Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to All! May the year 2011 be more fruitful, productive, challenging, loving, more hopes and dreams to bring each one of us to greater heights!

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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

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A Potential to Grow with E-Commerce

Setting up an e-commerce business needs a lot of time to conceptualize the idea and eventually implement it. Just like any traditional businesses, the most challenging part is how a plan should be given an execution and this is a process wherein the real energy comes into play. There are so many good business ideas that one can think of, from a food business to retail shops but it always come from planning that build a good foundation. With much complexities on traditional business, capitalization is much needed to attain the objective.

As globalization has melted national borders, we have become more connected with other citizens in the world which gives an average person to have the opportunity of exploring some possibilities of doing business through the internet. The market is vast allowing a person to sell his products and services to other countries. Information technology is no doubt a clear-cut tool for everyone and the only risk that we face is how to utilize it. E-commerce business is just a click away because we are pampered with a computer interface and internet connection and all the resources are no longer a secret. All the internet marketing gurus provide us a learning paraphernalia and information on how we can do the business through the use of internet, how to beat the competition and become wealthy. Although it doesn’t guarantee success, at least we are equipped with some helpful insights why others are so successful in the e-commerce business.

If you are aspiring to become an entrepreneur or you are small business owner with a little capital in your hand, consider an alternative remedy. The cost in doing an e-commerce business may not be as expensive as traditional business does, because there are some resources where you can get these for free once you sign up with a particular site. You don’t have to pay an expensive office in setting up your work place, for you can utilize your own bedroom as your small office, and a computer connected with an internet to facilitate the necessary tools in operating a small business. It’s all about learning a new endeavor and concentrating on your strength with some skills that you are equipped with. E-commerce can be lucrative but it will still depend on your hard work, patience and eager to learn a new concept adopting new changes.

According to business tycoon John Gokongwei during his speech before 2004 Ateneo graduates, he encourages everyone to be a person for others to serve our countrymen and become an entrepreneur. He said that we need young people who will find the idea, grab the opportunity, take risks and set aside comfort to set up businesses that will provide jobs. He also made a point that globalization can be one’s greatest enemy and it will be our downfall if we are too weak to fight it out but globalization can also be our biggest ally.

My experience in the Business Process Outsourcing or BPO industry as an agent has led me to see some potentials to grow in e-commerce business giving me an idea how to set up a home-based call center and more specifically on how some transactions are run through the internet. It has become a key to open a gateway and taps more prospective opportunities that Tim Berners Lee invented– the web. With a little more creativity and a little more persistence, no matter how small an idea is, it can turn something big as soon as the right time comes. I believe it was beneficial. About two years ago, I went to Macau for a trade show events. And last year, I was in New York for another trade show event. In the middle of this year, I was back in New York for a client meet up. Traveling was one of the benefits I have incurred from doing an e-commerce. The business has been running for almost four years and aspiring to put up a call center in the future and in that way, we can help a bit to boost an income for those who will become interested soon.

Come to think of it, e-commerce is a way of business today and as a turning point, having an online business whether a person is operating as home-based can be competitive as big giants in the market niche today.

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I Hear Christmas Carols

It is the first day of November which let us remember our departed loved ones; and season of Christmas is just around the corner. As early as September we hear some Christmas songs already played in a radio. We Filipinos love this season in spite of economic turmoil; we prepare for Christmas and some may even borrow money or pawn their valuable things as long as we'll have something to prepare in this season. If you'll agree with me, December is the most expensive month of the year.

Each time I hear Christmas songs, it usually reminds me of my childhood years. This heart-rending memories of our past let us remind who we are and what we are. That could be the most happiest moment ever happened in our lives.

Ahh...when I think of Christmas, I think of myself that I was once being a little one. But the saddest moment also happens - when our parents are gone...

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Guide To A Better Life

This is amazing, Randy Pausch 47 yrs old, A computer Sc. lecturer from Mellon University he died of pancreatic cancer in 2008, but wrote a book آ‘The last lectureآ” before then, one of the bestsellers in 2007. What a legacy to leave behindآ…
In a letter to his wife Jai and his children, Dylan, Logan , and Chloe, he wrote this beautiful "guide to a better life" for his wife and children to follow.
May you be blessed by his insight.

POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

Personality:
1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment
3. Don't over do; keep your limits
4. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
6. Dream more while you are awake
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:
15. Call your family often
16. Each day give something good to others
17. Forgive everyone for everything
18. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
19. Try to make at least three people smile each day
20. What other people think of you is none of your business
21. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
22. Put GOD first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.
23. GOD heals everything
24. Do the right things
25. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
26. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
27. The best is yet to come
28. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
29. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
30. If you know GOD you will always be happy. So, be happy.

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Theme Song From The Greatest American Hero

Lyrics | Joey Scarbury - Greatest American Hero lyrics

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I Love Being A Student

I am currently back in college for my second degree which I am taking up BS Information Technology. It's not an easy to make a decision though, since studying would give me a hectic schedule; I work at night till the wee hour of the morning, and then in school during day time. and that even Saturdays, I still manage to attend a weekend class. Actually, it's been my long time wish to go back in school but because of some restraints, I never had the chance to. But now, I have my free period to study. It's a pleasure to receive this blessing from our dear Creator. If am spending more than 12 hours in the computer, why not spend it in a productive way; for that gives me a lot of benefits that would become advantage in both business and career. It's good to update your knowledge for a better understanding about how computer technology works and at the same give you another skill that is needed on this age.

I was really surprise because some of my classmates are young as 15 and 16 years old. Since the school has a tri-semestral system, that means these teens can finish college when they reach 18 years. They are young and energetic that it's even hard to cope up with what they have. As a senior, my advantage is my experience and maturity. Well I bet patience is a virtue, so I would be patient enough so I could finish the race....

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Today is ten, ten and ten...

Today is October 10, 2010 or 10/10/10. Some believe that something good or bad will happen. That is according to feng shui experts. Some gets married on this date, and many organizations are also taking advantage of this significant date by hosting a large event. Need more else to say. Well, I have nothing more to say, and that's it...

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My First Week in School

Last Friday was our second meeting on Mathematics for Computing subject. I had a hard time trying to understand how a conversion of number base is done. It is easy, although a minor subject, I needed a little bit time to do an exercise how these things work, and during the session, I have noticed that my classmates find it easy and simple.

But it can't be denied that math gave me a headache, and it took me time to figure out how they were able to come up with their answers. Some parts of math has been my water-loo since college days, so it may no longer be a surprise if I find some data confuses me.

I find my Web Development subject too interesting though, for it allows me to understand more about developing a website and how the codes work using a note pad editor. It is more specific, and you can design a website without using a template that you can get from the internet.

In one of my subject, we've been asked to introduce ourselves and what are some of our expectations in a class as most of them replied, "My expectation is to pass the subject.." Well, that was so classic; I find it understandable because they were young, and perhaps shy and could not think of something else about their expectations. But of course, everybody wants to pass the subject.

During my classes, one thing that surprised me is that some of my classmates are just 15 or 16 years of age which is not quite normal during my freshmen year of my time. Well I guess I am old enough to become a student that even my professors call me "sir" to address my name. But I am not the only senior who went in that school, and in fact, I have a classmate who is an American Navy whose age is 60 years old. But I don't mind at all regardless of age, because we are in a realm of information technology and we needed to update our knowledge in terms of computer education. For us, it's a new endeavor, new opportunity, and it is something that I could not afford to lose.

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Going Back to School

I'm officially enrolled in college taking up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. As I put my best food forward, this gives me a good head start because lately, a lot of ideas are popping out in my head and either way, this new endeavor is good for a career or business. I know it's gonna take some time to finish this course but one year of patience is not bad at all. With all the memories still linger in my head during college years, perhaps it's time also to redeem myself with the shortcomings that I had in the past.

In the class, I know that it's some kinda uncommon for it can't be denied that I am one of those students considered as senior due to my age gap, and some students are only 15 and 16 years old which is quite unusual during our time in college.

My enthusiasm to learn more is there, just to arrive of getting a lot of information that I have been craving for these past few years and nevertheless of my schedules, it's only now that I can enjoy my time studying again.

From being a college student, sales executive, cruise staff, call center agent, business person, but now I am back to one, and this time that is due to my conviction.

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Back in the Philippines

My journey in New York has ended up a couple of weeks ago with so much fun and memories. Although my stint there was too bit short, I had a chance to meet some of our clients and their office is just located in Manhattan. I also had an opportunity to meet my fellow colleague who was my batch mate in a call center. We had lunch in Woodside at the Filipino restaurant.

Now that I'm back in the Philippines, I was comparing our shopping centers with one that they have in New York, especially when it comes to malls. It took me quite some time to visit Robinson's Galleria again for a stroll and while visiting this place, I had an opportunity to take some couple of shots of the mall.

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The Reunion

Everyone seemed to wear a smile on their face as the Rotaract Club of Cubao and PSBA set its first reunion in August 7, 2010. Although only few members attended the affair, everyone was happy to see each other again to reunite after more than 17 years.

Thanks to facebook because it was through this site that we found some past rotaractors.

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Times Square

I usually jaunt in Times Square once I've went out from Subway. I usually ride an E - train from Elmhurst avenue where I came from. Times Square was my favorite spot because that is where I can sit down and relax and watch people pass by. I love to stare at those Broadway show billboards while observing some of these agents sell tickets for a Broadway Show for as low as $20. I maximize my time using my laptop sufing the net, checking both my emails and facebook account to make sure I get updated with my network status.

I was so attracted with the lights as soon as the night comes, and thousands of people came across to see these great lights in the city every day. I never felt tired walking back and forth because what inspires me to walk is to make sure I get the opportunity to enjoy what Uncle Sam has given me.

Times Square has become a landmark of my meeting place and that is why I keep coming back there whenever I am in that big city.

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Poor Customer Service

I just thought I would never have to blog about coffee shops but it seemed through this experience of mine, I would have to say I have my final conclusion that somehow, there was no such thing as customer service in the Philippines. The term “customer service” is not in our Filipino dictionary even up to this day because the business practice that we have is so primitive and no wonder we never got out as third world country. Too bad, Business Process Outsourcing or BPO is the only industry who saves our face in the hands of foreign customers through its call centers. They are dead serious about their campaigns to deliver the best customer service to their clients. Most of our industries could not even be at par with those of BPO sector and one of the reasons why may be due to lack of training of personnel.

I had a meeting with my colleague and we decided to have a meet up at The Coffee Bean, Gateway in Araneta Center. Just before heading up to the said coffee shop, I was already at Starbucks Café which was only few steps away to its counterpart, The Coffee Bean. I had a coffee, at the same time surfing the net using my laptop while waiting for my colleague to arrive at The Coffee Bean. I decided to shift place bringing my coffee out since our meeting was held at The Coffee Bean. Outside its premise, seats are available purposely for their customers. I sat down waiting for few more minutes and in my hand was the remaining part of my Starbucks coffee. It was my intention to go inside and get another order but this time I had to wait for my colleague before placing my order so we’ll have more time to talk about while having our coffee. In that moment, a security personnel of The Coffee Bean came and approached me catching my attention that I couldn’t sit down because bringing a competitor’s coffee to their place is prohibited. Of course I would still consider myself as their customer though I still have my own coffee. So I demanded that I won’t vacate the place because I will have to order a coffee but first I need to wait for my peer so we can order once. And that was so clear that I was a customer. But arrogantly he replied, “Di mag-order ka na!” What a nerve, is this how they treat their customer or potential customer so often? So the story did not end there. As soon as my peer arrived, we went inside to get our order. I asked the cashier for a supervisor to complain and that, as soon as their supervisor is available, we want to talk to her immediately if she can approach us outside. Thirty minutes later, there wasn’t even a shadow of her face that show up to grace us with her presence and empower herself for my complaint.

And because of this incident, I promised myself not to go to this place anymore because of poor customer service. First of all, catching a customer’s attention due to bringing competitor’s coffee has become SUBJECTIVE instead of treating me as their customer.

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Staying in Queens, New York

Queens is Little Manila in New York and is home to 85,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Americans. My first week in New York, I stayed in Brooklyn and later on had decided to transfer in Queens. I bumped with a "kababayan" and thanks to Tita Julie, for she had led me to finding a place where I could stay safely. The apartment was owned by a Filipino couple at Elmhurst, and the room was nice and clean. You can find a coffee shop just a few steps outside, and a 5 minute walk to subway if you want to go in Manhattan. More Asian cuisines are available for as low as $4.50 a meal and supermarkets too. A lot of Asians are dominated by Chinese, Indians and Filipinos. If I like to go to a Filipino restaurant, it's only 20 minute walk from Broadway to Roosevelt avenue. From 64th to 69th street along Roosevelt avenue, you can find some restaurants like Jolibee, Red Ribbon Bakeshop, etc. At long last, I know exactly where to go the next time around and got some network of friends.

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How to Live in New York

Broadway

It’s been so good that I was back in New York again with a big smile on my face and glance what life is like to be in the Big Apple for the third time. And to someone who belongs to a middle-middle class like me, it is a pre-order in the universe and a continuation of my journey to explore possibility of staying for good in New York soon. Now the plan has become more tangible as I started to live like a real New Yorker; I walk fast surviving the gritty, mean streets of New York, I speak a New Yorker’s twang, I live in a small apartment, I bitch someone in the neighborhood and I have to live with it as everything was filtered through that prism.

I was embraced with the city's countless yellow cabs, glittering lights, skyscrapers and people who are always in a hurry. I don't really feel that I am alone as there are so many things that can be done during day time. You may not be needing a car as all means of transportation are in the city - subway, taxis and buses. A city that doesn't sleep where you can walk around along the avenues. And talk about shopping, H&M, Best Buys, Victoria Secrets, Macy's, Armani Exchange, Gucci,etc; and talk about fine dining, coffee shops and bars, too - a lot. If you like the city life, New York City could be one of the place you are looking for.

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Missing to write on my personal blog

It's been few months since the last time I have touched my personal site. Last March 28, I went back to Bicol for an in important matter; I didn't stay in Pasacao, instead I went for an overnight stay in Naga City. I didn't want to sleep there because last January I had an experience seeing an "entity" who appeared before me while asleep...Scary but yes, it's true. I was with a psychic healer/clairvoyant friend when we first visited the place three months ago and he, too had the same experience..

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No Coins No Ride...

Arriving in Manila, I get to see few changes in the district. “The Exact Fare Only” sign at the MRT station has improved. Oh well, the banner was sponsored by an advertiser. But one thing that’s quite peculiar is to see another sign written on a piece of paper which reads “DUE TO COIN SHORTAGE, PLEASE PREPARE ONE OR TWO PESO COIN. THANKS.” Isn’t that ridiculous? Are they running out of coins as it reaches to hundreds thousands of people paying the ticket for a train ride? Or they just don’t want to do the math for the paper bills? Whatever their reason is, the post is annoying. Are some of these arrogant ticket sellers won’t issue a pass to the paying mass without preparing one or two peso coin, just the same thing that they did in the past if people did not prepare an exact fare? I am just only asking.

Just a few years back, I wrote a blog in a networking site about “Exact Fare Only” that stated the banner should be well presented instead of writing the notice in a piece of bond paper so that it won’t look cheap. Again, it has now improved. As it takes some time to get an advertiser, perhaps they should keep another sponsor for this new notice.

Oh boy, it can’t be denied that there are so many good inventors in our country; just to make everything easier.

So what’s their next post that we will expect to see at the MRT ticket booth? “No Coins, No Ride.”

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Missing to Write the First Day of the Year

I have missed the cut by writing on my personalized blog the first day of this year because I have been so busy with my new found niche, the search engine optimization just to get the business website into the top. Writing articles are mentally and physically draining that even the heat of the computer immersing towards my skin keeps me so enervated. In fact, I was been even off-guard with myself that I no longer hold any good and sound sleep because I really wanted to have new leads and new customers for my business. I am straight with my goal, that is why I am doing everything I could to get the fruit of my labor.

My friend told me that SEO is not an easy job, because she herself is a writer and we are on the same boat. It needs sacrifices, patience because SEO writing is really time consuming.

In due course, everything will pay off because rewards can be found at the edge.

Anyway, it's still a New Year!!!

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