Sunday, December 31, 2006

Blog tag: 5 things people don't usually know about me

I just got tagged by Joel Yuvienco and Marc Macalua on this. I will follow Marc's version to make it more exciting.

Five things people don't usually know about me.
  1. I only finished third year high school and passed the Philippine Examination Placement Test that gave an equivalent high school diploma.
  2. I was Miss STI Kalookan in 1988.
  3. I used to be a church choir singer. One member had a pub and ask me to try singing there (since I was looking for a part time job). 15 songs a night, 4 times a week, good money but had to stop after two weeks as relatives were against it.
  4. My first article appeared in PC World Philippines back in September 1995.
  5. I was the youngest Chief Operating Officer for STI Taytay. I was 19 then.

I also tagged other folks here and hope they'll do the same by sharing 5 things people don't usually about them. Let me know once you've done it so I can link it here.

Tag: JJ Disini, Atty. Fred Pamaos, Manuel L. Quezon III, Peter Laviña, Noemi Lardizabal-Dado, Anton De Leon, Mike Abundo, Dr. Ronald Meinardus, Atty. Noel Oliver Punzalan, Atty. Marvin Aceron, Atty. Bong Dizon, Lionel Gonzaga, Dean Alfar, Jonas Diego, Zarah Gagatiga, Atty. Ma. Elena Cardinez, Abe Olandres, J Angelo Racoma, Charo Nuguid, Ernesto Sonido Jr., Ellen Tordesillas, Erwin Oliva, Manuel Viloria, Pocholo Gonzales, Brian Ligsay, Abby Ongyanco Lim, Aileen Apolo, Fernando Martirez, Jaeyoun Kim, Ma. Regina Bundang, Maoi Arroyo, Sacha Chua, Stephanie Caragos, Jay Frank De Jesus, Joan Piñon, Miguel Paraz

Friday, December 29, 2006

What happened to SigawngBayan.com?

With another planned People's Initiative 2, will the website of Sigaw ng Bayan resurrect itself again soon?

It started with a kiss....

For the past two days, I watched 30 episodes of It Started with a Kiss, a telenovela from Taiwan. I must admit that watching the series was quite foolish. However, as one episode proceed to another, I found myself glued and even wept at the climax. I guess for the young and people in love.

A kiss, especially if it is full of love, really meant a lot.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Now online - JanetteToral.com

Last Tuesday, I finally decided to get a website that has my name as the domain name - http://www.janettetoral.com

With so many website and blogs at hand, I had to think hard on what will be in this site and even looked at various personal sites for inspiration.

I hope you can check it out and give your feedback / suggestion as well.
Cheers! Ituloy AngSulong!

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Judging at BubuAwards

I'm very excited to be one of the judges again in Indonesia's biggest website awards competition, BubuAwards!

Shinta Dhanuwardoyo, founder of the awards and her company - Bubu.com, is on its 5th year in organizing this competition.

We've discussed organizing a similar activity in the Philippines but haven't been able to do it on a full swing. However, I hope the DigitalFilipino.com Web Awards will be a good start. She is certainly one of the inspirations for that project.

Ituloy AngSulong BubuAwards!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Trying out the Implix Affiliate Program

I've been a subscriber of GetResponse and WebsiteWizard for quite sometime now and decided to take advantage of its affiliate program for this Christmas. Surprisingly, I just made my first sale.

E-Commerce Web Hosting and Development

Like many e-commerce entrepreneurs, finding an e-commerce web hosting provider can be tricky. There are many things to consider.

However, since 2003, I find myself launching two new websites either on a December or January. Actually, this was triggered after I discovered WebsiteWizard.

Today, I have 4 websites hosted in that service. They are:

What I like about WebsiteWizard is that they have great features that is of value than the fees they ask for.

  • register your .com domain name
  • create your website
  • choose from a variety of templates
  • use a simple web-based visual editor
  • experience 24/7 accessibility and ease of use
  • add web-forms to your site easily
  • create your own logo
  • get search engine traffic
  • help to optimize your site for search engines
  • add a shopping cart to your website
  • accept credit card payments
  • take online orders 24/7/365
  • deliver your digital products automatically
So I guess with the features listed above, I admit that I find it difficult to switch to other providers and abandon WebsiteWizard.

Learning Windows MovieMaker and Carol Lanuza's Earrings Collection

It is great to learn something new. Earlier, my sister taught me how to use Microsoft Windows MovieMaker and played around with my first video. Although this is still in silent edition mode.

I played around with it and publish a less than two minutes video showing Carol Lanuza's bead earrings work posted in BeadClubPhilippines.com.

I'm so excited about all the possibilities! Ituloy AngSulong Moviemaker!


Sunday, December 24, 2006

Food safety reminders

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of people worldwide become sick and thousands die each day due to food-borne illness. In 2000 alone, about two million people died from diarrhea related diseases linked to contaminated food and drinking water.

Major food-borne illnesses are attributed to microorganisms in the form of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli or E. coli, and Vibrio cholerae. They enter the body through infected foods such as vegetables, eggs, raw milk, poultry and other meats.

Thus, proper food preparation is the key to avoiding food-borne illness.

As a guide, here are some tips taken from the WHO and the Philippines’ Department of Health:
  • Buy only fresh meats, marine products, fruits and vegetables. When buying processed, always check the expiry date. Do not buy canned goods with dents, bulges, deformation and broken/tampered seals.
  • Harmful micro-organisms are found in soil, water, animals and people. Thus, remember to always wash your hands thoroughly before handling food and sanitize the kitchen tools you use. Keep your kitchen clean and free from insects, pests and other animals. Use only clean and safe water in preparing food.
  • Raw foods also contain dangerous microorganisms so it is important to separate them from cooked foods. If possible, use a different set of knives and cutting board for handling raw meats. Wash vegetables well if you are to eat them fresh, such as in a salad.
  • Cook food thoroughly. According to studies, cooking food to a heat of 70 degrees centigrade can kill almost all harmful micro-organisms.
  • We usually leave food on the table until all family members have eaten. However, doing so can make food a breeding ground for bacteria. Thus, do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours.
  • When serving buffet-style, for example, keep the food hot at a minimum temperature of 60 degrees centigrade. Keep cold food cold by storing it in the refrigerator, which should be set below 5 degrees centigrade.
  • Store cooked foods in tightly sealed containers. On the other hand, food for infants should not be stored at all and must be freshly prepared.

Many thanks to the Department of Trade and Industry Region 12 for this info.

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Gender-balance blogging networks

Congratulations are in order for the three Filipinos now in BlogHerald. They are Abe Olandres, J. Angelo Racoma, and Markku Seguerra.

In most blogging networks I've seen, it is noticeable that most of the bloggers running the show and content are men. With women comprising half of Internet users worldwide (even more actually), including the Philippines, I hope blogging networks will take conscious effort to ensure that there's gender balance in their teams.

Being a hostess in Japan

In my last month post, I mentioned about Filipina workers' sufferings overseas. This article caught my attention as Filipinas and women from other countries are also working as hostesses in Japan.

I wonder if Filipina overseas workers who return home, after having a job like this, develop alcoholism and how they cope with it.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Michael Gleissner - opening guest for DigitalFilipino.com Podcast Second Season!


In this photo, catching up with Michael Gleissner of Bigfoot and recorded the 1st episode of DigitalFilipino.com podcast second season. A video version of this interview shall be available online soon.
Watch out for the 2nd season going live soon!
Ituloy AngSulong Michael Gleissner!

Be a Reality TV Star!

Bigfoot Entertainment is now searching for contestants for its new reality TV show, Hollywood Boot Camp. The new series will fly eight Filipino contestants to the USA to work on the forthcoming film Midnight Movie, a horror feature to be shot entirely in Los Angeles.

Contestants will compete against each other in various film-training challenges for USD 10,000 in cash or a USD 20,000 film development deal towards the production of a feature film.

If you think you have what it takes, submit a 2-minute video introducing yourself stating why you feel you deserve to work on a Hollywood film and star in a reality TV show. Be very creative and highlight your uniqueness. Send your video profile with CV and 5R photos (headshot & full-body shot) and filled-out application form to Bigfoot Entertainment, Hollywood Boulevard (Saac II Road), 6015 Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. For more information email: johnpaul@bf-e.com or read the FAQ.

Deadline for applications is Jan. 15, 2007.

62% of Filipinos Expect a Happy Christmas

Three out of five (62%) adult Filipinos expect a happy Christmas this year, according to the Social Weather Survey of November 24-29, 2006.

The November 2006 Survey also found that, by a three-to-one ratio, more Filipinos say it is better to give than to receive gifts for Christmas.

Most are thankful for still being alive and for good health at the end of 2006.

Experience of hunger has some effect on the expectation of a happy Christmas.

Falling Happiness With Christmas
Expectations of a happy Christmas have trended downward from the high 82% recorded in 2002, when first surveyed by SWS. From 2003 to 2004, it went down by 13 points, from 77% to 64%. Last year there were also 62% expecting a happy Christmas.

Seven percent are anticipating a sad Christmas this year, similar to the 8% in 2005, but slightly lower than the 10% in 2004.

Twenty-nine percent are neither happy nor sad this Christmas, similar to the 28% in 2005.

Most thankful for good health, for being alive
Asked what are they most thankful for in their life now, most (41%) are thankful for “good health,” followed by 28% who are thankful for “being alive”. These were also the most popular responses in November 2003 when last surveyed – “buhay pa rin hanggang ngayon" or “still being alive” (36%) and “good health” (35%).

Transition to new Blogger complete!

I just transitioned this blog completely to the new Blogger. I'm glad that the beta phase is already done. I really enjoy this new version and recognized that I have to do a lot of work in transitioning all of my other blogs to the new version.

However, I truly believe that it will be well worth the effort. Next blog to transition is the Philippine Internet Review Blog.

Ituloy AngSulong Blogger!

Christmas Message from One Voice Convenors


A Christmas message from the conveners of One Voice
to our signatories and valued allies:
We thank you all for speaking out when the cha-cha train threatened to misuse democratic processes for self-serving purposes, and many were silent. We thank you for the trust and the unwavering commitment. Together, we battled in the trenches when it mattered the most. As we all look back and survey the havoc and waste that the battle left in its wake, we may wonder if it was worth the effort.

We may wonder if this is indeed a new beginning to finally get the country and the government we deserve or if this will be just another lost opportunity, another inconsequential footnote in our history. We may wonder if, after the back-slapping and merriment of the moment and the hopeful picture of solidarity, we will again go back to our separate lives and leave the country to the political games and agendas of those who were voted to serve but have repeatedly failed the people.

We think we can all say it was worth it. But we cannot let history repeat itself for the nth time. Our country is too precious and too often betrayed to be left alone to face that fate. Let us celebrate the moment and enjoy the good cheer, and then prepare for the many more battles ahead.
Remember our 5-point program:
(I) stop the so-called people's initiative;
(2) social reform program now;
(3) electoral reform now and credible 2007 elections as an indirect referendum on the present administration
(4) a constitutional convention, not a constituent assembly. if necessary;
(5) work collectively in restoring the trustworthiness of our democratic institutions
Much has been achieved. But clearly, there is more work ahead of us, more difficult
than before. But there are more of us now, The silent majority are finding their voice and are speaking out loudly for our leaders to hear -- we want real change.

We will work with all groups who want real change. We will learn from one another, share our expertise and resources and take the lead on issues and concerns when that leadership is called for. Otherwise, we are all foot soldiers in the service of a nation. What is important is to broaden and deepen the national dialogue and to work together harmoniously for the good of all, but especially for those who deserve a better life than what democracy has given them.
After the holidays, after we have spent time communing with our families and friends, after we have renewed our faith in the real meaning of Christmas, and have thanked the Lord for His many blessings, let us get together, pray together and plan for the days ahead. There is work to be done.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

Senator Mar Roxas is my monito!


Catched up with Senator Mar Roxas earlier during his office Christmas party. He will certainly participate in E-Services Philippines 2007. I also track his activities in Senator Mar Roxas News Tracker.
Now I have to figure out what good item can be given to him in our exchange gift. He is my monito.
Ituloy AngSulong Senator Mar Roxas!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Ituloy AngSulong - Gift giving and online shopping

Last month, I drafted a Christmas shopping and wish list in preparation for the holiday season. It seems I made a record of really doing my online shopping and bought 60 gift items all online.
Merry Christmas everyone! Ituloy AngSulong!

To go 3G/HSDPA or wait longer?

Last month, my quest in evaluating the ideal 3G mobile broadband started and even took the testing further in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan De Oro, and Manila. The whole experience even got several of my friends getting their own subscription, like Abby.

Before I finished my testing, I still have a desire to do two more test. One for the Flybook V33i 3G HSDPA / Mobile Broadband and the Samsung SGH-Z560.

Since last week, I'm back to my old PLDT WeRoam 2G. Surprisingly, all the connection problems and slowness that I've encountered in the last two months are gone and surfing has been a breeze.

Related reading:
Wireless Internet Revolution in the Philippines
3G in the Philippines

Ituloy AngSulong Google Website Optimizer

I just got an email today that gave me permission to play around with the beta version of Google Website Optimizer. I welcome this opportunity to further optimize my websites and those of my clients that can result to further improvement as well. Thanks for this great Christmas gift Google! Cheers!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Crab jewelry box

I never thought I would find anything like it. I don't how to describe it. Interesting indeed!

Catching up with an old friend

I'll be in Cebu this Friday to visit an old friend.

With this visit, I definitely look forward in updating this article and find out what the government has done to resolve this issue. It is great to see how this company has grown in the Philippines. Their success is my success, even in the smallest way.

Performancing needs finetuning for Blogger Beta

I started experimenting with the new Blogger (Beta) through a new blog site that I created, the DigitalFilipino.com Web Awards. I am now in the process of finetuning the labels and have included the Performancing Metrics code earlier.

However, as I started reviewing the reports, I realized that Performancing Metrics is not yet configured to accommodate the new Blogger as blog posts titles are not yet appearing as is and post views can't detail the pages viewed yet.

I also hope that Blogger will include metrics tracking as part of its service in the future and take advantage of Google tools like Analytics and Sitemap.

Credibility and endorsement: Internet advertising and DigitalFilipino

I recently got an inquiry from an international site wanting to have their ad posted in DigitalFilipino.com.

This is something that I usually get and have refrained from accepting such type of offers directly for several reasons.

Credibility and endorsement
While a potential advertiser product may be good, oftentimes loyal site visitors believe that you are accountable to any advertisement appearing in your website, especially if its very specialized in nature. Unlike Google AdSense which is common to a lot of websites, a brand advertisement do have some strings attached.

The moment the advertisement contract ended, the relationship is also terminated. If they have fouled up in their service and disgruntled folks signed up through you - that's an instant accountability on the website owner.

Alternative approach
So whenever offers for advertisement get served to me through e-mail or phone call, I always advise the company to sign up as a corporate club member instead in the DigitalFilipino.com Club.

Instead of paying me US$300 to US$500 per month, they just pay a one-year corporate club membership fee and be part of our banner ad rotation system. This also gives me the opportunity to get to know the new members much better and explore areas where the club and its members can be of benefit.

I guess you can say that I invest in something more serious or a committed inner circle relationship with peers. Not just a fancy fling where I-use-you and you-use-me.

Ituloy AngSulong - 2007 Philippine Biotechnology Venture Summit

Last week, I blogged about the 2007 Philippine Biotechnology Venture Summit that will happen this January 10 to 12, 2007 at Ateneo Rockwell. Should you like to get a 10% discount from the said event, please visit our club site and use the registration form there.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Falling in love with Blogger

For those of us who have been using Blogger for quitesome, the launch of its new features makes one really excited. For one, editing of the site template is now made easy through the use of page elements. This allows you to add feeds, links, images, Google AdSense code, among others easily in your website.

The creation of these features actually makes a Blogger a full blown website service. The Links element can be used to create permanent sections in your site. During my Website Enhancement Workshop yesterday, one of my club members, Trabilis Travel & Tours, took advantage of this feature to create a website prototype.

The only catch is that these new features can only be taken advantage of by new blog creators.

I hope that Blogger will allow old blog site owners to choose a new template and immediately take advantage of the new page element features. It will really make the maintenance very easy.

I will be using these new features to create my successive blogs starting with the DigitalFilipino Web Awards blog.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Job Opening: Marketing/Copywriter

Innofone Philippines, Inc. is looking for Copywriters to join the marketing team.
Job Requirements
  • Must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree in any Marketing/Advertising course
  • At least 1-year solid experience in supporting marketing efforts
  • Must have a portfolio of past work: creative and corporate
  • Required language(s): English
  • Very strong writing background, good grasp of corporate branding
  • Close attention to detail in diction, tone and grammar
  • Good research skills with the initiative to propose new ideas and approaches
  • Meets or completes project milestones on or before specified deadlines
  • Must be a forward-thinker and create collaterals with minimal supervision
  • Must be comfortable working in a team setting and a fast-paced environment
  • Must be willing to work in Ortigas, Pasig City

Anyone interested can email their application letter and resume to Jherlie Cheng.

Click sabotage

I have Performancing metrics script installed in my website for quite sometime now that allows me to track Google AdSense clicks and from which articles they came from.

Today, I saw in my Performancing report that I had 30 clicks that came from this particular article in one day. Note that it is an old article.

I'm worried as such is very unusual and even thought that someone may be trying to commit click abuse on my site, for one reason or another, that may have an affect to my Google AdSense account.

Got to roll-up sleeves and do some log investigation. I'm paranoid.......

Thursday, December 14, 2006

66% say “NO” to Cha-Cha; 73% did not know the nature of the Sigaw ng Bayan proposals

For the third consecutive quarter, two of every three Filipinos say they will vote “No” in a plebiscite on a new constitution “that President Arroyo wants,” according to the November 2006 Social Weather Survey.

The new SWS survey found the balance of opinion opposed to the critical proposals that: (1) the members of Parliament and the Prime Minister may be re-elected any number of times; (2) the interim Parliament will serve until the next election, but will also set the date of the election, and thus there is no limit to its term; and (3) the interim Parliament will make additional amendments or revisions to the Constitution within 45 days.

When asked if they had known that these proposals were part of the Sigaw ng Bayan’s “people’s initiative,” 73% said “No,” validating the Supreme Court’s conclusion that the public could not have known the nature of these crucial proposals, singled out by the Court.

Even those satisfied with GMA say “No” to Cha-Cha
Even among those satisfied with the performance of President Arroyo, the majority say that they disapprove of a new Constitution that she wants.

The “No” vote on Cha-Cha is 79% among those dissatisfied with the President, 57% among those neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and 54% among those satisfied with her performance.

“No” dominates in all areas
Three-fourths (74%) in Metro Manila will vote “No” in a plebiscite for a new constitution, compared to 85% in September and 83% in June.

The new “No” vote in the rest of Luzon is 67%, compared to 68% in September and 64% in June.

In the Visayas the “No” vote is now 57%, from 56% in September and 60% in June.

In Mindanao the “No” vote is now 69%, from 65% in September and 68% in June.

Three-fourths are likely to vote in a plebiscite
As to their likelihood of voting in a plebiscite on charter change, 44% will surely vote, 29% will probably vote, 9% might be doing something else, and 15% will not be able to vote.

Seventy-eight percent in Mindanao, 72% in Luzon outside Metro Manila, 70% in the Visayas, and 67% in Metro Manila will surely/probably vote if a plebiscite were held today.

Opposition to specific proposals
Following up the Supreme Court’s ruling that the great majority of Sigaw ng Bayan’s signatories did not see the full text of the proposed changes before signing, and therefore could not have known the nature and effect of the proposed changes, the SWS survey asked for opinions about the three critical changes identified by the Court, without naming any proponent.

On allowing the members of the Parliament and the Prime Minister to be re-elected any number of times, the survey found that 37% disapprove, 26% are undecided, and 25% approve.

On allowing the interim Parliament to serve until the next election, and also to set the date of the election, thus putting no limit to its term, 43% disapprove, 26% are undecided, and 19% approve.

On allowing the interim Parliament to make further amendments or revisions to the Constitution within 45 days, the survey found that 34% disapprove, 29% are undecided, and 25% approve.

Failure to identify the proposals with Sigaw ng Bayan
In all areas, most people were unaware that the three proposals were part of Sigaw ng Bayan’s “people’s initiative.”

Seventy-six percent in the rest of Luzon, 74% in Mindanao, 69% in the Visayas and 68% in Metro Manila came to know who was the proponent only when polled.

In all socio-economic classes, most had been unaware of Sigaw as the proponent: 76% in class D, 71% in class E, and 60% in class ABC.

Anonymous yacking on Open Source Bill

I rarely have comments in my Philippine Internet Review blog. However, this blog post about the "Opposition to Open Source Bill" stands out as anonymous posters are now debating about it.

Anonymity really has its benefits. Ituloy AngSulong Anonymous!

Ituloy AngSulong accepted in ReviewMe!

Last November 12, I got an email from ReviewMe that invites bloggers and webmasters to write reviews and earn from it. I accepted and wrote my first review then.

At that time, DigitalFilipino.com and Philippine Internet Review were my approved sites. My Ituloy AngSulong blog site was declined then.

Earlier this week, I submitted and finally found my Ituloy AngSulong blog site approved. Not bad for a two month old blog site.

Ituloy AngSulong - WATCH and PRAY Magmalasakit sa Bayan Prayer Rally

One Voice will come together at the WATCH and PRAY Magmalasakit sa Bayan Prayer Rally on Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta.

Reference:

3rd Philippine Biotechnology Venture Summit

I just got an e-mail from Maoi Arroyo, CEO of Hybridigm Consulting. Her company is the first biotechnology consultancy firm in the country that proudly presents the Philippine Biotech Venture Summit: The 3nd Annual Conference on Biotechnology Enterprise and Investment.
The Summit's primary objective is to promote the advancement and better understanding of Biotechnology in the Philippines by calling together Philippine Scientists, Academics , Regulators, Policy Formulators, Venture Capitalists, and Mainstream businessmen to discuss new trends, discoveries and business opportunities.

This 3-day summit aims to educate scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, managers in pharmaceutical firms, policy makers, as well as corporate and intellectual property lawyers.

Conference program topics include:
  • Planning for Success: Effective Biotech Business Plans
  • Treasure Hunting: Finding & Acquiring Investors
  • Getting the interest you deserve: Pitching to investors
  • Selling the better mousetrap: funding options for your technology
  • Current Trends in Biotechnology
  • Valuation: Knowing what you’re worth
  • Dealing with VCs: Term Sheets and Deals
  • The Start-up Experience
  • Investment Opportunities from DOST-PCASTRD
  • Biofuels: Hope or Hype?
  • Environmentally Friendly Detergent
  • Paternity Testing Franchise
  • Biodegradable Plastics
  • Eco Cement
  • Seaweed Wound Dressing
  • Biofertilizer
  • Nutrient fortified Shellfish
  • Versatile Vaccine Production

Ituloy Angsulong Philippine biotech!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Creating software is more than simply producing code

Gary Pollice, David West, and Brett McLaughlin provides a brain-friendly guide to help developers produce great software every time through their new book, "Head First Object-Oriented Analysis and Design" (O'Reilly, US $49.99).

It uses the latest research in neurobiology, cognitive science, and learning theory to take developers from thinking about code to thinking about software.

It shows readers how to analyze, design, and write serious object-oriented software: software that's easy to reuse, maintain, and extend; software that lets developers add new features without breaking the old ones.

It also presents serious information in a entertaining, exciting, visual approach to learning. It combines puzzles, strong visuals, mysteries, and a friendly, conversational style to engage readers in many different ways. It's fast, fun, and effective:
  • Learn how to use OO principles like encapsulation and delegation to build applications that are flexible.

  • Apply the Open-Closed Principle (OCP) and the Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) to promote reuse of your code.

  • Learn how OO principles, design patterns, and different development approaches all fit into the OOA&D project lifecycle.

  • Use UML, use cases, and diagrams to ensure that all stakeholders are communicating clearly to help you deliver the right software that meets everyone's needs.
In the award-winning Head First fashion, "Head First OOA&D" compresses the time it takes to learn and retain complex information. Readers can expect to have fun, to learn, and to be writing great software consistently by the time they're finished with this book.

Internet, mobile marketers unite to protect consumers

Ituloy AngSulong IMMAP!

The Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) just got featured in Sun.Star Davao that partly gave a snippet on what the group is about and its plans. This Saturday, IMMAP will have a planning session on its program timeline. The board of directors will meet on the said day. We hope to have more members in the weeks to come.

IMMAP was launched last November 29.

Monday, December 11, 2006

I want to test drive - Flybook V33i 3G HSDPA / Mobile Broadband

Earlier, I shared my ongoing evaluation of the current 3G mobile broadband offerings. I even reached of contemplating of just buying a 3G or HSDPA phone and buy a generic HSDPA card where I could just insert my SIM card.

Then, last Friday, during DigitalFilipino.com Club eyeball, I learned about Flybook V33i HSDPA. A laptop that has HSDPA / mobile broadband where you just need to insert your SIM card.

The laptop size is so sleek as well which reminds me of my old Fujitsu Lifebook which I sold already. I can't wait getting my hands on this gadget for a test drive! (yes it is available in the Philippines!)

PNP seizes P24 million worth of counterfeit products and pirated software

Ituloy AngSulong against counterfeit products!!!

Three teams of the Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Division of the Philippine National Police, led by Senior Superintendent Noel delos Reyes, confiscated a total of P24 million worth of fake products and unlicensed software. In a back-to-back operation dubbed Operation Mega Shoppers, the PNP seized 7,476 pairs of counterfeit Adidas goods valued at more than P19 million peddled at 32 stalls of the Car Park Shopping Compound in Pasay City, and almost P5 million worth of assorted unlicensed Microsoft and Adobe software loaded in 41 computer units of Drugcheck Philippines, Inc. in Pasig City.

NCIPR members include the PNP, Department of Justice, Bureau of Customs, Optical Media Board, National Bureau of Investigation and the National Book Development Board. Since its creation in 2005 to-date, NCIPR has seized more than P2 billion worth of counterfeit goods.

In the report, four Chinese nationals were arrested in the Adidas raid namely, Yang Nga, Lua Co, Aileen Jing and Ato Ke for violating section 155 (trademark infringement) in relation to section 168 (unfair competition) of Republic Act 8293 or the IP Code of the Philippines. Meanwhile, Zenaida Nicolas and John Catindig of Drugcheck Philippines, Inc. were taken in for questioning for violating section 177 (copyright or economic rights) in relation to section 217 (copyright infringement penalties) of the code.

Judge Felixberto Olalia Jr. of the Regional Trial Court of Manila issued the search warrants for the Adidas raid while Executive Judge Reynaldo Ros of RTC Branch 33 issued the search warrants for the software raid. The searches were conducted in the presence of the occupants, barangay officials and security officers of the establishments.

Some of the computer units from Drugcheck Philippines, Inc. loaded with unlicensed software
valued at almost P5 million confiscated by PNP in its Oplan Mega Shoppers operation.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Ituloy AngSulong against the proposed Charter Change!

One Voice Chairman Christian Monsod just issued a press statement on the House of Representatives Constitutional Convention proposal.

Manuel Quezon III, grandson of President Manuel Quezon and a member of One Voice, said the House of Representatives "is now refusing to recognize any limits on their ambitions." He encourages everyone to take a stand on the matter by voicing our opinions and ensure that we are all registered voters. If you haven't registered, the deadline is by the end of this year. (Also, check out - Let them eat Concon)

I truly believe in uniting people through prayers, regardless of religion. Those who have experienced being in a life-or-death situation, will surely know what I meant by this. We need to pray for enlightenment and courage. We need to take a stand in our own way - even by just blogging our concerns, showing that we care on the impact of this issue to our country.

The events that can happen this week will have a great effect to all of us - our work, business, the Christmas preparations for our children, and worst, deflect our attention on areas where it is needed the most - such as our countrymen who were affected by calamities.

71% of Filipinos are Aware of Standard Economic Statistics; 48% Say They are Believable

Seven out of ten (71%) Filipinos are familiar with some of the standard economic statistics regularly reported to the public, according to the latest Third Quarter 2006 Social Weather Survey.

Two-thirds (69%) are aware of the rate of inflation, over half (55%) are aware of the rate of unemployment, and one-third (31%) are aware of the Gross National Product (GNP).

Twenty nine percent say they have not read or heard about any of these economic statistics.

The new survey, conducted from Sept. 24 to Oct. 2, 2006, also found that half (48%) consider these economic statistics as believable (kapanipaniwala).

However, a rise in GNP does not necessarily imply a general improvement in economic well-being. In particular, SWS surveys show that hunger has increased despite GNP growth in recent years (Mangahas, “The SWS Quarterly Surveys on Poverty and Hunger Show the Emptiness of GNP,” November 20, 2006).

Inflation is most recognized among the standard economic statistics
Four out of five (82%) adults in Luzon outside Metro Manila are aware of the rate of inflation, as are 71% in Visayas, 55% in Metro Manila, and 49% in Mindanao.

All socio-economic classes are well aware of the rate \nof inflation: 80% in class ABC, 69% in class D, and 64% in class E.

The unemployment rate is known to 66% in Luzon outside NCR, 54% in Visayas, 48% in Metro Manila, and 39% in Mindanao.

By socio-economic class, three out of five (62%) in class ABC are familiar with the unemployment rate, compared to 57% in class D, and 47% in class E.

Two out of five (41%) in Balance Luzon are familiar with GNP, compared to 28% in Metro Manila, 27% in Visayas, and 19% in Mindanao.

Forty percent in class ABC, 32% in class D, and 26% in class E are aware of GNP.

48% call the economic statistics believable
About half (48%) consider these economic statistics believable, consisting of 22% saying they are “very believable”, and 26% saying they are “somewhat believable”.

Thirteen percent are unsure, while 11% consider these economic statistics as “unbelievable”.

Majority (57%) in Luzon outside Metro Manila, and half (50%) in Visayas, consider the economic statistics as believable. Thirty six percent in both Mindanao and Metro Manila share this opinion.

Half (52%) of class ABC, and 48% in both class D and class E call the economic statistics believable.

Survey Background
The Social Weather Survey of September 2006 used face-to-face interviews of a national sample of 1,200 statistically representative households (300 each in Metro Manila, the Balance of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao), from 240 geographical spots selected from all regions. Error margins of ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for regional percentages should be applied.

The survey items described in this release were initiated by Dr. Jose Ramon Albert, SWS Fellow and past President of the Philippine Statistical Association.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Ituloy AngSulong and Running an SEO Competition

Earlier, I gave my initial thoughts about the Ituloy AngSulong contest and why I joined.

I first joined a keyword campaign of sort with the Filipina awareness movement. The idea then is to have as many site as possible to use the keyword Filipina, so that porn and dating sites won't dominate the 1st page of search engines when someone queries Filipina.

Lately, I suggested to JJ Disini about the possibility of coming up with a keyword campaign of sort for iBlog3 (The 3rd Philippine Blogging Summit) happening in 2007.

Should that proceed, these are the things that I will take note of based on my experience with Ituloy AngSulong.
  • There should be a sign-up cut-off date. If there's no cut-off date, others may safely tend to work on their entry, without any commitment, and once their site is penetrating search engine rankings - where they are almost certain of winning something, that is the only time they'll join.
  • Sponsors link must be up right from the start. There's no requirement right now that the sponsor's link must be up at the moment one signs-up. There's a possibility for entries who will not post sponsor links immediately. If they are sure of winning already, one can have the option of just posting the link a day before the awarding and there's nothing in the rules that will penalize or disqualify them from that. This creates uncertainty to those who complied with the rules right from the start whether to take the same action. Combine this with no sign-up cut-off date, the playing field may not appear even and fair immediately.
  • Separate division for old domain and new domain. If necessary, of course if you have ample budget for prizes. Then have an overall winner.
Of course, these are just ideas...

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Ituloy AngSulong: Public Relations 101 for the IT Sector Lesson 1 of 4: Advertising vs. Public Relations

I'm currently working on e-mail learning series on public relations. As the materials are still under development, I decided to post it here to finetune it further and get reaction from readers like you on its content.

Special thanks to Mel Dominguez of Dominguez Marketing Communications for becoming my resource person for this 4 lessons e-learning series.

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Public Relations 101 for the Information Technology Sector
Lesson 1: Advertising vs. Public Relations

When do you need public relations? What is it really all about? When do I need it?

This is a common question I receive whenever I encounter a new company wanting their product or service be promoted. Although getting your news across can be done that way, among others, I often suggest to companies to explore getting a public relations (PR) consultant as getting much needed exposure does not come too easily to everyone. It also requires a lot of effort that instead of focusing in the business, it can take your time away as well.

Public relation is not advertising or free publicity, although a lot of people confused such with it.

It is not free publicity because nobody's time is free. As a company, you will need to invest in planning it, allotting time, and build relationship. You aim to disseminate information in an objective manner that aims to educate and create understanding to your specific target market.

According to Mel Dominguez, CEO of Dominguez Marketing Communications, "Although PR and advertising are similar forms of communication, there are major differences between the two. For one, PR has wider scope than advertising, although advertising is more costly; PR encompasses everyone and everything in an organization while advertising is limited to special selling and buying tasks."

Dominguez Marketing Communications is one of the well-known public relations firm in the information technology industry where it specializes. It handles prominent clients like Avaya Philippines, HP Philippines, Juniper Networks, IP Ventures Group, IP E-Games, among others.

"In advertising, you can use the most imaginative and creative means to communicate. Thus superlative claims are acceptable. In contrast, a press release has to sound like NEWS. Therefore you cannot use words as "The ultimate, etc." as a PR goal is to impart knowledge. Good public relations should be factual, unbiased, and free of self-compliment."

A full page advertisement in newspapers would normally cost no less than one hundred thousand (P100,000). Even if a little costly, it gives the company more control on the content, schedule, and location of the publicity.

On the other hand, when a company generates publicity through PR, it doesn't pay for the space its story occupies. One PR disadvantage would be that you have very little control over when your publicity will see print. It could be anywhere from the following day, the following week, month, or not at all. The schedule, size and location will solely be dependent on the editor's discretion.

As an analogy, advertising is similar to an actor on stage where one can be flamboyant, can wear many roles or hats or can dress in the most colorful costumes. Creativity and imagination is limitless.

PR is like your man on the street but it is more than just publicity. Company history, financial success and stability, quality of products or services, industrial relations and reputation, employer image, social responsibility, and research inclination

If you have a bad product or service, no advertising can achieve lasting results. "PR is not image-making, rather, image-building. First of all, we cannot manufacture an image for you. Whatever strength that your company has is what we will highlight to your market. It is important that a company has a positive desired image. Then, communicate it to your audience or market," Mel explained.

Thoughts to ponder:

1. Cite an example of a company whom you find its public relations campaign to be noteworthy and fairly consistent.

2. What impression did the company impart through its public relations campaign to readers or industry observers like you?

No lap chun in 2007

My bead jewelry hobby was triggered last year after getting a copy of Lilian Too's Fortune & Feng Shui series. Most of our early bead jewelry work was heavily influenced by it. They served as symbolic reminders on the things that I should watch out for and reminders of encouragement. When there are predictions of bad month, I worked on them way ahead of time so that the month turns as business as usual with hardly any firefighting on my side. As a result, 2006 is indeed a great year.

The 2007 predictions though are tough. First thing that struck me is that there's no lap chun in 2007. Lap chun is the major difference between the Chinese lunar calendar (where Chinese horoscope is usually based) and solar calendar (where Flying Star Feng Shui is often based). Lilian Too said in her books that this coming year begins on February 18, long after the day of Spring, and therefore no lap chun. We are encouraged to start planning anything important and get it done on or before the Chinese New Year. Else, obstacles can hinder us or not even succeed in getting projects off the ground. This includes moving offices, launching a new business, building a new house, among others.

I consider all of this as just reminders. Luck chances are higher to those who persevere and are working hard/smart in order to achieve success. Ituloy AngSulong!

Monday, December 04, 2006

Updated for the Post-Ajaxian Web 2.0 World: Information Architecture for the World Wide Web, Third Edition

I just got this book, "Information Architecture for the World Wide Web" (O'Reilly, US$39.99), in the mail today.

Peter Morville and coauthor Louis Rosenfeld in the new edition of their classic "Information Architecture for the World Wide Web" answers important questions like:

"How do we structure for co-creation?"
"How do we document the rich interfaces of web applications? How do we design for multiple platforms and mobile devices? What has changed, and what remains the same?"

There are no easy answers, but their book presents new approaches, balancing the old and new, and addressing emerging technologies while maintaining a focus on fundamentals.

"Information Architecture for the World Wide Web," Third Edition (also known as "Polar Bear 3.0," for the animal on its cover), introduces tagging and advanced findability concepts, with recent examples, new scenarios, and information on best practices. Topics range from aesthetics to mechanics and include:
  • An overview of information architecture for both newcomers and experienced practitioners.
  • The fundamental components of an architecture, illustrating theinterconnected nature of these systems. Updated, with updates for tagging, folksonomies, social classification, and guided navigation.
  • Tools, techniques, and methods that take you from research to strategy and design to implementation. This edition discusses blueprints, wireframes, and the role of diagrams in the design phase.
  • A series of short essays that provide practical tips and philosophical advice for those who work on information architecture.
  • The business context of practicing and promoting information architecture, including recent lessons on how to handle enterprise architecture.
  • Case studies on the evolution of two large and very different information architectures, illustrating best practices along the way.

I'm very excited with this book and look forward in sharing more about it!

December 8: Web Marketing Forum / Christmas Party!

Hi everyone. I encourage you to register at Yehey.com Kartada Diyes Party. The event will be this Friday, December 8.

Once you are registered, you can attend our Web Marketing Forum that will start at 4 pm. I hope you can attend and let's meet up!

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Ramon Magsaysay Jr., Senator, Advocate

Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. was in Nepal lately and got interviewed by a journalist. The interview was most enlightening and full of humility on the part of the Senator.

Senator Magsaysay is serving his last term in the Philippine Senate. I'm honored to had the chance in working with him during the lobbying days for the Y2K Law and E-Commerce Law. He is also known for passing very important legislation, co-authored with other legislators, during his term such as:
  • Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 (RA 9160)
  • Electronic Commerce Law (RA 8792)
  • Ban on Hard Surfactants (RA 8970)
  • Magna Carta for Small and Medium Enterprises (RA 8289)
  • New Foreign Investments Act (RA 8179)
  • Mechanical Engineering Law (RA 8495)
  • Amending the Omnibus Investments Code -Regional Headquarters (RA 8756)
  • Jewelry Manufacturing Act (RA 8502)
That is in addition for very important provisions he introduced in numerous legislations today.
What I can't forget about the Senator is his friendliness, humility, and kindness. He is very approachable and makes everyone that he meet feel important. In short, he is a people-person, pang-masa talaga.

Although the Senator is known for wishing to rest after his term, may he inspire future Senators and the common Filipino to pursue advocacies that will push for transparent and fair governance, more opportunities for SMEs, and programs that will reduce poverty in the country.

In his own way, the Senator can be considered as a HERO for pushing for honest and responsible government. May his example of leadership serve as a model and humble us all.

Mabuhay Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr.!

Ituloy AngSulong SanrioTown!

World Famous Hello Kitty advances to new digital heights with SanrioTown launched last November 21. Typhoon Games, has partnered with Sanrio Wave HongKong Co. Ltd. to bring Sanrio characters to the next stage of their digital evolution. Sanrio Digital, a joint venture between the two companies, led to a complete renovation of the official online presence for Hello Kitty and friends, Sanriotown (http://www.sanriotown.com/), with new flash games, blog, photo, video and online shopping features embracing the social web.

Riding on the existing online community services such as forum and free e-mail as well as download services, new social networking features havebeen launched on Sanriotown, which already has a current user-base of almost 2 million world wide. The two most prominent of the newly introduced features are Kitty Shop and Dream Studio, while other features on the site like blogs, chat, message boards and avatars inject more fun into the social networking environment for users.

Kitty Shop is the online store where fans can purchase a wide range of Hello Kitty memorabilia.

Dream Studio is an advanced web technology that enables users to create and direct their own flash movies by simply uploading video, photos and MP3 music. With this new feature, users are able to indulge themselves with the latest online trends and embed their videos on their own website, blogs, or other community portals, creating an online networking community that is unique to Sanriotown.

In addition to the above, there will be other advanced and innovative entertainment products released. For example, a massive multiplayer Hello Kitty online game is currently in the final stages of development, bringing mature Hello Kitty fans and online gamers higher levels of difficulty, excitement and interaction.

It is amazing what the Internet can allow us to do today. When I was still a kid, I remember being an absolute fan of Little Twin Stars. My sister, Jenny, is an avid fan of Hello Kitty. While Jehan likes MyMelody a lot. Now we can re-kindle that feeling again.

As a major chunk of Sanrio fans are all grown up, professionals, and entrepreneurs right now, I hope SanrioTown will be inventive in their approach and recognize opportunities for revenue sharing, mobilizing its older and professionals fan-base or the characters it intends to market here.

Ituloy AngSulong! I love Amazon Omakase!

Amazon.com recently launched a new linking system for Amazon.com Associates and that is their Omakase link. Affiliate members who use it will find that Amazon.com automatically feature ideal products based on Amazon's unique knowledge about what works for your site, for your users and for the content of your page. It is pretty much like Google AdSense.

Take for instance this blog where I cover a great variety of topics. As I discussed bead jewelry in one of my post, the Amazon Omakase banner showed product links to bead jewelry type of items. This prompted me to put the Omakase banner in majority of my website pages.

Ituloy AngSulong Amazon Omakase!

Ituloy AngSulong! - STI Academy commits to join the Philippine Schools Cyberfair 2007


In my recent briefing at STI Las Pinas, I'm glad to receive a commitment from the school in joining the elementary and high school division of the Philippine Schools Cyberfair 2007: Empower and Unite! competition.

STI first joined the competition in 2004 with their entry, The Calling, that won in the Community Groups and Special Populations category. It featured the advocacy work of Couples for Christ.

In 2005, they won again with their entry, Simbahan, featuring churches in the city. The school took a rest from the competition last year and I'm glad to hear from them once again with the intent of joining this year's competition.

I like to make a call to fellow bloggers in helping us promote the competition by linking to http://www.cyberfair.ph. If students or educators are your product or service target market, you can explore becoming a sponsor where the investment required ranges from 8,500 pesos to 34,000 pesos only.

Thank you! Ituloy AngSulong Philippine Schools Cyberfair!

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Ituloy AngSulong Philippine Schools Cyberfair 2007: Empower and Unite - Call for Entries

Last November 23, upon return from Cebu that morning, I immediately went to STI Academy Las Piñas City to conduct a briefing about the Philippine Schools Cyberfair 2007 with this year's theme, "Empower and Unite". My advocacy on Internet for Children started in 2001 and I push for this through the Philippine Schools Cyberfair Competition. I encourage you to support this cause by encouraging more schools in your area to join this competition and help them build their entry.

Of course, if we will be lucky enough to make it in the Ituloy AngSulong competition, we will be able to pay for the airfare of teachers this year, just to attend our summer teachers training.

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Engage your students in performance-based collaborative, project-design competition this school year 2006-2007!

* Support standards-based, authentic learning
* Connect students to their local communities
* Increase global awareness
* Increase real-world, transferable skills
* Involve students in the assessment
* Teach students 21st century learning skills (research, projectmanagement, content creation, publishing, digital media)

DigitalFilipino.com is launching the 6th Philippines SchoolCyberFair Competition with the theme, "Empower and Unite". This CyberFair competition/exhibition requires participants to complete three tasks - publish, reflect, evaluate. Student-produced projects will spotlight people, places, businesses and other things in their local community -- that serve to "empower, motivate, and encourage positive change."

CyberFair is an opportunity to engage businesses, schools, and other youth organizations in educational activities that contribute to heightened mutual awareness and understanding of their community history, leaders, issues and needs. Students are encouraged to think about their own future plans, the conditions that will affect the future of their community, and issues of global importance.

All Philippine entries are encouraged to join the International School CyberFair. On its 12th year, it has been described as the largest educational event of its kind ever held on the Internet. This program has brought together more than one million students from over 109 countries.

It is also an authentic learning program used by schools and youth organizations around the world. Youth conduct research and publish their findings on the Web. Recognition is given to the best projects in each of eight categories: local leaders, businesses, communityorganizations, historical landmarks, environment, music, art, and local specialties. This program encourages youth to become community ambassadors by working collaboratively and using technology to share what they have learned. Students evaluate each other's projects by using a unique online evaluation tool.

CyberFair encourages youth to connect the knowledge they learn ins chool to real world applications. It also supports current education subjects such as Filipino, English, Computer, Social Studies, Science, Music, Practical Arts, Character Education, among others.

This year, schools can submit multiple entries. However, it should only be limited to one entry, per category, per division (elementary / high school). All entries must be written and presented in English and Filipino.

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Now on its 6th year, DigitalFilipino.com is continuing the local CyberFair counterpart to promote literacy and meet the challenges of the digital divide. Prizes this year includes:

1. Trophy for the school, medal for students
2. Train the teachers on E-Learning Content Development (3-days workshop)

Interested teachers can register by sending an email to digitalfilipino@gmail.com with the following information:

Your name: ______________________________________
Your email address: _____________________________
Your job title:__________________________________
Your school name: _______________________________
Type of school (public or private): _____________
Telephone number:________________________________
Fax number: _____________________________________
Your school address (complete with zip code):_______________________________________
Cyberfair category you are joining:_______________________
Division (elementary or high school):______________________

Deadline for registration shall be on January 31, 2007.

Website entries must be completed on or before February 28, 2007.
Visit http://www.cyberfair.ph for more details. Ituloy AngSulong Philippine Schools Cyberfair!

Friday, December 01, 2006

Globe 3G Mobile Broadband vs. PLDT WeRoam 3G

I'm currently doing an evaluation on Globe 3G Mobile Broadband HSDPA and PLDTWeRoam's 3G service. What triggered this is my anxious need to upgrade my current PLDTWeRoam 2G (GPRS/EDGE).

Like most wireless services, there are areas where one has better connection over the other. However, as the service is pretty much new, Globe's 3G Mobile Broadband HSDPA is seen to be performing better and much reliable in terms of connectivity.

Although PLDT WeRoam's 3G service is fast, I still get more instance of hiccups in terms of connection. At times, this makes me really wonder on the difference between my PLDT WeRoam 2G and this new 3G model.

What I am excited about this new services is that uploading of files is pretty much faster. As I am into podcasting, transmitting audio files can be quite a pain should you have slow connection. If you have the resources, it is only practical to get both cards. Perhaps sign up the first as an unlimited Internet use card while the other can be on a pay-per-use subscription. With both cards, the flexibility to switch between one connection to another is very valuable. No productive time is lost. No time to waste in complaining either.

Ituloy AngSulong IMMAP!

The Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) launch event last Wednesday, November 29, was a success!

It was great to hear that the AdBoard of the Philippines, as indicated by its President - Matec Villanueva, is seriously considering the inclusion of IMMAP as they recognize that the Internet and mobile are new forms of media where advertising is now being done.

We were also told that the next Ad Congress registration shall be done purely online. Although for most geeks, that may not be a big deal, for Ad Board folks, it is.

The founding board of the group are:

I'll post info about the new members who were inducted during the launch next time. But let mention great thanks to Wallace Panlilio of TinCanMobile and Dodjie Lopez of Directories Philippines Corporation for joining.

I invited Jherlie Cheng of Posh Marketing Services and Abby Lim of Virramall.com as my personal guest during the event. It is great to see Aileen Apolo, Philippine Country Consultant of Google, who also took time to attend and blog about the event.

Ituloy AngSulong IMMAP!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) launching - November 29

Hi everyone. I'm now at The Bed in Greenbelt 3 Makati City for the launching of the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP). It is a great honor to be one of its founding directors.

Here's a backgrounder about the group.

Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP)

Background
Internet and mobile marketing remains to be at the infancy stage in the business environment in the Philippines. While the industry is experiencing rapid growth rates in North America and Europe, the opposite can be said here in the Philippines. The users of the two media in the country have grown tremendously through the years, with internet users numbering 9 million or 9% of the total population. Mobile users on the other hand, boast of a staggering 35 million users or 40% of the population. Both media have started off just around 10 years ago, and this growth rate experienced is faster compared to any of the traditional media in history.

Advertising and marketing play a vital role in the internet and mobile industry, as like any other media channel, the survival of internet and media companies rely on marketing for revenues. The explosion of internet companies like Google and Yahoo! has changed the way internet is used in marketing, and the same can be said on how telecom companies like Vonage or Verizon revolutionized mobile marketing. To date, web and mobile accounts for 10% of advertising spending in the US, and is expected to increase to 40-50% within the next couple of years in certain industries.

In the Philippines, marketing through the web has yet to take off. Last year, it is estimated that online ad spending would sum up to only P100 million, a measly 0.2% of the total advertising spending. Mobile shares the same fate, although while they are higher than web advertising, they are also a small percentage of the total ad mix.

The two new media internet and mobile, sometimes referred to as interactive or digital media, possess a wealth of opportunities for marketers to communicate directly with their customers. Unlike the traditional media television, radio or print where these media serve as channels for advertising placements, digital media provide marketers the opportunity to utilize technology to have a closer relationship with their customers as these media offer 24/7 communication and engagement, feedback mechanisms, and other CRM tools.

With the power of being digital and interactive, it goes without mentioning that the two marketing media, internet and mobile, at this stage of development, are very much underutilized and not given the appropriate attention. Both are seen as a techie-geeky tool, somewhat confined to only those who were nerdy enough to understand them, and very much underutilized in the marketing community.

It is because of this opportunity and need that companies that belong to the internet and mobile media have come together to form IMMAP, and embarked on working towards educating and providing the necessary digital tools for advertising and marketing professionals to make better communication decisions. It is believed that the two media will soon be utilized and used as complementary marketing tools to traditional media once advertising and marketing professionals understand how these can be used and optimized.

Vision

The vision of the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) is to become the premier marketing association for internet and mobile organizations.

Mission

The mission of IMMAP is to spearhead the use of the internet and mobile to become recognized marketing mediums in the industry by:
  • Establishing a code of ethics and set of standards for the execution of internet and mobile marketing in the country
  • Providing the latest research and studies on the effectiveness of internet and mobile as marketing tools
  • Conduct presentations to advertising and marketing professionals regarding the power brought about by digital and interactive media
  • Develop camaraderie and share best practices among professionals in the digital and interactive industry
  • Create a monitoring and audit standard for market ranking and performance to allow better decision making for advertising and marketing professionals.
  • Growing the industry through the creation and management of global opportunities for members, and making the Philippines a global player in providing digital marketing services.
  • Recognizing excellence in the field of web and mobile marketing and advertising.

Membership

Membership of the IMMAP would be confined to organizations that offer the internet and mobile as marketing platforms to companies for use in communicating and interacting with their set of customers, or organizations that delivers a service to internet and mobile companies, or organizations that use the internet and mobile media as a platform for communicating to their stakeholders. These would include but not limited to:

  • Internet companies
  • Content providers
  • Media companies that operate a website
  • Web designers and developers
  • Mobile suppliers
  • Interactive media agencies
  • Interactive advertising agencies
  • Selected companies which used internet and mobile as platform to advertise and market its products, goods and services

To know more about IMMAP, visit its website at http://www.immap.com.ph

My Christmas Shopping and Wish List for 2006

It will be a great idea to draft a very realistic Christmas shopping list or even a wish list for yourself. As we have club members selling so much stuff online, here are some stuff worth checking out:
  1. Mango wine (P480.00) - According to PinoyDelikasi.com, this is the first Mango wine in the world!
  2. Chocolate goodies from MyLittleBaker.com - This IT teacher has finally made her baking hobby to a full-fledge business.
  3. Filipino Music from TitikPilipino.com - An ideal gift to friends based overseas!
  4. Healthy Super Value Basket - RegaloService.com markets gift baskets from Terry Selection. An ideal gift for VIPs!
  5. WOW Magic Sing Mabuhay 2006 Edition Videoke Microphone (Entertech ED-8000) - If you haven't really sang for a long time, perhaps this is one item worth investing. Have a life!
  6. Laptop cushion foam bag - Take care of that great friend, your laptop!
  7. Javanese Royal Bath - A great gift to prepare for that perfect date.

I'll update this list in the days to come as there are items also that are worth giving as a gift but does not come in tangible form like online services.

Ituloy AngSulong for a prosperous 2007!

FBI goes global in catching crooks online

The FBI now ranks cybercrime as its third priority behind terrorism and espionage. The Philippines must invest in the necessary resources, beyond legislation (as there are laws existent already), to meet the challenge.

Ituloy AngSulong against cybercrime!

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Republic Act 8792 - E-Commerce Law of the Philippines

Republic Act 8792, or the Electronic Commerce Law was enacted last June 14, 2000. Efforts for its passage started as early as 1992 with the Electronic Evidence Act. The law defines Philippines policy on electronic transactions to enable the country’s players and consumers to actively participate in electronic trade.

The law provides:
  1. Legal recognition of electronic documents, electronic data messages, and electronic signatures;
  2. Guidelines for retention and storage of documents in electronic form;
  3. Recognition and validity of electronic contracts;
  4. Guidelines for use of transport documents in carriage of goods;
  5. A 2-year mandate for government to have the capability to transact its business electronically;
  6. The directive for the Department of Trade and Industry to function as the country’s e-commerce authority;
  7. The penalties to crimes such as hacking, cracking, and piracy offenses;
  8. Made banking transactions done through ATM switching networks absolute once consummated;
  9. Parties are given the right to choose the type and level of security methods that suit their needs;
  10. Mandates RPWeb, a strategy that intends to connect all government offices to the Internet and provide universal access to the general public, to be implemented;
  11. Made cable, broadcast, and wireless physical infrastructure within the activity of telecommunications;
  12. Provided guidelines as to when a service provider can be liable;
  13. All existing laws such as the Consumer Act of the Philippines also applies to e-commerce transactions.

Policies that have been released in 2006 that intends to support the implementation of the Electronic Commerce Law includes:

Learn more about e-commerce in the Philippines by getting the DigitalFilipino.com E-Commerce Workshop E-Book.

For a background on the law's legislative history, get a copy of the Philippine Internet Review: 10 Years of Internet History (1994-2004).

Two Filipino IT Experts Joins Panel to Pick the Strategic 100

MIS Asia regularly releases a Strategic 100 list. This is decided upon by a panel of judges where two of them are Filipinos. They are Allen Bacallan and Ronaldo Tan.

General Vote on Cha-Cha still 67% “NO”

Majority (67%) of Filipinos would still vote “No” if a plebiscite to approve a proposed new constitution were held today, unchanged since the previous quarter, according to the Third Quarter 2006 Social Weather Survey.

The Sept. 24 to Oct. 2 survey also found stronger opposition to proposed constitutional amendments to allow President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to become head of government even after 2010; create a unicameral legislature; extend the term limits of officials from 2007 to 2010 and hold schedule elections in 2010; let legislators elect the head of government; and lessen restrictions on foreign participation in the economy.

“No” votes remain dominant in all areas
A solid majority of 85% in Metro Manila will vote “No” in a plebiscite for a new constitution, similar to 83% recorded in the previous quarter.

The “No” vote is 68% in the rest of Luzon, 65% in Mindanao and 56% in the Visayas.
Four out of five (80%) of class ABC, 70% of class E and 64% of class D will also vote “No” if a plebiscite to approve a proposed new constitution were held today.

Opposition to specific amendment intensifies
Seven out of ten (69%) reject the idea of allowing President Arroyo to become head of government even after 2010, up from 44% recorded in March 2006.

Half (51%) oppose the idea of having only one chamber of Parliament elected in each district and from Party-list, up from 38% in March, implying that most Filipinos would rather continue having a Senate.

Majority (68%), compared to 50% in March, reject the idea of holding the next elections in 2010 and extending the terms of all officials.

Opposition to the idea of letting the head of government be elected by legislators instead of directly by voters likewise increased from 56% in March to 65% in September.

Two out of five (43%), compared to 25% in March, oppose lessening restrictions on foreign participation in the economy.

Survey Background
The Social Weather Surveys referred to in this release used face-to-face interviews of a national sample of 1,200 statistically representative households (300 each in Metro Manila, the Balance of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao), from 240 geographical spots selected from all regions. Error margins of ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for regional percentages should be applied.

Ituloy AngSulong kontra sa madaliang charter change!

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Giving gifts to friends based overseas

I often find myself wanting to send a gift overseas but don't want to go through the shipping complications that goes with it. This year, I'm contemplating of using Amazon for my Online Christmas Gift. This way, my friends will have the luxury to choose the kind of gifts that they want. Although my only worry is that would meant setting quite a high budget for each gift. Hmmm.....

Queenpanada for sale

It seems one of my former club member is now in the Queenpanada business. For those looking for Christmas gifts, this may be worth looking at.

Cheers Boogie!

Direct assault on Pacific Plans Inc.

I'm very surprised when I saw this article. The piece, in my interpretation or understanding, appeared as a direct assault on Pacific Plans Inc. I wonder what the newspaper has in mind.

Not that the article is bad but there are other pre-need companies not fulfilling their commitments. How come they were not mentioned as case studies too. Unless of course it is meant to be a series.

Hmm...never mind... I pray that the pre-need company where we signed up won't fall into the same peril.

Filipina workers' sufferings overseas

It is now common knowledge that majority of the Philippines overseas workers are women - Filipinas. Just to have a better life, these overseas workers work as domestic helpers and the likes overseas. However, when you hear disturbing news on how they are treated, the depression they go through, you really have to ask yourself - is this what we really want to be?

In Jordan, there are numerous incidents of suicide committed by overseas workers annually. A Filipina recently was thrown out of her employer's balcony after a struggle with a female employer who is trying to get her mobile phone.

Some also took on work that has great risk for their personal security. A Filipina recently vanished in Bahrain and have no contact with the family for so many years now. Worst, the families left here could hardly get their much needed assistance in recovering the assets of their missing relatives abroad. On the other hand, this is a reminder for us on preparing for the worst when saving our assets in financial institutions.

In exchange for the money, a growing number of young people are becoming mother-less and this has great consequences. What's worse, the government is seen to be even encouraging the deployment of more domestic helpers abroad through its super-maids campaign.

In the end, Filipinas always have a choice. Stay in the country and live life in poverty (especially true for those who don't have access to traditional entrepreneurial resources) or work abroad for chances of earning 3x or higher of one's current income.

I encourage you folks to include the overseas workers in your prayers. Perhaps the Church can include them, more than just our government, leaders, among others which are usually mentioned in the end part of a mass sermon.