10 Reasons Why DICT's DigitalJobs.PH (RISTT) Initiative is Successful

Last July 16 and 17, I moderated 3 panels at the 3rd Philippine Impact Sourcing Conference (PISCON 2019) at Royce Hotel, Clark Pampanga.

The event celebrated what the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), has achieved with its Rural Impact Sourcing Technical Training Initiative.

I got the chance to moderate the RISTT graduates panel for the past two years where they share their journey from challenges to success stories.

Moderated 2 breakout panels as well that focused on getting jobs at online freelancer platforms, the importance of certification, and assessment. 

The breakout panels gave us the opportunity to learn from various personalities passionate in helping freelancers grow through personal advocacies. 

Great insights from Julia Jasmine Sta. Romana, MK Bertulfo, Marvin De Leon, and Jason Dulay. From the audience, we also learned from Liberty Baldovino, MJ Bravo, Alexis Vida Lim, Roger Anthony Apostol Ines, among others.

Why is the DigitalJobsPH (RISTT) Initiative Successful?

During the panel introduction, I shared 10 reasons why the RISTT initiative is gaining momentum and continuing success.

#1. The Project Raises Potential ICT Leaders in the Countryside

In the past two years, a total of 1,832 individuals were trained by the program from 94 key locations in the Philippines.

The chosen areas are those not qualified yet as "Next Wave Cities" where potential BPO locators would go to. 

Developing ICT manpower skills in these areas are intended to help them find jobs online and some eventually form their own companies, organization, cooperatives. All with the intention of sustaining what they have started.

RISTT / DigitalJobsPH 2019 Targets

The event also serves as a venue to formalize partnerships with various local government units for the RISTT implementation this 2019. 

The project is set to train 2,112 Filipinos this year under its rebranded digitaljobsPH program (formerly Rural Impact Sourcing Technical Training).

#2. The Project Creates a Supportive Climate For Its Scholars

The DICT leadership, from national to local, has been consistent in reminding students/graduates of their duty to give back and train more people who can benefit from the skills and opportunities they were able to gain as a result of the program.

The DICT, LGU, partner organizations began tapping graduates to also conduct talks and workshops to help train more local constituents. 

Facilities such as DICT's RIS Hub & Tech4Ed were also helpful to graduates who don't own computers yet. They use these facilities to look for projects online and serve clients.

#3 The Project Identifies Scholars Thoroughly

Aspiring program scholars go through a thorough application process that includes testing and interview.

Priority is given to the unemployed, new graduates, returning OFWs, homemakers, part-time workers, person(s) with a disability, and retirees.

The screening helps in the filtering and give the scholarship slot to those who want, need, and willing to commit for its completion.

#4 The Project Nurtures Potential ICT Leaders

To further support the graduates after program completion, the DICT encourages its graduates to self-organize and come up with its own project initiatives where they can help each other and give back to the community.

Some formed companies, organization, and cooperatives.

One of the most inspiring ones is Digiworkz Carmona. This is a cooperative initiated by graduates from the RISTT batch 1 Carmona class.

They give training, whether pro bono or funded to local constituents. They also seek out project opportunities and members work on completing them.

Last PISCON 2019, the Filipino Online Professionals Service Cooperative - FOPSCo. was also launched. The movement is composed of DigitalJobsPH (RISTT) trainers, graduates, and freelancers from various parts of the country.

#5 The Project Equips Scholars


The training programs include e-commerce & digital marketing, graphic design, web development, social media marketing, virtual assistant, search engine marketing, and content writing. 

The training tasks are stringent with a resemblance to real-world work experience. It requires completion of hands-on tasks and execution of a marketing campaign where the student works on finding a job online.

This means the graduates are well equipped and can proudly show their completed class task work as a portfolio. It reflects the hard work they went through to become skilled and qualified to earn their completion certificate.

#6 The Project Develops Potential Leaders

Through this project, the DICT has identified numerous trainers in the countryside to teach its various training modules and help the students/graduates find online job opportunities.

Most have continued with their advocacy and created programs to sustain the initiative. A good number of them are also supported by the DICT local cluster.

The DICT is also tapping experienced and qualified RISTT graduates as trainers.

#7 The Project Will Lead To New Generation of Rural BPO Leaders/Owners

For a program to reach its full potential, DICT's commitment to this is for the long term. As a result, the project gains are visible and measurable.

For example, rural BPOs started forming in the first year of RISTT from its trainers and graduates in certain areas. Actively getting clients and gradually growing their team.

Growth is escalating - slowly but surely.



#8 Strong DICT & Partners Teamwork

This project would not have grown without the hard work of everyone involved especially at the LGU, local ICT council, DTI, DICT cluster, and provincial directors. 

The continuous briefing, updating, training, teamwork, and occasional coaching of everyone involved make every challenge a welcome opportunity for growth.

#9 Partners Give Value To The Project

Partners in this project contribute their resources to make it a success. 

This includes trainer related expenses, venue, food, computers to be used, Internet connectivity, among others.

The availability of these resources and support especially during the 21-day marketing campaign period was a difference-maker.

#10 DICT Reproducing Rural Countryside ICT Leaders

As the initiative paves way for trainers and graduates to level up, the impact of their initiatives usually results in empowering people from other areas too.

Unlike in the usual setup where ICT Leaders usually come from urban areas, this project is giving form to new ICT Leaders motivated in making difference in their rural community.

The rise of new countryside ICT Leaders is what can help make initiatives such as RISTT/DigitalJobsPH continuing success leading to more online jobs, Rural BPOs, startups, cooperatives, among others.

(source of photos: DICT Twitter account)

Will Your Idea Die Or Thrive?

In a competitive and distracting online world, it is a challenge to spread an idea that can grip a person's attention long enough and be compelled to take action.

If you have an interesting idea executed in a project, will it be easy to spread the word? 

You can say that with online advertising, it can be easy especially if you have the budget for it. But what if you don't have enough to keep paying for it? How long will your idea live on and thrive? Is it only good for one-time dissemination or will it keep passing on?

Will the idea be interesting enough for people to share it with their friends and connections? 

The target market you are aiming for, do they belong in overlapping communities, groups, that exposes them to competing ideas, offerings, propositions? Are they close enough to believe, trust, and sway each other?

Will Your Idea Die Or Thrive?

An idea requires to be put to the test. Not once but in several iterations. Always improved each time. Especially if you are convinced of its potential and ability to benefit a great number of people.

Preview of Elephone P9000 Dual-Sim, Wireless Charging, Fingerprint Security, Slow-Motion Photography

The smartphone brand Elephone arrives in the Philippines and available exclusively through online retail giant Lazada. This unit is made by fast-growing Chinese smartphone manufacturer Elephone (HK Elephone Communication Tech Co., Limited).

Elephone P9000

The Elephone P9000 (or access it from the mobile app) will be available in the Philippines exclusively through Lazada starting April 18, 12:00 NN. It can be purchased for P11,499.

Its features include:

• 1.6mm narrow bezel vision 
• 5.5-inch OGS screen of 1920 X 1080 resolution and 85% color saturation 
• Low power consumption & ultrathin
• Micro arc carved surface built with metal frame
• Wireless charging 
• 3000 mAh battery
• 4GB RAM 
• Helio P10 64-bit Octacore SoC 
• Android 6.0 Marshmallow 
• Fingerprint to lock / unlock / secure
• Type C USB interface
• NFC-enabled P9000 offers the exchange of data between devices within the 10.00 cm range. 
• Built with a Sony IMX258 13 Megapixel CMOS sensor 
• F/2.0 large aperture 
• Dual flash
• 1080P slow motion photography
• Laser-aided auto focus feature 
• Speedy shutter
• Aircraft-grade Xeon metal
• 7075 aluminum alloy for high hardness, strength, and anti-corrosion

Check out the Elephone P9000 video below for an overview:

Visit Lazada Philippines to know more about this gadget. (or access it from the mobile app)

Additional info: Tips when buying from Lazada Philippines

Elephone P8000

If the P9000 is too much for you, you can consider its predecessor - the Elephone P8000. This will be available in the Philippines exclusively through Lazada starting April 18, 12:00 NN (or access it from the mobile app).

Its features include:

• 5.5” Full HD display at 1080 P Screen
• 3GB RAM
• 16GB ROM
• Android 5.1 OS (it will be upgraded to Android 6 by mid-May 2016)
• 64-bit Octa Core SOC integrated with A53 structure technology
• 21 hours of talk time
• 2-4 days standby time (at regular use) 
• MT6753 
• 4165mAh battery
• 5V 2A input allows the phone to be quickly charged from 0% to 10% in 10 minutes. 
• Press-touch ID
• Advanced fingerprint ID which allows its owner to access the device in one easy stroke and can lock functions.
• 13MP Samsung primary camera performing in low-light condition with anti-reflection technology
• 5MP front camera
• Metal frame

The price of the Elephone P8000 is at P7,799. Visit Lazada Philipines to know more about this gadget.

Additional info: Tips when buying from Lazada Philippines

Elephone S1

If you are on a search for a budget phone, the Elephone S1 can also be an option. Its price is P3,999. This will be available in the Philippines exclusively through Lazada starting April 18, 12:00 NN. (Access it from the Lazada mobile app.)

Its features include:

• Packed in double-sided glass and metal framing
• 5.0” HD Screen display and adopted on-cell lamination
• IPS technology
• 720P HD display
• MT6580 Quadcore CPU
• Built-in Hexagon DSP Core
• Running on Freeme OS
• 142.3 gram and 6.7 mm slim body
• 13MP Sony IMX149 rear camera which allows 1080P shooting and supports various effects such as black and white, embossing, neon glow, etc. 
• Sapphire lens protects the camera from any chips and breakage due to falling or scratching
• 360 identification, fast fingerprint unlock

Visit Lazada Philippines to learn more about this gadget.

Additional info: Tips when buying from Lazada Philippines

If you are a first time buyer in Lazada Philippines, the discount codes below can be a great deal for you  (valid for this April 2016 only). You can use to purchase any item on the site or access its bestsellers list (or access it from the mobile app).

Online jobs or small projects hunting for non-techie

I just received a message from a Facebook connection. She (Miss S) saw my my regular sharing of Genesis Reonico's online jobs articles on my wall. He is a student of mine in the Certified Blog and Social Media Entrepreneur Programh where I help my students in creating visibility of their work as part of support efforts.

Miss S is concerned as she encountered a lot of people who are looking for online jobs but are not in the I.T. field. They are lost as where to look for them. She asked if I have beginner articles that can be read for reference.

Here are some practical tips I can give and if you have additional inputs, do share them:

1. Post what you can do for P199 pesos.

Last January 11, I first heard of 199Jobs.com when Fitz Villafuerte shared this project in my E-Commerce Boot Camp Face-to-Face session.

I was thinking what I can do for such an amount that will be relevant and easy to execute. So I tried posting just now that I can give advise on e-commerce, blogging, social media, and digital marketing for 10 minutes over the phone - for that amount.

I based the pricing on government training rates where the typical speaker fee would be P1000 an hour.

199Jobs.com allows you to create an account using your Facebook as login. From there, you will be able to post an offer and just wait for a job order to come in. Will explore the site further and start giving jobs there. Will blog about my experience soon.

I think this is a good place to start especially for beginners in trying to find a niche that can suit them. Learn as well if there will be anyone willing to pay for it.

2. Network and introduce yourself

I remember the days where I attend events to learn and network. The best way to get airtime is by asking relevant questions in relation to the practice. Example: "I've been giving practical advise on how entrepreneurs can get started in their online business. Lately, the consultation has been focused more on dealing with attitude and mindset issues where I have done well too. I want to explore this as a possible profession. Can you give me practical tips on how to get started?"

Note that in the example I gave, one was able to share what they are into, without over-promoting, but also get advise on how to take things further. The answer to be given by the resource person not only benefits you but others too.

As you network and participate more - and show interest. Two things can happen. First, the speaker will take an interest in you and want to know you more. Two, someone in the audience will approach you and want to get to know you more. How those opportunities will turn out shall depend on you entirely.

This scenario can happen either at a live event or online forum.

3. Write about and share what you know

Blogging or writing about what you know can be a good promotional tool especially if it is very helpful. My first magazine article on "Setting Up an Email System" pave the way for my first consulting client.  Remember, the more you give of value, the more you get.

Read blogs of people in your industry to have a feel of the approach that would suit you and your readers.

Create an editorial calendar, your first twenty (20) blog post, sharing what you know. Execute it and complete it in a short time like within 30 days.

Decide will you put on your "About Me" page or profile. I suggest updating or create a LinkedIn profile to see how others do it and how can you put your best foot forward.

You can add the web address of your blog or profile on your business card. You can also add keywords or services on your business card as well for immediate recall.

Get moving

The above 3 are simple tips and all require investment of resource (time, effort, money). But if you learn to do it well and consistently, you might just get a project much sooner than you think.

EXL launched branded merchandise online store

In the DigitalFilipino Club, one idea I have been thinking about is organizing an event for club members where they can tag their family along. In addition, have a merchandise store where DigitalFilipino branded collaterals can be sold. However, it has to be unique or special to make it different from the usual ones.

This thought got revived again after I receive a heads-up about the recent EXL Service Philippines family day event last October 7, 2012 at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.



EXL Service Philippines Inc. is a transformation and outsourcing services provider for Global 1000 companies in the insurance, healthcare, travel, transportation, utilities and financial industries. Their Pasay City office has more than 1,800 employees serving over ten clients, who are part of Fortune’s Top 100 companies. The company is also set to put up more outposts in Mega Manila, as well as a new office in Cebu City.

At its family day last October 7, EXL's Shruti Jain, Glenn Bautista, Joanne Thursday Uy, and Jaideep Pradhan launched the EXL Brand Store at http://brandstore.exlservice.com. This an online merchandise store where employees can order EXL branded merchandise to be shipped to the address of their choice.

The EXL Family Day had the tagline “The Home Where I Belong”. It drew more than 3,000 attendees as an employee can bring in at most 3 family members. Meal stubs were given where participants can eat at Ineng’s BBQ while kids can enjoy their meal from Jollibee. Pepsi sponsored by donating 100 cases of drinks.

EXL's Family Day isn't just for employees to have a fun Sunday with their loved ones. Jade Santiago, Manager for EXL’s Capability Development, gave a different perspective. “It's also an avenue for our employees' families to see where they work and what they do,” she said. “They also get to mingle with the people that their family member work with and spends a lot of time with day in and day out.”

“Not all BPO companies do this,” added Evangeline Tan, Asst. Manager for EXL’s Capability Development. “Here at EXL, all family members gather every year and they get to actually do a guest tour of our two sites, see the office and our world-class facilities, and take photos” (which by the way only happens once a year, as we are strict when it comes to Information Security).”

The annual EXL Family Day activity and exciting Process Parties aren't the only perks which an EXL employee can enjoy. They also have monthly site wide activities like EXL Got Talent, Chorale Competition, Battle of the Brains, CSR programs and seasonal celebrations (e.g., Valentine's Day) which everyone looks forward to.

Employees also do their part in making the family bigger through recruitment referrals.

EXL is slated to grow to at least 2,500 by next year, with the addition of two more sites- another one in Metro Manila and a site in Cebu.

Is billiards still a popular sport?

Back in 1997 and 1998, one sport that I got really hooked into was billiards. I frequent Blarney Stone (which was near my place of work) in the late afternoon just to play. You put your name in the list and once your turn is up, you will play in the previous round winnner. Whoever loses will pay for that P25 game. It was fair and square.

As most folks who hang-out in that place were expats, you end up meeting quite an interesting number of people in the process who have gigs in the Philippines - mostly as a consultant. When playing billiards, a lot of them were very competitive that makes it not boring at all.

But when the Asian financial crisis hit the country, things have change and saw a lot of regular folks I get to play with leaving the country one by one for one reason or another.
Hardly played the game since except for few occassions. Although it seems I will need eye glasses and more if I really want to take the game seriously again.

Last September 23, I found myself visiting Starmall in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to watch the opening of Villards Cup. I recall teasing the event organizer that I will only go there if I can get to play as well.

Admittedly, while watching the opening and some of the games happening, I can't help but feel missing the game. 



After the opening ceremonies, spotted one player who sports a blonde look. Found out that he is one of the 16 amateur players (from all over Bulacan) competiting - Rommel Dalita. Took a video, using my iPhone, interviewed him on what he thinks of the competition. A few days after though, my iPhone got lost while in a cab and that video gone.

But I remember how Rommel appreciated the competition as it helps professional billiard players like him get the exposure and opportunities needed. Found out that Rommel actually gets his income from playing the game, visiting various places, just to compete.

It was his first time in the Villards Cup as a player. In the past, he supported the cup as a referee. 

The Villar Foundation started the Villards Cup in 2008. It provides budding billiards players a venue to compete against amateur players and play alongside veterans and billiards champs. Of course, as we are already in the election season, it can't be helped that the organization's chairman and managing director - Senator Manny Villar and former Las Pinas Representative Cynthia Villar - be accused of politicking.



Rommel thinks that is to be expected and regarded the couple quite highly for helping this growing pang-masa sport while caring for those who get to join the game. Like in this cup for instance, those who will not be fortunate enough to win still got a five thousand pesos (P5000) prize that they can take home to their families.

The complete list of winners at Villards Cup 2012 are as follows:
1st: Edgie Geronimo (Marilao)
2nd: Eduardo Lim (Meycauayan)
3rd / 4th: Resty Labastida (Bocaue) / Roberto Bilicario (Sta. Maria)
5th / 6th: Kennet Matheu Garcia (Marilao) / Marlon Glinogo (Bulacan)
7th / 8th: Jonas Paolo Ramos (Baliwag) / William Trinidad (Angat)

One of the advocacies of the Villar Foundation is grassroots sports development throughout the country.  In its 20 years of service, various sports programs have been implemented to support this thrust including Sports sa Barangay, football clinics, among others. 

The Villards Cup has been staged in key cities of the Philippines and has featured the best Filipino cue artists and has paved the way in discovering future billiard players. Philippine Billiards legends--Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes, Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante, Ronnie ‘The Volcano’ Alcano and Dennis ‘Robocop’ Orcollo attended the event. On the first day of the billiards tournament, they played an exhibition game among themselves. While on the second day, they played with this year’s Villards Cup winners Edgie Geronimo of Marilao (champion) and Eduardo Lim of Meycauayan (2^nd placer).

The Villards Cup project of the Villar Foundation in cooperation with Starmall, Puyat Sports and Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines.

How to play Streetfood Tycoon

Got a buzz lately from Erick Garayblas of Kuyi Mobile about his newly launched game Streetfood Tycoon that can be played in IOS devices (iPod iTouch, iPhone, and iPad). Started playing with the game last Friday night and amused to find myself enjoying it.

In the process also, got some ideas on how a food cart business is operated. Here are some tips for those who would like to play the game.

1. A starter cart will usually have fries and corndog for sale. The next upgrade allows you to sell fishballs and kwek-kwek (quail eggs wrapped in flour mix).

Managing pimples and skin care problems

Used when giving talks or interview.

Speaking in events and appearing on television poses a lot of challenge especially if you are in a competitive industry. It makes you cautious about the gadgets you carry, clothes and shoes worn, and how you look.

For folks like me, one thing that I don’t fancy anymore is wearing make up and only do so when it is really necessary. Working on projects though can affect sleep and neglect routines that should be done before taking a nap.

Of course, such abuse can take its toll on your skin. Usually have my share of pimples popping out at areas near the chin or nose. It freaks me out whenever it happens. When sign of the first one appears, it raises a red flag and will do whatever I can to stop it there.

iPhone 4 best for video in comparison to BlackBerry 9800 and Samsung Galaxy S2

I recently find myself in a situation owning 3 gadgets: iPhone 4, BlackBerry 9800, and Samsung Galaxy S2. As a person who cover events, having multiple gadgets can be an asset so that you won't rely in a device soley for event coverage. Come uploading time as well, you don't have to wait for photo and video materials to be transferred to your machine first before you can do anything else.

Here are some observations and will update as soon as new observations are discovered:

BlackBerry 9800 records video and can upload from the phone. However, if you are using a prepaid SIM (like Globe), you won't be able to upload videos using your BBMax and will have to use Wi-Fi instead. The video quality is also reduced to the point some images can be blurry.

GoToMeeting now in iPad, iPhone, and Android

While configuring my gadgets today, I am ecstatic to learn the webinar application, GoToMeeting, can now be used with your iPad, iPhone, and Android. This is great news as being on the go has a lot of challenges.

I look forward testing this in our an online meeting and webinar this week to see how it will play out.

It will be cool to demonstrate this as well during talks just to show how much technology is evolving.

I hope Citrix will provide a Blackberry version of this application soon.

The same as well for the organizer edition.

Samsung Notebook Series 9 - almost perfect but HDMI to VGA adapter still elusive

Last July 17, 2011, my Samsung Notebook Series 9 finally arrived. Was so excited in unboxing it and made sure that all the necessary tools are installed from anti-virus, Adobe tools, to OpenOffice so I can already get to work.

The Samsung Notebook Series 9 is a beautiful device. But without the HDMI to VGA adapter, it is a luxurious investment that fails serving its most useful purpose - to have a lightweight machine I can use for presentations.

It is great to have a 2nd powerful laptop with you that can perform task while busy with your main laptop. I now use this during training as my MacBook Pro oftentimes have to be connected to the projector and need to do other tasks while at it. I use this for my video uploads as well and attend to project specific tasks.

I picked this model recognizing the reality that gadgets are status symbol icons. In the field am in where most of my peers sports the latest device, I have to choose mine wisely without bordering to luxurious spending. The laptop, being sexy due to its slim body, catches attention the moment it is opened. It is fast in loading applications and has beautiful screen resolution too.

The search for VGA adapter
What only frustrates me at the moment is the unavailability of its HDMI to VGA adapter. This accessory, if I have it, should allow me to connect the Samsung Notebook Series 9 to an LCD projector and do my presentations.

Up to this moment, despite several attempts of making calls to get one, I am unsuccessful in getting it. What is funny when making calls and identifying my need, despite stating the laptop model, it seems all the tech people we talked to doesn't know what the heck is this VGA adapter. The Quick Start Guide included in the box didn't state the model number that makes things harder too. Some will give us a price of up to P6,500 requiring it on a per-order basis and needs an upfront payment.

Although the U.S. site states that this AA-AH1NAMB HDMI to VGA adapter is only US$39.99. Now I realized that I should have ordered this while in the U.S. last month and end my frustration. Note that locally, I also tried looking for unbranded counterparts in CDR King but they don't have one.

I will be in Singapore this October 13 and 14 to attend an event. If I am lucky, hope to find it there.

(hay... deep breath...)

Tinkering with Facebook Timeline

Just enabled the Facebook Timeline so I can start tinkering with it right away. Being wary on data privacy, there are things that I want to make sure of such information that I only want to be viewable to myself shall remain as such. More importantly, my connection with friends.

New Facebook Timeline of Janette Toral viewed as another person.

What I like about it so far is the history of Pages "liked" and Groups "joined". There is an option where you can view the individual entries and unlike the pages. But for groups, you really have to visit each one, even if they are already old to "leave group".

Check-in history of Janette Toral via Facebook Places

Maps and Check-in History

Another thing that caught my fancy is the Maps feature where you can have a big picture overview of your check-in history and up to the status update that you posted then.

So like in this case, I was able to view my check-in lately from multiple locations ever since I started using Facebook Places.

Zooming in to the Philippines showed me the check-ins I made from various locations through out the country.

Drilling down further allowed to glimpse my status post in relation to that location.

Philippines check-in history of Janette Toral via Facebook Places

Check-in history from one location as zoomed in via Facebook Places

If there is one suggestion that I could give at the moment, that will be to have an omnibus option to hide all "add friends" activity. In the old timeline, I have already disabled this from appearing in my wall. However, in this new timeline, it is appearing and therefore have to disable it as early as now. When you have reached the friends limit, that can be quite a lot but I am sure it will be all worth it.

New friends added appears in the New Facebook Timeline even if you have disabled this in the current version of Facebook.

When browsing friends who
like your content, you can now
categorize them too.

Facebook Friends List

One old and now an improved feature that I began using Facebook with the new Timeline is the categorization of friends or connections. Those who respond to my content frequently (such as liking or posting comments) are now in a special group. This I check so I can also reciprocate if they share anything of interest.

New likers and commenters are also immediately added there. When you mouse-over a person's name, you just click on the "Friends" button and decide which list do you want this person to belong.

Also put some folks in the close friends list where I immediately receive a notification if they posted anything new. It is a great feeling to be able to respond immediately to content from those who are really important to you.

This is quite important to me. With around 5000 connections on Facebook, one can get overwhelmed with various content being shared. With these new features, you can now be more organized and focus on quality relationships.

So if you see me responding to your content more often than I did before, this is the reason behind it. :)

Facebook Tagging

I have always been annoyed whenever there are people who tag me on photos that is not related to me all. Usually try to find the nearest browser, from a phone or computer, just to untag myself immediately.

Finally, Facebook has done something about it by allowing you to review first any tagged content and decide if you want them to appear on your wall or Timeline. I am sure that a lot of us will be spared from various tagging promotions agony without offending friends or connections.

I think the bottom line with what Facebook has done - is to ensure that new players like Google+ will not look anywhere near it. Making the comparison between the two seems far too wide now. The personalization features got me glued to Facebook more than ever.

It gives the feeling like - I am home.

Rescue your Time: Reality-check on Productivity and Handling Distractions

It depends on the kind of work that you do, I can often refer to myself as one of the most distracted online. That is why when a DigitalFilipino Club member shared the tool RescueTime, I immediately signed-up wanting to learn more on how I spend time online.

After installing since July, this is the 2nd time that I looked at the report and calibrate the scoring system in order to make a much more honest assessment. This includes reducing the score values of some metrics such as reducing social network activity scores to 1 or 0 (from 2) and uncategorize offline activities such as rest, sleep, and eating.

Assessing my online activities made me realize the following I want to spend more time on:

1. E-Mail.
   With social networks being enjoyable and productive due to the kind of work that I have, the time I spent on e-mail has significantly and oftentimes only attended to - when it is badly needed. Perhaps e-mail also deserves a new interface that can interact with its users in these changing times where a lot of us spend a lot of time in social networking sites.
2. Blog and write original content.
   One of the reasons attributing to my high social network activity is the time spent on reading and sharing interesting sources online. In these instances, I often have personal anecdotes to add and note it in the comments section. However, I decided to do this less and commit to writing these thoughts in my blog more. To help me in this phase, I defined blogging activities under marketing and hope that can improve my score.

So far RescueTime is a valuable resource that allowed me to have a reality check of sorts on how I conduct myself online. 

It also compelled me to be honest with myself that despite high productivity in some areas of my work, there are some that I indeed neglect that will require a change on how I do things. This includes understanding as well on what caused such change and how to move forward.

Keeping tune to your friends shared music via SoundCloud

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Just downloaded the SoundCloud iPhone application and now find myself listening to shared music and podcast by friends.

If you sign-in via Facebook, you will discover who among the folks you are connected to has a SoundCloud account and can connect with. If you don't dig their kind of music, just unfollow.

Also discovered some interesting SoundCloud user accounts shared via Twitter that I end up adding to my collection as well and follow those they are connected with.

Go ahead and start building your SoundCloud collection today. :)

Blogger iPhone app now available

Finally, the Blogger iPhone app is now available that allows you to update your blog whenever the need arises.

Will see if this will make me blog more frequently.

Dealing with blemishes and pimples

One of the challenges being in technology field is that you spent a lot of time sitting down and work with your computer. Time gets ignored at times, especially when home, that makes sleep a bit flexible from day time to night time.

As a result, as one gets older, the toll this takes on your skin becomes evident. These days, pimple or acne is something that no longer surprises me. A zit appears either on the chin or cheek part. Proper cleansing helps but if I want it gone in a day or three so it won't be obvious especially during public speaking gigs, glad that Proactiv is there to help me.

I just dab it on the pimple part in the morning and evening. In 3 days or less, the acne is gone. For the pimple prone, using it much regularly is suggested. You can either purchase it as a kit or buy the needed components. For me, I just use the moisturizer and the mask.

Of course, if one has acne, one must maintain the discipline of not constantly touching it. Recover from whatever sleep you have lost as these skin irritation or blemishes reflects the stress you are also having.

For those of you who will be purchasing the product set on or before August 10, you have the chance of being one of the first 18 buyers who can watch "The Smurfs" for free where Proactiv endorser Katy Perry is featured. You can get it from selected SM Department Store (Megamall, Makati, North Edsa) and Watsons (Megamall 2nd floor and Mall of Asia ground floor).

Set Google language to English

Just got an e-mail from a foreign student who encountered problems in configuring his Google browsing experience as it always appears in Filipino even if he is out of the country.

Go to Google Preference to set the language to the one you desire (English for example).

If that doesn't work in Firefox, you can also go Preferences > Content to choose the language.

I Want Symmetric Internet Connection - Making Sense of Globe and Smart 4G

Doing a 2-hour webinar while in Boracay
using Smart Evolution

Since mid-April, there have been a lot of talks about Globe and Smart efforts to make 4G Internet connectivity a reality in the Philippines.

I was able to join their events where this offering got shown for demonstration. Globe had their HSPA demonstration at Heritage Hotel while Smart shared the LTE (Long Term Evolution) experience in Boracay. (watch the video below for more info about their service)

My only problem with these demonstration trials is that they don't represent reality. Once it is rolled out commercially, there is always that worry of over-subscription. Furthermore, much of the hype is in the streaming quality of videos and download speed.

 (This was the speedtest result flashed onscreen for Smart 4G LTE)

 (This was the speedtest result flashed onscreen for Globe 4G HSPA+)

Watch live video from Ask Janette on Justin.tv
Interviewed Anne Binuya of Smart about Smart 4G LTE while in Boracay. It was done via justin.tv livestream running on Smart 4G LTE. 

However, as a video blogger, livestream publisher, webinar trainer, and video contest organizer, my major concern today is upload speed. Based on the speedtest data shown by both Globe and Smart, upload speed is only 5% to 15% of download speed. Hope both carriers will also innovate and start offering symmetric Internet connection services where upload speed is almost equal to download speed.

I guess when that happens, 4G will begin to really make sense to me.

Reaching Level 100 in Crime City Game

I started playing Crime City last New Year's Eve upon the invitation of a good friend. At first I was reluctant for am not the kind of player who just tries something and abandons it right away. When I decide to play, I usually aim for a very high goal where I could also learn in the process.

The last one I played was Warbook and stopped once level 50 (the highest then) was reached.

For Crime City, I noticed that the game has continuously evolved. Also experienced from having a lot to none (sold all buildings just to complete missions) to rebuilding the current city format I have.

Currently at level 97 and will likely reach 100 in a few days. Hopefully by that time, I already bought a stadium (if at least 7 more people will add me to their mafia) which is the highest type of building that you can purchase in the game. Then that's it for me.

Anyway, for those of you who are leisure game players of Crime City, here are some tips I like to share:

1. Focus on high-income buildings.

There was a time I got consumed in upgrading existing buildings. However, as you get revenue, collectible items gets given as well where once you complete a set, you get special items or boost.

I noticed that buildings that offers high-income have interesting collectible that either gives more steel, money, respect, equipment, or boost. So once your hood is filled up, you can either upgrade to accommodate more buildings or keep on getting high value buildings as you resell existing ones.

In my case, I have focused on reselling and buying new buildings. I like the night club as it gives 24k revenue a day. The opera house is also ok as you can collect from 40k to 80k a day. Both buildings gives a lot of steel once you complete the items they give out.

2. Equipment (boost, vehicle, armor, weapon)

There was a time that I keep buying boost to protect my hood. Later on, I decided to use spare income that is not enough to buy any building to get more equipment.

For boost, there are now buildings you can get that gives you boost such as the gun shop or ammo factory or biotech lab (for attack boost), loan shark office or collection agency (for collection boost), guard dog training center or safehouse or alarm company or guard tower or armory (for defense boost), mercenary bar or compound (for mafia boost), muay thai studio or shooting range (for xp boost), and consigliere's house or godfather's mansion (for loot boost).

If you have 5 buildings that gives you at least 1 of each type of boost, you can put your spare resources to vehicles, armor, and weapon.

A dying game?

Although I somehow feel that Crime City is already a dying game, it was great to see how it evolved trying to survive. I think for the new players, who likes to play quietly without bugging Facebook friends too much, this game can is still ok.