Congratulations to the Winners of the Emerging Influential Blogs for 2014

The 2nd Digital Influencers Marketing Summit was held last September 13 at the SMX Convention Center.

I had a blast last year, but missed this year's festivities because of a conflict in schedule. It would have been fun to chat and re-connect with the speakers, most of whom are my friends/acquaintances.

As part of the tradition, The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2014 were announced during the summit.

Props to this year's winners:

• Nutri Facts in the Packs
• The Dailypedia
• Delightfully Desserts by Zheyme
• Raket Hub
• Astig.ph
• Knowing Ropes
• Eats Now or Never
• The Slambook Project
• Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW): The Game of Life
• Fervil Von SEO Blog
• Mommy Bloggers Philippines
• Dateline Movies
• Matakaw na Bata

I realized that I had nominated 7 out of the 10 winners. :D

Last year, one of my blogs was included in the list: www.businesswhatifs.com (blatant bragging here). I'm working on launching a new blog by October 2014. So I'm hoping to be a part of next year's batch of nominees! :)

Congratulations to Janette Toral for another successful event!

Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs 2014 Writing Project

Once again, it's time to nominate for the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs 2014 Writing Project 

This year's project is brought to you by:

• Digital Influencers Marketing Summit
• Certified Blog and Social Media Entrepreneur Program
• Philippine Internet History #phnet20 Project
• Digital Creators Boot Camp
• Infinity Hub Web Development Services

There are a heck of a lot of interesting new blogs this year, but I had to narrow them down to ten:

• knowingropes.com

Very interesting topics, from friendship to relationships to travel destinations. Plus, I love the easy-to-navigate layout.

• www.thedailypedia.com

This blog highlights news, events, and current issues worth thinking and talking about.

• whatsinthepacks.blogspot.com

As a semi-health-conscious dude, I do look at product labels to check the ingredients and nutrition information. But I have to be at the store to do that. With this blog, I can browse for the data from home prior to going to the supermarket.

• www.eatsnowornever.com

The mouth-watering photos are very effective in causing my belly to rumble with anticipation. Cool logo as well.

• www.delightfullydesserts.com

Lip-smacking blog! We're talking about desserts here! Now I want some buko pandan.

• www.quitesimplebits.com

I like the practical tips about budgeting, decluttering, recycling. Very neatly laid out. The short paragraphs and bullet points are perfect for people with short attention spans (I'm referring to myself!)

• rakethub.com

Blogs about making money through "rakets" or "sidelines" will always have a following.

• astig.ph

This prolific blog has churned out over 500 blog posts in seven months! More content means more stuff to read, and more opportunities to influence readers.

• jewelledkitchen.blogspot.com

This blog is dedicated to sharing recipes and cooking tips simplified enough even for kitchen dummies (like me).

• www.bpotruestories.com

This blog shares juicy inside stories from one of the largest - and still growing - industries in the modern era. And who doesn't like juicy stories?

X-MEN: Days of Future Past

What would you correct from your past to save the future?

If I could go back in time, I would not undo any of my mistakes, but... 

I would persuade my "old" self to develop the habit of documenting all the mistakes I made (within the same day, if possible), and reflect on them. Of course, I should document all the pleasant things that went my way as well.

This simple habit alone would accelerate my progress in becoming a better person.

With that, I wouldn't even need to "save the future" because it would take care of itself.

---

As an X-men fan, I'm looking forward to watching "Days of Future Past"!

Swapping An Old Car For A New Foton?

This is my pick-up truck. I want a new one because this one is so... flat.


I've been hearing good things about Foton, so let's check out the options.

The Foton MPX, with 12 seats.

The Foton View, good for 15 people.

An LPG powered forklift. Wait, what? How'd that get in here?

And this gorgeous thing is the Foton Thunder.
 

With a Cummins 2.8 liter CRDi diesel engine capable of producing 160 hp and 380 N-m of torque, it's as durable and as muscular as any other truck in its class.

But... it costs way less than the others!

The price difference - and therefore, savings - is enough to cover my parking, maintenance, and fuel expenses... for OVER a year!

Value for money, that is what I look for when buying a vehicle.

And to me, value for money is what the Foton brand represents.




So, I encourage you to join Foton’s Big Show 2013′s Grand Launch at the World Trade Center on October 25 and witness the launching of the new FOTON View, the 1st dancing wheel loader in the Philippines.

Get a chance to trade-in your old vehicles from October 26 to 27 and avail of BIG DISCOUNTS and BIG REWARDS when purchasing FOTON vehicles at the event.

Receive amazing giveaways just for showing up and get even more when you test drive their passenger vehicles or attend the forums and trainings.

On top of that, there's no entrance fee 

Go for a test drive! Register here: http://bit.ly/FotonContest
 
Visit http://foton.com.ph for more details. 

Real UnliCHAT Experience with Globe’s GoUnli30

How does Globe GoUNLI30 give you the REAL UNLI chat experience?

As a Globe subscriber for almost 14 years, I've learned to make the most out of both my prepaid and postpaid plans. And this latest promo from Globe is another one of those that we (my parents, my sister, and I) will take full advantage of!

Instead of having to go online, which could be a bit of a hassle especially when we're not home, we could chat and communicate inexpensively using our mobile phones.

Sometimes we need to ask a series of questions while running errands (like "Which brand of tissue paper did you ask me to buy?", "how many rolls?", "What else?", "Are you sure?"), and it doesn't help if you have to keep worrying about your Globe bill, or if you keep checking to see if you have sufficient prepaid load to carry on the conversation.

With GoUNLI30, subscribers get unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited calls to Globe/TM, and unlimited chat with the best messaging apps like Viber, Kakao Talk, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat, Line and the telco’s very own messaging app GMessage without the need for Wi-Fi or additional data charges. Available for only P30 valid for 1 day, GoUNLI30 gives you no excuse to stay out of the loop and connect with more than 1 billion users around the world regardless of mobile network or location.

To take advantage of this, go all-out unlimited with GoUNLI30 and UNLICHAT25 now. Register by dialing *143# and then choosing GoSAKTO on your Globe mobile phone or texting GOUNLI30 or UNLICHAT25 to 8888

Emerging Influential Blogs 2013 Writing Project

It's that time of the year again! The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs 2013 Writing Project, supported by Optimind SEO Company, Infinity Hub, E-Commerce Boot Camp, and Digital Influencer Boot Camp is gathering nominations.

Here's my list:

•  definitelylibrarian.blogspot.com

Find out how a professional librarian keeps kids interested in reading despite the temptations of smartphones and gaming gizmos.

•  www.wazzuppilipinas.com/

Wazzup Pilipinas is an up-and-coming Pinoy events blog that reminds me of WheninManila.com. If they keep up the flow of fresh articles, in due time the former will be just as popular and influential as the latter.

•  www.aletterwriter.com

This is an amusing concept: blog posts in the form of personal letters. Reading it feels like snooping on somebody's private messages, which is what appeals to the usisero in us. :D

 

•  www.businesswhatifs.com

This is my favorite blog... because I created it. Self-appreciation is allowed once in a while, I suppose. It's built for entrepreneurs with short attention spans, which is why the articles in the blog can be consumed in under a minute.

 

•  www.filipiknow.net

I like reading random bits of trivia, and reading random bits of Pinoy trivia are even better! Lui, the blogger behind it, makes Pinoy history interesting again.

•  www.foodsonthespot.com

I like the photos, especially the food close-ups! Okay, my tummy just growled after re-reading her article about cupcake delights. 

•  www.onlinejobslifestyle.com

Genesis, the gentleman behind the information-rich blog, knows what he is talking about. And he is not keeping the information to himself, as he is constantly sharing tips and encouraging fellow Pinoys to take advantage of the numerous opportunities of making money online.

•  www.sarap-pinoy.com

Is it too obvious that I am biased towards Pinoy-centered blogs? Sarap Pinoy focuses on Pinoy food and talks about them using descriptive Filipino adjectives and verbs. Mouth-watering, to say the least!

•  galaero-escapetravels.blogspot.com

Billy travels to and writes about places that I wasn't even aware of. Sure, he visits the famous destinations, but he tries to explore the lesser known areas as well, which is what I appreciate. We need more of these off-the-beaten-path type of local travel blogs.

•  theanontutorials.blogspot.com

Some of the tutorials on this blog are very technical, but the step-by-step instructions certainly make the topics seem easy, even for non-techies.

Sun Cellular, The Good Choice in Postpaid

If you're considering a transition from a prepaid kit to a postpaid mobile plan, whether for business or for personal use, Sun Cellular Plan 600 and Plan 999 are good choices.

But which plan should you choose?

If you are on the phone making calls all the time, Plan 600 would suit you well because it comes with unlimited Sun calls and texts, plus 350 free texts to other networks.

If you are an Internet-surfing freak, then Plan 999 is for you because it comes with unlimited mobile internet access.

Both come with fancy new Alcatel Android phones (unlike the lame old phones being offered by another network which I shall not mention here).

Visit your nearest Sun Cellular shop today! Or tomorrow. Or whenever you want.

Live Your Style with adidas NEO

 
I'm a fun loving guy... but very frugal. I express both by wearing these...
 

 

My favorite pair of sneakers.

 

Do they look old and worn out? Yeah, of course, that's because I've been using and abusing them for over 4 years. They've survived long walks over varying forms of terrain, spontaneous sports activities, and even random dipping in puddles (both of them, multiple times). Despite all that, they're even more comfortable than ever before.

In my opinion, being frugal isn't the same as being a cheapskate. It just means that I seek out "value for money". It's not a cliché, it's a way of life.

I'm willing to pay more for good quality, and I can attest to Adidas' durability.

I also demand versatility. I need something that I can wear to (almost) all of my daily activities like meeting up with clients (my clients are not the necktie wearing types), hanging out with buddies, quick stopover at the gym, etc.

Now that I'm preparing for my sneakers' well-deserved retirement, I'm on the lookout for possible replacements.

This looks like a good option...

Black and white; stylish and versatile; just the way I like it.
I hope they'll last as long as my previous sneakers.

 
Embrace fun, spontaneity and the unexpected twists in fashion when the adidas NEO Label Spring 2013 collection hits stores in January to March.

Living a carefree journey that lets teens make their own style, NEO will capture attention with unique and innovative fashion and design twists on Spring merchandise. Products have multiple purposes or added value.

NEO will release a fresh product offering each month, spotlighting a fashion trend interpreted in a different way. In March patterns are the highlight, featuring vibrant waves of colour, with subtle patterns that appear to be one thing but on close inspection reveal another. These will include camouflage prints and edgy takes on adidas NEO slogans with a focus on windbreakers and shirts. Sporty, street and lifestyle footwear silhouettes with strong colour and graphic links create the look.

NEO footwear is available in SM and select Robinson’s Department Stores nationwide.
 
-

Nokia Lumia At Abenson

I passed by Glorietta yesterday and was drawn in by the bright lights of Abenson.  

 

I saw this display, front and center...

My photography skills need a lot more work, but trust me, the phones look so much cooler "in person".

 

Realistically, the general public is more accustomed to the iPhone and the Android set-up. But getting to know the Windows 8 platform won't require a steep learning curve, because each Nokia Concept Store has experts to help you get up to speed with your new Lumia.

Social media functions and Internet browsing are standard in every smartphone in the market. So what sets these Lumias apart from the others?

The main reason, in my opinion, to buy one of these gorgeous Lumia phones is the inclusion of Microsof Office. According to Faye, the Nokia Academy Demonstrator I talked to, she does a whole lot of reports and she makes full use of the built-in Word and Excel applications on her Lumia. She doesn't even need to boot up her laptop anymore.

Check out the Nokia Lumia promos and freebies available at Abenson!

What's It Like To Be A Racecar Driver?

I've heard stories about people who have a need for speed. And I've always wondered what it's like to be a racer.

For the first time ever, I've tried it.

If you're not particularly fond of direct sunlight, rain, or other weather disturbances, this would suit you perfectly.

 

 Well-maintained karts...

 

 

This is the toughest portion of the race track... a hairpin turn right after building momentum...

 

 The future of Philippine racing...

In the meantime, witness our national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, being played in Monaco.


Goosebumps!

Emerging Influential Blogs 2012

Here are my choices for the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs, 2012 Edition...

Pinay Thrillseeker
The "Index by Location" and the "Itineraries and Expenses" tabs won me over! Those two features made navigation and information gathering so much easier.

Unsugarcoated Reviews
This "consumer's no-nonsense reviews" are what blogs from the good old days are like. If the blogger can sustain this level of brutal honesty without getting sued (cybercrime law libel clause, pffft!), he'd be one heck of an influencer.

Everyday Adventures

When I hear the word "adventure", the first images that pop into my head are activities that involve danger...

Like jumping off the top of a waterfall, a favorite of action movie heroes when they go outdoors...

I like adventure too. I'm not crazy about it, but I'm open to trying stuff that involve a bit of "risk" in terms of bodily harm.


My problem with that though, is most of the highly-recommended adventure tours require too much money and more importantly... time. 


I thoroughly enjoyed my attempts at surfing, white water rafting, hiking, skydiving (okay, not the real deal but a simulated one). But I wasn't too thrilled with the 5-hour land travel, long waits at the airport, and overall "going out of my way" just for the experience.


How about finding and enjoying "adventures" in everyday life?


For example, taking a simple pedicab or padyak ride is a thrill in itself, especially if you happen to be lucky enough to catch a ride with one of those, uhm, experts. They feel and act as if they own the road, weaving their way through traffic. They play chicken with other cars, driving full-speed into oncoming vehicles without flinching, knowing that the other drivers would "chicken out" and avoid them... at the last possible moment!


For non-Iliganons, the tartanilla in Iligan is also a frightening ride, especially when 3 other people ride with you at the back (and most especially if they're heavyweights). The poor horse is practically lifted up because of the "counterweight" load on the cart.

Another adventure I miss is the hang-on-for-dear-life game. I used to play this game with my classmates back in college. During those days, jeepneys were hard to come by during rush hour, and there were very few alternative modes of transportation. 


There were four of us living in the same area, and we want to get home as soon as possible. So, as impatient youngsters, we would hop on the very first jeepney heading to our destination. More often than not, this is what happens...

Because of this game, we had the meanest forearms and toughest hand grips in the class.


These are simple examples of "thinking inside the box" adventures, proof that you don't have to go to far and exotic (i.e. expensive) places to experience thrills.


Oh, and you might need these when you're out there, for your own protection, plus points for coolness...

Globe My Apps Mall Superstar Challenge and Hash Tag Promo

Globe just launched their latest offering... the My Apps Mall. 

And there's no better way to gather attention than by giving away prizes as incentive spread the word.

There are two ways to win...

A brand new car is at stake...

With their ever-growing list of mobile applications, there's bound to be a few that would suit your lifestyle.

SM Southmall's IMAX

Last week, Az invited bloggers to the special screening of "The Adventures of Tintin" at SM Southmall's fairly new IMAX 3D Theater.

I quickly signed up because I had three main reasons for going: 
1) to visit SM Southmall again 
2) to check out the "first IMAX of the South"
3) to hang out with other bloggers. 


The movie was only the fourth reason, haha! I resisted the temptation to do research or even view the trailer, so when I got in, I had (almost) no idea about what Tintin's character is all about.


I was pleasantly surprised! I was thoroughly impressed by the incredible detail on the characters: the freckles, wrinkles, and even icky nose hairs (I think they went too far with the details there :D ).


Of course, there were segments that made you think, "Why didn't he just do this?" and "Why did he do that?", but it was a family movie so they needed to insert "simple" (albeit illogical) twists. I'm not a fan of slapstick moments either, and there were plenty of them, and again I reminded myself that this is a family movie, so they are a necessary part of the show.


The chase scene at the latter portion of the movie was spectacular. For me, that few minutes of gorgeous screenplay alone was almost worth the price of admission (if I had paid for it). Describing it using mere words would be silly. So go and watch it! :D


After the movie we got the chance to take photos of the IMAX theater. Since it is still fairly new, the interiors are clean, shiny, and "non-sticky".

Here's Arvin posing in front of the screen.

The best "feature" of the cinema is the wonderful team. Every staff member I encountered in the area was nice and polite. The security guards, the ticket girl, the ushers, and even those cleaning up everyone's mess. I feel that they are extremely under-appreciated. They contribute to the overall enjoyable experience of watching a movie. Cheers to the people-oriented team of SM Southmall IMAX Theater! 

Jose Mari Chan and Richard Poon Invite You to Their Concert

Unrehearsed, unedited invitation by Jose Mari Chan and Richard Poon...

Their high-end style and classy appeal may lead you to believe that these two talented men of music are stiff and serious. Quite the contrary, as seen in the impromptu video, they are not afraid to laugh and joke around. 


During their press conference, they charmed the people in the room and had them "LOL" every chance they get. That gave a hint of what the audience should expect at their upcoming concert. Fine music (that goes without saying) and over-all entertainment.

The Songwriter and the Crooner

December 2, 2011

Friday, 8:00 PM

PICC Plenary Hall

As requested by their Chinese fans, they will sing a duet in two languages, English and Chinese. Now that's something to watch out for.

Puerto Princesa Underground River Is A Provisional Wonder

I'm happy and proud (and obviously biased) that the Puerto Princesa Underground River made it to the provisional list of New Wonders. But the word "provisional" bugs me. A quick online dictionary search reveals the following definition: "provided or serving only for the time being".

"The results that I am about to announce are provisional and based on the first count of votes completed today since voting closed at 11:11 GMT. Starting from today, this voting calculation will be checked, validated, and independently verified over the coming weeks. It may be the case that one or more of the provisional winners announced today is not confirmed during this process, and we will issue an update should this happen."

The natural tendency is to think "who cares, as long as my country's in the list". And although I'm quite confident that the PPUR's slot is in the bag, what bothers me is the possibility that one (or even two) of the other wonders could be booted out of the list.


Why was there a rush to announce the "provisional" winners if there is a risk of pissing off one of the participating countries? Imagine the wrath of an "almost winner". It would be terribly awkward... and embarrassing. Pinaasa lang sila. A massive protest is almost certain. If that happens, the credibility of the whole thing gets messed up. And winning a "contest" tainted with controversy is less than ideal (as if the "contest" itself isn't controversial enough).


As it is, vocal commenters from non-winning countries have been expressing their disappointment, as expected. 

How the ___ can there be only 7 wonders. Everything in the nature is a wonder in one or other form. We do not have right to pick few places (by vote) and declare them better than all other amazing creations of nature.

Nonetheless, our local campaigners knew from the start that this is a marketing and popularity contest (and a lucrative money-making venture for the founders of the N7W organization). They knew the rules and objectives of the game and played it well.

Thanks to the intensive nationwide vote-getting campaign, the Philippines (or at least a part of the Philippines) has been added to the list of must-see international tourist destinations. So hooray for us!

Kaya Natin Apparel at the Global Pinoy Bazaar

Kaya Natin apparel...

Flowers, birds, and butterflies sold separately.

Available at...

Let us continue to support Pinoy products. Kaya natin!

18 Reasons Behind My Iligan Trip Excitement

Being the third person to register for Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011 proves how excited I am about the upcoming event. Here are my reasons:

1. I want to see the real Maria Cristina Falls, not just the man-made version shown above.
2. While at the Nature Park, I will not skip the chance to try the zipline adventure ride (despite my fear of heights).
3. I also want to see Mimbalot, Tinago, and the other majestic waterfalls, if time permits.
4. I'll be going on Friday morning, which means I have an entire day to explore the city. I will most probably get lost because of my poor sense of direction, which would lead me to discover and learn new things serendipitously. Hooray!
5. I want to meet new blogger friends at the event.
6. I want to meet non-blogger friends, too!
7. Catch up with old friends whom I met at the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3.
8. I want to listen to Janette Toral's talk about becoming a blogger-entrepreneur. She always updates her materials so no matter how often you hear it, you never really witness the same presentation twice.
9. As a bit of an environmentalist, I want to hear what Anna Oposa has to say about blogging for the environment.
10. I have adopted Google Analytics on my website long ago, but I've never really understood how to take full advantage of it. So this time I will pay attention to Aileen Apolo-De Jesus when she shares her knowledge about it.
11. I'm deeply curious about the topic of sustainable lifestyle by Dr. Marilou Siton-Nanaman. What does it really mean? 
12. People have recommended that I try Sunburst Fried Chicken, which was "born" in Iligan. As a fried chicken glutton, I will make it a point to seek this out.  
13. I'd also like to have a taste of Iligan's version of the lechon whose tastiness does not need help from any magical sarsa. Mmm.
14. And while we're talking about food... Cheding's peanuts.
15. It would be interesting to check out what surprises The Strip has to offer, especially during a Saturday night.
16. Pre-Halloween concert!
17. To disprove the "doom and gloom" being projected by the media regarding the peace and order situation in Mindanao. Friends who are based there assure me that it's perfectly safe, and I definitely trust them more than traditional sensationalized media.
18. I'm looking to add at least a dozen different "reasons" to my personal advocacy: 7107 Reasons To Love Pinas! wherein I intend to gather 7107 big and small reasons to love our gorgeous country. The rationale behind the project is: the more we know about the good stuff the Philippines is made of, the more we'll appreciate and take good care of her. A dozen reasons from one city would be a good haul. =)

This is an entry to the What Excites Me to Go to Iligan City Blogging Contest for the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 20011 on October 29, 2011 at Iligan City

Squish Em All In Iligan

I'll be on my way to the airport in a few hours to catch a flight to Cagayan de Oro, then on to Iligan City to participate in the 5th Mindanao Bloggers Summit. Well, the summit is on Saturday, and I'm going on a Friday because I don't want to be late (That statement might puzzle those who know me as Mr. Tardy).


Ok, so I'm obviously excited to be there. I'm really looking forward to exploring the city, meeting new blogger friends, and learning from the impressive line-up of speakers.


---


Globe is a co-presenter of MBS 2011, and they're promoting the new Globe Squish App. According to Globe, the app is "a unified messaging and social networking service that allows users to stay connected to their messenger and social networking accounts on their mobile phones"

It's an application that you need to install in your high-tech phone. It will consolidate all your social networking sites into different pre-defined tabs for easy access. I personally think it's very useful since I need all the help I can get when it comes to organizing stuff.


It's free to use for the first 30 days. Enough time to play with it until you get hooked. After that, should you wish to continue, the rates are very reasonable.


Okay, that sounds interesting. The first step for me is to get an Internet-capable phone. I hope they give one (or more) away at the event. =D 


On second thought, I won't be surprised if they actually do! So that's another reason to come on over and join the fun at the Mindanao Bloggers Summit!

Emerging Influential Blogs for 2011 Writing Project

My list of emerging influential blogs...

1. Blogger Manila - http://www.bloggermanila.com
   Serial blogger Jonel started his blog last October 10, 2010. What an auspicious date! If this blog reaches the level of his other blogs, it'll definitely be influential!
   
   
2. Certified Foodies - http://www.certifiedfoodies.com
   Excellent brother-sister tandem! I like the fact that they also feature "ordinary" food like hotdogs, chocolate bars, etc.
    
3. Orman Manansala's Food Blog - http://www.ormanmanansala.com
   When Orman talks, we listen. When he blogs, we read.
    
4. Levy Martinez' Personal Blog - http://www.levyousa.com
   This simple blog is more influential than it seems! Primarily because of the hard-working mommy blogger behind it.
    
5. Mommy Survival - http://mommysurvival.info
   I'm not a mommy (Duh!) but even non-parents often learn a quick and practical tip or two from this blog.
    
6. 7107 Reasons to Love Pinas! "Sub-blog" - http://7107reasons.blogspot.com
   Shameless self-promotion, of course! This is a blog about the main blog, 7107reasons.com
    
7. Libotero - http://www.libotero.com
   Check out the Libotero Libot Map on the right side of the blog. He has liboted so many places! :). The stunning photographs definitely make the blog even more appealing.
   
   
8. Unbox - http://www.unbox.ph
   Prolific posting and frequent giveaways made this a popular tech blog in 6 short months.
    
9. Rizal Park - http://rizalpark.org
   Influence will come naturally since the blog is actively promoting our national park.
    
10. Lafangero - http://lafanggero.blogspot.com
    Alex's crisp photos of aesthetic dishes occasionally cause uncontrollable (and embarrassing) drooling.

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