art in the Park,’ food for the soul comes with a wagyu burger

WHOEVER declared that the best wagyu burger, shawarma and pizza in the Philippines can be found not in any fancy restaurant but at a weekend stall manned by a batik shirt-leather boots-snake bone necklace-wearing mestizo at the Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, Makati City, is not exaggerating.

Fermentations: It’s tempranillo’s turn

THE names roll off the tongue with ease: merlot, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz. And whether on their own or part of a blend, these familiar reds owe their accessibility to the multiplicity of examples available from producers all over the world.

A life coach’s view on single mothers

A FEW weeks ago, we sought Dr. Randy Misael Sebastian Dellosa’s comment about the confessions of the four single mothers featured recently in this space. Everyone’s favorite life coach described the women as “inspiring and empowering.

Keeping Weight Off

IN her 39 years, Claudia Hallblom has, by her own estimation, lost and regained about 1,000 pounds. Her success at losing weight was always driven by a goal, such as looking nice for her graduation or wedding.

Something Like Life: I could really use a boyfriend right now

WOMEN have come a long way in defining the parameters of what being female, or being feminine, is all about. With our gorgeous physical attributes, we also use our brains to become accomplished in whatever field we choose to excel in.

Exercise your tongue

Communication matters, effective communication that is. With the Philippines embracing a global culture, many foreigners are stepping into sight. Enter any mall to witness the variety: to your left a bunch of trigger-happy Koreans; on your right a brisk-walking American; behind you a busy group of Chinese; and fast approaching is a tall French man about to ask for directions while tagging along his pretty French girlfriend.