New Year and…?

Happy New Year!

2012 had been a great year for me. I mean, I was able to experience the best time of my life. It also paved way for me to meet other people beyond my circle of colleagues.

Year 2012 was also the year I got a chance to go to the most awesome events (that are truly worth visiting!) and made some improvements in my blog. Luckily, it gave me opportunities to interact with some readers (selected post lang ) about some topics that are truly engaging.  I’m looking forward to more meaningful posts here and interactions with selected readers? haha.

Instead of the usual New Year’s resolution (because it’s too late writing it here), I decided to stick with my yearly resolutions and add other stuff such as:

1. Encourage myself to read Filipino books (a.k.a: Pinoy Book Challenge). Last 2012, I was able to read about 10 books written by Filipino authors! Hope to surpass the mark this year.

2. More indie comics review (a.k.a Indie Comic Challenge). It all started when I posted comic reviews about some titles. I got positive feedbacks from fellow readers. I’ll continue posting more this year

3. Focus on making a big step in terms of career. For about 4 years of working, I always thought that it is impossible to make your dreams possible without sacrificing a major aspect of yourself. Yup, I was one of those who came in and out of jobs, struggling for making a mark in the corporate ladder. I have my share of ups and downs also, but it didn’t stop me from going further. Well, I hope that my ‘real’ journey for career greatness is this year.

I really can’t mention everything because it’s not safe to post everything in here. Haha.

Tell me guys, do you also have challenges you want to win this 2013? Share it here!

Later

(Blog Matters) 2012 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 2,100 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 4 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

 

Thank you! Happy New Year!

Indie Comics Review 2/2

Warning: some of the titles might be seen previously.

In continuation of my previous entry, here are the new comics I was able to read on:

1. Indie  - For the first time ever, an indie comic for musicians! The comic basically is a compilation of musicians’ experience in their struggle to meet support from fellow Filipinos.  If you’re an indie music fan, this series is probably the best one for you! And if you happen to be in a band,  their experience (Bubblegoo,  Firetree, etc) might something that could amuse you in some way.  Honestly, the series reminds me of the hit Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. Everything changed when I flipped through the pages.  There’s something that we could learn from this series: SUPPORT OPM! (naks!) **rate: 4/5**

2. Curtains for Hire – A series based from a struggling theater actor. If you’re in this similar situation, Curtains for Hire is a good recommendation. The series has a good combination of humor, action and drama.  The scenes are very much familiar to those who are into theater chops, but doesn’t have the family support to motivate. The characters are kinda cool as well. **rate: 4/5**

3. FUM (Filipino Utilized Manga) - The comics feature 3 stories (titles I was able to pick are: Nueve, RBC and Tell Yume).  It’s the first time I saw this comics. It also comes with a free comic too! The compilation reminds me of Culture Crash Comics with a Filipino twist of course. **rate: 3.75%**

4. Zombinoy (3rd issue folks!) - I may sound too bias (because of the theme), but the racial cleansing (whatever you call it) blows it.  It is too sensitive to tackle serious issues in just one sitting without offending anyone who’ll be offended. And this time around, reading this series will make you ask, ‘kelan ang susunod na issue?’. Overall, once again I enjoyed reading Zombinoy. It makes you feel like you’re watching a movie without going to a cinema.  Trivia: some news outlets just gave awesome feedback to the series.

 

Part 2 comes next

 

 

Unofficial Day of Fangirl-ism: Winter Komikon 2012

Komikon-related collectibles…errr….Not all.

It was a fun-filled day at Winter Komikon 2012. It is officially the day where you became someone you’ll never thought you’ve become.

If you’re a huge fan of Marvel, DC, Vertigo and independent comics, you’ll find yourselves enjoying the massive comics.  October 27th also became a day where you can have your favorite Pinoy comics signed by your favorite artist/s.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Before anything else, I’d like to say that the recently concluded Komikon was enjoyable. And it’s not just about the latest Happy Camping collective I’ve done; but also because of one booth that might change your life… Presenting: Flirt (and it’s not what you think). Flirt by the way, is a new card game where the elements of love is involved. I tried the game, but didn’t win because…it was a card game. haha.

The interesting part was you can get a free pin once you sign up and ready for a card challenge. If you have any love or relationship problems,  you can visit Dr. Flirt (he’s a professional relationship counselor according to them). Other items like comics and keychains were also available by the way.

Well, aside from pins free, there were also free preview comics like Dark Reflections and Mang Jose (from Parokya Ni Edgar’s Mang Jose). In addition, Flipreads also set up a kiosk for free Kubori Kikiam comics too! I got mine and it was sent by the way via email.  How was I able to acquire an ebook? I just went Flipreads booth and have it loaded via Android tablet

Unluckily, I wasn’t able to catch Kamikazee’s performance (I left early) and took more pictures! Darn! Anyway, it was a fun-filled day and my fangirl side have unveiled.

Comics will be posted in the next entry! Byeee!

 

DIM 2012: I Did It, Hooray!

It was a rainy Saturday morning when Digital Influencers Marketing Summit 2012 started. By that time, I was rushing from home to SM Moa then walked to the venue (SMX Convention Center) and viola! In time for registration.

Digital Influencers Marketing Summit 2012 official identification and shirt

Anyway, the event started with an introduction. Mind you, it’s not just ‘Hi, my name is xxx and I’m blah blah blah…’ All of the participants are game to have their most creative and intros. From that start, I’ve realized that the day should be spent wisely as a lot of networking opportunities and discussions would take place.

From one of the pics I stored. My first attempt for a good shot wasn’t that successful enough. From the first topic open floor discussion.

The first session was the introduction of Top Emerging Influential Bloggers. Basically, it was all about the growing trends of top contenders for influential bloggers according to year published. Among the popular ones I’ve recalled are: PinayThrillseeker (with an inspiring story, by the way), When In Manila, The Urban Walker, Unsugarcoated Reviews, Life After Breakfast and a lot more. Soon after the backgrounder of Top Emerging Influential Bloggers, came the Hitting Page 1: How Influencers and Brand Advocates are Shaping Search Engine Results, with Mr.. Gary Viray and Mr. Tof Salcedo as resource speakers.

After the discussion, the recently passed Cybercrime Law and Data Privacy Law was discussed next. Topic’s resource speaker is Atty. Jj Disini. Since the program started late, the topic still preceded and participants blasted questions as to how to protect themselves from getting liable from these said laws. Questions asked  by participants are usually in two or more, but still Atty. Disini was able to address their concerns thoroughly.

From one of the open forums (in no particular order)

One of the speakers, discussing something about The Influencer Transformation

In the afternoon, series of pitches were openly discussed. Their advocacies were truly something that we all should take a look and probably join their causes in the long run. And also, afternoon topics were interesting to learn. Such topics include Influencer Transformation and Brand Love (I didn’t have a good photo to attest).

By the way, Granton World, one of the event’s sponsor was able to share some good news to the audience. And awarding ceremonies for the Top Emerging Influencial Bloggers followed. Winners by the way were given opportunity to speak about their blog and bits of info about themselves.

Yay! I got this coupon from Granton World booth at DIM2012

To wrap this entry: to the organizers of DIM2012, congratulations for a job well done. Hopefully, more Digital Influencers Marketing Summit in the next years to come. Thank you for the day and good memories with newfound acquaintances too

 

 

The Expendables 2: Ensemble of Awesomeness

image source: filmofilia.com

If you’re an avid follower of action stars with the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Chuck Norris, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Yu Nan, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Chuck Norris, and Liam Hemsworth – this movie is the right one to look forward

The Expendables 2 obviously by the way is the sequel of the first. If you find the first installment as something with no direction, this one says otherwise and something with humor. In addition, there are also personal references to cast. For instance, Dolph Lundgren and the Chemical Engineering reference and the ever epic Chuck Norris pop culture reference as well.

image: calitreview.com

Compared to the last installment, this could be a good angle since we’re so used to action flicks with no solid story. The ensemble is awesome, considering the fact that majority of the cast are big time action stars. The addition of Maggie (Yu Nan) makes the casting kinda cool. Hemsworth addition is okay too.

But hey, here are some suggestions for castings (hopefully if there’s third installment, IF EVER):

• Samuel Jackson
• Michael Fassbender
• Daniel Craig
• Chris Hemsworth
• Collin Farrell
• Gerard Butler
• Vin Diesel

As for the latest, rumors for the third installment is currently ongoing. Watch out for the news

**Rate: 3.85/5**

Google Classroom finally Making its Way in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines – Wide-Out Workforces Inc. in recent years has shown the best quality services that they have to offer.

That’s not all..

Recently, Wide Out Workforces Inc, in partnership with Google brings Google Classroom, a five day extensive day seminar which will take place this September 24-28, 2012 (venue: tba).

The said event will be open for practitioners which will draw significance in the role of Google AdWords and Analytics in Digital Advertising field. Also, this event will give thorough, extensive topic coverage, and best practices that Google has to offer in digital advertising age.

Since Google Classroom aims to bring the latest best practices in Google Adwords and AdSense, following topics will be covered:

Google AdWords (2 days)

1. Introduction to Online Advertising and Google AdWords

2. Understanding Online Statistics

3. Developing Quality Keyword Lists

4. Tracking Ad Performance

5. Advertising in a Down Economy

6. Keyword List Optimization

7. How to use AdWords Editor

8. Understanding ROI (Return Of Investment)

Google Analytics (Span of 3 days)

1. Getting started with Google Analytics

2. Understanding Traffic Sources, Content, Visitors, Goals and E-commerce, Actionable sights and the Big Picture

3. Best Practices: Clean Data

4. Analytics Intelligence

5. Advanced Segments

6. Best Practices: Advertising and Marketing

7. Best Practices: Engagement and Conversion

8. Sharing with the Organization

9. How Google Analytics Work

10. Google Analytics Code

11. Administration

12. Measuring Conversion, Traffic, Content and Visitors

13. Managing Cookies and Tracking

14. Extracting Data

This event will be a suitable venue for digital advertisers, digital marketing strategists and consultants in learning the breakthroughs of Google products.

For information and details, head on to: http://www.wideout.com/google-classroom
or drop a line here.

###

The Dictator: No-Holds Barred Comedy

Last friday, former colleagues and yours truly decided to watch The Dictator, a movie starring Anna Farris, Sacha Baron Cohen with the special cameo of Megan Fox herself.

Basically, the story is all about a dictator from the made-up Republic of Wadiya. Mr. Cohen portrayed the character of General Aladeen, the childish and anti-western character. The setting was really grandiose. Typically, we perceived dictators as powerful, selfish and creepy. The characterization in the movie shown the other side of them, making General Aladeen easily relateable to bachelors perhaps?

Anna Farris, on the other hand plays Zoe, the love interest of Cohen (in the movie). For some, Anna Farris might be a familiar sight from the usual comedy flicks, playing a hot mess character. Their team-up for the movie is very much commended. Theirs was a hilarious, hot mess and probably bolder from the usual comedy formula flicks we’ve watched over the years.

Overall, the movie was hilarious. If you’re unfamiliar with Sacha Baron Cohen’s satirical nature of comedy, I suggest that you have to watch Borat or Bruno before jumping in this one.

** Rate: 3.75/5

Indie Comics Review 1/2

Hiya!

Previously, I posted some titles of indie comics I bought at Indieket. Now, let’s proceed with the short reviews shall we?

1. Kanto Inc.  -  Among the series I bought from Indieket, it’s been one of my favorites so far. The comic series is cool and the characters as well. I can’t wait to have another one. Basically, the series is all about a newly employed girl working at a call center. The unexpected twist of events happened when she was expelled at the company she’s working. Luckily, all’s been in her favor when she was accepted as computer tutor to quirky Isaac.  **Rate: 4/5

2. Crime Fighting Call Center Agents –  Unluckily, I wasn’t able to catch the first issue because I came late. Since. I’m all intrigued by the title (cover comics looked promising), I just bought the second issue and buy the first issue by next time.  Honestly, what I liked about the series is that it’s different from the rest I’ve bought. Plus the fact that call center agents are the stars, that’s definitely something to look forward too. For now, I cannot rate it because of the reason that I haven’t had the first one. Gomen!

3. Pasig - I’m a fan of Culture Crash. For years now, I’ve been looking for their popularized series (and even the CCCom itself). I was fanatically reunited with the series when I bought again Pasig last summer Komikon. The series now is different – from the drawing style to storyline. But its impact to me as a fan is beyond incomparable.  For more information about the series, you can browse the story online. **Rate: 4/5

4. Zombinoy - Zombie Apocalypse is such a timely matter. Did you know that CDC has a campaign for such occurence? If you’re a fan of Shaun of the Dead or The Walking Dead, this series is definitely for you. With all honesty, I was doubtful at first. But after I bought the first issue, this became my favorite. Zombinoy is indeed for Zombie actions with a pinoy twist. The fact that there are current issues in the series make it more interesting. **Rate: 4/5

More reviews in the next post.

Good night!

Indieket 2012 Experience

It is my first time to attend the Indieket 2012, an event dedicated for independent comic artists to sell their comics. So if you’re a big fan of indies and main Pinoy comics such as Pasig, Sulyap, Pugad Baboy, Zombinoy, School Run, or just pinoy indie comics, this event should definitely be on your list.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Since last Summer Komikon wasn’t my luck, I tried looking for new indie comics to read *review raves later *. I was able to roam around and see promising indies. Since the stocks are limited, the next komikons or indiekets, attending the event earlier is truly the best deal here.

By the way, here are the titles that I bought earlier:

• Zombinoy #2 (I have the first issue. Yay!)
• Crime Fighting Call Center Agents issue 2 (Issue 1 is out of stock)
• Pugad Baboy comics Book one – It is an honor to finally have Sir Pol Medina sign my copy. I was able to follow some of the strips from PDI, by the way.
• Pasig – If you’re a fan of Culture Crash comics, this series shouldn’t be a miss out. Plus the fact that you get a chance to have a chat with Taga-Ilog and ask for the comeback of Culture Crash comics.
• The Days After the 13th – the series looks promising. I’ll take the comic into reading and come up with a review later.
• Seven Souls – Inspired by Trese, the series looked good as well. As mentioned above, I’ll take the comic into reading and come up with a review later.
• Tabak the Alamat
• Kanto Inc
• Mukat
• Kubori Kikiam

Overall, my indieket experience is truly worth it. I got the chance to meet comic artists and comic enthusiasts as well.  To quote one of the indie comics sign located in one of the booths:  Buy a comics. Win a friend

Comic reviews on next post, coming up!

 

 

.