An Exercise in Plagiarism

Please, a little journalism can go a long way. Not like this. Here’s the original blog article by Byahilo on Calea cakes dated some time in 2006 (which by the way I have to agree is really yummy — click to enlarge):

byahilo_blog

And here’s the article in the Philippine Star, dated May 16 2009 (click to enlarge):

philstar_blog

Byahilo’s version:

This cakeshop first opened its doors beside the L’ Fisher Hotel in Lacson Street. In no time, words spread like wildfire. Loyal patrons immediately grew in number, thus, the need for a larger space. Calea, then opened their second store at the Robinson’s Place in Mandalagan Bacolod City. And just recently, they also opened their third branch at the East Block, along the Circumferential Road. So what’s with Calea, anyway? To explain it directly, it’s one of a kind. No Metro Manila cakeshop could ever beat the cakes of Calea. Compare it head-to-head with Goldilocks or Red Ribbon, and you’ll know what I mean. And their cakes are cheaper too! Cheesecakes are pegged between 50-58 pesos per slice depending on the type of the cake. My personal favorites are the Blueberry Cheesecake and the Oreo cheesecake. Their Oreo Cheesecake is far more superior than that of Starbucks. So when you get a chance to visit Bacolod City, never dare miss the cakes of Calea.

Philippine Star author’s version:

The cake shop first opened its doors beside the L’ Fisher Hotel in Lacson Street. In no time, word spread out like wildfire. Loyal patrons immediately grew in number; thus, the need for a larger space. Calea then opened their second store at the Robinson’s Place in Mandalagan, Bacolod City. And just recently, they also opened their third branch at the East Block, along the Circumferential Road. So what’s with Calea, anyway? It’s one of a kind. No Metro Manila cake shop could ever beat the cakes of Calea. And their cakes are cheaper, too (pegged between Php50-65 per slice)! My personal favorites are the cheesecake and the lemon torte cake. So when you get a chance to visit Bacolod City, never dare miss the cakes of Calea.

No s#it, Sherlock!

Animoto Powered: Samsung Metrowear Fashion Press Conference

I’m trying out a new video service called Animoto. What it basically is: SLIDE.COM on steroids. With three clicks of the mouse you can create hardcore video slideshows similar to those you see on television. Here are some photos I took from the Samsung Metrowear press conference a few weeks ago at Ascend, Bonifacio High Street.

Animoto allows for a free 30 second sample slideshow but to avail of longer, full length videos, you will have to pay a small fee of $3.00 per reel. However, you can also avail of the all-access pass that allows you to create an unlimited number of full length videos a year with the ability to download them onto your computer. I say, this is definitely one of the best USD $30.00 purchases I can think of!

* Here’s another Animoto vid I made for the Samsung 2008 Mobile Roadshow.

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Mostly Everything

43rd Anvil Awards Afterthoughts: Experience Philippines

Happy Slip

I am lucky to have been a involved as a juror for the 43th Anvil Awards. As one of the judges of the Interactive Media category I was able to have a rare glimpse into the current state of Philippine public relations and marketing campaigns, specifically in the Online Tools of PR division.

This is the first of several afterthoughts on winning noteworthy marketing campaigns worth sharing with everyone.

Experience Philippines: Department of Tourism

What it is:
The Department of Tourism issues 250 free round trip tickets to the Philippines for 3rd and 4th generation Filipinos in the USA. The objective is to get them to explore, enjoy, fly home, and come back dragging more friends to see the many wonders this country has to offer.

Why it is notable:
It is quite a feat to have a government arm thinking of something quite of the box. Amidst the many government controversies we’re hearing, the DOT is doing amazing “non-dinosaur” things that directly promotes the country’s tourism. For bloggers, the most notable event was when the DOT shipped Christine “HappySlip” Gambito for a meet and greet and had her serve as an ambassador for the Experience Philippines campaign.

FInal thoughts:
Although the website obviously needs some work, I’d still say that it isn’t about how you do it, but more about the results. The Experience Philippines campaign is still a good example of how we can think of out of the box ways to promote our sexy country. Special thanks to Yehey! for doing a lot of the legwork to make this a reality.

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Recapitulating 2007 in bursts

The year 2007 began with fearful undertones as I had just left my “day job” and decided to go full time into the world of freelancing. As it turns out, I made the right choice. 2007 showered this blogger with a lot of blessings (and blessings in disguise) and looking back, this was a pivotal year in terms of career. Maybe 2008 will be pivotal in terms of my love life. Heh. 🙂

Attended and helped organize more than 30 events that had participation from new media editors (aka bloggers).

Turned my photography hobby into a relevant income stream. I don’t really advertise it as I mostly shoot by request for friends in the advertising and PR industry. They usually get me for food shoots.

I was on a plane ten times this year. Most were trips for the press. Two or three were for leisure. Two were at Boracay 🙂

Gave a significant number of talks and presentations that were mostly new media related. These talks were divided among blogging and new media conferences, advertising agencies and

Formed my first company in mid-November 2007 with Markku and another friend. Most of it has to do with local non traditional advertising. So yeah, I own an advertising company.

Co-organized the first Philippine Blog Awards. Honestly though, most of the work was done by Gail, Yuga as well as the blogger-volunteers who helped out with the program.

Appeared on television once or twice this year. Also finally got into doing podcasts and online video as an experiment to get comfortable with the medium.

Launched or repackaged 6 new blogs with b5media. I’ll be launching two more in the next few weeks for the technology channel.

The Blog and Soul Movement was founded and has grown into a volunteer group that helps educators and students understand blogging as a relevant communication tool.

Got to know a lot of great bloggers this year. Special mention goes to the guys and gals from the Man Blog who have become a staple in my monthly leisure exercises.

Nokia Philippines took me in as a brand ambassador for the Nokia N82. Though December’s activities are expectedly slow, there will be a lot of things I’m going to help them with come January to April of 2008.

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Wrapping Up 2007 in Technology

Technology in 2007

For those of you bored in the office wondering why you’re still reporting to work at this odd time of the year, do grab a copy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer from Manong Guard and turn to the 2bu! section. I have a piece there that wraps up the highlights of technology in 2007. Consumer technology mostly, as it’s rather difficult to mention everything that happens in the entire industry. I focused more on how core competencies are shifting – Microsoft sucks at operating systems and does well in gaming for instance, as well as how the “elite” are now going mainstream with the aggressive move of Apple into consumer technology.

That’s all folks!