What Happens in Boracay Stays in Boracay

Yes, I was in Boracay and it was the first time that I have ever stepped foot on that island paradise! But nothing worth keeping as a secret really happened there, in fact, I'd love to tell you about how much fun I had during my stay there! I’ve heard so much about Boracay; of its beauty and splendor and of how a small island can be the breathtaking paradise and be the ultimate party place at the same time. Thanks to our partner, Simon, I was invited to go there to meet new friends and business partners, to have short meetings on the beach (where they noticed me playing with the sand with my feet as we were discussing) and a quick vacation (one that I really needed after the longest time --- and yes, all ye who think I don’t know how to have fun, I do know how to take a vacation).

What i see the moment i step out of my boracay accommodation

With my business development officer, Joan (who was thankful that she holds Simon’s campaigns), I started the journey by taking a couple of plane rides to get there. It was well worth the trip however, as everything was as wonderful as I was told it would be. We were booked at a Boracay hotel that is renowned for their great service, Nigi Nigi (I’ve heard a lot of people telling me that it’s the place to stay there and they were right!). On our first night, we were warmly welcomed by our new friends Demi, Finn, Maria, Del, Jason and Ruby and our good friends Simon and Rowena with whom we enjoyed our dinner and island cocktails as we listened to the calming sound of the waves in the background (and I continued to play with the sand with my feet. Lol)

Breakfast at Nigi Nigi with Joan Finn and Little Tyler

Of course, a Boracay trip wouldn’t be complete if you don’t get to do Boracay activities (sunset sailing with cute people (*wink wink*), walking on the beach, swimming, relaxing on the beach, henna tattoos, braids (wehehehe), cocktails, shopping, spa treatment, party, etc.) and we had three days to do all of those. There were quick meetings in between, but since the setting was too relaxing, the meetings didn’t even seem like work at all! (hmmm … therefore, I should go there for more meetings?). Every night is a party night there where bars and restaurants along the shore were bustling with music and excitement and it’s interesting to note that you get to meet a lot of people there who have stories to tell.

Sunset Sailing with Joan and James

In one of our conversations with our new friends, I got to learn also that a very interesting reef restoration project is going to take place and I am very eager to see the outcome as I would want to be one of the very first to dive into it and check it out (with much anticipation, right Finn?). It’s a pity that I never got to do a yacht trip or dive while I was there, but I am pretty darn sure that there will be another trip coming up soon so I’m preparing for that.

Most importantly though, the right company in every trip is indeed essential as they are the ones who will make the trip worth remembering. So Joan, thanks for making me laugh my head off while we were there and I end this post with a note to thank Del and Jason for their wonderful hospitality, Maria for being a wonderful island tour guide, Finn for those great conversations (and for changing the way I look at fireworks in my life) and of course Simon for inviting us there. I am looking forward to my next trip there and I do hope you get to visit me here in Cagayan de Oro soon!

Great view from one of the many boracay beach condominiums

The Irony of the Ambient Sounds of Nature

After the deluge that’s hit our dear city, I had the urge to delete my “sounds of rain fall” mp3. It was that very mp3 that would lull me to sleep whenever so much has happened during the day and I still have so many things racing in my head. Not this time. After the flash floods that has hit our city due to the cold front that is passing through, the previously calming sound of rain has been a cause of sleepless nights for me recently. I’m a worrier when it comes to people that are close and dear to me. So now, when the rains start to pour, I start to text and call family and friends.

This is the first time that it’s ever happened to us here. Walking down the streets, you could sense that everybody feels the pain, the loss and the fear and the dim weather is not helping at all. I’ve noticed too that people head home immediately after the working day.

Speaking of work, we have officially declared this week as “It’s okay (to be …. ?) if you are ‘baduy’ or wearing flip flops to work week.” What I love about the professionalism of my team-mates is that they are committed and they are showing that they will do what it takes to do what they have to do. They all understand, that the world won’t stop turning and will continue moving on even with this situation (and if it does stop turning, we’re all screwed). I also find it comforting to know that our little work-family would always want to look out for the best for the others as I’ve seen them trying to work out to help those who were affected by this recent turmoil. I’m happy at what they are and at what they are making of themselves individually and as a team.

Things are getting back to normal now and back at the office, laughter is resonating again (especially after seeing fellow officemates in short pants) and I’m praying (and asking everyone else to pray as well) that everyone will recover quickly from this nightmare and that this will not happen again. If you want know about the latest statistics in the region, you can visit www.misor.info, the official province of Misamis Oriental calamity update page.

Weather is too cold now … gotta hit the sack. G’nite everyone. Plant trees … recycle .. . conserve energy …. save lives. Your children and future children deserves to live in a beautiful world.

Incorporating Branding in Web Design

Brand strategy is the how, where, when, what, and to whom you plan on communicating and delivering on your brand messages. With the advent of technology and the ease access of the internet for a lot of consumers, websites are now considered as one of the known distribution channels for a company’s branding strategy.

When a business organization decides to have a website developed, much thought in its marketing and its branding approach must be given. The reason for having a website should not be because the company has to ride the technological bandwagon but it should be because the company wants to reach out to their target market more and would want to establish their branding online, one that is consistent with their current marketing strategies.

When you decide to have a website developed for your company, always remember that your website becomes your online target market’s first impression of your company, who you are and what you offer. It is important then to find a web developing company then that would understand the importance of branding and would inculcate your marketing strategies to your website and at the same time follow the standards in web development.

Sit down with your web consultants and inform them of your approach, your target market, how you want your target market to feel when they see your brand. Bear in mind, your brand is your promise to your consumers or clients. Make sure to review the following in your layout and plans for your site:

1. Are your colors, logo and theme followed in the website?
2. Are your taglines easily seen and understood by your site visitors?
3. Who’s your prospective online audience? Are they knowledgeable in surfing websites and what is the appeal you want to convey? Is it emotional or intellectual or both?
4. Who are your online competitors? How are you going to set yourself apart from their design and branding?
5. What’s your corporate approach in design? Would you want your design to be formal, fun, trendy, etc?
6. How is the navigation of you site? Is it easy to understand and consistent?

Get a web consultant and design company that can help you in the above checklist. Also, make sure that the site is quick-loading and that your message can already be seen and understood in little time in order to capture your audience and make them stay to learn more about your company, products and services.

We made it for the second year in a row!!

I would like to thank the members of digitalfilipino.com for nominating and voting for our company website www.syntacticsinc.com in the 2008 digitalfilipino web awards! We're happy to announce that our site has once again bagged the national award under the corporate category for the second consecutive year.


This time, Jun, our COO, went to Manila to receive the award. Too bad I wasn't there to cheer out loud and to listen to his "thank you speech" but I'm sure he prepared one just like what I made last year. wehehehehe. Most importantly, I would like to thank our web team for always putting much pride and love in their work.

To my friends in Luzon, so sorry guys that I could not make it there. Someone had to be left to man the fort. I wanted to give Jun the due recognition in receiving the prestigious award as the company website is his "baby" project. :D

Read more about the story here.

Top 3 Favorite Scary Movies

Halloween is coming up and we’re about to have a Halloween party with friends from work. It’s becoming an annual party for us now, a good reason to be in a wacky getup and get away with it. It’s the only time of the year that we can do this, so might as well make the most of it.

To get into the spirit (pun intended) of the occasion, I’ve been going through some old scary movies and I finally decided on my top 3 all time favorite horror movies and these are:

1. The Changeling – 1980 movie. It’s a bit old but you would really appreciate how the movie can still make you jumpy without having to see blood or any special effects. It’s really haunting as the “scenarios” presented were simple yet …. Possible.

2. Sixth Sense – 1999. Heart pounding and …. Scary. Nothing gory and it actually kept me at the edge of my seat. This movie introduced me to the work of M. Night Shyamalan. I’ve seen all his other movies though, but I like this the most. Two other things I learned from this movie: Bruce Willis is good looking even when he’s old (made me appreciate the “older” beauty … so now I say .. “he’s good looking in a Bruce Willis or George Clooney Kind of way” and Haley Joel Osment is a good child actor.

3. Gothika – 2003. I was literally biting my nails. It had a bit of “blood” but not as bad as those other stupid scary movies. At least this one had a plot.

Now I’m pondering as to what costume I should be wearing for our upcoming company Halloween party. If you have any ideas, let me know. But please … Don’t suggest Fiona (in ogre state) and Ursula. I’ll give you a strong thwap in the head if you start having those kinds of ideas. The two who gave me those two characters were sorry they were born in this world, met me and suggested to me those characters. Haha. Kidding :P

Gotta stop now... the neighbor's dogs are howling again. What perfect timing! *shiver*

Flip Flops Fanatic Filipina

It’s FRIDAY!!! I look forward to weekends. Why? Because I call my Saturdays and Sundays as my Havianas days. Every day I wear closed shoes and heels and it’s such a wonderful feeling to go around malls or doing stuff feeling comfortable and carefree. Ever since I discovered the comfort of wearing these stylish flip flops, I never stopped looking forward to getting another pair. Style and comfort is always something we would like to give ourselves for working really hard during the week, right? Anyhoo, I just got word from the grapevine that Spruce at Limketkai Center and All Flip Flops here in Cagayan de Oro is going to release and put on the shelves the Havianas special edition and other limited designs. Here’s a quick intro as to what you dear Havaianaticos would sure want to know about:


First in line are the Havaianas Slim Chitaos.

700 years ago, the Chita floral print from India (14th century) was brought to Brazil. Inspired by its art, the Brazilians printed the Chitao design, which is the bigger version of the original Chita flower prints. The main characteristics of this design were its bright colored flowers and strong graphic outline. This print and fabric then became a reflection of the laid back Brazilian and “tropicalismo” (an avant-garde moment) in the 60s. Today, this design and print is also the inspiration for the Slim Chitao designs which is part of this new lineup.

Illusion Swirl, Havies Logo, Slim Basic Special, Logo Filete and Top Bicolor are the other limited designs that I’m sure you would be interested in as well.

I’m getting the Illusion Swirl .. with the pink straps … awwww :P So go!!! Get your new pair now … remember, supplies are limited.





P.S. To all you surfer Havianaicos, check out the Stedman Bones designed by Surfer Luke Stedman himself. This is still part of the limited edition series.

It’s About Loving What You Do

I sometimes work till 2 in the morning, replying to emails, reviewing some projects and other things. In the morning, despite the fact that I barely had sleep, I still wake up to get ready for work, once again energized. People sometimes wonder how I get to do this kind of routine and my only answer is “I love what I do.”

In one of my blog posts, I have mentioned the other dreams and ambitions I had when I was younger but being able to do the things I do now, the challenges and the satisfaction of going through them, the new discoveries and knowledge that seeps into my brain everyday is just what I need.

One major factor why I love going to the office is that the people at the office are not just co-workers but friends as well. We talk about things, we have fun and we share what we know. Even if I’ve been in the IT industry for ten years (professionally), I still learn from the bright young minds at work, they always have something to share (knowledge-wise, food trip or chikka-wise) and that what makes the office buzzing and that what makes me go out of my room to just spend time with them.

It’s an honor to be in the midst of people who have the same dynamism and enthusiasm as I do. Those that joined the team recently are fast catching up with their seniors and are now zooming in on their projects showing so much passion and dedication. With them on board, I know every day is a fun day at work. That’s what keeps me going. It’s been a very long week … a long but good week so now, it’s time to rest.

Honey….over and out.

A Name to What I Have Been Doing for the Longest Time

I just finished catching up with work after my one week Capacity Building Workshop with YSEI at Kuala Lumpur. It was really fun as I learned so much and met a lot of new friends and networked with the most inspiring group of young entrepreneurs. I had the most wonderful opportunity of learning more about social entrepreneurship and running a social enterprise. For years, I have been working in our company and been trying to keep on sustaining and growing in order to provide jobs for IT graduates here in Mindanao but it was only recently that I learned that the dreams and mission that my partners and I had from the very start was actually leaning towards the concept of social entrepreneurship.

By definition, Social enterprises are organizations whose mission is to bridge social opportunity into sustainable reality innovatively, effectively and efficiently. Meaning, both elements of Social and economic return is considered at all times and is the goal of the enterprise (social enterprise plan).

One of the good things about the experience was knowing that I was not alone in my quest to help others in giving them jobs and a good profession. In the workshop, there were 19 participants from 8 different Asian countries (Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Philippines & Sri Lanka). It was inspiring to be in the midst of fellow young social entrepreneurs (I’m still young! I’m still young! – Hey, age is only a number!!!) and learned so much from them. Most importantly, It was wonderful to feel their passion and drive in making things happen for society in a positive way.

These are the projects of my new found friends and I would like to congratulate them for their endeavors and thank them for making the intense one week training worth remembering:

Ejaj Ahmad
Country: Bangladesh
Project: Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center
Summary: Trains young people in Bangladesh hoping to alleviate religious and cultural tensions through dialogue.

Tantikalayaporn Thepparat
Country: Thailand
Project: Chivalry Silk Fair Trade
Summary: Sources silk material from rural communities in Thailand and sells it to the global marketplace through ecommerce. Most of the margins from this social enterprise goes back to the communities and helps them improve their income levels. This venture ensures the fair treatment and equitable income levels for the communities.

Davis Chong
Country: Malaysia
Project: Compucycle Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Summary: Creates employment and promotes ICT literacy by training young Malaysians on how to recycle e-waste. Environmental benefits also are produced by the reduction of e-waste on landfills.

Jamil Goheer
Country: Pakistan
Project: Cultural Classics
Summary: Sources hand-made crafts from rural communities in Pakistan and sells it to the global marketplace through ecommerce. Most of the margins from this social enterprise goes back to the communities and helps them improve their income levels. This venture also helps artisans maintain their skills in their crafts.

Devan singaram
Country: Malaysia
Project: Elevyn
Summary: Connects Malaysian cottage entrepreneurs directly to socially-aware consumers by means of a web-based platform. Each sale made through the platform yields income to the entrepreneur and also a financial contribution to the social projects in their communities

Prasoon Raghuwanshi
Country: India
Project: Enabling Kirana Store Owners to Leverage ICT for Market Expansion
Summary: Provides a web-based platform that congregates many Indian kirana store owners, strengthening their negotiation and marketing approach.

Urjana Shrestha
Country: Nepal
Project: Fair-Trade Crafts from Nepal
Summary: Sources hand-made crafts from rural communities in Nepal and sells it to global marketplace through ecommerce. Most of the margins from this social enterprise goes back to the communities and helps them improve their income levels. This venture also helps artisans maintain their skills in their crafts. This venture ensures the fair treatment and equitable income levels for the communities.

Yogesh chaudhary
Country: India
Project: Jaipur Rugs Company Pvt. Ltd
Summary: Ensures the proper production of rugs without the ill-treatment of workers, particularly child labor, which is very common in the rug industry in India. The venture also ensures that the workers are fairly compensated.

Aysha Saifuddin
Country: Pakistan
Project: Kaarvan Crafts Foundation
Summary: Assists female entrepreneurs in Pakistan on the development of their marketing and business strategies to incorporate fair trade policies.

Raghvendra Singh
Country: India
Project: Krishak Mitra (Farmer's Friend)
Summary: Assists Indian farmers on the use of computers to develop decision-making and business strategies.

Stephanie Rosalind Caragos
Country: Philippines
Project: letIThelp.org
Summary: Supports underprivileged young IT graduates in the Philippines to develop skills that raises their employment chances.

Ratnayake Ratnayake
Country: Sri Lanka
Project: LiLi DairyCentre
Summary: Empowers women from Sri Lanka as an element of cohesion and stability in their families by the application of ICTs to increase income.

Patcharaporn Pansuwan
Country: Thailand
Project: Opendream Co., Ltd
Summary: This venture focuses on providing non-profits and other development organizations with web development services. It employs a unique business model that provides a subsidy for lower-paying non-profit development organizations.

Christine Lopez
Country: Philippines
Project: Philippines Mobile Telecenters (MTC)
Summary: Capacitates young Filipinos on ICT skills using mobile telecentres mounted on 3-wheeled trikes.

Srikanthan Selvaratnam
Country: Sri Lanka
Project: Rural Knowledge Center of Koslanda
Summary: Capacitates marginalized youth on ICT skills that enhances their employment opportunities

Alexander Reyes
Country: Philippines
Project: RuralLight
Summary: Intends to provide low-cost, environmentally friendly energy and related services to rural communities that cannot afford electricity from traditional grid sources.

Wanisa Ket-Ho
Country: Thailand
Project: SMART / ETC
Summary: Training disadvantaged young Thais in computer and English literacy, Advanced Emergency Care and marine conservation, enabling an increase of 3 to 7 time in their income while promoting the conservation of marine resources.

Ajay Shakya
Country: India
Project: Microfinance Jobs
Summary: This is an online brokerage to match job seekers and job opportunities in the growing Microfinance sector. In addition to providing a space for job placements, the venture also helps provide value added placements for interested microfinance institutions.

Ali Khan
Country: Pakistan
Project: Youth Engagment Services Network Pakistan
Summary: Aims to empower and support youth in rural and marginalized communities to develop a range of solutions tailored for their communities. Some of these solutions include commercial ventures led by youth to help support the income generation and other social services in those communities.

So now, I’m back in Cagayan de Oro with an even more determined will and purpose to keep letithelp.org growing. Also, I’d like to give my sincerest thanks to Janette Torral and Aileen Apolo for their show of support for the letithelp.org project.

I RSVPd Online

There’s no limit as to what social networking can do. Just this afternoon, I got an invitation from facebook from dear Trisha and it had a RSVP feature. Kewl, I was able to RSVP at a click of a button. I’m going, of course, it’s a Spruce event and I always enjoy the pictures displayed at their site and at Trisha and Vanessa’s facebook accounts after every event.

Spruce by the way, is the main distributor of Havaianas in Mindanao. I first took notice of the Havaianas flip flops when a friend of mine came over to do an adventure trek to walk amidst the canopy of the Claveria rainforest (suspended hanging bridges ….. thrill of a lifetime!!!). I kept slipping with my trekking shoes but he just kept on and on and looked so comfy throughout the 45 minute climb. I was amazed that the strap never broke and I, a lady who loves to pamper her feet with quality, comfy footwear, was determined to have my own pair after that.

Guys, take a pick from these designs now so you will know what to get this coming May 4.

Natural

TrailWaveSurf

Trend

Here are the details about the upcoming event.

Name of Event: Havaianas Free Kick!

Date: Sunday, May 4, 2008

Time: 2:00 Pm – 8:00 PM

Location: Limketkai Atrium, Cagayan de Oro City

Havaianas is available in Cagayan de Oro: All Flip-Flops, Ban Sabai Spa, Gazebo Home store, Mallberry Suites and spruce. Malaybalay: Ban Sabai. Camiguin: Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin Butuan: Cirrus. Iligan: Ban Sabai Iligan, Shelves & Hangers & Streetshop. Ozamis: Syr’s Botique. Dipolog: Myx Botique. Zamboanga: Hacienda de Palmeras Hotel Lobby.

Visit their site at www.spruce.ph

While Waiting For My Flight Back Home

Rather than continuously staring at the clock that says that I still have one hour and fifteen minutes of waiting time left before we board the plane for our trip back home, I sit here happily tapping on my keyboard recalling the past two days events.

Last Tuesday, I once again did my last-minute-packing routine as I went home late from work printing reports to present and the agenda to take up for the meeting in Manila. At around 1 AM, I zipped my bag’s zipper and said my usual line --- “I’m all packed, I think.” I then prepared for bed and fell asleep at around 2. Here are my last two day’s activities

Wednesday

4:00 AM – Dad woke me up before my alarm clock (AKA my ever handy dandy note…. Cell-phone) could do its job as he is more paranoid at the thought of me missing my flight and of course, we just had to have breakfast together as that has always been our bonding time.

5:00 AM – Met up with AJ at the airport and checked in.

6:40 AM – Slept during the whole flight. Lol.

9:00 AM – Made it in time for the meeting. The meeting lasted for hours but it was well worth it because we were able to clarify some points for a project.

3:00 PM – LUNCH!!! LUNCH!!! LUNCH!!! And did I mention lunch? Yes, from 4:30 AM to 3:00 PM, approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes, I actually lasted without food. AJ and I were so famished that we actually finished off a whole layer of pizza and a plateful of seafood pasta.

Evening – Met up with Aileen and her sweetie (finally! I got to meet Jay!) and again, ate. Our generous hosts then took us to Serendra (first time I got to visit there) and I really enjoyed strolling through the place and then again, we had something to eat (see, our whole 10 hours of fasting was FULLY compensated with so much food!). Sister! You really wanted to get even with me for having you eat so much while you were in CDO huh? I think I gained weight in just two days in Manila. One of my highlights for that evening was when Aileen and Jay took me to Fullybooked. The inner geek in me just leaped with joy as I saw 4 stories of books, books and books (Last time I felt that excited was when I was about 11 years old and I was standing outside the doors of Toys R Us). Ahhh, the simple things that make Honey the geek happy. I just could not leave that place without buying a single book. Thanks for the very good recommendation sister! I really enjoyed the book. I finished reading it already. You were right, I finished it in one sitting :P

10:30 – Aileen and Jay brought me back to my hotel and I immediately got my notebook to proceed to the internet café right next to our hotel. I was then able to check my mails and do a little work before going back up to our room to sleep at 2:00 AM.

With Aileen and Jay (Finally I got to meet Jay!!)

Thursday

9:00 AM - Went around Makati visiting office spaces and checking them out for the possibility of renting one for one of our companies. I enjoyed the thought that there are actually several serviced-offices we can actually avail of for a quick setup. I think having serviced-offices in the business district is very convenient as businesses do need “transitional” offices to be able to operate while waiting for a bigger office.

After all the taxi rides and walking (and my feet hurting like hell ---- which by the way reminded me to get a new pair of office-boots that will go well with all of my slacks), I went back to Serendra (hihihi) to sit down and work while having coffee. Thank God for cafes and wifi, I still get to do my work even when away from the office.

Evening – Spent it with M&M (Mits and Monti – hahaha). We had dinner, which was their joint-birthday celebration and then hanged out at blue wave listening to Jimmy Bondoc and Top (previously Freestyle). I had a great time with them as we shared non-online moments together. You see, we only see each other online and I’m just glad that I get the opportunity once in a while to meet up with good friends. (Wah! I forgot to have a picture taken with Mits and Monti!!!! Next time ...next time ... haha)

Now I’m checking on the wall clock again. Darn, 45 minutes more before boarding. I don’t want to bore you out with every detail and observation I have here at the airport – of the guy asleep with his mouth open, or the girl who has been texting ever since I sat in this area, of two ladies in front of me yapping, of an old lady who’s staring at the picture of Sam Milby in a magazine while another old lady (her companion), is reading an article about … liposuction. No, I will not bore you out with those details so I should end this blog now.

There. Two uber busy and tiring days that ended with great time with great friends! Aileen and Jay, Mits and Monti, thanks so much for the time. I know how you guys can be busy with work and I really appreciate it that you took time off to be with me. So, when are you coming over to Cagayan de Oro?

My Young Paduan

Ahhhh.. my musings at 1 AM. My friend Jun called me this evening to read his horoscope saying that a close friend and business partner of his will get married to someone older and wealthier. He was saying that it could possibly be one of my EX-Crushes who I meet with once in a while. Hahaha! Oh my goodness, will my “January Syndrome” blog post joke of getting married on the 8th of August 2008 come true? GASP!

And since we are at the topic of marriage, here’s one more thing; my mom actually has friends who have single sons who are very eligible to get married and they find it absolutely amusing to talk about pairing me up with them. She told me that she just AGAIN talked to another friend who chided that I should meet her son and mom also entertained the idea! I told mom, “Mom! For crying out loud! That only happens in the medieval times! And my life is not portrayed in a telenovela or a Koreanovela for that matter!” She just shrugged her shoulder and laughed and dad did not even back me up! Why… arghhh!!!

When the thought of me leaving the house actually starts sinking in on them, they start feeling melancholic and starts displaying the symptoms of the empty-nest syndrome. Hey, after all, I am officially the only child at this point (since two of my older siblings are married and Leigh is in Cebu). See, these are the ranting and ravings of a single, professional Filipina woman still living at home with her parents. You’ll get to read more about these in my even more personal blog. Haha.

On a lighter note, since I’m talking about family. My older sister drops off her youngest daughter, Carmi (one year and six months) at my office every day now as she, my Ate, has to do her work for the next couple of weeks. I have my own room at the office so it’s perfectly fine. I really don’t mind too since Carmi is such a perfect angel. It’s always wonderful to have her around. When other companies have their “company pets,” we consider Carmi as our “company mascot.” Her smile can really melt our hearts and she helps cheer up the mood. She once did this thing of following me around the production area as I was looking over the shoulder of one of the developers while I had my hands on my waist. When I looked down, I saw Carmi doing exactly the same thing. Ahhh… My second minime, imagine that.

I should start training her about how to go about with work this early. I should make her …. My Young Paduan. She did this really cute thing when she saw a broom on the floor and knew what it was for and it was such a cute moment that I was so lucky to have my camera with me that time. This is the proof that Carmi is going to grow up to be a responsible person and that she will be just like her tita Honey. Hahaha:


P.S. This morning, my three little nieces Kitkat (minime #1), Nina and Kara woke me up. It was so sweet of kitkat to ask me if I still had a headache and she started massaging my forehead and the other little one followed suite by massaging my hand. Then I got to have breakfast with them. What a great way to start the day!

It's never too late to post this

Egad! It’s already February and I should be writing about my “possible fateful Valentine’s day” and I’m still trying to catch up with my last year’s posts. So much for writer’s block. So, late October last year our company had our first “Syntactics, Inc. Halloween Party.” I think it’s going to be an annual event as everybody had a great time dressing up as ghouls, goblins and … ahem, I as a pirate. What? You thought Elizabeth Swann was the ultimate gorgeous -pirate? Wait till you see my pirate-pics (aye, shiver-mi-timbers mateys! What confidence! I should be more careful in writing stuff about how I see myself lest I want to “walk the plank”).

My being the “guardian of the door” was pretty effective as I was able to tell those coming in “no costume – no entry” with my stern-yet-sweet (haha) pirate face while I was holding my plastic buccaneer sword. Oh yeah, they were so scared of that sword. The only thing I lacked with that costume was a parrot perched on my shoulder. Hmm… I should have gotten my friend’s parrot for that night or at least a week before that so I would have had enough time to train it on how to say “Squawk! No costume – no entry – Squawk!” :P

We all had a blast as we found it an opportune time to be whacky and wild and not think of data flow diagrams, web developing and web designing, and Philippine based accounting systems. I could fill this blog post up with other technical jargons but I’ll be kind (and rewind?) and just show you pictures instead:

January Syndrome

I just went through the last quarter storm (as I would like to call it) last year at work. Making reports and end of the year evaluations. Just when I was over it, Im now facing the January Syndrome (again, as I would like to call it) ... following up on reports, implementing new guidelines and preparing the plans for the next quarters of the year. I'm enjoying it though, gives me something to look forward to the next day knowing I have things to do (talk about being workaholic eh?).

Anyhoo, I just thought of making a quick post here and thought of greeting you all a happy new year! Im getting married na pala on August 8, 2008. The date is set, the flowers, coordinators, etc is ready ... wala pa lang groom. hahahaha .... :D

There ... a good laugh should make my first post for the year for this blog a good start.

I'm joining the Mindanao Bloggers Summit

Okay .. here's my post for the Mindanao Bloggers Summit that's happening in Davao City.

This is exciting. This is the first time that Mindanao Bloggers will converge into one venue and get to actually meet the writers of their favorite blogs.

Thanks also to the sponsors who made this summit possible.

1st Mindanao Bloggers Summit Sponsors:

• Councilor Peter Laviña


• Join the DigitalFilipino.com Club!


• ACT for Peace Programme


• Globe Broadband


• Dimsum Diner


• BisayaBloggers.com


• Davao's Food Huntress


• NoKiAHOST.COM P5/day webhosting


• Web Design Philippines


• Orange County Real Estate


• Web Developer Philippines


• Fwendz Diner


• Cubepixels Design Studio


• Artcom Printing Services

Boardroom Walk-ins

The boardroom in our office is within the same room as my private office here. It so happened, I had another door installed for the boardroom side for our plans of putting a division later on and adding a separate air-conditioning unit for that part of the room (we recently moved in this year). The boardroom door is also right next to the main door of our office, so visitors who came in would always mistake the boardroom door as the exit and people always make the mistake of walking back to my room much to their surprise (and mine too ..... not good to wear white, sip coffee and be jolted by a “surprise” walk-in .. tsk tsk). Anyway, I’m hoping that this afternoon’s walk-in-to-the-boardroom-by-accident incident will be the last time since, we have finally... finally placed signs for each room or door.

Tadaaaang!

We have a new office neighbour too! Occupying the once-vacant-space after my own room is the clinic of a group of Cagayan de Oro’s finest Dermatologists. They’re all done with their renovation and the space looks pretty dandy now. Ah, the thought of having well known CDO dermatologists right within the building. Stressful day? Or worried about “age-lines” on the face? Out the Syntactics’ door, into the clinic! Up up and away! Hehe....

Anyway, I’m still in the office trying to finish some work for the week. Just thought of making a quick break and a quick blog post. Vanity of all vanities ... if I keep on staying in the office till 9 or 10 every night, I think I will be going to that clinic across sooner than I thought.

Mortgage Outsourcing

Outsourcing has become a trend in the IT industry as more and more companies are cutting down costs in creating their own IT division, hiring and training people, making sure that these people are doing their jobs and are always updated in terms of knowledge in the tools and language they use. With the fast pace of turnover in technology and in staffing, businesses now find it imperative and practical to outsource portions of their company’s operations to other companies who are more knowledgeable and thorough in a particular field.

When it comes to outsourcing, each company has their own forte as well. In our case, we are into web applications and software. For some it’s mobile applications and for others game developing, yet again for others accounting and back room operations. Much like a doctor, IT professionals and companies have their own “specialties.”

Recently I just learned something about Mortgage Outsourcing. Infinit-O is becoming the leader in Mortgage Outsourcing here in the Philippines. As they say, their formula is simple: “provide high quality services at the right price. It may sound simplistic and straightforward, but these are exactly what mortgage industry players need to retain their edge and remain competitive in a tumultuous market”

This is good, more specialized outsourcing is much needed for companies all around the world and I’m happy to know that a company, I personally know, is one of the companies that provide such a straightforward service.

September Updates

Oh to the depths of the caverns of Hades I have descended. That has been my feeling for the past weeks. Frustrated and depressed. It’s when I feel everything is going against me, I am in a one way street but the only thing is I am the only one going against the flow. So, just what my good friend “A” would do (and like what I always do), I drown myself with .... work. That has always been the best solution for me to forget things. My emotions for the past weeks have been tumultuous and some of the people who I thought would respond well in terms of support reacted differently. It’s funny how you can peg a person to be strong and realize that they crumble like a house of cards when they are faced with life’s realities. Age is never a factor when it comes to these things; it is a man’s character that matters most. It was never expected in the first place that a problem will be solved by sharing it, it’s only to air out and make things lighter. That’s what friends are for. Much like a Swedish proverb, it says “Shared joy is double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.”

To make matters worse, a friend and I have fallen victim to someone who used my name to gain leverage and I was blamed for such a circumstance. And now, a punctured tire. What are the odds? Now I know the feeling of being persecuted. But, it’s okay, that’s another way of finding out who my true friends are. As they say, “For true friends who believe, no explanation is necessary; for others, none will suffice.” It’s just a pity but hey, we do have to move on and let time heal wounds.

Now, we can’t have a blog post that is all grim right? On a lighter note, a good friend, Baba, is back in town and we just had dinner last Thursday. As a “pasalubong,” She brought along this really classy notebook for poets where I can write down my musings and poems (uh-oh, back to calligraphy practice for this lady). Just in time Ba, I just used the last leaf of my old poem notebook late last year. It’s going to take some time for me to fill this up, but eventually, I will and I’ll let you read it too. I had a great time catching up with her over dinner and desert. Sometimes, distance is good for some friends, you have more to talk and muse over after some time. I’m just glad nothing has changed. Well, a bit (I did, diba Ba? Haha), but all good.

Aileen is the one who is in the states right now and has been eating In-N-Out burgers for me. Haha, I told her that I will live life vicariously through her as I am so caught up with work lately! She even has a picture of the burger she got for me in her blog, an apple a day. Was it just A burger or I think she mentioned that she ate at in-N-out three times for me! She even sent me a quick emails saying “I just had In-N-Out burger for our midnight snack.” Gawd! Now I don’t want to be blamed for the increase of all the calories and cholesterol girl!

Happy birthday again Noems! You said I was the first one to greet you for your birthday, happy na unta ko but, errrr... I really was not able to catch up with you girls at the restaurant for lunch as my talk ended at around 1:30! So sorry ... really, I am.

Now tita Zoia, my so called “hotty” friend in a Freddy K. Shirt, when are you dropping by my office again? Next pizza is on me!

Make Your Own Havaianas

Matte or metallic? Pastel or bright? Simple or sparkly? Ahhhh! These were written in the “Make Your Own Havaianas” invitation and these were the exact same questions running in my head yesterday at the Limketkai Atrium, where people, like me, rushed to get their hands on their very own pair of customized Havaianas. I almost missed it as I was so loaded with work the entire week! But ahhh, the idea of having your own customized flip flops was just too good to miss. I sent Trisha and Vanessa Tamparong, the two dazzling entrepreneurs of Spruce (Who never seem to run out of brilliant ideas) an SMS telling them that I was on my way, making my way through traffic and that I did not want to miss out on getting my own pair! And.... I got there right before Trisha could send me her reply. How’s that for driving?

The choices were endless and I had so much fun going all through those colors. I was happy that my friend Zoia was there to help me decide (when presented with way too many choices, I begin to have second thoughts ... hmm... is this why I can’t seem to ...... naaaaaaaaah). Even if there were so many people there, everything was in order. There was an organized process to follow from picking your colors, to assembly, to payment and there were assistants to help us out too. After picking my choice of colors, Audrey, the Havaianas consultant (is that the right term? I think that’s what she did ... help me all throughout the process) assigned to me, took me to their workbench and assembled my pair. I had a choice too of putting pins and other designs (which were all cute, by the way), but I opted to have mine simple but elegant. This is the first in Mindanao too, this kind of event. For those who happen to read this blog and the event is over, you can visit the Spruce shop at the Limketkai Mall and get your pair of Havainas there too.

So, now I have my own pair of customized Havaianas. Thanks Trisha and Vanessa for inviting me!

Zoia choosing her design

With Audrey and Zoia after I got my pair

At the workbench where Havaianas lovers eagerly waited for their pair

My New Pair

Oh, speaking of right process and getting the right assistance, I’d like to invite you to Join the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines. Being in an organization of people who know their stuff is always a good idea ;)

Fearing That The Fairy Tale Will End

For the past couple of months, the topic of “long distance relationships” has been a hot topic for my good friends and I (only friends? Hmmm….). Anyway, here’s the thing. Some of those that I have been talking with are absolutely contented and happy with their current relationships (I was too with mine… but then again, as we say, some good things never last …that’s another story ... another blog … if I have courage enough to write about it). There is this very deep level of intimacy that you reach in a LDR (long distance relationship) because exchange of thoughts, words and feelings expressed in phrases are constant and most often more sincere as the level of conversation grows. This is because the relationship is based, above anything else, on trust.

But some are so scared of moving on to the next step, which is actually meeting up and being together even for a little time. The general idea I got from them is mostly the fear of being in an awkward situation. I mean, you tell that person very intimate details about yourself, your thoughts, fears and dreams. You know, things you don’t usually tell a person you just met face to face? But this situation can easily be surpassed if both are really sure about their feelings for each other or at least willing to take the risk.

Risk, now that’s another thing. Many don’t want the fairy tale to end (or come true?). You know, everything is going so well with the LDR, it’s perfect, you finally found the person who is everything you want a partner to be but many “what if” questions keep popping in your head. Here are the questions that are usually asked:

1. What if he does not like me? Will this mean our relationship will end?
2. What if I don’t like him?
3. What if I’m not what he expected me to be?
4. What if he’s actually not the sweet sensitive guy he is online?
5. What if he’s not as funny and smart as he is online?
6. What if …. We’re only good at talking online and over the phone but when we’re actually together, there’s nothing to talk about?
7. What if … I was just an idea to him, just someone to keep him company but he actually does not want to continue with a real relationship?
8. What if … I don’t really love him after all? Or he does not really love me after all?
9. What if …. He/she’s actually THE ONE and it would mean that I would have to be more serious about the relationship and be more committed to it (and perhaps even get married).
10. What if she discovers that all my pictures in friendster were edited and I just erased the acne on my face using the “heal” tool in photoshop?
11. What if HE discovers that my boobs aren’t actually that big that I just used the “warp” tool in my graphic editing software?
12. What if he’s got BO (body odor)?

Okay, so I was kidding with the last three what if’s. But a lot of insecurities play when the moment of “truth” is about to happen (even if both parties admit that they are never insecure about who they are or anything about themselves, yeah right). And usually, at this stage, the LDR starts breaking apart. Usually, one party would then try to find a way to end the LDR before it can actually become a real and actual relationship (find something to fight about, stop answering messages or disappear into the abyss).

Well, if you do make the next move in this so called LDR, I salute you as so many back-out even before finding out what could happen (scared stupid). Some would start saying, “well, this relationship would never work because we are just too far apart.” I would always argue with that line, because even when in distance, when you really love that someone, aren’t you already there?

So, why don’t you make the next step? Only two things can happen, either the fairy tale will end, or you both will live happily ever after (and you don’t even have to kiss a frog!). Just take the next step, move on and get it over with. It’s better to know that you tried than be haunted with this last ‘what if’ …. “What if, he/she was really the missing piece in my life?”

Boomerang Awards

The internet and mobile technology is fast emerging as the new “marketing tool” for companies and brands. “Real Estate” on web pages is something that a lot of our clients are very particular about. When we say “real estate” on the website, it actually means using the “prime” locations in your page for attracting your customers or site visitors or using these spaces for advertising. With this in mind, we make sure that we don’t waste “space,” when we design and develop pages and make sure that every space is used to product branding and for marketing.

Online and mobile marketing is not just a trend that will go away soon. This time, marketing experts have actually seen the potential for this powerful tool. In fact, a friend forwarded to me the link for the first internet and mobile marketing awards. On the site it says that the Boomerang awards is “the first and only awards that recognizes the role of internet and mobile platform in building the business of brands, service and companies in the Philippines.”

Here’s a chance for those people who come up with the most creative ways of doing online marketing in promoting their companies and brands. If you know of anyone worthy of this award, Submit an entry to the Boomerang Awards: the 1^st Internet and Mobile Marketing Awards.