PRACTICALITY MAKES PERFECT

Monica Magsuci, Account Director

“My son is almost three years-this year and June will be his first time in a real school for a full year. I’m looking forward to him learning something new everyday and honing his emotional and social skills.” Back-to-school essential: “I guess the essentials he will need are snacks and a change of clothes in case there are any “accidents” in school. We recommend: Ban.do tumbler

Gian Nicdao, student leader

“Since I’m graduating in a few weeks, I wish I had kept a journal. Some college moments deserve more than just a Snapchat post. It would be nice to reread my highest highs and lowest lows in college –– bad haircuts, 3 a.m. McDonald’s food runs, and jeje pick-up lines included. Maybe I’m just being sentimental, but I’ll definitely miss this part of my life.

Back-to-school essential: “Ever since I saw a guy using one in a conference, I’d always bring a small whiteboard with me. It doesn’t cost much and it makes you look like you really mean business! Having your own whiteboard also means you have whiteboard markers, which you can lend to your professor when their markers don’t work –– instant pogi points (laughs)”. We recommend: Storage journal

Laureen Uy, blogger

“I wish I spent more time at the library! I used to always study at home or outside with friends and never really got to appreciate the library. Recently, I’ve been reading books again and it made me realize how different reading a book is versus Googling things online.”

Back-to-school essential: “A highlighter. We were required to finish tons of readings everyday and it really helps to highlight the important sentences.”

We recommend: MOMA Tree of Life Bookmark

Chuckie Dreyfus, actor/blogger

“(This school year,) I want to be more hands-on and more supportive of my kids. What any parent would want for their son is to take their studies seriously, to know their priorities and, in general, to be responsible. I trust that I brought my son well enough for him to know what is right and wrong. As much as I’m giving him enough slack to be independent, at the same time, I expect that he returns that by being a respectful son and student.”

Back-to-school essential: “A cellphone so that whatever emergency, (we can contact them immediately). But it should be used responsibly. And an emergency kit with the basic essentials because we have that at home. Also contingency money or an ATM card, extra battery pack for his phone, and an identification card, should always be with him.”

We recommend: Aquadrops cardholder

Vin Quilop, artist

“Ever since college, I spent my money on a lot of spontaneous buys. I never get to save my allowance. I wish I started learning how to properly save my money so I’m not having a hard time saving my pay.” Back-to-school essential: “I always have with me my Moleskine ART Sketchbook, especially made for graphite sketches. It’s handy and I bring it with me wherever I go so I’m always prepared whenever I get the need to sketch something and of course, my Staedtler graphites HB and 2B.” We recommend: One-page Financial Plan

Jeline Catt, blogger/student

“I will start giving my 200 percent in all my work this school year. It’s almost graduation for me but before that, we have an internship to take. There was a phase during my time in school where I was absolutely unmotivated and uninspired. And that came back to bite me in the butt. After that realization, I vowed to give my 200 percent in my remaining design projects to make up for the previous ones. Work hard for yourself and for your future because your future self will definitely thank you for it.”

Back-to-school essential: “An essential item in my back-to-school backpack is my pencil case. It holds everything I need — my art materials as majority of my classes call for it.”

We recommend: The Career Code: Must-Know Rules for a Strategic, Stylish and Self-Made Career by Hilary Kerr and Katherine Power

Anna Santamaria Company Manager, 9Works Theatrical

“This school year, I want to enroll my daughter Ianna in Kumon and ballet class, and make her join more outdoor activities. My nephew and nieces were also enrolled in Kumon from when they were young, and have excelled in Math and English in their schools. They told me that Kumon came in handy when they would write essays.”

Back-to-school essential: “My daughter will need a pencil case with pencils, eraser and sharpener, since she will be using this in class everyday. Aside from these, she’ll need a towel and water bottle.”

We recommend: Faber Castell 36-piece Watercolor Pencils