Monday, February 26, 2007

Yahoo's New Ranking Model have Inital Positive Impact on Sponsored Search Click-Through Rates

comScore Networks released the results of a study analyzing the changes in Yahoo!’s click-through rates for sponsored search ads since the official U.S. launch of its new ranking model on February 5, 2007. The introduction of the ranking model is the second phase in the rollout of Yahoo!’s new search advertising system, known as Project Panama. The study is based on the online behavior of comScore’s U.S. sample of 1 million Internet users.

Using the week ending February 4, 2007 as a baseline for sponsored search click-through rates (i.e. total clicks on sponsored search ads divided by total searches) before the ranking model launched, comScore studied the two subsequent weeks of click-through data to evaluate the impact of the new ranking model. comScore’s data indicate that for each of the two weeks subsequent to the launch (ending February 11, 2007 and February 18, 2007), Yahoo! Sites experienced a noticeable lift in its sponsored search click-through rate. The week ending February 11 saw a 5-percent increase, while the week ending February 18 showed a 9-percent jump.

Yahoo! Sponsored Click Composition Increasing

Another anticipated result of Yahoo!’s new ranking model is a shift in composition of total click volume from algorithmic to sponsored. The “sponsored click composition” metric (i.e. sponsored clicks as a percentage of total clicks) is critical in understanding Yahoo!’s success in improving both monetization and user experience. qSearch data show positive gains in this area, with sponsored clicks representing 10.6 percent and 11.1 percent of total click volume in the weeks ending February 11 and February 18, respectively. These data represent increases of 0.5 and 1.0 points in the weeks following the new ranking model launch.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Congratulations to all the winners of Ituloy AngSulong

Congratulations to SEO Philippines and Marc Macalua for the very successful Ituloy AngSulong SEO competition.

Being able to win a prize was very satisfying and well worth the effort of the past 4 months. Of course, what I was able to build and achieve during the contest duration for myself is way beyond the value of the contest prize.

I was able to meet Rhiza Sanchez and Guada “Ada” Lajara who won in the Google and MSN category. After the event, Gwen, Abby, and I catched up at Iceberg to relieve ourselves of the hot weather. Marc announced that they will take a break from organizing an SEO contest to give way for the formal organization of SEO Philippines. We discussed that such break may be a good time to get more women into SEO - by organizing a small contest version for women. That way, by the time the next SEO Philippines contest comes, there'll be more women joining. What do you think? (it is only an idea at this time)

Here are some of the blog coverage we spotted as well: (will regularly update this)

Ituloy AngSulong!

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

6 reasons why I want to attend the Ituloy AngSulong party

The Ituloy AngSulong party shall finally happen this Friday. I already signed up and hope to get my ticket soon. These are the things I plan to do during that party.
  1. Meet as many of the Ituloy AngSulong participants and exchange business cards.
  2. Some Ituloy AngSulong participants have inquired in the past about club membership and hope to be able to give more info while there.
  3. Meet the female Ituloy AngSulong participants, take pictures, and post it in W3O.
  4. Talk to interested Ituloy AngSulong participants who have PR6 and up websites to have their website homepage be shown in the cover of my upcoming book in exchange for a one-year link showing book cover image (for front cover) or text link (for back cover). They should agree to be featured as one of the examples in the book as well.
  5. See if any Ituloy AngSulong participants will be interested to be a speaker or sponsor for iBlog3.
  6. Campaign for entries and sponsors in the DigitalFilipino.com Web Awards and Philippine Schools Cyberfair.

Many thanks to everyone who supported our Ituloy AngSulong entry!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Will you give Francis Kiko Pangilinan another chance as a Senator?


Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan (blog) is no stranger to information technology. I recalled during my early days as an Infotech moderator in The E-Mail Company, he already maintained a legal forum there and where we post concerns on the impending phone metering scheme then.

Later on, he is also known for maintaining a Friendster account and actively surfs the Internet.

Earlier today, Senator Pangilinan is one of the resource persons for the YCIT event with more than 1500 students participating from colleges all over Luzon. He talked about the fast developments in information technology, Star Wars, texting, family, and values of the youth today. As he entered into the subject of politics, he reminded the youth that the solution to our problems, such as poverty, comes from each one of us. He cited youth groups, such as GenRev, among others, who have taken action by coming up with programs such as food feeding and job employment campaigns.

In the end, the Senator's speech anchors on calling on the youth to take action and be responsible in shaping the future of our country by joining organizations whose aim is to create change for the better in the community.
One Grade 4 student in the audience asked what is his strategy in helping the country:
  • He believes that everyone should be doing everyone's share and it brings pressure to people like him to deliver. His office undertaken several projects and supports organizations, using its resources that do community projects that intend to help and solve specific problems. He referred to groups like Gawad Kalinga as one of the projects they actively supported and help produced around 1000 homes in 40 municipalities throughout the country. Leaders must be able to inspire the community to help in addressing the problems in the country.
  • Say no to corruption. Not steal in the government.
  • Remain honest.

  • No to traditional politics. Not grow up as politician focusing on personal selfish interest.
  • His actions made him felt that he deserves and has right to ask others to do their share too.
It is not really a campaign speech of sorts as he did not asked the people to vote for him although his last slide made that call.


Ituloy AngSulong Francis Kiko Pangilinan!

Friday, February 16, 2007

MAR Roxas receives E-Champion Award



I was at the E-Services Philippines event yesterday when Senator MAR Roxas delivered a keynote speech. Afterwards, he was given the E-Services Philippines E-Champion Award recognizing his pioneering efforts and leadership in making the Philippines a popular outsourcing destination of choice.


Ituloy AngSulong MAR Roxas!

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Plugs and Help-a-Friend in Ituloy AngSulong

This is the fourth part of our sharing highlighting events that happened since I joined this Ituloy AngSulong competition.

If you've been a regular reader of this blog, I hope you can share some information about you here in Ituloy AngSulong.

Plugs and Help-a-Friend in Ituloy AngSulong

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Personal Developments in Ituloy AngSulong

This is the third part of our sharing highlighting events that happened since I joined this Ituloy AngSulong competition.

If you've been a regular reader of this blog, I hope you can share some information about you here in Ituloy AngSulong.

Personal Developments in Ituloy AngSulong

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Will you vote Chiz Escudero for Senator?

I participated in Yehey's Brewing Point live chat with Congressman Chiz Escudero (Chiz). As we all know, he is currently campaigning as a Senator and decided to launch this online.

As an Internet user, Chiz reads newspaper sites and blogs, trades via eBay, and uses Paypal.
Here are some of the questions posted by Yehey members and his reply: (snippets only)

1. His reaction on actors running as Senators.
Chiz: It is everyone's right to run.

2. What is his platform?
Chiz: Job, education, health. To cap it all up, to bring their voice in the Senate which is our job in our representative democracy.

3. Stand on ph gov images to be removed from wikipedia
Chiz: No answer yet but firm believer that access to info should never be limited.

4. All candidates have similar campaign. What makes you different?
Chiz: Admitted that most of them are similar. Will differ in sincerity, facility, dedication to pursue these objectives.

5. Is he moving to another party?
Chiz: No plans.

6. Comment on government's economic performance.
Chiz: Government doing good job on macro level but sorely lack on the micro or trickle down efffect.

7. Why launch campaign online?
Chiz: To show new, innovative, youthful, and ingenious ways of campaigning given our meager resources.

8. Opinion on expensive education today
Chiz: Believe in giving enough resources to public schools up to tertiary level so that they can compete with private school. Let prices be driven by market competition.

9. Stand on anti-dynasty and does he have relatives running for public office (i asked this question)
Chiz: Father is running at the provincial level. Choices should not be limited for any position. It is up for the voters to decide if they wil vote a canditate given the fact that they may have relatives in government or running for public office.

10. Will he still pursue the impeachment bid if elected at the Senate?
Chiz: Senate can't initiate impeachment.

11. Will he support cha-cha efforts if elected at the Senate?
Chiz: Not in favor of cha-cha at this time. But if needed, preferred mode is con-con.

12. Programs for OFWs
Chiz: Protection and security of our nationals working abroad, fair terms of employment and forward looking politices to predict labor demands from abroad.

13. How can we help Chiz Escudero?
Chiz: Visit chizescudero.com as it provides a guide as to how citizens can help and explains party platform as well.

14. PGMA said that we should leave old issues behind and opposition to present alternatives instead.
Chiz: We say "yes mam" to PGMA whenever she is correct. And "no mam" whenever she is mistaken that our alternatives aren't clear.

15. What is your Mindanao platform?
Chiz: Peace and preserving human life as priority. Armed groups must be disarmed except for AFP and PNP. Bigger budget allocation for Mindanao.

16. Primary legislation to work on (i asked this question)
Chiz: Guarantee accessibility of education to all Filipinos up to college and not only up to high school.

17. Opinion on Sangguniang Kabataan
Chiz: Supports abolition of SK or at least be reviewed/re-oriented.

18. Is government sponsored education feasible? (where will we get money)
Chiz: Job of government doesn't end by merely providing basic education. Study now pay later plans or advanced employment schemes can fund this.

19. He looks like the singer Bamboo
Chiz: Takes it as compliment, makes him smile.

20. Will he function less after being elected (like what most politicians have been)
Chiz: Hopes his track record can speak for his activity and commitment after being elected.

21. Programs for SMEs/cooperatives
Chiz: Adequate and sufficient credit must be made available to SMEs by relaxing the usual banking requirements.

22. He speaks fluent Filipino. What is his opinion on mandating the use of english in schools?
Chiz: It should be mandated because it is an advantage. English should be used as the medium for instruction - without abandoning our own language in so far as other subjects are concerned where Filipino is relevant.

23. Dependency on foreign oil
Chiz: Explore renewable energy. Resolve high electricity cost as it is the number 1 concern of businesses.

24. Opinion on blogging and its relevance to politicians like him
Chiz: Usually view and visit blogs to get the opinions and views of the users. Both positive and negative comments about me, I try to take constructively. It is a good way to get feedback.

25. Opinion on the administration's Unity ticket.
Chiz: Have no bad words against them or to anyone. Will strive to get elected by own merit.

26. Opinion on Manny Pacquiao joining politics and this election
Chiz: It is sad as Filipinos unite to cheer for him and now he decides to leave that to join politicis and submit himself to the electoral process. It is his right though.

Ituloy AngSulong Chiz Escudero and Yehey Chat Brewing Point!

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

The way forward

(Keynote speech of Senator MAR Roxas during the 61st Anniversary of the Liberal Party, Club Filipino, San Juan last January 29, 2007. Ituloy AngSulong MAR Roxas!!!)
Greetings

Friends, fellow Liberals, Mga kababayan:

Then and Now
Sixty-one years ago today, the Liberal Party was founded as an instrument for renewal, leadership, and hope. Back then, as the Second World War ended, our people rolled up their sleeves for the hard work of establishing our freedom and rebuilding our nation.

Today, so much has changed in the world. We define peace in terms of progress, war in terms of terror, and wealth in terms of knowledge.

Thankfully, some things remain the same: Ka Jovy’s moral courage, sharp memory and witty ripostes, Bobby Tanada’s nationalist fervor, Raul Daza’s attention to detail in both governance and sartorial matters; Frank Drilon’s strong sense of righteousness and justice and Butch Abad’s principles and his putting himself on the line for them .

Sixty-one years ago, the country emerged from the horrors of a second world war, physically broken – broken roads, railroads, and ports; buildings and cities little more than rubble; Filipinos malnourished, infirm, beaten, and tortured.

Yet although physically broken, our countrymen were strong in spirit, powerful in terms of dedication, brave in the face of adversity. They believed they could make a difference and they did.

The way forward for them was to conquer their fear, grit their teeth, put shoulder to the grindstone and do the necessary hard work of rebuilding our nation. Together, they went on to build our country to become the strongest economy of Asia.

That was then.

Today our country is broken; our people feel helpless and are in despair.

Two months ago, the SWS reported a new record high of 19% or an estimated 3.3 million households experiencing involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months; while more than half (52%) of the Filipino families rated themselves as poor in general, and another 2 out of every 5 (40%) rated themselves as poor in terms of food.

Today, the Philippines is divided into the haves, the have-nots, and the will never-haves: a nation in conflict politically, but also gutted from within – literally, as our kababayans, by the thousands, everyday, pick another country in which to work and live and earn.

Today, we hear hosannas to improvements in the financial markets but these remain only in the financial sector and are still awaited by the poor. Though the peso continues to strengthen, income levels have not gone up and cost of living has not come down.

Sixty-one years ago, hope resided in the people and within our borders.

Today, hope lies in making their way across the seas, beyond our borders, including a few destinations more risky and chaotic than ours.

Broken Politics
Sadly, the expected source of redemption for all democracies, the political system, our governance, is also broken.

According to the most recent surveys, 3 out 5 of our people believe their political leaders to be "dishonest". The same survey says that they give their trust most to a boxer, Manny Pacquiao, to a billiard player, Efren "Bata" Reyes, and to someone who spends his time looking out after the palengke.

At no time in our recent history has the Supreme Court been asked not once, but several times to intervene and protect the people from their government. The method by which every liberal democracy renews itself is likewise broken. Increasingly, the people no longer see elections as their instrument, their tool for reform, renewal, and deliverance. For so many it has become a
cynical exercise, an instrument to protect the status quo and further entrench it.

In contrast, sixty years ago, even the poorest of the poor saw elections and political and civic participation as part of the solution to the practical problems of daily life.

Today, most people see elections and political participation as a way of perpetuating instead of solving their problems.

Our countrymen stopped seeing politics and politicians in a flattering light some time ago; they believe that whoever wins, they, the people, still end up losing.

Increasingly, Filipinos see politicians as:

Unreliable, Unrepentant, Irresponsible, Expensive, Irrelevant, and thus – Unnecessary, for them to attain their goals in life.

At bakit naman hindi sasama ang loob ng ating mga kababayan sa mga politico?

Noong nakaraang mga buwan ay mariing tinulak ng administrasyon at ang mga kaalyado nito ang isang panukala na nagsasabi ng:

Masama ang lagay ng buhay, nais naming kayong tulungan (mukhang ok naman ito)

Heto ang mga pagbabago na sa palagay namin ay magdudulot ng mas magandang buhay para sa lahat:

Ipagpaliban na ang halalan sa Mayo
Tanggalin na ang term limits namin
Alisin ang kapangyarihan ng Korte Suprema sa pagreview ng pagdeklara ng Martial Law at sa paglalabis ng pamahalaan, at
Hindi na kayo ang pipili ng lider ng bansa dahil kami na lang ang mamimili mula sa aming mga kasama
Pag pumayag kayo, tiyak na gaganda ang buhay at kinabukasan ninyo.



[Indeed, how can we expect our people to feel differently about politicians when just a few months ago, the government and its political allies put the following proposition before the people:

They said, your life is lousy, we want to help you.
Let’s make some changes to improve your life (so far so good).


Until we hear the changes they had in mind:
I won’t have to run for office as scheduled this May;
I won’t have limits as to how long I can stay in my job;
The Supreme Court will no longer get to review actions on declaring martial
law and abuse of executive authority, and;
You no longer get to choose the leader of the country because we will pick
the leader from among ourselves…
If you approve these changes, your life and future will be better.]


It is too sad to cry over, too bizarre to laugh over and too pathetic to take seriously.

But, that’s the way it was and, as they recently declared, they will try again.

Our Party Unspared
Unfortunately, even our party has not escaped the collateral effects of this brokenness.

Today, our party is distracted and divided. Such distractions and divisions are a product of outside interference. They say join us or we’ll break you. Our members had to choose between supporting the president, right or wrong, or our freedom to decide based on the issues at hand.

This cannot be. Ours is a proud tradition and a deep belief that we are a party answerable to our collective conscience. That we make decisions based on values and vision, not on personalities and power plays. The LP has always supported that which is right and opposed that which is wrong.

Ninoy Aquino, Evelio Javier, Gerry Roxas and so many others did not meekly say, "Yes, Mr. President", during the dark days of martial law. Jovy Salonga, Bobby Tanada, Vic Ziga did not meekly say, "Yes, Madame President", when they voted against the bases treaty. Frank Drilon, Kiko Pangilinan, Pong Biazon, Noynoy Aquino, Butch and Dina Abad, Erin Tanada, Neric Acosta and so many of our congressional party mates did not simply say, "Yes, Ma’am", when policies such as Calibrated Pre-emptive Response, EO 464, Proclamation 1017, and a self serving Cha-cha were foisted upon us.

But, we are not a party that simply says NO, that opposes for the sake of opposing, that questions simply to obstruct.

In the same manner, when the program or initiative, regardless of the source, favors the people’s interests then the Liberal Party is there to champion it.

It was the LP congressmen that led the way to restoring fiscal strength with their advocacy for changes in the vat law, for reform in the customs and revenue agencies thru attrition and for improvement in the sin taxes.

We contributed to the debates on the budget bill, the bio-fuels law, the juvenile justice law, and other important measures that have benefited our people.

LP local officials like Magsaysay Awardee Mayors Jesse Robredo and Tony del Rosario as well as Governors Niel Tupas, Raul Daza and Vic Bermejo continue to give the country best practices in local governance.

Our party has always been issue-based and proud of it. It is what differentiates us from those who believe that only might is right, or that only he who has the gold rules.

It is our badge of honor to be independent and responsible. It is what makes us proud to be Liberals.

The Way Forward
And so we ask: where do we go from here?

In a little over 3 months we will be facing our people to once again ask them to vote for us, to give us their mandate.

So far, and sadly so, the news and commentary on the upcoming elections has been all about politicians joining and/or leaving one camp or another. It’s similar to the reportage found in the entertainment press or in the basketball leagues – reports and speculations about personages leaving kapuso to go to kapamilya or vice versa or of star athletes leaving one ball club to join the other.

No one has spoken to the people about their needs. No party has taken the step of presenting their ideas.

Until now.

What do we present to the people as our Program?
How do we get our people to set aside their cynicism, re-engage in civic life and come on-board our platform?

I believe our way forward is not to make the political debate be about us, the politicians. The only debate that truly matters is on how to improve the quality of life of our people.

I believe our way forward is to make ourselves relevant to our people and show them that we are their instrument for attaining their goals for themselves, their families and our country.

I believe our way forward is to lead this debate, and make this campaign a battle of ideas, and not just personalities.

I believe our way forward is to present, run on, and make our mark based on the 2 pillars that prop up our country today: our people themselves and the sacrifice they made on the EVAT.

The first pillar of our program is anchored on the value we hold dearest (and which is actually as well the reality in our country) that our people are our greatest strength; that our way forward is to enable our people to express their highest and best potentials here in our land; that our economic deliverance rests on our ability to unleash our peoples energies; and so therefore that the most responsible Program of government is the one that nurtures, develops, promotes and protects our people.

The second pillar of our Program is founded on the one government action that has exacted the most sacrifice from our people but whose benefit remains elusive to the very people it has burdened. In 2005, we asked our people to pay more taxes thru the EVAT. By various estimates this amounts to some P80 B pesos annually (the equivalent of some P1000 from every person, man, woman and child here in our country.)

This great sacrifice from our people has led to the buoyancy recently seen in the financial markets. The stock market is up, the peso is stronger, and headline interest rates have come down. Those with financial assets certainly have benefited from this strength in the financial markets.

Nevertheless, to date, the benefits for Juan de la Cruz remain vague and hazy. The president says, well it has benefited the people, they just don’t know it yet; her economic managers say, well it will take time, eventually it will get to them, a trickle down; the politicians say, well the people will benefit from increased government spending.

Maybe, maybe not.

I say, this was an extraordinary sacrifice we asked for and so the people who sacrificed deserve to know that these billions in additional revenues taken from their shrinking pockets shall be treated in an extraordinary way; it must not disappear into the black hole that is the General Fund, it must not be part of the usual "a little bit here and a little bit there" apportionment equation. It certainly must not be part of political horse-trading (or pork) and most definitely, it must not be part of the usual consumption type campaign spending for the coming elections.

Contributing EVAT is our people’s sariling sikap version of the Marshall Plan (which was instrumental in rehabilitating Europe at the end of WW2).

Similarly, we should view and use the EVAT fund as our people’s own Official Development Assistance to the nation.

Our Plan
Based on these 2 pillars, therefore, I say, let all EVAT revenues be set aside and conferred a status reflecting what it really is – an internal rehabilitation fund, a self generated reconstruction fund from which we build up from where we are today. It should be used for investment type activities and not for consumption type undertakings.

Ordinary course of collections revenues can go to the ordinary course of government expenses.
But the monies collected from the expanded VAT must go over and above what would regularly have been spent in priority areas. This is in order to jump start, to pole vault, to electroshock important sectors of our country like education, health and infrastructure towards modernity and world-class standards.

We must bestow upon these monies a special status and separate it from regular sources of government revenues. We can then put forward complete, comprehensive plans to fully solve specific problems that hold our people and our country back.

These include:
  1. a Competitive Educational System – The way forward is for us to build the classrooms, make the chairs and tables, buy the books, acquire the computers, train the teachers and do all necessary so we can provide the best education that we can. Lets not do this tingi style as in the present. Let’s completely fund and fix all grade one and 1st year HS
    problems this year and go onto grade 2 and 2nd year HS next year, and thereafter progressively go on until we’ve completely solved our problems in education.
  2. a Fast and Fair Judicial System – the way forward is to build and equip the salas and hire the needed number of public attorneys, fiscals and judges to ensure that justice is accessible to all and that poverty will not stand in the way of fair justice.
  3. Available and affordable Healthcare – the way forward is to fully finance the restructuring of our health delivery system so that primary health care is readily available for our people. Let us revisit and reinvigorate the Generics and IP laws in order to make medicines affordable. Let us align all government procurement of medicines to the intents of the generics law and the Doha declaration on healthcare so we get more for our money.

The proper and programmed application of funds in these 3 areas alone will consume the money over the next 3 years. The point is that by focusing our energies and resources on these specific areas, we would have actually accomplished something rather than the present incrementalist practice where, after having spent the money on anything and everything, we actually
have very little to show for it.

As we go along, and attain our objectives in each of these areas, monies will be freed up for other equally important areas of infrastructure development, environmental protection, and food security.

Jobs, shelter, livelihood, peace and order – the potentials are there to introduce social and economic reforms, meaningful reforms, through these revenues. Unfortunately, the toxic environment of today has made these relief funds subject to partisan politics, thus demeaning further the sacrifices our people have already made and continue to make.

In the process of focusing on these 2 pillars we shall, be providing the third pillar that further fortifies all our efforts – and this is the pillar of Good Governance. Good governance is the principle that enables us to transform this fund into a special people’s relief fund for extraordinary purposes in direct response to our people’s most urgent needs.

Our good governance advocacy ensures that our people’s direct aid to the nation is not wasted on frivolous things, but invested wisely, transparently, and with full accountability for their benefit.

Let this be our advocacy as a party – to recognize that upon our people rests our future, to recognize the sacrifice they made and to apply good governance thereupon, making each peso of sacrifice count by treating it as a special account of the people, for the people, and by the people.

Our Future
Our redemption as a party, as politicians, as leaders lies in regaining the people’s trust. To accomplish this, we must understand and honor the depth of their pain and sacrifice, and the indomitable will that keeps them hoping that the best is yet to come.

Once in a while – not often – a single defining national event provides insight into where we are, who we are, what we believe in, and what we esteem.

In this election, our rivals will try to portray us in terms of political fights, power grabs, and personal rivalries. You and I know that our party is much more than that.

We are in the Liberal Party because we believe that our people are our greatest strength. It is our privilege to serve them, and not their privilege to be served by us.

We believe that the rights of men and women and children are not to be diminished by those in power, but for those in power to strengthen and defend these rights.

We believe that deep within a Filipino are family values that lead to excellence, that given equity of opportunities, the Filipino will rise to the apex of success as they have in so many other parts of the world and so sadly have not been able to do here in our country.

And we believe that, a political life only has meaning when associated by our people with the ability to deliver selfless and honest service.

These are our fountainheads, our keystones; these values are at the bedrock of our reason for being: To lead the country, the LP way – based on issues, not personalities, inspired by hope, and not greed, committed to serve with humility and compassion, integrity and fairness.

Sixty-one years ago, the LP gave the people something to hope for.

Today, it is up to us to show the way forward; to fix what is broken; to be our
people’s best hope.

Let us welcome this challenge as our defining moment.

Mabuhay ang Partido Liberal!

Maraming, maraming salamat po!

Monday, February 05, 2007

Marketing Across Online Boundaries Talk at Convergence

I will give a talk on Marketing Across Online Boundaries this February 10 (4 pm) at the Medical Plaza Center, Pasig City. This is for the Convergence event with the theme "Breakthroughs: The Power of Marketing Innovation" organized by the Ateneo Junior Marketing Association.

Ituloy AngSulong Ateneo Junior Marketing Association!

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Meeting Errol "Budoy" Mirabiles (Marabiles) and Palmy Pe-Tudtud


Upon arrival in Cebu for judging of the 1st PODD Digital Art Contest in Cebu, I was surprised to find out that Budoy is also one of the judges. We went through the judging process last February 1, had dinner, then met again during the award ceremonies.

Another judge I met is National Commission of Culture and Arts' Ms. Palmy Pe-Tudtud.

Budoy or Errol Mirabiles (Marabiles) is one of the few Cebuano celebrity that has an entry in Wikipedia. His website will be re-launch this March. We had a good chat on how technology is evolving, its effect in the music industry, and shared some insights learned from The Long Tail.

Ituloy AngSulong Palmy Pe-Tudtud and Errol "Budoy" Mirabiles!

Meeting Ysagani Ybarra


I got the chance to meet Ysagani Ybarra during the award ceremonies of the 1st PODD Digital Art Contest in Cebu. He sang the Maharlika anthem Pili Pino. He is known for so many things. I guess for the youth, his recent composition that became a big hit was "Bilog ang Buwan" (sung by Tropical Depression).

During our short introduction, he talked about the Spiritual Art Camp Retreat where he is very much involved. This will be on February 23 to 25 at the Mountain View Nature's Park in Busay, Cebu City. Activities lined up are collective kiirtans and meditations, spiritual art talks and workshops, collaborative ephemeral installations, cultural performances, socio-spiritual philosophy and stories, collective sentient food celebrations, and the drum circle.

The fee is only 300 pesos per person inclusive of all meals, camp venue accommodations, and entrance fees. (now where do you find a deal like that?)

Assuming I'll be available, this is one event that I want to attend. I hope there'll be attendees who will blog their experience in this retreat.

Ituloy AngSulong maharlikHa!

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Professional Blogging Talk at Youth Conference in Information Technology

I will be speaking at the 4th Youth Conference in Information Technology (YCIT) this February 19 and 20 at the UP Film Institute in the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

Through the years, the event successfully gathered school administrators, teachers, students and I.T. enthusiasts. This aims to introduce current ICT trends, to provide knowledge sources for the youth, and to open learning opportunities in ICT.

This year, the 4th YCIT will be bigger as it intends to gather as many as 3000 participants for the two-day event.

This event is organized by the University of the Philippines Information Technology Training Center (UP ITTC), UP System I.T. Foundation (UP SITF), Roosevelt College System and Student Volunteer Corps (SVC), in cooperation with the Computing Society of the Philippines (CSP).

For further inquiries please call the YCIT secretariat:
Gary C. Garcia or Ruel L. Ranoco
DL: (02) 920-2080 Fax: 920-2036
TL: (02) 981-8500 Local: 4469
E-mail: garciagary_ph@yahoo.com or ycit_ncr@yahoo.com

Ituloy AngSulong YCIT!!!

Friday, February 02, 2007

Blogging talk at PUP

I'll be giving a 2-hour Blogging Talk (blogging101workshop) at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa Manila this February 10, Saturday, 9:45 am. This is for their Seamless Technology Generation event. Hundreds of students are expected to attend the event basing it from past talks in the school. They are mostly PUP Graduate School students.

Ituloy ang Sulong PUP!