A Look Back : Google Past 15

Every few years, the internet enters a new paradigm.

Previously it was social. The era started with Friendster which gave in to Facebook. It was all about having as much friends and connections as possible.

Now the internet is all about sharing. Web pages are “liked”. Videos go viral. Comments are retweeted. With all the connections made during the social period, the next logical step is to share things with each other.

But before all of this, there was search. And the king of search is Google. Google has been synonymous with search as Coke is with beverage.

But what makes Google different?

How did it survive for so long and still remain on top?

LinkedIn: A Decade of Making Relationships Matter

The Philippines is a nation that loves social networks. It boasts the most number of users for then social network giant Friendster. It is the 8th most connected country for Facebook. But ask the average Filipino what LinkedIn is, and most probably one gets a blank stare.

That goes for any average user in any country.

Basically, LinkedIn is a social network.

It is not the usual social network people are accustomed to like Facebook. It brands itself as a network for professionals. People join LinkedIn not to talk about their personal lives but to connect with others to enrich and expand their business and career through networking.

It’s about knowing and meeting people within one’s own industry without leaving the office or attending conventions and seminars. Better yet, it’s connecting with like minded people.

With LinkedIn, people can find job openings related to their core competence, know the latest within their industry, and even ask peers for answers and advice.

As their slogan aptly puts it, it’s about making relationships matter.

The Cat in the Box - Schrodinger's Cat, Aliens, and the End of the World

Well, it seems we're coming into a slightly quiet season. After the summer, all seems down and droopy. So I just want to share some movies I have seen that may be worth your time.

I know it's all been done to shreds, these posts of interesting things to watch but heck, I still want to jump into that pool and share in the frolicks of pretension and superiority.

MOVIES

These past two months has me watching old movies, a splattering of new and new-ish ones. When I mean watch, I mean watch it from beginning to end without fast forwarding. Any movie I see that I have to wikipedia through the plot and jump to the end does not count.

For oldies, I watched 1978's Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Boogie Nights. The two really don't have a common thread except of course they were both set in California (San Fernando Valley for Boogie, San Francisco for Snatchers) but both movies in a way, portend change; how we deal with it. I know it is a stretch to say that an alien invasion and a movie about the porn industry are both saying change is inevitable but for me, it does.

Pushing the Limits of Wearable Technology

"I quit wearing a watch... My cell phone has a clock so I don't need it."
Chuck (Paul Rudd)
Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Wearable strain sensors

The world is fascinated with modern technology. Everyone has an insatiable need to keep up with it. But what do people look for when it comes to what technology has to offer?

From the early 1970s to the early 2000s, the direction was for portability. Phones now are no bigger than a pack of cigarettes, computers are small enough to fit in a lady's purse, and thousands of files can now be stored in usb drives the size of a thumb. With most gadgets becoming smaller, powerful, and multifunctional, portability has run its course as a selling factor for devices.

As technology approaches the nanoscale, devices are getting smaller and smaller that it can now be integrated into the clothes people wear. This advancement in science and engineering is known as Wearable Technology.

Longevity Measured In Three Stripes

Wear the boot that Lionel Messi uses.

A running shoe with foam cushioning material that provides more energy return than any other in the running industry today.
An all around athletic shoe with technology that allows for 36-degree cooling for the entire foot.

Adidas is constantly incorporating the newest in material technology and structural design to bring out the best in sport performance.

Technology evolves continuously. New materials are created that enhance performance and Adidas is always at the forefront. From lightweight and sturdy materials, cutting edge support, and all around style, Adidas is at pace with incorporating this into their products.

But one thing has been a staple that technology cannot change. The three stripe logo of Adidas has been around since the inception of the company and will always be there.

Recovering After a Stroke: A Patient and Family Guide Consumer Guide : A review

Available online, the “Recovering After a Stroke: A Patient and Family Guide Consumer Guide” by the US Agency for HealthCare Research and Quality published May 1995 is a very handy and useful tool to consult about caring for a loved one who suffered a stroke.

As defined in the guide, “A stroke is a type of brain injury. Symptoms depend on the part of the brain that is affected. People who survive a stroke often have weakness on one side of the body or trouble with moving, talking, or thinking. Most strokes are ischemic (is-KEE-mic) strokes. These are caused by reduced blood flow to the brain when blood vessels are blocked by a clot or become too narrow for blood to get through. Brain cells in the area die from lack of oxygen. In another type of stroke, called hemorrhagic (hem-or-AJ-ic) stroke, the blood vessel isn't blocked; it bursts, and blood leaks into the brain, causing damage.”

Education and Social Networks: The MOOC

An often touched upon subject with regards to social networks is its added value to the person. The word "value" in terms of social media is often associated to business and brand building.

Promotions and marketing programs of brands and business, status updates of friends and loved ones, general news and social concerns make up a majority of the content social media delivers.

But what about the well-being and growth of a person? How can social media contribute to this?

Massive Online Open Courses or MOOC may be the answer.

Early last year, MIT and Harvard announced a collaboration to offer free online education to people anywhere in the world. The edX program is an interactive learning program delivered via the web.

The difference with the MOOC and traditional online courses is that MOOCs are usually free, open to anyone and that the enrollment is not limited to a certain number of students. It is also different from previous free lectures offered by universities in that at the end of the course, the student earns a certificate of completion from the participating university.

Last fall, around 370,000 persons enrolled for the edX program. 46,000 in one subject alone (a course on machine learning).

Creativity In Philippine Advertising During The Martial Law Years

During the martial law years in the Philippines, one peculiar aspect of this period is the presence of free enterprise. “Free” being used loosely in this context. People were allowed to foster and grow a business. Some may say that as long as it is under the radar from cronies and the ruling government, the business is relatively safe. Unlike present dictatorships, such as North Korea and Iran, where images of impoverished citizens completely smothered by government are top of mind, the Philippines had a certain duality in its application and definition of a dictatorial government. Freedom of speech was oppressed yet, in a certain way, freedom of expression was allowed.

Some of the best movies made were during the Martial Law era. As a popular saying goes, oppression breeds creativity. Stories and themes were layered enough that the political commentary, if there was one, was not obvious enough to capture attention.

During the time, television, movies, radio and print media were censored. In fact, the first order of President Marcos when Martial Law was declared was the "take over and control of all privately owned newspapers, magazines, radio and television facilities and all other media communications." With the channels for advertising under government control, did it affect the advertising industry the way it conducted its business? This is in the context on how commercials and print ads are made.

According to Norman Agatep, Managing Director of Euro RSCG Philippines - 4As, government “instructed the private sector to clean its act up” which led to the founding of the Advertising Board of the Philippines (Adboard) in 1974. Its purpose is to self regulate the industry to ensure that government won’t stifle its growth and disrupt the business. The Adboard provided a stronger voice to work for the benefit of the entire industry and to stabilize the relationship between advertisers and the media. At that time, there was not much cooperation among the pillars of the industry.

A bulk of the income of media comes from advertising. But in the time of Martial Law they still have a line to toe. Obviously, there are certain themes and subjects that are hands off when it comes to media. Some of these are the criticism of government, putting the country in bad light, highlighting the oppressive nature of government, etc. But aside from the founding of Adboard, how much did martial law affect the advertising industry?

SOCIAL CAUSES GOES SOCIAL

Years ago, a social cause starts at the local level and in time goes up the chain of national or even global consciousness. This grassroots movement has been the backbone of most social, political, and environmental projects in terms of propagating the advocacy (the message). That was until social networks such as Facebook and You Tube.

The idea behind using a social network to promote an advocacy is still the same as starting with a grassroots movement. One spreads the message to a core audience and this group propagates it down to their own circles and so on and so forth.

The difference with something like Facebook is technology. Creating content is easy as typing it in and sending it out. No more printing press, media coverage, or even posters needed to propagate it. Spreading the message further is as easy as just clicking the “Like” button. The penetration from grassroots to mainstream using social networks can almost be immediate, Kony and SM Baguio being prime examples.

A Ugandan and Pine Trees

Last March, A group called Invisible Children released a video about a Ugandan war criminal, Kony. In a span of three weeks, the video went viral and garnered over 100 million views, 86 million of that in You Tube alone. The whole world suddenly knew about Kony. World governments, including the US started to take action.

Prior to the video, Kony was unknown outside of Uganda. The Kony 2012 movement shed light on the criminal and it is said that half of the youth in the US alone, knew about Kony.

A month later, in local events, a local mall in Baguio city started operations to cut down 200 pine trees to make room for a parking lot. Overnight, Facebook and Twitter were flooded with messages denouncing the operations. The resulting reaction halted the tree cutting and SM to proclaim their advocacy to green projects.

Voices Carry, Money Follows

The examples above showed the power of social networks. It can accomplish propagation in a manner of days what traditional methods would take weeks or even months to do; at a fraction of the cost to do it. Inversely, social networks garner more donations per user compared to traditional ones.

According to the 2012 Nonprofit Social Network Benchmark Report, the average value garnered from one person pressing “LIKE” is US$3.50 in one month and exponentially to US$214 in 12 months.

A concrete example of this is Karen Klein. Klein, who is a 68 year old school bus monitor in the US was featured in a YouTube video being bullied by the students she was tasked to look after. Hurtful and offensive words were hurled at her in the ten minute clip which garnered eight million views. Max Sidorov of Toronto Canada initiated a donation drive in the website, indiegogo.com. His goal is to raiseUS$5,000 for Karen to take a vacation.

As of June 25, Klein has received US$682,000 in donations from viewers who were touched by her plight. She plans to use the money to retire, go on vacation, and help out her family.

The Science Behind Social

To understand the flow of propagation in social networks, we have to look at three rules; Pareto’s Principle, The Law of Diminishing Returns, and the 1% rule. Pareto’s Principle states that the majority of an action is done by the minority of inputs. It is also known as the 80-20 rule. 80% of an effect is caused by 20% of the action.

The Law of Diminishing Returns in social network terms suggest that the more the message is propagated, the percentage of sharers decrease. It must be noted that it is not the actual of shares that go down but the percentage of people who share it relative to the total users reached. But in time, it will reach a point where there will be no shares done anymore.

The 1% rule is similar to Pareto’s principle but is specific to the internet culture. The rule states that only 1% of people who have been exposed to the message will actually participate. Participation here should not be confused to sharing. Sharing in this context means to push the message to one’s social circle (pressing the LIKE button). Participating is being involved actively in the cause which is more than just pressing “LIKE” or sharing, the term “engaging the user” is usually applied here.

To put it simply, a facebook message is shared by 20% of the recipients to their own social circles. As the message spreads, the number of shares goes down. And out of everyone who shares the message, only 1% will truly participate.

It is said that the average shelf life of a Facebook message is 18 hours. Video posts increases shelf life at an average 16% while photos and images at 9%. If that message is not shared within that time frame, it expires and likely to be forgotten.

Propagation should start from the beginning and if it doesn’t catch on within 18 hours, it can be considered a failed attempt.

Sustainability

One thing that is still a mystery with social causes in Facebook is sustainability. The overall theory behind the science shows real low numbers and slow participation. Even with a successful launch and initial reaction, there is a wall that everyone hits; sustaining the message.

Kony 2012 garnered 100 million views and gained worldwide attention. Invisible Children did a follow up video the next month called Kony 2012 Part 2: Beyond Famous. It only garnered 2 million views.

SM Baguio’s Pine Tree Incident is hardly top of mind with people these days. Even if the issue is still in the courts and is not yet truly resolved, there is not much buzz about it anymore.

This does not take away the fact that there were positive changes that resulted in the initial attempts. There were. But there comes a point that even the most important causes will subside from mainstream interest and will revert back to the grassroots.

Social Lessons

Social carries big numbers; 900 million registered Facebook users, Youtube video uploads of an average 72 hours of video per minute, and twitter feeds at 100,000 tweets per minute. Given these, it is a big and important channel to take advantage for propagation.

But to utilize these effectively, one must step out of the box and strategize it outside of traditional methods. Content doesn’t have to be slick and well made, what’s important is substance. Propagation should be almost instant and should be monitored from the beginning. But most of all, users should find something from it they can relate to or find interesting or relevant.

Kony 2012 showed how far a message can go, SM Baguio showed how fast it can hit mainstream, and Karen Klein saw how fruitful it can be.

Digital Marketing: A New Paradigm

In 1962, sociologist Everett Rogers, popularized the theory of Diffusion of Innovations. This theory tries to explain how, why, and at what rate new ideas and technology spread through cultures. In marketing terms, it’s a theory to predict how the purchase of expensive, durable goods such as cars and refrigerators will spread.

It seems that with the coming of digital marketing, the theory falls short. The diffusion of high tech websites and apps is believed to occur in a different way.
Researchers at MIT believe that the diffusion of these digital products and services are different since

1. The products are offered either free or low cost
2. It entails minimal risk to the user in using the product
3. The product is only useful if people join and share it with others

Further research concludes that even if the medium is digital, the roots and driving force behind it will always be location based social networks and traditional media attention. Popular apps or websites just don’t become popular overnight. It takes time, effort, and the right people to bring it to the forefront.

The most important question for every digital activity is “Who will be the right person or network to adopt the program for it to go viral?”

The Twitter Model

A case in point is Twitter. In 2006 when twitter started in San Francisco, there were only a few hundred users worldwide. That changed in April 2009 when actor Ashton Kutcher challenged CNN to see who could first collect 1 million Twitter followers. On April 17, Ashton won. That same day, he appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s show where she also sent her first tweet.

The next day, Twitter was everywhere. The story was all over the news wires, people started joining the social network and Twitter never looked back.

Sociologists have started to rethink the theory of Diffusion of Innovations in a different way when it comes to digital efforts. Most marketing studies will look at news media as a constant but looking at the twitter model, it wasn’t. Three years after it was launched, news media about it spiked because of the attention it got from the public. And the more the news was shared, the more Twitter grew popular.

Local Efforts

Local companies have also entered the digital fray. Their products expand their service and coverage, entertain, and some even bring friends closer together. Whether the campaign is a hit or a miss will depend on the user/consumer base supporting it.

The clearer the companies can adapt to a new paradigm of Diffusion of Innovations, the faster they can construct a solid viral campaign. The first things to study are the numbers.

How connected is the Philippines?

Looking at the Digits

According to global research company, TNS, 45% of surveyed Filipinos are connected to the Internet. 36% listen to the radio, 12% read newspapers and 4% read magazines. Also, 12% are accessing the Internet through smartphones.

Even communications are experiencing a revolution of sorts. 81% of surveyed families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) use the internet (thru various sites and apps as Skype, Messenger, etc.) as their primary way of communicating with each other. 77% use mobile phones and 24% use landline phones.

The survey covered 1000 respondents throughout urban areas from the ABCD socio-economic classes.

Bank of the Philippine Islands

Looking at the services BPI offers in its websites and smartphone apps, it is easy to surmise that the direction of BPI is to make banking with them easier, accessible, and simple. They already have an existing user base from their depositors.
Online banking with BPI is truly a great experience. Their services range from loading a prepaid phone with credits, ordering food from McDonalds to buying cinema tickets. Paying bills is easy with just one click of a button.

The experience is like having one’s own BPI branch open 24/7 at home.

Applying for the available services requires visiting the bank and filling up a form, a bit tedious but understandable. It adds a strong layer of security that ensures a safe and clean transaction every time. Once everything is set up, it’s all smooth sailing from there.

The services are also available as an app for the mobile phone. It gives the user portability and accessibility to his or her account.

Bayantel

Bayantel’s internet personality is Lola Techie, a computer savvy, hardcore game playing, social network guru grandmother. It’s a clear message that the internet is accessible and can be fun for anyone regardless of age and gender.

In line with this campaign, Bayantel is offering online courses that teach the old (and young) the basics of being part of an internet driven society. From learning what a computer is to sending out an email, the campaign is to reign in the market demographic that although stubborn to learn new things, will eventually become loyal users who will accept no alternatives.

An earlier program that is parallel from this premise is their other service, the GIL@S program. Short for Gearing Up Internet Literacy and Access for Students, the GIL@S program’s aim is to connect all the public schools in the Philippines to the internet by providing free DSL connections.

As an Internet provider, Bayantel is naturally targeting the market who would most want to subscribe to them, the young and the old. With Lola Techie drawing in public attention and media presence, the brand itself is in line to convert subscribers to their services.

NESCAFE

The Internet and coffee will always be linked together at the hips. Coffee shops abound with laptop carrying netizens browsing the internet while having their favorite coffee based beverage of choice.

Even the early places that offer internet services are called Internet Cafes.
Nescafe understands this relationship and increased the user’s engagement by offering apps and services that connected friends and family even more.

The only branded page in the Philippines that was included in the global list of Top 100 Engaging Brands on Facebook, the Philippines’ Nescafe Facebook Page has over 1.2 Million fans. Averaging 1000 likes and 300 comments per post, the Nescafe Facebook Page continually captures attention by engaging fans in joining the conversation in posts but without overtly being too commercial. A recent post asks, “Life is an everyday celebration. What are you celebrating?” It is such an upbeat question that it’s hard not to put one’s comment in it.

Other online applications and promos are the Nescafe 143 app that allows users to say “I love you” to friends online. The Nescafe Hit the Spot app allowed fans to share personal Nescafe Classic cup preparation stories. And the Nescafe Youmeoke brings out the Filipinos love for songs and pictures allowing users to create a slideshow of photos in Facebook with accompanying music.

Understanding the Filipinos love for friendship, song, and camaraderie, Nescafe has achieved a true digital relationship between brand and technology which of course translates to brand recognition and most importantly sales.

Customer Zero

As with all campaigns, the success will always rely on that one person or network that will propagate the message. With Twitter, it was Aston Kutcher in 2009. In the local scene, the face of the internet can arguably be Lola Techie.

Still young in the digital game, local digital efforts will experience peaks and valleys in terms of user engagement. The direction of BPI is to expand and simplify banking, Bayantel aims to educate and propagate internet usage, and Nescafe’s aim is to make the internet experience fun and engaging. Each has a solid platform and a growing user base.

It took Twitter three years to capture 13.5% of the population. 13.5% according to MIT is what they termed as critical mass for a digital campaign. The Philippines is far from achieving critical mass in all its local efforts. But with each step, advertisers and marketing gurus slowly understand the new shift in Diffusion of Innovations when applied to the local scene.

Given the right person and right timing, It may be just a few months before that one true app breaks through the barrier and take the throne.

NASA Terra Satellite Observes New Storm Hitting Philippines

NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Tropical Storm Kai-tak, located just off the east coast of the Philippines on Aug. 13 at 0230 UTC (Aug. 12 at 10:30 p.m. EDT).
Credit: Credit: NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Response Team

NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Tropical Storm Kai-tak affecting the northern Philippines on August 13 as the storm heads toward China for a final landfall.

Warnings are already in effect in part of the Philippines. Tropical storm Kai-tak is the fourteenth tropical cyclone of the western North Pacific season. On August 13 at 11 a.m. EDT, Kai-tak had maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph/74 kmh). It was located approximately 290 nautical miles (334 miles/ 537 km) east-Northeast of Manila, Philippines, has tracked west-southwestward at 11 knots (12.6 mph/20.3 kmh). The storm is called "Helen" in the Philippines, and its close proximity has caused the issuance of warnings.

Public storm warning signal #1 is in effect for the Luzon provinces: Apayao, Cagayan, Babuyan, Quirino, Aurora, Isabela, Kalinga, and the Batanes and Calayan group of islands. Public Signal #1 means winds between 28-37 mph (45-60 kmh) can be expected.

Public Storm Signal 2 is in effect for Isabela and Cagayan, where winds between 37-62 mph (61-100 kmh) can be expected. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Adminstration, known as PAGASA, caution residents living in low lying and mountainous areas that flash flooding and mudslides are possible from the heavy rainfall. In addition, residents living along the coasts are being cautioned against large waves or storm surges.

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument onboard NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Tropical Storm Kai-tak, located just off the east coast of the Philippines on August 13 at 0230 UTC (Aug. 12 at 10:30 p.m. EDT). Satellite imagery showed that the convection (rising air that forms the thunderstorms that make up the tropical storm) have strengthened around the center of the storm. The MODIS image was created at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. by the MODIS Rapid Response Team.

Kai-tak is moving along the southern edge of a subtropical ridge, which is an elongated area of high pressure. Kai-tak will move northwestward and slowly intensify, passing through the Luzon Strait, while its center stays at sea, north of Luzon, the Philippines.Kai-tak is expected to make landfall north of Hong Kong on August 16. Although forecasters at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center expect Kai-tak to strengthen, it is expected to weaken before making landfall because of cooling ocean heat content and wind shear.

RELATED LINKS

NASA sees Tropical Storm Kai-tak brushing the Philippines
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Possible Storm Formation In Philippines Detected By NASA Terra Satellite

When NASA's Terra satellite passed over System 93W on July 27, 2012 at 10:14 p.m. (local time/Manila, Philippines) the center of the low appeared almost cloud-free, while broken bands of thunderstorms appeared to surround it from north to west to south.
Credit: NASA/NRL

A low pressure system in the western North Pacific has caught the eye of forecasters and several satellites as it continues to organize. NASA's Terra satellite captured a view of System 93W's clouds as they continue to appear more organized.

System 93W appears poised to become tropical storm Saola over the next two days if the organization continues. At 1400 UTC (10 a.m. EDT/U.S.; 10 p.m. Asia/Manila local time) System 93W had maximum sustained winds near 20 knots (23 mph/37 kmh). It was located about 395 nautical miles (454.6 miles/731.5 km) east-southeast of Manila, the Philippines, near 12.7 North latitude and 127.6 East longitude.

When NASA's Terra satellite passed overhead on July 27, 2012 at 1414 UTC (10:14 a.m. EDT/U.S.; 10:14 p.m. local time/Manila, Philippines) the Moderate Resolution Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument captured an infrared image of the low pressure area. The center of the low appeared almost cloud-free, while broken bands of thunderstorms appeared to surround it from north to west to south. The northeastern side of the storm appeared to be lacking in clouds.

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted that "upper level analysis indicates the vertical wind shear has weakened as the storm motion became in-phase with the upper level winds." Weaker wind shear enables a low pressure area to strengthen, because it is not being battered by outside winds. In addition, sea surface temperatures are warm enough to contribute to the formation of a tropical depression (over 26.6 Celsius/80 Fahrenheit).

As a result of the weaker wind shear and improved banding of thunderstorms around the low's center, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center gave System 93W a "high chance" for becoming a tropical depression over the weekend of July 28-29.

Meanwhile, another low pressure system in the western North Pacific has a medium chance for development into a tropical depression. That low is located about 360 nautical miles (414 miles/666.7 km) east of Iwo-To, Japan, near 24.3 North and 147.8 East. On July 27, the showers and thunderstorms were being pushed to the east of the center due to wind shear.

LINKS

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
NASA sees organizing tropical low pressure area near the Philippines

Gadgets that Changed the World or Why Popular Mechanics Reads the Gospel According to John

Scroll down to see what I mean or read the intro to set it up.

I was asked to write about Popular Mechanics’ list of 101 Gadgets That Changed the World and the first thing that popped in my head was, “In the beginning was the word and the word was made flesh...” Not being a religious person despite years of Catholic education, I had to google the verse to see which book it’s from.

First off, I found out that I was wrong with my verse. Between “In the beginning…” and “the word was made flesh..” were 14 verses. It wasn’t just one sentence I believed it was for years and years. Second, the verse was from the Gospel According to John in the New Testament. And third, why is there a bible verse floating in my mind?

It can be gleamed that the random verse I picked up on had something to do with the gadgets in question. The 4 of the top 5 devices have something to do with communication; the PC, TV, radio, and the cellphone.

And there it was, we build things that help us communicate. Communicate across time, communicate across distance, and with the help of translation programs, communicate across language. In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was made digital.
From the printing press to the telegraph, from telegraph to telephone, from telephone to email; our evolution is always linked to a jump in communication technology. Wasn’t the Bible, the first book to be printed? And once again, I am back to The Word.
At this point, we are already near the boundaries of communication technology. Everything is within reach and is immediate. We can know all about the migratory habits of the North American Geese at the touch of a finger. We can email a scientist in the North Pole at the blink of an eye. We can even read a chapter of the New Testament at the push of a button.

Maybe, just maybe, because we are at the farthest we can go, we feel we can go no further?

Maybe that’s why thoughts of the end of the world are sprouting up everywhere.
“When Alexander the Great saw the breadth of his empire, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer”. I didn’t get that from ancient Greek historian Plutarch. I got it from Hans Gruber, Die Hard.

Are we as humans, constantly craving to communicate faster than we can every time? In the next 30 years, what innovation will we bring to further evolve communication, far advanced as it is now? It makes me really wonder. Do we have implants in our heads then? Will we be forever bound in a pod that connects us to a depersonalized world? Or can we communicate volumes with just the look of the eye?
Now back to the Gospel According to John. As a flight of fancy, the conspiracy theorist in me, decided to juxtapose the top 14 gadgets in ascending order with the 14 verses of John:



Typewriter
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Match
2 He was in the beginning with God.

Bicycle
3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

Dry Cell Battery
4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.

Light Bulb
5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Alarm Clock
6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.

Phonograph
7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.

Telephone
8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

Portable Air Conditioner
9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

Personal Computer
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

Hypodermic Syringe
11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.

Television
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

Radio
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Mobile/Smartphone
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

To be honest, I got a kick out of this. Who knew John 2000 years ago read the minds of the editors of Popular Mechanics? Or did the people of PM read John and tried to fit the gadgets to the word?
Regardless, our world is always changing. But each step forward, we all have one innate trait that pushes us forward and upward; we want to talk and we want to be heard.

Communication And The Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)

THE OFW: IF YOU TEXT US, DO WE NOT READ?

In any branch of science, the behavior of the subject is based on how it interacts and communicates with the environment; more so in the social sciences where a social relation or social interaction refers to a relationship between two or more individuals.

Looking at it in this perspective, life is about communication.

And there is no demographic that understands this more than an Overseas Filipino Worker. Working in solitude, away from friends and loved ones for extended periods of time, and surrounded with unfamiliar faces, the OFW appreciates communication.

With 11 Million OFWs spread across the world, it’s no surprise that the latest rankings show SMART and GLOBE ranked first and second, respectively, in global telecommunications in terms of proportion of revenues derived from data. Figures released for 2009 showed that the Philippines ranked number one in SMS messages with 2.63 Billion SMS messages sent.

Communication between OFWs and their families certainly contributed to that.

A Paradigm Shift

In the past two years, the communication platform has changed. Devices have crossbred with different technologies that it has blurred the lines on the limits of what a mobile phone or a personal computer can do. At this point, with cheaper prices, accessible services and powerful devices, there is no excuse in not communicating with someone halfway across the world.

With the advent of smartphones that can access the internet, and telcos providing internet services, there is a growing shift in communication habits. The latest 2011 data by TNS showed that 81% of families of Overseas Filipino Workers in the Philippines use the Internet as the primary communication platform. Mobile phone use is down to second place with 77%. Landline telephones which enjoyed a virtual monopoly a decade ago is down to 24%.

Even services offered are changing. Everyone has access to free VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) services like Skype. Gone are the days of 5 minutes of talk time worth hundreds of pesos. Now, with an internet connection, one can talk for hours on end without being charged for the call.

SMART Philippines understands this. By embracing this technology and being a part of it, they have become relevant to this growing trend. Raymond Anthony Samarista of SMART, says, “With SMART, ensuring that Internet access becomes increasingly pervasive is the key – by making it available in every area of the country, on whatever device is in the hands of our subscribers, and at price points that suit every budget. This is the central idea behind our advocacy ‘Internet for All’, that of enabling every Filipino to enjoy the benefits of the Internet – including access to services such as Skype and Facebook Chat…”

Constant Updating

Social Networks also have a major influence in the Philippines. According to Comscore, there are about 28 Million Internet users in the Philippines. 93.9% use Facebook. This makes the Philippines number 1 in the world in social network penetration.

With Social Networks, OFWs are constantly in touch with their families. They have immediate access to the latest uploaded photos of their loved ones, they get to see videos of family gatherings, and they get the latest happenings in and around the household.

But even with all this. Sometimes, a phone call is the right kind of medicine to an OFW.

Despite being fierce competitors, both GLOBE and SMART are putting up infrastructures all over the country to increase communication coverage and internet speed. Partnering with other telcos in other countries, GLOBE and SMART are stretching out, covering the world to the benefit of everyone, not just OFWs.

In 2011, Globe formed the International Business Group—a unit dedicated to growing the international business of Globe. Through partnerships with some of the world’s largest telecommunication companies like Hong Kong’s CSL, Maxis of Malaysia, Guam’s IT&E, Lebara and Taiwan Mobile, Globe offers SIM cards and prepaid call cards with the most affordable call and SMS rates to the Philippines. Globe also has a wide range of IDD and international SMS offers that enable families in the Philippines to stay in touch with overseas Filipinos.

It’s Everybody’s Game

It is not just the telecommunications companies that hold the OFW dear to heart. Even Coca Cola understands their importance both to the country’s economy and the loved ones waiting for them.

Last year, Coca Cola and their communications partner McCann Worldgroup Philippines collaborated to to launch a viral video contest, “Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project”. It featured the stories of three OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who came home in time to celebrate Christmas with their happily surprised families.

In a release, Coca Cola and McCann Worldgroup Philippines, articulated the OFW sentiment, “It is perhaps this familiarity, and the sincere happiness of the OFW families in the video that rocked Filipino netizens to the core. Barely 72 hours after two versions of the video (one in original format, and one with English subtitles) were posted on Coca-Cola’s YouTube channel, a combined total of 1,015,641 views were recorded, with almost 14 thousand likes and 3 thousand comments. The video content was a Trending Topic in Twitter for two days, with people actively sharing it on Facebook, Twitter and blogs. Reactions are mostly positive, describing it as heartwarming, touching and a tear-jerker. Messages of thanks and congratulations for Coca-Cola comprise most of the comments on social sites. It was on the country’s major news sites- even featured in the country’s leading primetime news show…”

The Filipino Touch

It’s safe to say that the majority of the population have embraced and understood the technology. Everyone anywhere is just a phone call or mouse click away. Cost for the first time, is not a major factor anymore.

The Philippines and our culture have a creative flair in our blood. We tend to see other uses for things that are a bit outside the box. After World War II, the boring army green Jeeps the US left was turned into colorful passenger jeepneys. In the early days, instead of wasting rocks used to hunt prey, a string was tied to it for easy retrieval; the yoyo. And with this far and advanced tool of technology, eBurol was conceived.

St. Peter eBurol is a service where the OFW can virtually attend the wake of a passed on friend or loved one. Because of contractual agreements or the element of time, not all OFW can just leave and go back to attend a funeral. Hence, with a webcam, a microphone, and an internet connection, an OFW can pay his or her last respects to a dearly beloved one.

Of the offered service, Rona Lucas of St. Peter Life Plan says, “Fortunately we have only had positive reactions to eBurol. Our clients attest that the wakes of their loved ones have been livelier, much less painful, and less sorrowful through the St. Peter e-Burol. The wakes have become a reunion among families who have not seen each other and been together for a long time. Our clients also tell us that the eBurol has been a great help in monitoring wake activities while they are at work.”

It goes to show that even in death, there is still no excuse not to reach out and touch someone.

The Big Picture

One must not forget the prime goal of an OFW; to earn and provide for his or her family. It cannot be argued that this is the main reason for leaving friends and loved ones behind.

Most if not all OFWs will cite financial reasons for working in another country. And with that being the case, banks also have services that cater to this market. Aside from standard programs such as overseas remittance and OFW loans, there are also services that are beneficial both to the bank and the OFW.

Philippine National Bank for instance has the Global Filipino Card. It is a reloadable debit card that can receive remittances from the OFW and can be withdrawn in any ATM with little or no charge at all. They also have a bills payment service where the OFW can pay for household and utility bills from anywhere in the world.

Bank of the Philippine Islands has the BPInoy Learning Series. The program, on its seventh year, continues to go around the country as it reaches out to the OFW families and provides them with the knowledge they need to take charge of their future - from the basics of saving and financial planning to managing their lives abroad and enabling them to take care of their families like they never left.

From hassle free and immediate banking services to long term financial planning, banks have always been around for the OFW. With the OFW being the largest dollar remitter for the country, it is assured that the banks will always provide support and help for the OFW.

The End Game

This started out as a study on communication and its importance to the OFW. And looking at all the companies and how they interact with the Overseas Filipino Worker, we see that communication is varied when it comes to services rendered.

It can be as straightforward as a phone call, a picture sent thru SMS or Facebook, or even a video posted on a website.

We also saw how emotions that an OFW and his family experiences thru a video and how this was communicated to millions across the country.

A new service was born to cater to those who lost a loved one.

Banks have come out of their shell and reached out to give additional support to them.

With the sacrifices and pitfalls the OFW goes through, there is an uneasy feeling to think of them as a consumer market. And even if they really are a demographic that is not to be ignored, it feels good to see that there are companies who don’t take advantage of their situation and give them the best service that they deserve.

In the end, to make an OFW smile, all one has to do is reach out and say hello.

THE DIGITAL EXPANSE: Digital Media and It's Role in Brand Building in the Philippines

Pauline Lao and Manolo Almagro both work in Jollibee, she as the Director for Marketing Communications and he, as Digital Initiatives Consultant. In a recent webinar, they talk about the digital media and its role in brand building.

Pauline Lao used to be the Director for Consumer Connections for Procter and Gamble for 17 years before she moved to Jollibee. She sites that the two companies have different requirements and setups when it comes to digital.

Manolo Almagro, who recently developed an integrated digital advertising strategy for Globe Telecoms, says that the movement is moving three times faster here than it is in the U.S. And as such, some of the brands are going to be left behind. The challenge is in investing in digital programs, which is a closed system.

THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Pauline explains that digital has changed the game for brands such as Jollibee and those under P&G. The digital landscape is undergoing an evolution. Technological innovations in internet, mobile marketing, and out of home programs are moving the medium’s boundaries.

Although 70% of the Philippine population still is not connected to the internet, this is rapidly changing. In three years time, Pauline sees the Philippine digital movement to be that of what Japan is today in terms of its digital campaigns.

Jollibee’s digital marketing is dependent on the campaign and the target audience. If the market is sophisticated, digital is the viable option. The ad spend of digital is less than what it is thought of to be, she adds.

She cites, Procter and Gamble’s Oil of Olay Total Effects. They included a digital component to the program such as an email and website but it was still heavily tilted towards PR. At that point, they were still learning about digital. Since Olay was a new category at that time, they had to be extra careful in the use of digital media. She concedes that they should have used more of it but were not as aware and educated with the medium to do so.

PREPARING TO GO DIGITAL

The role of digital in the overall marketing and the brand objective should be very clearly communicated to the agency partner working on it.

She notes that they are gearing up to doing more digital and it is a priority that will be taken up in a few short months. She thought it pretty cool to play a game like Bejeweled (a popular puzzle game like Tetris) but with Jollibee themed icons.

In preparing to go digital, a campaign’s success is always measured against its objective. If the objective is not clear from the start and no clear measure, then there is no clear measure of success.

Partner agencies in a digital campaign should have people who have strategic expertise and knows the brand position. The agencies themselves should have the capabilities to fulfill the requirement. Expertise in the digital field, thoroughness in execution and follow through is important. An excellent plan but with shallow or no execution will not work.

As such, familiarity with digital marketing is important to a marketer’s career today. Media is getting fragmented. Television may not even be the primary medium anymore; it could be mobile or the internet. Technology is running across and spreading and even becoming easier to handle. The priority is to capture the audience’s attention and make them fall in love with their brands.

EVOLUTION AND TRANSITION TO DIGITAL

Pauline adds that she is not a digital expert and is still learning as fast as anyone can learn it. It is an exciting channel and touch point. It’s even fun.
Partner agencies must go back to basics in understanding brands and objectives in the digital world.

Manolo adds that television is still dominant. But he sees that this, just like Pauline’s observation, will change.

For one, digital is actually cheaper than traditional media. It can work for small budgets. Digital campaigns can be adjusted to be big with a wide scope of services or a boutique type with small but targeted programs.

The important thing is not to wait for digital to go mainstream before investing in it. Now is the time to start learning digital and to start going to digital.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work

Quick Reminder: 27 April is World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

27 April will be the best day to review and talk about safety and maintaining healthy environment at work. Share some safety and health tips with your co-workers, address problems that may put each one at risk.

And most of all, don't just do it on that day. Everyone must be aware of safety and health at work each and every day.

Hard Times

It's really hard to put on a happy face. It's been so long since I could even say I was comfortable in life.

Mind you, these past few years have taught me to tighten my belt and constrict myself into imaginable positions just to get through. But the funny thing is, why am I not losing weight?

I read somewhere that the body starts to adjust and accumulate fat when one has an irregular eating schedule. Maybe that's the case. I guess, poverty isn't really a guaranteed way to lose weight.

But I'm digressing. Whenever I get into those periods of despair and desperation (wait, that's the same thing, right?), I just turn to writing it out. Truth to tell, I don't even know why I still have hope and faith that things will get better, cause from where I'm standing, it doesn't look good. We're talking of Titanic proportions here. No more lifeboats and the ship is sinking.

Every man for himself.

But I'm not built like that. I have to hope. I have to keep getting up. I have to keep living.

Despite everything that's happening, people say I have a very positive outlook. If they only knew. I can't afford to wallow. No one can help. These are hard times, everyone else have their own problems. We all have to be strong.

Sorry for the rant, I just have to let it all out cause again, I can't afford to let all this negative vibes accumulate. It's like a boat that has taken on water, you have to keep pumping that water out or sooner or later, it's all gonna flood in.

Tomorrow's Monday. Hope I get through the week with minimal problems.

The Overseas Filipino Worker: If You Text Us, Do We Not Read

In any branch of science, the behavior of the subject is based on how it interacts and communicates with the environment; more so in the social sciences where a social relation or social interaction refers to a relationship between two or more individuals.

Looking at it in this perspective, life is about communication.

And there is no demographic that understands this more than an Overseas Filipino Worker. Working in solitude, away from friends and loved ones for extended periods of time, and surrounded with unfamiliar faces, the OFW appreciates communication.

With 11 Million OFWs spread across the world, it’s no surprise that the latest rankings show SMART and GLOBE ranked first and second, respectively, in global telecommunications in terms of proportion of revenues derived from data. Figures released for 2009 showed that the Philippines ranked number one in SMS messages with 2.63 Billion SMS messages sent.

Communication between OFWs and their families certainly contributed to that.

A Paradigm Shift

In the past two years, the communication platform has changed. Devices have crossbred with different technologies that it has blurred the lines on the limits of what a mobile phone or a personal computer can do. At this point, with cheaper prices, accessible services and powerful devices, there is no excuse in not communicating with someone halfway across the world.

With the advent of smartphones that can access the internet, and telcos providing internet services, there is a growing shift in communication habits. The latest 2011 data by TNS showed that 81% of families of Overseas Filipino Workers in the Philippines use the Internet as the primary communication platform. Mobile phone use is down to second place with 77%. Landline telephones which enjoyed a virtual monopoly a decade ago is down to 24%.

Even services offered are changing. Everyone has access to free VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) services like Skype. Gone are the days of 5 minutes of talk time worth hundreds of pesos. Now, with an internet connection, one can talk for hours on end without being charged for the call.

SMART Philippines understands this. By embracing this technology and being a part of it, they have become relevant to this growing trend. Raymond Anthony Samarista of SMART, says, “With SMART, ensuring that Internet access becomes increasingly pervasive is the key – by making it available in every area of the country, on whatever device is in the hands of our subscribers, and at price points that suit every budget. This is the central idea behind our advocacy ‘Internet for All’, that of enabling every Filipino to enjoy the benefits of the Internet – including access to services such as Skype and Facebook Chat…”

Constant Updating

Social Networks also have a major influence in the Philippines. According to Comscore, there are about 28 Million Internet users in the Philippines. 93.9% use Facebook. This makes the Philippines number 1 in the world in social network penetration.

With Social Networks, OFWs are constantly in touch with their families. They have immediate access to the latest uploaded photos of their loved ones, they get to see videos of family gatherings, and they get the latest happenings in and around the household.

But even with all this. Sometimes, a phone call is the right kind of medicine to an OFW.

Despite being fierce competitors, both GLOBE and SMART are putting up infrastructures all over the country to increase communication coverage and internet speed. Partnering with other telcos in other countries, GLOBE and SMART are stretching out, covering the world to the benefit of everyone, not just OFWs.

In 2011, Globe formed the International Business Group—a unit dedicated to growing the international business of Globe. Through partnerships with some of the world’s largest telecommunication companies like Hong Kong’s CSL, Maxis of Malaysia, Guam’s IT&E, Lebara and Taiwan Mobile, Globe offers SIM cards and prepaid call cards with the most affordable call and SMS rates to the Philippines. Globe also has a wide range of IDD and international SMS offers that enable families in the Philippines to stay in touch with overseas Filipinos.

It’s Everybody’s Game

It is not just the telecommunications companies that hold the OFW dear to heart. Even Coca Cola understands their importance both to the country’s economy and the loved ones waiting for them.

Last year, Coca Cola and their communications partner McCann Worldgroup Philippines collaborated to to launch a viral video contest, “Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project”. It featured the stories of three OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who came home in time to celebrate Christmas with their happily surprised families.

In a release, Coca Cola and McCann Worldgroup Philippines, articulated the OFW sentiment, “It is perhaps this familiarity, and the sincere happiness of the OFW families in the video that rocked Filipino netizens to the core. Barely 72 hours after two versions of the video (one in original format, and one with English subtitles) were posted on Coca-Cola’s YouTube channel, a combined total of 1,015,641 views were recorded, with almost 14 thousand likes and 3 thousand comments. The video content was a Trending Topic in Twitter for two days, with people actively sharing it on Facebook, Twitter and blogs. Reactions are mostly positive, describing it as heartwarming, touching and a tear-jerker. Messages of thanks and congratulations for Coca-Cola comprise most of the comments on social sites. It was on the country’s major news sites- even featured in the country’s leading primetime news show…”

The Filipino Touch

It’s safe to say that the majority of the population have embraced and understood the technology. Everyone anywhere is just a phone call or mouse click away. Cost for the first time, is not a major factor anymore.

The Philippines and our culture have a creative flair in our blood. We tend to see other uses for things that are a bit outside the box. After World War II, the boring army green Jeeps the US left was turned into colorful passenger jeepneys. In the early days, instead of wasting rocks used to hunt prey, a string was tied to it for easy retrieval; the yoyo. And with this far and advanced tool of technology, eBurol was conceived.

St. Peter eBurol is a service where the OFW can virtually attend the wake of a passed on friend or loved one. Because of contractual agreements or the element of time, not all OFW can just leave and go back to attend a funeral. Hence, with a webcam, a microphone, and an internet connection, an OFW can pay his or her last respects to a dearly beloved one.

Of the offered service, Rona Lucas of St. Peter Life Plan says, “Fortunately we have only had positive reactions to eBurol. Our clients attest that the wakes of their loved ones have been livelier, much less painful, and less sorrowful through the St. Peter e-Burol. The wakes have become a reunion among families who have not seen each other and been together for a long time. Our clients also tell us that the eBurol has been a great help in monitoring wake activities while they are at work.”

It goes to show that even in death, there is still no excuse not to reach out and touch someone.

The End Game

This started out as a study on communication and its importance to the OFW. And looking at all the companies and how they interact with the Overseas Filipino Worker, we see that communication is varied when it comes to services rendered.

It can be as straightforward as a phone call, a picture sent thru SMS or Facebook, or even a video posted on a website.

We also saw how emotions that an OFW and his family experiences thru a video and how this was communicated to millions across the country.

A new service was born to cater to those who lost a loved one.

With the sacrifices and pitfalls the OFW goes through, there is an uneasy feeling to think of them as a consumer market. And even if they really are a demographic that is not to be ignored, it feels good to see that there are companies who don’t take advantage of their situation and give them the best service that they deserve.

In the end, to make an OFW smile, all one has to do is reach out and say hello.

Nothing Compares 2 U

This song was one of my favorite songs in the early 90s. I just like her haunting voice and the lyrics is awesome. It brings back so much memories. From my first job, my dog, my old room. It totally brings me back.

It's a Prince song but Sinead totally owned it.

Nothing Compares 2 U

Underage

In 1980, Regal Films released the film, Underage. It starred former child stars of the Philippines, Snooky Serna, Dina Bonnevie, and Maricel Soriano billed as their first mature role. It caused quite a stir because of the poster showing the girls in bikinis. To add to the controversy, the filipina girls were really underage, the youngest Snooky was just 15.

The story is about three young sisters (Snooky, Dina and Maricel) who grew up in the province, about to face a whole new world in the big city. Dina who plays Celina, the most confident among the three sisters. Maricel plays Cecilia who is the toughest and confrontational while Snooky plays the meek Corazon.

Because of the provocative poster depicting these young girls, another poster was released with a safer theme with the girls on a bicycle but still wearing skimpy outfits. It's tagline was "Goodbye candies and lollipops. Hello boys!" The original poster was not pulled out though and still remained in circulation because of the popularity and notoriety it carried which helped bolster the popularity of the movie. The three actresses were so adored as child stars that the poster offended their fans.

The Philippine movie was a big hit and Underage catapulted the three young (and underage) stars into stardom.

The film was directed by Joey Gosengfiao and also starred Gabby Concepcion, Mark Gil, and Edgar Mande as the male leads. It is basically a simple country girls get to live life and discover maturity and love in the Philippines.

Underage was remade into a tv series in 2009. And in line with the original movie, the actresses involved were also underage. A teaser photo also was released showing the new underage girls in provocative poses and schoolgirl outfits.

The TV series only lasted one season before it was pulled off the air due to low ratings. Probably because the network could not live up to the hype of having underage Philippine actress doing inappropriate scenes.