One of the cheapest and less time-consuming ways to continue self-development is to attend workshops. Workshops teach valuable know-how by giving participants hands-on activities combined with lectures. Compared to taking a long-term academic course, workshops are short-term, offer condensed and practical topics, and often come cheap. But the wealth of information that participants bring with them can be truly useful and invigorating. They not only add up to your stock knowledge, but they also offer a welcome and educational respite from your usual year-long routine.

Come summer, you can find a lot of these workshops advertised in the local papers, on TV and radio, or on the Internet. Be faithful in checking out the events section of the major dailies or the lifestyle section of the Sunday supplements.

Topics offered vary, depending on the workshop's host. Universities often hold workshops throughout the year, different for each college sponsoring the event. Foreign embassies, libraries, foundations, bookstores, theatre groups and TV networks are some of the more usual sponsors. Usually, your own company might conduct a workshop of its own, or send delegates to corporate workshops sponsored by people consulting agencies.

A lot of these events come for free. Many people who are experts in their field usually hold them annually as part of their commitment to public service. Corporate workshops rarely come cheap but can be shouldered by your company if you are sent as an appointed delegate. Paid workshops range from between 500-10,000, depending on who is conducting it, the duration, the nature of the event and what materials are used.

Be prepared to take anywhere between a week or two-week vacation leave for some out-of-town workshops. Local ones are conducted during evenings or the weekend, which shouldn't take much out of your normal schedule.

Here are some organizations that offer various workshops to the public:

Filipinas Heritage Library
Makati Ave., Ayala Triangle, Makati City
Tel. No. 892-1801 loc. 19
e-mail mabi@filib.org.ph

Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation
Tel. No. 843-5341, 813-7420.

Film Development Foundation of the Philippines
3/F Production Design Center Bldg., CCP Complex
Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. e-mail fdf@frib.com.ph

SGV-DDI
Tel. no. 638-2061, fax no: 638-0150;
e-mail: inquire@sgvddi.com.ph and workshop@sgvddi.com.ph

The Franklin Covey Company
Check out www.franklinconvey.com for local offices.

Likhaan: The UP Creative Writing Center
2/F Bulwagang Rizal, UP Dilliman, Q.C. 1101
Tel. No. 920-5301 loc. 7974

The National Writers Workshop
CAP Bldg. Rizal Blvd., 6200 Dumaguete City

The British Council
10th Fl. Taipan Place, Emerald Ave.
Ortigas Centre, Pasig City. Tel. No. 914-1011
e-mail britcoun@britcoun.org.ph

The Intramuros Administration
5/F Palacio del Gobernador, Intramuros
Tel. No. 527-3138

Goodwill Bookstore
Check out www.goodwillbookstore.com for events.

Hiraya Gallery
530 United Nations Ave.
Ermita, Manila 1000
Tel. No. 302-7022
e-mail: hiraya@info.com.ph

Repertory Philippines
5th Level, Shangrila Plaza
EDSA or. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City
Tel. No. 633-4821 to 24
E-mail: napoleonco@yahoo.com

Asian Institute of Management
Joseph R. McMicking Campus
123 Paseo de Rozas,
1260 Makati City, Philippines