Let's Join the First e-Commerce Summit in Cebu

What was the first thing I bought online? I think it was a plane ticket and it was named e-ticket.

Apparently, the e- prefix has been attached to almost every conventional noun we have today and not to mention, e-Commerce. With e- being attached to almost every word we could think of, such is a very compelling reason to attend the first e-Commerce Summit in Cebu this March 23, 2013 at Diamond Suites and Residences, 8 Apitong cor. Escario Streets, Cebu City.  

The said event will not be exclusively helpful to business people engaged in online trading but it is going to be equally beneficial to consumers who would like to gain awareness on how the electronic commercial landscape works. With topics ranging from online freelancing to some legal parameters in online trading, every participant will surely gain helpful insights from the prime movers of e-Commerce in the Philippines. If you would like to take a look at the line-up of speakers for the event, simply browse through the e-Commerce Summit 2013 events page HERE.

As thriving online entrepreneur and social media advocate, I am personally interested  with the talks of Jack Madrid and  Atty. JJ Disini. Jack, being the country manager of one of the Philippines' biggest social media platform, Multiply.com, will elaborate the State of e-Commerce and Digital Marketing in the Philippines. I am excited to hear some enlightening words on the current condition of e-Commerce in the country knowing that knowledge of such will help every aspiring digital entrepreneur to gauge strengths and weaknesses (if there are any) of online businesses. Atty. Disini, on the other hand, as technology law expert, will take up Data Privacy and e-Commerce with emphasis on what every merchant should know in the light of legal aspects. I know you have interests of your own so browse through the roster of speakers for you will surely find your niche in this one-day educational event.

For details, join the Facebook events page HERE or direct HERE to register.

  

Memoirs

It's been one year already since our beloved mom passed away which was a result of organ complications brought by her diabetes that she has been sustaining for over a decade. I wrote this piece of memoir almost eleven months ago while waiting for my flight from Cebu to Manila. I wanted to keep this piece secret in my laptop but recently, I decided to share it in my blog in time for mama's first death anniversary.

It was an ordinary day in Cebu. I did not feel any complaint from my usually clattered pad so I did the usual routine of putting myself to bed after a long day at work. As I brought myself to sleep, I had a sudden gaze at my phone which was lying near my books on a corner of my pad. Not the usual thing but I checked my almost forgotten gadget which I seldom bring when I head to the office for work. My phone’s look was enticing on that day, so I checked for messages. A couple of messages were left unread so I decided to check what’s up with the world. It was my sister. I needed to go home for the weekend as Mama was rushed to the hospital. 

I thought, that was not new because Mama has always been in the hospital lately due to a couple of health complications brought by her diabetes which she has been sustaining for over a decade already. The last time I was with her in the hospital, she has been so weak although she stayed positive. She was occupying a bayside private room in a hospital in Bohol which she would always mess about because she thought it was somebody’s home or she was in a hotel. I would usually end up kidding or even bragging just to take away her worries on the hospital bills. Such confinement led to the amputation of her only foot but the good thing was recovery became brighter after the operation. In fact, she has been telling us that she already wanted to go home as air is fresher there. After almost a month of stay in the hospital, she was eventually sent home for further recovery and I stayed positive on that. On the day I went back to Cebu for work, I told her that I am going to see her the following month and I was emphatic when I said that she should be better during that time. We had a deal!

Knowing Mama, I knew she could make herself better that’s why I did not worry that much when I learned that she was rushed back to the hospital. I thought, things just needed to get better and it was good   for her to stay in the hospital again for further medication. However, I was wrong with my foresight. I was so devastated to see Mama helplessly and unconsciously fighting with the doctors who were trying to insert tubes in her mouth. I wished I could take her place and seize all the pain she was experiencing at that moment. I stood up in her front clueless of what I wanted to do. Should I hug her? Should I kiss her? Should I tell her how much I love her? No words and actions ensued – only tears which started to flow down my cheeks. I wanted to stay positive but I could not be optimistic watching such a dreadful situation of Mama.

Then I talked to her. She would not respond but I knew she was listening – Mama was a very good listener. She used to stay late listening to my absurd plans and ideas. Even if she could no longer relate sometimes, she would still listen. Such thought made me feel better. I continued to talk to her and took her back to what we agreed on before I left for Cebu for work. She tried to grasp my hand and held me tightly. She tried to move her legs showing that she did her best to be better. Then I and my siblings started to recall fond memories which compelled Mama to speak but she could not utter any word. She only tried to open her eyes to let us know that she was listening.

After few hours, we needed to bring her to the radiology department for brain scan. I was on her side telling her that things should get better and assuring her that we will do our very best to bring her out from such agony. She opened her eyes again and gazed at me. Tears started to flow from her aging eyes. I knew she wanted to tell something. That was the last time I saw her eyes open. 

The following days were emotionally challenging. Mama could no longer respond. She could not feel any pain. She could not move any part of her body. The only hint that life still went on for Mama were the figures shown in the machine attached in some parts of her body. Without those machines, we would not have any clue that life was still good for her. Doctors and nurses visited from time to time to tell us the real situation – it was almost hopeless. I drew some positive impulses from my brain and tried to convince myself that hope has never left us. I wanted to tell those medical practitioners that they were wide of the mark. Everyone was telling me to let Mama go as that was the only way her suffering could be ended yet I could not. Even though I tried, words would never come out from my mouth but tears would flow instead. The pain was almost unbearable seeing Mama in such a situation. That time, I was in the verge of believing that I was only waiting for the moment that those figures in the machines attached to her body would tell me that Mama could no longer be with us – FOREVER.

The following morning, I had a heart to heart talk with Mama’s doctor. I was telling her what kind of fighter Mama was. I was asking him if they could still pull things off and do something to save Mama. I got a positive response from him. He talked to all of us. He assured us that a specialist would come in few minutes to discuss the options left. However, Mama could no longer wait. She stopped breathing before further medical options could be discussed. I thought that was not fair but I had to accept the reality no matter how hard it sucked. Doctors tried to save the last few breaths of Mama but they no longer could. During those last moments, I could not say anything but the word “MAMA” – the very word I first learned to utter when I was still a young boy cuddled in her arms and probably the last word she heard from me. January 31, 2012 is a day that will always be engraved in my heart for it was the very day I lost an endearing mother who knew no other good but my and my siblings’ own good. 

That same word I continued to utter on the day of her funeral. MAMA sounds so endearing to me. Even if I could no longer hear any response from her when I call her with such a sweet name she taught me to speak, it is still relieving to appreciate that I had and will ever have someone I could call Mama. I always presume no response but I know that Mama is still with us because she lives in our heart. 

Wired and Inspired at the Cebu Digital Influencers Marketing Summit 2012

A group picture with the organizers, speakers and participants after the Digital Influencers Marketing
Summit 2012 - Cebu at SM Convention Center. (Photo from www.reneleandropadilla.com)

Earlier this year, I made a commitment to myself that I will end 2012 right by attending several seminars and workshops that will  shed some inspiration to my passion and personal pursuits. I had two seminars in mind -- Digital Influencers Marketing Summit - Cebu and Mathematical Society of the Philippines - Cebu Chapter First Annual Convention. 

Recently, I realized that I made myself closer to my goal through my attendance in the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit 2012 at SM City Cebu Convention Hall AB. I got more than what I was expecting because aside from getting myself inspired by the speakers of the summit, I also had the chance to share my advocacy through a five-minute pitch. I hope I was able to bring my advocacy of utilizing social media in the learning process closer to my audience.

More than the pitch I did during the event, I was loaded with information and inspiring stories during the day as I listened to the talks from the real influencers and experts in the field. I learned better ways to assuring good content and optimization tips. I was also moved by the real stories narrated by real people who are excelling in their chosen field. A day well spent, indeed. Kudos to the organizers, sponsors, speakers, and participants!

After the summit, I got an invitation to speak for the topic "Using Google+ for Education" at the Google+ Workshop to be hosted by the Cebu Google Business Group at the University of the Visayas New School of New Media and Design on December 1, 2012 (that's going to be tomorrow). I am looking forward to meeting new faces, learning new ideas and discussing passion and advocacy again. 

Cebu Dining Experience: Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant

If there's one thing that I love about Cebu, that must be the food offered within the vicinity. No matter if it's a street food eating adventure or a fine dining experience, food is just hard to resist in the Queen City of the South. For such reason, I have been compelled to chronicle my dining experiences in Cebu in which this post is going to be the first in the long line of food fiesta. 

Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant in Cordova, Cebu, I believe, has earned its place for being  the first to be featured in this blog. Serving a variety of Filipino cuisine matched with local flavors and  delicacies, Lantaw does not only offer a relaxing atmosphere but sumptuous food as well. I happened to ask one of the waitresses their best-sellers and she enthusiastically answered, "For appetizers, we have Cordova Express which is similar to Bicol Express with a mix of seafood and for main dish, we have Garlic Shrimps." I tried Garlic Shrimps with green mango shake for dessert.

It was my first time in Lantaw but I heard good feedback from their customers before. For the benefit of those who would like to check the place, here's my take. If it's going to be a family gathering, a memorable occasion, a team dinner, a mere gathering with friends or anything that speaks of collective fun and dining, Lantaw is a perfect choice. Here are the reasons why:

A relaxing and spacious atmosphere is just few of Lantaw's
offerings to their patrons.  

1. Ambiance. The place is spacious enough to accommodate members of extended family and  big circles of friends. Also, they offer relaxing views especially in the evening when skyscrapers in Cebu City start to light and show a lively play of night life. Sunset is also breathtaking in the place. Sipping a bottle of beer while watching the sun as it sets is just perfect. 

Mayonnaise bottle containers are recycled and are
utilized as drinking glasses.  Isn't it environment friendly?

2. Affordability. Considering that Lantaw is affiliated with Moon Cafe (a Mexican Restaurant chain in Cebu), I was thinking that food would be very expensive. However, as I went through the menu and looked at the size of their servings, I realized that it's just good for a fine dining experience in a floating native restaurant. 

No, it's not the 17B Jeepney where you usually ride on going
to IT Park. It's Lantaw's  restaurant bar.

3. Food. What I like about the place is the fact that food are being cooked in what it seems to be an open kitchen -- customers see how the food is hygienically prepared and garnished by their cooks. The touch of local flavor is also something that would compel people to visit the place no matter if it's a long drive from Cebu City.

Watching the sun as it sets while sipping a bottle of cold beer or munching your favorite Filipino dish is one of the things you can enjoy at Lantaw while letting the afternoon fade away.

4. Friendly Service. I am not sure if you are going to agree with me on this but I just find most of their crew attentive to the needs of the customers. The service is also faster compared to other restaurants in Cebu that offers fine dining. When my order was taken, I was informed (without me asking) that it will usually take them 15-20 minutes to prepare my food but I got my diet served in less than 10 minutes. Setting proper expectations with customers is just adorable.

You may add more but that's all I could generally voice out this time. I think, the four already covers  all the major reasons for choosing Lantaw. On the other hand, for commuters like me, Lantaw Floating Native  Restaurant is pretty accessible transportation wise. From SM City Cebu, you can hop into a van going to Cordova and from Barangay Poblacion, Cordova, you can take a bike going to Barangay Day-as where Lantaw is hiding waiting to be found by food trippers. 

Digital Influencers Marketing Summit at SM City Cebu on November 24, 2012

As blogger and social media fanatic, I have heard of the term digital influencer a couple of times through blogs , tweets and status messages on Facebook. Honestly, I never had the interest to study more about becoming a digital influencer because I always had the aim of maintaining a low-profile blog that could support my irrelevant rantings and my simple passion for teaching. I thought, the word influencer itself is challenging although, being a teacher, I am always considered as one no matter how I disagree with becoming an influencer.

Finally, I  am accepting the challenge and I will be joining the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit at SM City Cebu on November 24, 2012. At first, I was hesitant because I was thinking that the event is only intended for entrepreneurs, marketers and advertisers. Well, obviously, I am not one of those mentioned but I surely want to become a digital influencer like the speakers who will be sharing their experiences during the summit. I have already met some of the speakers before and I am sure that they have a couple of helpful things to share.

Janette Toral is going to be one of the speakers and she will talk on Blogging and Social Media Influence in the 2013 Elections. I have attended one of the online seminars of Janette before and met her in person during the awarding night of the Pinoy Expats/OFWs Blog Awards 2012 where, as one of the Top 10 Bloggers, I received her book "Blogging from Home." Another speaker who is also familiar is Fleire Castro who will elaborate the topic Bloggers as Influencers and Brand Advocates. Fleire is a Facebook friend I haven't met ever since. This summit is going to be a meet up for both of us, I assume.Joining Fleire is Kevin Ray Chua who, as founder of Cebu Bloggers Society, is also familiar. I met Kevin once during the candle lighting ceremony for the passage of RH Bill held in UP Cebu earlier this year. Aside from Janette, Fleire and Kevin, other digital influencers and brand advocates will be sharing best practices during the summit.  

For further information about the event, please click HERE.

Convergys Launches the First TV Commercial for a BPO in the Philippines

Staying true to the claim of being the best and the biggest Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Company in the Philippines, Convergys recently launched the first ever TV Commercial for a BPO Company in the country. A heartwarming and values-driven TV commercial, the Convergys Pedestal inspires not only the dedicated employees of the company but the many call center professionals serving the BPO industry in the country today.

There is not one person in this country today that can say he has made a difference. Not one who has taken that leap of faith to change his  fate.Not one who has made a sacrifice for his loved ones. Not one who pushes this country forward. There is not one person today we can call a hero. 

Not one but thousands. 

As one of the premier contact centers in the country, Convergys has earned various awards over the past years and is still promising to garner more distinctions as the best BPO company in the country and worldwide.