Mark September 6th 2008 on your calendar.

WordCamp 2008 Philipppines just happened and it just happened to be the first ever WordCamp organized in Southeast Asia and in the Philippines.

For liveblogging, check it out here.

Here’s some news about it in Inquirer.

What’s significant about WordCamp and ecommerce?

You need 3 things to come up with an ecommerce sit: a website, a payment gateway and a shopping cart.

AsiaPay takes care of your payment gateway and your shopping cart.

WordPress (or any other CMS or blogging platform) can easily take care of your website needs.

Yes. You don’t need to wait 6-8 months for your diva website designer to come up with a site.

Yes. You can be a Fortune 500 company and have your company site on Wordpress.

Example? Check out the Ford Motor Company Global Autocars Show and Concept Cars site.

Yes. It runs on WordPress! This site runs also on Wordpress and so does www.ebiziseasy.com

Something to get excited about: Matt Mullenweg for the first time EVAR, demoed the upcoming version 2.7 of Wordpress to the oohs and aahs of the WordCampers - he showed of the drag-and-drop features which all augurs one thing - easier website development for would be e-commerce adopters!

posted by Paul “The Pageman” Pajo

If you’re a blogger, you are probably using one or the other or in my case- both: Copyscape and Creative Commons. I have decided to tackle the subjects after receiving an anonymous (I am inimical to anonymous comments!! You have a name, for crying out loud use it!) comment on my previous post about the two. It was an irrelevant note, from (I assume) a blogger with a Philippine IP address who just sort of ‘ordered’ me:

“You can not use copyscape and Creative Commons at the same time. Copyscape goes against sharing which is what Creative Commons is all about. search Free Culture Movement, open source, GPL, linux, IBM, Creative Commons are all part of the movement, copyscape is not because it is against it.”

Aaah, yeah… Nevermind the syntax! Earth calling nameless person! Aside from the fact that your comment was totally unrelated to my post, you have no idea what you’re blabbering about. Your comment is an absolute farce and the arguments totally neither here nor there. But thanks to you, I now have a blog post!

Bust the misconceptions here…

Lahat tayo may mga kadramahan sa buhay, at lahat yun may dahilan, may kwentong nakapaloob. Wala naman hindi nakakaranas ng kalungkutan. Lahat tayo ay may kanya-kanyang malulungkot na ala-alang di malilimutan. Aminin natin, lahat sa atin a may nakapaloob na isang emo – tipong madrama, pero hindi naman yung suicidal type. Umiiyak tayo, nasasawi, nabibigo, at natututo.

Kaya nabuo ang event na ito. Kung saan isasali ang pinakamadadramang blog entries nakakaiyak na drama, at kung anu-ano pang kaEMOhan. Manalo ng domain at hosting, at higit sa lahat, mailalabas mo ang matagal nang kinikimkim, ipatak muli ang mga luhang minsan nang napawi. Sumali na sa E[kwento]MO, basahin mo na ang mechanics.

I’ve been a patron of Vanilla Bean for about 3 years or so simply because they have good food that is reasonably priced but above all, they are closest to places I’ve worked in Salcedo Village, Makati.

One thing I can say that has been consistent with them is that they have the worst service of all!  I have been around and comparing it to other restaurants with the same calibre or even to the infamous jollijeeps and Hong Kong hawkers, Vanilla Bean surely takes the cake.

Looking at the bright side, I’ve always thought that their waitresses will change but for the past 3 years or so, this didn’t happen.  I’ve heard one of them say how cruel or strict the owner is with the waitresses so there was a time we took pity on them so dismissed our dismay.  Yet, they continue to disappoint customers with their snobbish, unfriendly and frowning service.

To site examples, they claim to be open 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.  One time, I went there are 8:30 am to get breakfast and coffee but a waitress said that they were still closed so I waited outside on their lanai chair to wait thinking it would be that long for them to open.  After 15 minutes, I asked if I could order food already.  She said no, so I asked if I could order coffee while I wait, she said no again.  Another 10 minutes passed by when I asked again for coffee because it was almost 9am at my watch.  She simply replied, “Wala pa ngang 8:30 sa relo namin eh!”.  Pissed, I just smoked a cigarette at the lanai then halfway through it, I heard a few noise behind me.  When I looked, she just turned the sign to OPEN then proceeded to go inside the restaurant — not bothering to approach me at all!

Another time with another waitress,  she was taking our orders when one of my friends asked a bit more questions about the food.  She continued to frown more obviously (because they only smile once in a blue moon) then turned her back and walked away.  She went to the next table to take their orders then went back to us 5 minutes earlier.  Would it have been too much to ask for her to excuse herself?  And this place imposes service charges!

But you may not take my word for it so if you are interested to experience it for yourself, Vanilla Bean is located at the ground floor of Adamson Center along Leviste Street in Salcedo Village, Makati City.  Be sure to pack a lot of patience.

Got BoingBoinged recently! Check it out here:

Friday’s post announcing that a fan named Eduardo Mercer had translated my story Printcrime into Brazilian Portuguese sparked two more translations; Luis Filipe Silva translated the story into European Portuguese and Paul Pajo translated it into Filipino. I’m particularly excited about the Filipino translation; I think it might be the first story of mine to be translated into Filipino! Filipino fan-translation European Portuguese fan-translation

I couldn’t believe it! I just got finished writing my newest post on my Friendster blog, updating this and that on my profile and then came the biggest surprise!

SUDDENLY, without any warning or any sign at all- my Friendster blog magically transformed into a new website!! A Wordpress website!!

CRAP, all my sidebar except for the comments and recent entries- gone!! I just updated my blogroll, added new links- it’s all gone!! All the HTML codes and whatever else on my sidebar- gone!!

READ MORE at SINIGANG FOR THE SOUL…

Through the ages of mankind, the topic of LOVE is always been a favorite preference of any piece or work of art! It’s because LOVE is one of the foundation why we keep breathing and living in this world full of surprises. No matter what medium it is conveyed, the theme of love always moved people. It’s powerful and it’s domineering.

I stumbled one time reading comments on some sites and learned that many Rainbow advocates and supporters had watched the movie: Love of Siam. It is a Thai romantic-drama film. There is one scene that is a focal point of controversy (watch video below). It is simply a gay teen romance of two teenage boys (Mario Maurer as Tong and Witwisit Hiranyawongkul as Mew) but the film’s story revolves around the value of friendship, loving and being loved, family’s quest for unity of a loss member, separation and loneliness, identity crisis amidst affection, obedience of a son and protection of a mother, camaraderie and understanding of friends, musical talent and how gifted the young of today, infatuations and unrequited admirations as part of teen life, the many diversities of emotions, and of course, the right to choose the kind of sexual preference you want to live.

The controversial kissing scene after the jump at http://www.obnoxiousqueer.com

Three Cebu Bloggers responded to the invitation to witness the Goodyear Autocare Launch (EBR-SN TIRE PLAZA) at Maguikay Road, Mandaue City,Cebu in August 28, 2008. Present were McBilly, Winston and X.

We arrived in the location at near 12 nn. Upon arrival, Ms. Karla Tecson of Ogilvyl Public Relations Worldwide along with Ms. Bessie of Goodyear Philippines, Inc. assisted us to the registration right at the entrance, the luncheon then followed. Just a perfect timing for the bloggers. Definitely, a Bon Appetit for us!

Goodyear Autocare, EBR-SN Tire Plaza Hi-Performance Center (a subsidiary company of EBR Marketing Corporation) is (more…)

The new LEAD PHILIPPINES blog is now launched. Please visit to get updates on the LEAD PHILIPPINES initiative.

LEAD PHILIPPINES
www.leadphil.blogspot.com

gameshogun.ws’ Game Focus this week is the Free/Libre Open-Source Software or FLOSS game “Secret Maryo Chronicles”. It is a 2D Side-Scroller game inspired by the ever popular “Super Mario Bros.” by Nintendo.

Learn more about SMC just by reading this Game Focus.

(via Libre Game World)

I received an overseas call from my friend Claire in Manila.  Upset and almost crying, she asked me if I know how she could reach her husband who’s working in the same company with my brother here in Riyadh.  I told her that I will send her a message later with her husband’s company contact number.

That was yesterday.  Until this time, I still don’t know if I should give his number or not.

Mike and Claire have been married for 8 years with 2 kids.  When Mike left to work here in Riyadh almost a year ago, Claire stopped working to personally take care of their kids.  With Mike’s promise of a bulky monthly remittance from this oil- rich country as a Civil Engineer, Claire didn’t hesitate to leave her job to become a full time mom.

But two ago months, I was shocked to hear that Mike wanted to marry another girl.  Later on, he invited me, my husband and my brother to attend their wedding reception in a restaurant near the Phil. Embassy where their wedding took place.  I was not sure how they managed to get “married”. I heard that the “bride” also has a family in Cebu with 4 kids but she’s still proud to “marry” Mike who’s a well known family man too.

Sadly, the Philippine government has been focusing on a massive labor deployment abroad as a major economic strategy of the Philippines, despite the negative social impact to Filipino families.

Several support groups who are helping families of OFW’s have noted an increasing number of complaints against immigrants abandoning their brood- mostly because several OFW’s have gotten involved in illicit affairs with other OFW’s and already have formed new families in their host countries.

Meanwhile, what happens when the OFW family back home stops receiving support from their overseas-based breadwinners for a reason that their parent has engaged with another affair abroad? How many Claire’s, who dream of a better life for her kids, wake up from a nightmare when the man he loves who promised good life for their family abandon them for another woman?

Here in Saudi Arabia, adultery is punishable by death.  Still, countless Filipinos involve themselves with the obscenity.  I hear stories of “couples” who use fake marriage licenses- most of them have their own families in the Philippines.  Some of them admit connivance from some crook Embassy staff forging marriage documents for money.  Other Filipino men convert to Islam to “legalize” their desire to marry other women. Many of these men are convinced with the assumption that Islam is a religion that has introduced polygamy by allowing man to marry more than one wife.  However, they do not follow the rule of Islam which pertains to the religious side of holy matrimony as well as the financial and the social sides. Islam organizes all aspects of life for its followers and not limited only to religious aspect. Thus, full consent is a major corner of the marriage contract in Islam where a wife has full right to refuse a polygamous marriage.

Claire’s story is not new.  Since more than 10 percent of Philippines’ populations are overseas workers, the absence of one parent or both has always created an impact to Filipino children left behind.  Some grandparents become surrogate parents for these children.

Still, some are left among themselves, being forced to early responsibility of “parenting” to their younger siblings. It is a usual case that when an overseas worker acquires a new family in the host country or engages in extramarital affairs, the spouse left behind becomes unfaithful.  In either case, their children suffer from the family’s collapse.  Children become rebellious.  They abhor the idea of their parents’ mere irresponsibility- parents who deprived them of their basic right to a home where their biological parents are united in marriage and in a commitment to support them. In turn, they become socially tormented, and may further become social problems themselves.

The breakup of families and the problems associated with marital discord because of immigration should not be left without a response from the same government who encourages Filipinos to work abroad in order to keep the Philippine economy afloat.  There should be more advocacy efforts from our government to look after the families left behind by OFW’s.  Philippine embassies in host countries should take necessary steps to stop the growing number of illicit affairs among Filipino expatriates.  It is enough for Filipinos to be renowned worldwide for skills, talents, and professionalism.  We should not let some “kabayans” tarnish our image of Filipinos with good family values and strong family ties.

A family is considered the most basic social entity.  How could we expect our society to uphold its dignity if the very basic unit is already disintegrated?

Finally, I’ve decided to send a message to Claire about his husband, Mike.

A cute mate (my crush before) invited me one saturday night to “chill” at Brews Café in Mango Avenue. He is showing me the place that he used to go and meddled with the live acoustic and/or reggae performance of the band that is a regular in that cafe. Definitely, I gave a thought of coming back on weekends to be one with music of my soul. I find it cool than skinny-dripping wet with party animals in clubhouses.

Lurking around while fantasy-drooled by the lead singer of the acoustic band, came the apple of my eye that night, “Mr. Lonely” ! Yeah, I don’t know his name and don’t have that effort of confidence to ask! He might give his Pseudoname so I’d rather be ready with my Canon cam and wait for some perfect time to capture the “apple”. Click, click, click… I finally hit the spot! Find out who he is at
http://www.obnoxiousqueer.com

Read my other blogs:

http://techalang.blogspot.com
http://foodelity.blogspot.com
http://meneaters.blogspot.com
http://mailboxatrandom.blogspot.com

Earn cash! Search More Efficiently and Intelligently! Get the Results You Want!

Before you scream, “not another search engine?!” Scour, the months old search engine is really something that you must take notice and even capitalize on just because it offers something NO OTHER search engine does- REWARD its readers! It sounds banal I know but that’s just the best way to put it, you earn points every time you use Scour.

After garnering enough points for doing what you already do daily, Scour will send you a VISA Gift card anywhere you are in the world!

Search + Points= CASH Gift Card. No brainer.

Think Google is the coolest thing ever to come in the Internet? Think again!

READ MORE ABOUT SCOUR HERE!

Name of Establishment: Gerry’s Grill
Location: Ayala Center Cebu
Types of Food: Grilled and other Filipino dishes
Over-all place: Very Spacious
Ratings (1-5): 5
Other Branch: The Northwing SM City Cebu
Contact: 415-8284 (For delivery service)
E-mail: smcebu@gerrysgrill.com

Cebu has lots of good restaurants to fill my open mouth and hungry stomach. With friends around or just on my own, having access to these food haven is a perfect dome to eat and

More after the jump at http://foodelity.blogspot.com

Please read other blogs:

http://www.obnoxiousqueer.com
http://techalang.blogspot.com
http://meneaters.blogspot.com
http://mailboxatrandom.blogspot.com

Fresh-graduates are encouraged to apply!

WORK LOCATION:

·       ALABANG, MAKATI, ORTIGAS, MANDALUYONG AND TAGUIG

QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Must have above average ENGLISH COMMUNICATION SKILLS

·       Must be at least High School Graduate, Bachelor/College

Degree, Fresh-graduates are encouraged to apply

·       Must be willing to work in ALABANG, MAKATI, ORTIGAS and Taguig

·       Must be willing to work in night shifts/weekends and holidays

For inquiries, you may call 8092721 and look for RAIN MAYO.

or txt “RAIN MAYO-Your Fullname/Address/Landline Number/Course” to 09178817229

or email your resume to rain_johnclements@yahoo.com.ph or rain.mayo@johnclements.com

or drop by our office

JOHN CLEMENTS ALABANG
3rd Level Wellness Lane
Festival Supermall
Alabang Muntinlupa
and dont forget to look for RAIN MAYO as your contact person

Fresh-graduates are encouraged to apply!

WORK LOCATION:

·       MAKATI CITY

QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Must have good scholastic  record preferably DEAN”S LISTER (for fresh-grads only)

·       BS ACCOUNTANCY GRADUATE or any BUSINESS RELATED COURSES

·       If with experience; at least 1 year experience in GENERAL ACCOUNTING.

For inquiries, you may call 8092721 and look for RAIN MAYO.

or txt “RAIN MAYO-Your Fullname/Address/Landline Number/Course” to 09178817229

or email your resume to rain_johnclements@yahoo.com.ph or rain.mayo@johnclements.com

or drop by our office

JOHN CLEMENTS ALABANG
3rd Level Wellness Lane
Festival Supermall
Alabang Muntinlupa
and dont forget to look for RAIN MAYO as your contact person

Fresh-graduates are encouraged to apply!

WORK LOCATION:

-CABUYAO, LAGUNA

QUALIFICATIONS:
-FEMALE
-MUST BE AN ENGINEERING GRADUATE (BOARD PASSERS AND NON-BOARD PASSERS)

For inquiries, you may call 8092721 and look for RAIN MAYO.

or txt “RAIN MAYO-Your Fullname/Address/Landline Number/Course” to 09178817229

or email your resume to rain_johnclements@yahoo.com.ph or rain.mayo@johnclements.com

or drop by our office

JOHN CLEMENTS ALABANG
3rd Level Wellness Lane
Festival Supermall
Alabang Muntinlupa
and dont forget to look for RAIN MAYO as your contact person

ROMlet is a three in one widget: a brag badge, bookmarking tool and stats counter- for now. Who knows what other cool features this fresh website has yet to add since starting only a year ago? At a glance it looks as though it is just another blog social networking copycat but wait, there’s much more to it!

Read more…

The concept is intriguing that after a quick read, I wanted to be a part of it! The idea is to collect a list of 1 million blogs. It is an experiment knowing that according to Technorati, there are 70,000,000 blogs in existence and growing every day, perhaps every minute!

The real challenge for this website however is HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE them to reach the 1 millionth blog! Are you listed?

Read More…

Or is it too early to pass judgment?!

See, what it all comes down to an ordinary internet user like me is relevance! When I search for something online, a keyword or a phrase, I’d like my search engine to be able to give me results that are useful, sensible and applicable to me. Unfortunately, I did not find that at all with Cuil.

Read more…