ASK: Accountancy Survival Kit

“Grit and Grace: Extending Your Triumph to Three Letters”

Advance Communication
ACT182
September 6, 2019

I. Opening Program
A. Opening Prayer
Dear God,
We thank You for another day that you have given to us. Thank you for the privilege to
make this seminar happen. Thank you for the knowledge and wisdom that You gave to each one
of us, especially the speakers and those people behind this seminar. We're praying that you will
continue to speak through us, so that everything that we're going to say will make sense and
glorify You. May You also open the ears of our listeners so that every message will be heard and
motivate them to finish the course they're taking, so that we will appreciate every struggles that
we face with Your help, so that we will be strengthen spiritually and mentally. Thank you for
bringing the best of us. We love You so much, You deserve all the glory, honor and praises. In
the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

B. Welcome Remarks
Thank you to the masters’ of ceremony. Mrs. Maribel Belleza, students a pleasant morning
to all of you. It is with profound honor that I stand here and speak in front of you and my
colleagues whom I have come to deeply respect. I want to join with the masters’of ceremony and
honorable speakers in welcoming you to this seminar entitle ASK: Accountancy Survival Kit
“Grit and Grace: Extending your triumph to three letters” as you heard, this is about surviving in
the middle of the sea with a rapid and strong waves plus lightning and rains, that is so scary
right? But kidding aside, I know some of you experiencing that kind of feeling right now, don’t
you? You’re thinking that all you need to do is to survive in your chosen course which is
Accountancy.
We’ve been on the same road you are walking on. I was once a JPIA member who listened
to the speeches of the new board passer. I personally don’t have an idea why I am in this shoe,
one thing is for sure, I never give up. I fought for my dreams even if it’s hard and there’s a
time that I’m the one who is being knock out. During the time that I am in your place I really
don’t know if I can still stay or maybe shifting is the better choice. Our mental, physical,
emotional and spiritual have been tested over and over to such points that we thought we have
reached our breaking points. During those times when we were so tired and wrung out, how we
wished we could have added a couple of hours to each day just to cope and accomplish all that
is required of us.
 Our subjects required us to read mountains of books where it demanded our minds to be
sharp and our tongues to be eloquent. Our professors definitely kept on our toes. Reports,
analysis paper, quizzes, exams, presentations made sure that we barely got enough sleep and
sometimes, not even any sleep. You feel me? I feel you. Accountancy is literally a rollercoaster
ride filled with frustrations, upheavals, trials and difficulties but you will feel victories, fun, and
satisfaction. For each frustrating moment, there were more than enough joy, calm and resolutions
tempered the upheavals, triumphs overshadowed trial and difficulties we faced. So, I want you to
stand still, compose yourself and say it out loud, “I WILL BE A CPA.” Get the three letters and
own it with pride.
I will just leave you with this bible verse that I treasure a lot. It’s from Jeremiah 11:29,
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you not harm you, plans to give you hope
and future.” If you really want something, go get it and God will help you all throughout. Giving
up is not a choice, it is just a word playing in your minds when you’re failing, fighting means
everything.
Thank you so much for your time and best wishes for your future. Hope you will learn
something from this seminar. Have a great day ahead.

C. Introduction of Speakers
Justine: Good day, BSA students. How was your week going? Is it stressful? Are you ready for
today’s seminar?
Geordana: I think they’re still sleepy, GUYS! Are you ready to learn something new today?
Louder guys! Okay, I think they’re awake now.
But, how about you partner? Have you slept well? Or are you excited for today’s seminar?
Justine: Of course, partner! I can feel that this day will be full of knowledge and motivation not
just for us but most especially to our audience.
Geordana: That’s right partner, and I know our audience can’t wait for this event to start, but
before anything else, let us introduce ourselves, I am Geordana Moreno and right here beside me
is Justine Catalan and we are your MC’s for today’s seminar.
Justine: Can I ask everyone to silent their phone or put it on vibrate mode, settle on your seats as
our program is about start in any minute.
Geordana and Justine: Good Morning BSA students! We officially welcome you to: ASK:
Accountancy Survival Kit, with the theme of “Grit and Grace: Extending your Triumph to Three
Letters”
Justine: Can I ask everyone to please stand up and Let us ask guidance from Our Lord Jesus
Christ to be led by Ms. Vanessa Bernal
----------------------------------------- Opening Prayer ---------------------------------------
Geordana: We can all seat now and may we call on the stage our honorable Ms. Kimberly
Mortera, CPA, the chairman of the board, as it will not be possible if we don’t have her advices
and suggestions to make this seminar happen. Let’s give her a round of applause.
----------------------------------------- Opening Remarks -------------------------------------
Justine: I think they are all hyped up now, and everyone’s information we have prepared a lot of
surprises and new ideas for you our dearest future CPA’s!
Geordana: You are absolutely right partner! As a matter of fact, we have our guest speakers
coming from different places coming here with a lot of experiences and they were agitated to
share their own journey of success from the undergrad school up to their chosen career paths.
Justine: I can feel it partner, I can feel that before this seminar ends, our audience will be filled
by motivation, determination and focus to finish their semester with high morale.
Geordana: Do you want to pass all your subjects?! Raise your hand! Do you want a grade of 4?!
With further ado, let us all welcome our first speaker. An alumna of National University,
graduated as Magna Cum Laude in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Mariano Fortunato
Jhocson Awardee, a prestigious award by the said university and also top notched the CPA
Board Exam May 2014 and now working in one of the largest auditing firm here in the
Philippines as a Senior Auditor. Please welcome, Ms. Claudette Ann C. Manalo, CPA, and
MBA. Let’s all give her a round of applause.
----------------------------------------- First Speaker Speech ---------------------------------------
Justine and Geordana: Thank you Ms. Manalo for that very inspiring speech.
Geordana: I hope our audience learned or realized something from our first speaker because that
was really a heartfelt one.
Justine: Partner! We still have two more guest speaker don’t get too emotional *laughs**goes to
the crowd* by the way partner, I think our audience lacks energy
Geordana: Is it true guys? Still sleepy? Hungry? *audience answer* don’t worry guys, I am
hungry too.
Justine: partner, why don’t we get some exercise and stretching first before we proceed to the
next speaker?
Geordana: That’s a great idea partner, so may I request our audience to stand up and loosen up a
bit
-----------------------------------------Icebreaker---------------------------------------
Justine: To proceed to the next part of our program, let me introduce our second speaker. He is
also an alumnus of National University, graduate of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, an
active member of Youth for Christ and various worship organization. Passed the CPALE last
May 2016 and now working as an accountant in a government agency, please welcome our
second speaker, Mr. Jon Marvick Carpio, CPA.
 -----------------------------------------Second Speech ---------------------------------------
Geordana: Thank you, Mr. Carpio for that fun filled speech you have shared with us.
Justine: Guys! If you don’t know the answer, pray, because Jesus is the answer! *laugh* kidding
aside we have prepared a fun and exciting ice breaker for u guys named color game.
Geordana: The mechanics of the game is just simple, we put some colored papers under your
chairs and every color has a question about a certain topic. I hope you all listened to our previous
speakers. The one who will answer the question will be picked using a ball, the ball will circulate
in the whole crowd and whenever the music stops the one who has the ball will be the one to
answer. Is it clear guys?
-----------------------------------------Icebreaker ---------------------------------------
Justine: From calculator, to pen and prayer, what do you guys think is still in the survival kit?
Honestly, after that speech I think we couldn’t ask for more, Do you think that that’s enough to
help you survive your college life?
Geordana: Ehem! Ehem! *coming out of nowhere* I bet NOT partner! How can you complete
the C-P-A without letter A? Our survival kit is not complete yet! Partner do you have any clue
for the last item in the survival kit?
Justine: Partner I have but why don’t we ask the audience, Guys do you has any idea what it is?
You can try to guess and the who will guess it right will have a good and stress free day.
*engage with the audience*
Geordana: Partner, I think they can’t guess it right but this person that I’m going to introduce
surely knows something about this letter A. An alumnus of National University with the degree
of Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Cum Laude in her batch, and also obtained a Master’s
degree in Psychology, now a behavioral specialist. Let us give a round of applause to our last
resource speaker Ms. Angelica Sarmiento.
----------------------------------------- Third Speech ---------------------------------------
Justine: As a token of appreciation, we would like to present this certificate to our beloved guest
speaker, let me read the content for everyone, Certificate of Appreciation awarded to *name of
speaker* for impairing her valuable insights and inspirations to the students during the ASK:
Accountancy Survival Kit. Given this 6th day of September 2019 at National University. Signed
by Ms. Kimberly Mortera, the chairman of the board.
Geordana: May we request the presence of our chairman for the awarding of certificates and for
the photo opportunity.
Justine: As we our close to end this program we just want to share our insights about the talks
earlier.
Geordana: Partner, what I’ve realized about the talk earlier is that in order to succeed we must
learn how to balance everything, yup it is easy to say and the hardest to do because in every
decision we are making we also sacrifice something in return. But, with the right prioritization
and right mindset, I think we can. Also the survival kit plays a vital role to every college student
especially our dearest accountancy student.
Justine:
Geordana: And now, may we call on Ms. Krishia Delarmente for her synthesis.
----------------------------------------- Synthesis---------------------------------------
Justine: Thank you for that insightful discussion Ms. Delarmente. But before we go, may we call
on Ms. Maan Nalaunan, member of the board to give her closing remarks.
----------------------------------------- Closing Remarks --------------------------------------
Geordana: We have come to our end, the learning, ideas and experienced we have shared to the
people we newly met is something to be grateful for. And to formally end the program to ask
guidance to our never ending journey of success, we ask Lord Jesus Christ for this to be led by
Mr. Virgilio Cruz.
----------------------------------------- Closing Prayer ---------------------------------------
Justin and Geordana: Thank you for your cooperation and we hope that you have learned
something for this event as much as we do. God bless.

II. Presentation
A. Calculator
Good day deferred accountants! Today, with my fellow CPAs, we’ll introduce a thing that
can surely inspire your hearts to soar higher as future CPAs like us. It is a kit that every BSA
student must have wherever they may go to survive.
          Everyone, this kit is entitled as ‘ASK’ or the ‘Accountancy Survival Kit’. In every
morning we get up, we always ask for the guidance of what we’ll do for that day. Back to my old
days when I fell because of my failures, I always ask Him “Is Accountancy meant for me?” I’m
sure that most of you also do that. We have this hobby on asking and doubting ourselves of what
we can do for our goals. But did you guys seek for studying hacks or strategies that can help you
to overcome your struggles to become a CPA? This thing that I am holding can somehow lend
you help on embracing all of your problems with positivity that can lead all of you into greatness
as accountants.
        Okay, let’s start for the first thing we have in our kit and it is no other than…. oh, of
course, a calculator! Some people say, especially in the library, if we just take one look at
someone who’s studying, you will know his/her course. How can you do that? Have an idea?
Where you must look? Any volunteer? Well, I have prizes if you mind. That’s right! By taking a
glance at their tables, you will know what college do they belong to! And for you, BS in
Accountancy students, the only thing (except for the thick books) they’ll find in your tables is
this. Am I right? It’s like the other weapon except for a pen that we use against our battles of
quizzes and major exams.
          As what the Cambridge Dictionary says, a calculator is an electronic device used for doing
mathematical processes such as adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying numbers. We
were advised to use the basic calculator because of some board exam discrepancies happened
several years ago. But if we turn back the time farther ‘till the year of 1642, the first mechanical
calculator was invented by a French Mathematician. Any clue who was it, guys? He was in your
age when he created it! Did you ask ‘Google’ already? Yes, you’ve searched the right man, it’s
Blaise Pascal. The human who made our most trusted friend in studying.
          While solving problems or equations, we need this friend to make sure that we’re writing
the correct answer to the point that even ‘2+1’, we still calculate it, right? Hahaha. Now let’s
focus on the basic parts of it. As you can barely see, there are +,-,×,÷ buttons with some digits
that we press badly if we can’t get the right answer.
          For this moment, let the plus and minus buttons be the positive and negative things you
encounter as college students. For example, there are times when you passed your accounting
quizzes but sometimes, you still got low scores on your major exams. Mixed emotion huh?!
Well, that’s life, no matter how positive you are, the negativity will still haunt you down
anytime. All you need to do is to cry all your doubts and wasted efforts at first, and after that, fix
yourself then continue to fight your battles stronger than before. And for you to face reality
again, you need to double your sweat and segregate your time in studying wisely. This will
connect us to the multiply and divide buttons we have on our calculator. The digits represent the
countless efforts we type in every day.
          I have this colleague who always inspires me every day we work together. Her story can
somehow lift your positive auras to still pursue the three letters ‘till the end. 2011, the year when
she faced the mistake taking up your course like we did when were a freshman hahaha joke,
that’s the time she started her journey. To make it short, let’s have a little timeline: Mar 2012 –
she got kicked out in the 2nd cut of the program when she was in the first year, Jun 2012 -shifted
to BS in Accounting Technology, Apr 2015 -she graduated BS in Accounting Technology, Jul
2015 -she got employed as an Accounting Staff in an Agro-Industrial Company, May 2016 -she
quitted on her job, Jun 2016 – she enrolled again in BS in Accountancy as a fourth-year student
at Northwestern University and took additional 50 units to complete the degree, Apr 2017 -she
graduated BS in Accountancy, May 2017 - started review at the Review School of Accountancy
(ReSA), Oct 2017 -she took the CPA Licensure Examination and she was FAILED. , Dec 2017
-she started to review by herself and finally, May 2018 – she took the Boards again and she
PASSED.
         Everyone, the fighter who inspired us, is no other than, Ms. Alana Castro Calano. She
simply taught us that the battle is in our mind when you failed, you keep pressing the minus
button to the point that you feel unworthy, unloved and insecure. I get that. But hey, not
everything that you think about yourself is true. Feed your mind with positive things and
continue to press the plus button by surrounding yourself with people who will remind you that
you are so much more than what the world calls you. Aside from that title that you want to add in
your name, she also made us realized that your goal also should be to learn and grow in your
season. All you need is just keep pressing your digits and start multiplying your efforts to the nth
time. No one knows that the season that you wish away is often the season that you get the most
from. Do you agree? After you multiply your sweat, of course, you also need to divide your
precious time to slay your studies more efficiently even the universe continue to bring you down
by your bunch of requirements that you need to pass in a week. But sometimes you need to hit
the ‘AC’ button to take a breathe and do not kill yourself with so many unnecessary pressures.
      Imagine that your goals are like a calculator. The result depends on what you type in.
Hence, if you encode the right formulas to success, all you need to do is to hold His hand tighter
and wait for His plot twists for you. Continue to trust God’s perfect plan and timing because we
all know it’s far better than ours. Until the time will come that you’ll finally hit that equal sign
button when the most desired three letters appear on your screens.

B. Pen and Prayer

Good morning, everyone. It is my greatest pleasure to speak in front of this crowd.
Before anything else, I just want to share with you what I have realized this morning.
When I woke up this morning, I had my greatest realization in life. I had realized how cute
the ants were when they were on a dead cockroach (yeah, boodle fight). I took that as a sign not
to go to school so I don’t have to make this nasty speech, but I guess, things will not always fall
like the way we want them to be. Right, guys?
From the very first day, we were asked the most frequently asked question in a slam book
page, “What is our motto in life?”. Most of you were taken seriously but mine was not. When I
was asked what my motto in life is, I said, “Always bring a pen.” Some laughed including the
professor for they might think that was a joke. Unfortunately, it is not. Since then, you might
have known me as the guy who never forgets his pen.
*insert mini skit*
Now you might wonder, how and why did I come up with that motto. Why am I always
bringing my pen?
Let us put it in this way. What if you were late on a Tuesday or Thursday, the time is
around 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, you have a quiz but you forgot to bring your pen. You don’t have
any extra pen, neither does all of your classmates. What will happen to you? What if you went to
school earlier than the call time because you have to take the departmental exam but
unfortunately, you forgot to bring a pen. What will happen to you? What if there’s a specific and
a very important moment in your life, and you forgot your pen, do you think you could make it
this far? How far can you go?
 They say, pen is mightier than the sword. In that statement, pen was symbolized as a
powerful weapon. A weapon you can use to defend yourself from threats. A weapon that can
help you find opportunities and take them. A weapon you possess that can help you maximize
your strengths and overcome your weaknesses.

C. Alarm Clock
Good morning everyone! How are you? This would be the last talk for today’s seminar so I
hope that you could still hold on haha. My talk would be about the last piece from our kit… the
alarm clock. Maybe some of you are asking why alarm clock? How was it become significant to
becoming a CPA? Why not books or any learning materials? Well if you want to know, I
encourage you to listen more.
Alarm clock.... Alarm clock, first of all, symbolizes the importance of time. It is true that
time waits no man. We all have equal time but unequal outputs because of how we manage our
time. And an alarm clock says it. Have you ever tried to make a 5-minute allowance to your
clock or wristwatch? If so, then you’re showing that time is very significant to your future
success. Second reason as to why alarm clock is that it always reminds us to be alert, attentive
and active. I believe that all of us have heard an alarm clock ringing that is intended to wake us
up. And every time an alarm clock rings, it reminds us that a day is ahead of us, stirring our mind
and body to be more productive. And the last reason why we choose alarm clock as part of this
essential kit of an accounting student is because it completes the three tall letters sitting together,
CPA. It means that if you want to become a CPA someday, then you should treasure, aside from
calculators, pens, papers, books and prayers, this thing called alarm clock. Why? Because proper
utilization of time creates the final step towards the ladder of success.
I have said earlier that our output or performance depends on how well did we manage our
time. Why is that so? Let me share to you my personal experience. Before I used to procrastinate.
Whenever I was assigned to do a certain task, assignment or projects in school, I never do them
early. Instead I do them last minute before the deadline. The result is it’s either I will pass it late
or I will pass it incomplete. It’s embarrassing. Not just because it reflects how lazy I am but also
because I look ugly due to stress and lack of sleep. And because I slept late, I will arrive at
school late, which results low grade. See the consequences? Just because I don’t know the
concept of time management, disaster happened. And how to prevent such bad luck? Here’s my
tip for you.
First, create a schedule. You can do it on a small notebook or on your phone. But I suggest
you to do it on a small notebook, much better if with calendar. It is because if you do it on your
phone, the temptation is high. I mean you would tend to use your phone and forget that you have
task to do, right? So why am I encouraging you to make a schedule? It’s because it will help you
to build the sense of being responsible. It helps you to know what to prioritize and to keep track
of your daily task. They say that your habits today are hard to change when you get older. So if
you practice it early, it would be easier for you when you’re already in the field itself.
 Second, eliminate distractions. Cellular phones, social media, television, games, and most
importantly, your girlfriends or boyfriends. If you are going to do a certain task, you should
focus your attention only in what you are doing or you might ended up chasing time because of
last minute panic. Don’t worry about your bf or gf. He will not leave unless his love isn’t strong
enough to wait for you. Your task wouldn’t take a year to be done so focus first to your self-
development. You can do whatever you want right after you finished your scheduled task and I
guarantee you that it’s more fun if you didn’t have anything to worry.
Third, practice completing your task ahead of time. For an instance, today if you didn’t have
anything to do, you can already start working on your assignment or projects so that you will not
rattle when the deadline is near.
Fourth, learn to take a break in between. If your scheduled task might eat large amount of
your time, you can have breaks in between. It is to not exhaust yourself. Because if you feel
depleted, the tendency is you would feel lazy and might not continue finishing it. Taking breaks
reminds us that you should enjoy what you are doing. With this you wouldn’t feel that you’re
working on a heavy load, especially when you’re reviewing for your exam.
Fifth and the last, you should work on one thing at a time. Yes, multitasking sounds cool but
let’s not forget that our focus would still be diverted or divided, thus we might not produce the
best output that we can. Imagine that you put effort into something but others or you yourself
didn’t appreciate it fully because your effort is not enough. It hurts right? That’s why giving your
full attention to only one thing is better, not for perfection but for the best.
These are the things that you can follow if you’re having a hard time dealing with time
management and of your workloads. Now the question is so what? Does it guarantee you that
you would be a CPA soon? My answer is of course not. Why? Because it still depends on you.
These tips can’t secure you to graduate and become a CPA. Even these things inside the kit
can’t. Even your past achievements can’t. But the thing that I can assure you is that they can help
ease your journey towards your goal. They are created not to add your burden and concerns in
life. But they were made to be your working assistants. The ones who would help you to clear
your path. The coma between your name and the three letters, giving you an assurance that
finally after the long journey of ups and downs, you’re finally able to complete your name.

III. Closing Program

A. Synthesis
Good day everyone! After listening to our three speakers, have you noticed something in
regards to their speeches? What word do you think is form? Anyone? Anyway for those who will
answer my question will have a prize. So anyone who wants to answer?.... yes, it is correct. The
word is no other than CPA.
 As an aspirant accountant these three things that are discussed earlier will help you reach
your goal of having that three letters in your name. So let me reiterate to you the important parts
of their speeches.
This calculator will teach us that the only ‘battle is in our mind’ according to Ms.
Manalo. We are the captain of this ship which we called the calculator. All the inputs are based
on what we do and it maybe a negative or a positive result. And once you experience failure (-)
this will make you realize that maybe you need a short break, and after contemplating you will
learn that you need to step up your game by multiplying all your efforts and dividing your time
properly. Calculator is not just a must have item of every accountancy students, it also reflect the
life of its students.
What phrase/s from Mr. Carpio speech comes to your mind? Anyone? Yes? That’s
awesome. Well for me it is “Always bring your pen” which symbolizes that we should always be
prepared for anything, may it be an opportunities or threat. Also, being an ordinary student just
like an ordinary pen is okay, you don’t need to live for the expectations of other people. You,
yourself should write your own extraordinary story by being truthful to yourself. Also, the word
PSST (Pray Silently, Solemnly, and Truthfully). Prayer won’t work if you don’t have faith in
Him. Faith will make the impossible things possible. No matter how many struggles you’ve been
through, like failing the exams and such. But if your faith is stronger than your problem, then
you will be able stand up and continue with your life. Because even the most successful people
went through difficult times before they become prosperous. So prayer and faith should always
be together.
Alarm clock will teach us the importance of time. Being able to manage your time
properly may results to a good product, avoidance of cramming, and be able to do well in school
and at home. Additionally, it will reminds us to be attentive, alert, and active. Here are 5 tips
from Ms. Sarmiento, first on the list is create a schedule, this will help you to prioritize the
important things and become responsible. Second, remove all kinds of distractions. Third, finish
your task ahead of a time. Fourth, take a short break in between of your tasks. Lastly, when
working you should only focus on one thing in order to produce a best output.
These three essential kit will not guarantee you of becoming a CPA but will be your
helping hand in becoming one of us. So make sure to not forget these three kits (the calculator,
pen and prayer, and alarm clock) and get that three big letters. I hope you learn something from
us today. Thank you! And have a great day ahead!

B. Closing Remarks
Good Morning, future CPAs!
Before this day ends, I would like to thank our guest speakers Ms. Claudette Manalo CPA
and MBA, to Mr. Jon Marvick Carpio,CPA and lastly to Ms. Angelica Sarmiento for being here
with us today not only they inspired us but they also give life-lessons which you, students, can
keep in your mind to keep you motivated. I know how hard your course is because I've been
there, but life would not be complete if we would not be going to a hard path. Reaching your
dreams is not worth it if you did not felt the burden. A thing that you accomplished would only
be worth it if you worked hard for it and sacrifice all your sleep because you know at the end of
the path, the 3 letters, CPA would be at the end of your name. I am Marie Anne Louise
Nalaunan, thanking all of you for coming and listening to our inspirational and motivational
seminars, I hope that you learn a lot today especially not giving up easily. Just keep on fighting
and everything would be worth it. Once again, Thank You and have a nice day.

C. Closing Prayer
Thank you, Lord for a successful seminar. We know that you have blessed us, hence this
success.
May You keep blessing us as we go out of this venue and apply, we have learned in our
own
profession.
We thank the people who made this seminar a success;
Our reliable resource speakers, the diligent organizers of this activity and all willing
participants who had attended this noble endeavor.
May we be able to pass on to other people, the knowledge and the lessons learned.
May you send Your Holy Spirit so that we would have no fear in meeting the challenges
that
our everyday lives entail.
Make us realize that without You, we are nothing.
All these we pray and offer to You. Amen.