MASA Day Lecture Forum Jan. 27, 2011

Thanks to Miss Charlotte Nasol and to the rest of the Management Students Association (MASA) officers who have invited me to facilitate my lecture with a theme: Leveling up the Advantages of Social Networking for Modern Business Maximization".

With a very young audience and with its gravity, that was a tough act but nevertheless have tried to make it more appealing to the crowd. I also had my give-aways from Bench.

Thank you to my dean Dr. Ma. Flordeliza Anastacio & MASA's adviser Dr. Alene Medenilla.

You may find my slideshow beneath and hand-out

TV5 Experience

To both my Kapamilya and Kapuso friends, just for sometime we anticipate change with zest!
Last March 17, 2011 my students from CEU Makati, pioneer & graduating batch of Marketing Management, graced Kapatid station's Sapul sa Singko (Bulilit Pizza article here). People are warm and very accommodating. BY the way I am thanking the CEU academe for supporting us with this event, the likes of Dr. Priscilla Panlasigui, Dr. Corazon Andoy, Dr. Amelita Borlongan, Dr. Ma. Flordeliza Anastacio, and Dr. Ma. Cristina Padolina, and also from the marketing department headed by Ms. Eleanor Espinas & Mrs. Gina Martinez (Makati Coordinator).

CEU Makati Fab @ 5

Celebrating the five glorious years of Centro Escolar University, the University Student Council (USC) together with Student Affairs Office (SAO), in cooperation with the Schools & Colleges, and of the university wide and college/school based organizations have its fete last January 15, 2011 at the World Trade Center with the theme - CEU Makati @ 5 : Unleashed to Soar High.

The event kicked-off with various student talent exhibitions from hip-hop & techno-dance, fabulous gowns and attires catwalk, mesmerizing ballad and pop vocals, and with generous raffle give-aways to add fun. Also selected faculty members shared some spotlights during the event by taking notable performances from ala-Lady Gaga (Dr. Arlene Opina, Dr. Corazon Andoy, Dr. Sharon Galang), Justine Beiber (Mr. Alvin Sicat), and Bruno Mars (Mr. Ivan Perry Mercado) and many more.

Leading the stellar performance, Spongcola, one of the big winners of Myx Music Awards in 2008, with Yael Yuzon as its lead vocal rendered their hits with the audience. Their performance concluded the celebration of Makati as an independent branch of the more than a centennial old CEU!

The event was sponsored by Age of Travel, IRELAR Allied Ventures, Inc., CEU Faculty Allied Workers Union, CEU Consumers Cooperative, CEU Makati Alumni Association, and with our official media partner Manila Bulletin.

CEU Makati's Bulilit Pizza graces TV5's Sapul sa Singko

Came March 17, 2011, the senior Marketing Management students from CEU Makati launched its Bulilit Pizza in TV5's Sapul sa Singko. The segment was hosted by Ms. Cheryl Cosim and she interviewed Ms. Roselle Velasco, while Ms. Kristine Leyran does the demonstration.

Bulilit Pizza was conceptualized during the first semester of SY 2009-2010 as the students were taking both MM3 & MM4 (Product and Retail Management) under the supervision of Mr.Jeoffrey T. Solas. It was initially launched during CENTREXPO last August 2009 (a CEU-Makati Expo). Since then, it showed marketability every student fair in the campus.

For making orders or any further details, you may visit Bulilit Pizza here.

I Miss the CENTREXPO: the 1st CEU Expo

I just received a good news from my student, let me just give a teaser as of the moment as we await further details.

Making everything from scratch is one big challenge, but this is what I'm used to after all the inspiration from my family and great mentors. I would like to do it again and I'm really praying that soon all things I'm doing will work out fine.

Link

CEU Makati @ 5: Unleased to Soar High

Hi guys! Just wanted to share with you the ad that came out last month. I am still asking my students to complete the press release but it will soon come out on Manila Bulletin & other magazines. Thanks again to the guys and gals helping us out!

CEU Makati: Soaring High @ 5

Indeed as we unravel a new decade, CEU Makati starts with a exciting and fun filled student activity at the World Trade Center this coming Jan.15, 2010 from 4 pm onwards. It will highlight talents coming from selected students and winners from our recently concluded USC week's talent search such as from "Battle of the Bands". What truly excites me more is that some faculty members are also invited to perform, well I can't give all the details yet but I'm sure Mr. Ivan Mercado will be a delight during the event! (especially to his growing fans ala-beiber fever).

It will also include raffles or give-aways since the event is boosted by various sponsors, especially teamed with our official media partner - Manila Bulletin Publ., Inc., publisher of both Garage Magazine, and Sense & Style.

Most of all, the event will be more musically hyped as Spongecola will be performing, plus disco mixes by our invited music djs, and thus ensures that this event is definitely for the young (ok, young at hearts too!).

So what are you still waiting for, for further inquiries, tickets, and sponsorships, you may look for Ms. Gigi Cusi from SAO at 02-8897491. See you there and let's celebrate 2011 with music and lots of fun!

Importance of Family Dinners

I used to remember, when I used to live with my parents, it would take hours just for us to finish our meals. I despised it before since I have to turn-off our tv and would have to join our family discussions. Eventually, those dining experience is something we should treasure. It would only be during special occassions that I will have my chance to have that old tradition of eating with my folks. Growing up has its advantages, & it's nice way to find it out how those previous practices make me a better person. So let me share this article from reader's digest and I hope you won't feel bad eating with your folks again even during your favorite tv show.
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Finding time to eat dinner as a family has a host of benefits that go far beyond nutrition. Kids who eat with their family do better in school and are less likely to smoke, drink, do drugs or get into fights than those who are left to their own devices. But with two-career households and demanding schedules, who has the time? You do, if you remember some key rules.

Allow a little leeway In addition to all its other benefits, ''having dinner together is probably the single most important way to promote good health and nutrition,'' says Dr David Ludwig, an associate professor of paediatrics at Harvard Medical School and author of Ending the Food Fight. But experts agree that the family meal doesn't have to mean Mum, Dad and all the kids sitting in the dining room at six o'clock five nights a week, eating a made-from-scratch meal. Surprising new research from the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health shows that even if the meal is served in front of the tele�vision, kids eat healthier than those who don't dine with loved ones. When a family dines together, they eat better. (pls continue on this Link)

Hot dogs, bacon put your heart at risk: study

It's pretty obvious that processed meats are really not healthy but what can we do, when these are already part of our morning regimen? Hotdogs are palate friendly, as for the other one which is bacon, we often place it our sandwiches (healthy version of it is just microwaved or steamed at least less oil). Today's comfort foods are dilemma to healthy buffs or at least those who wants to give it a try. I is one of those people who are conscious of what I eat but with such hectic schedule, cooking my own meals are really a luxury of time. 7/11 is my friend every morning, though recent non school days makes me more able to cook canned foods, gourmet is really my next target. I really hope now that I have my frig, I can have better options, but red meat is really such a delight! My 2 year old nephew could not even eat without hotdogs and I bet it's really a challenge to my sister-in-law to change the menu.

Anyway, at least we could still reduce our daily intake, that's what are professional people are saying...it takes time.Link

When being Pinocchio can make you a CEO

Now this is truly interesting...just when we thought that children never lie. I was really clueless of that cliche 'coz I started lying when I have to hide the remote control of our tv from my brothers...no one switches channel from my Sesame street!

Read it as I have found it in ABS-CBN...Link

From this day on, yellow or not...

It took me two hours, even coming from Bulacan that day, I managed to come early just to cast my vote last May 10. Of course, I was in my yellow theme that day and even some folks that were on their way to the precinct could easily recognize who will I vote for. Yup it was hard for me to stay away from social networks a day before the election �oz I was simply pissed on how some people bullied my candidate who would later on feeding their other presidential bets with lots of soil! It was clearly a good victory, landslide win! Anyway, it's not really my nature to quarrel on this petty issue, but I hope some people should be more wise to think that if ever we differ with preferences it simply doesn't mean that we made a huge error and that would mean that you're smarter. Now I could wear more of my yellows than their color themes. Even after elections, bitter losers still can't get enough of reality...hitting lame topics such as suggesting the exile of Kris. I may not be an Aquino by blood, but it's more of respect (stop the bonehead criticisms). The government would really seem interesting especially for the first time after so long, we got a real winner during elections (without allegations of scams or Garci issues). I was reading this morning from a column, this was termed the real People Power 3! I have volunteered to become part of yellow soldiers by numerous reasons amidst alot of rising detractors. No confrontation, I reasoned based on my sufficient decisions. I know probably a lot of people got our differences from this, but I admire how some people behaved properly amidst increasing tension. Unfortunately, it seemed his partner for Vice Presidential bid seemed more intense but whether Mar wins or loses, I am seeing Binay still on the side of Noynoy. Too bad, most of Liberal party's senatorial bets are trailing behind from the "Trapos". More unfortunate are those "Champions"from Kaya Natin Movement like Among Ed and Grace Padaca, who lost their bids in their provinces, favoring the infamous characters...it seemed that their regions have favored to go the dark side. I thought we have seen enough of Pres. Gloria Arroyo, but I'm smelling something "fishy". I am against midnight appointments of GMA, before alot of people are opposing to her conduct but it seemed the music has changed its tune. Saying that it would be an arrogant gesture from Noynoy not to recognize these appointees...blasted hypocrites! According to the news I also read, it would be possible to execute a similar presidential or executive order in order to revoke the midnight appointees, as similar to what GMA's dad did during his leadership. I may not really more keen about details but I guess people should have more "balls' to stand on their principles...so many shapeshifters!

We need to realize that our enemy is not the one who is to sit, he will leads us to another 6 years. It's not his responsibility alone. we have to choice whether we are gonna be part of this country's progress, stop whining...let's all work now.

A giant TV network fears twitter, etc.

Since everything in the web is so interactive, businesses even the likes of Walmart are now getting hip companies and are trying to gain profit from this once "media misfit". I was watching last Sunday, Discovery channel and it talked about the development of internet. It all started by just a simple logic of Tim Berners-Lee, now the likes of Bill Gates and many others are filling their bank accounts because of this "new world".

Here in our country, PLDT launched watchpad, it gave way to other producers to divert their projects to internet instead of paying too much airing fees in televisions. Of course, youtube and other sites came before them. Manny Pangilinan, a Filipino business magnate, just got TV5 and it seemed interesting how his influence as telecommunications aristocrat can change tv programming...should ABS-CBN & GMA7 be threatened? Sure the audience has something to look forward to.

It is truly true that sometimes we get more info in the web than tv now. I, as for one, has no more time to watch tv and if ever I have time, I ended up either with documentaries or even lucky enough to get replays. I get buzz from twitters and facebook. I get a lot of scoops and I believe that I am helping to conserve environment by using less paper. I read newspapers on-line and I often read monthly magazines!

This lifestyle might seemed more westernized but knowing Filipinos, we are not far from this reality. So should we just have no other choice between Kris or Ruffa to listen about showbiz? I don't think so...I have my twitmates as well!

Please read a related topic below...

Link Social networks a challenge to cable news: CNN US president

Oscar fever heats up in Manila with photo exhibit

My friends just told me about this, and I just confirmed it that it will be for a long period of time so I am inviting everyone to come and see the gallery. I hope our local industry would also be celebrated as similar to the Oscars as well.

Catch these photos at Greenbelt 3 (March 5 to 12) and Eastwood Mall (March 13 to 20):

Link

Advertising is the key in Malaca�ang Palace

It is really nice to know that as we are almost getting near to the conclusion of the National Elections, we encounter a lot of surveys, political opinions, testimonials, and other promotional releases. The Advertising has been an important factor in conditioning the minds of the people, this time - they are the voters.

As the event caused sentimental uprising during the death of Former President Cory Aquino, it seemed it was like a movie themed - Rizal wherein which catapulted Sen. Noynoy Aquino to lead the presidential survey since then. Of course, other presidential aspirants would not leave their ambitions yet, good move for Mar in his case, whereas for both Sen. Manny Villar and former Pres. Erap Estrada it is just a matter of time to get the spotlight from Noynoy to them.

Good marketing strategies, kudos to his marketing team, enabling him to dwindle the popularity gap or at least lessen the momentum against the leading rival, Sen. Villar got himself a little closer to his dream job. From getting groovy jingles, from good message to communicate with (especially to those voters who don't like to think deeply on the national issues or concerns) to orange motifs during his campaign, and to image-setter of himself as the Warren Buffet or Oprah for Philippine prosperity are indeed amazing. POV, using your resources is totally a good advantage, enabling him to be very visible in every media you could think of: Tv, radio, print-ads, internet, etc.

Not far behind is the most celebrated former president & ousted Erap, who is also catching up by having Security and Peace as his aid. He was also able to communicate that all his previous predecessors have been convinced of his innocence and were disappointed of the turn-out of getting GMA on the seat (seemed she has forgotten that her job is said to be dispensable after 6 years)

It is by category why we remember these three personalities among other presidential bets. They don't sing the same song 'coz if not, the one who started it first usually brings home the bacon! Studying advertising was truly enjoyable and truly relevant, as I handle this subject in CEU-Makati, events such as this is so prevalent...thus makes my task easier.

Politicians are now spending insanely huge amount of wealth for just either a 3-6 year tenure job, why?! C'mon, it's business...ROI (return on investment), this is probably hard to understand to those who don't like to think much. NBN-ZTE deal there...land acquisition here...either exasperating DIZ IZ IT or SHOWTIME screams as hint for graft & corruption! Sadly, even for those who are good aspirants should accept the fact that advertising is an important key towards getting that Malaca�ang seat or any seat in the government. I just got home in my province in Bulacan and there is a current tension in the region. I sighed, "why don't they just get real jobs!!!"

The battle is still on as long as there are still people who backs their political expenses. Why would they do that? Vested interest or probably the effective media caused their faith to hang on to that candidate.

I am a part of the society, I know what to do on this grounds. Whether we have the same person to vote or not, what is important is are allowing our brains to do its function - to think. This summer, I will plan to make my life better each day, regardless of whoever wins. It's like brand parity, you get to hope you did the right choice but afterall it might be the same old stuff. I'm not losing hope, for this country neither should you. If this industry would compromise with the bastards or the saints...it is our choice to make and I hope I was able to do my part to enlighten on this issue.

Soon, we'll no longer have to go sick leaves just because of LSS syndrome, or ridicule their smudgy faces in our social networks. Let's all work together and say, this thing we have few months ago was just a fad, so let's move on with our lives and continually hopes that better things are yet to come.

Link

World Day of Prayer, Mar. 05

As of today, though it seemed to be eternal, many dilemma are still surfacing from personal, to national, and international issues. We have to remain steadfast with our faith, without it we can never look forward nor continue to hope for goodness.

Earthquake in Haiti, Chile; political bouts in Philippines; economic recession in US and in other first world countries...we have to accept that we, even how educated we are, still needs a God to save us. Please pray, Amen.

Let me share with you the information that today is a World Day of Prayer, kindly refer on the link. (Manila Bulletin as of March 05, 2010.
Link

The True Story of How I Created My Own Job by Mark So

Link
I found this really interesting article from today's issue of Manila Bulletin. This will truly be helpful to our graduating students or just to anyone who's heading for jobs search. Good luck!

10 Things Movie Theaters Won't Tell You

This is an interesting topic to most of us who cued long lines especially during film festivals. This was an article based on American setting, though we all know that our own local cinemas is in convergence to its phenomena as well. This is indeed interesting!

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by Sarah Morgan
Thursday, December 31, 2009

1. "We're obsolete? No way!"

Hard to believe, but movie theaters have been holding their own, despite intense competition from cable, the Internet and other media. After a 2005 slump, box office revenue increased over the past few years, and it's likely 2009 will have set a new record. But that growth is due largely to inflation; the number of tickets bought has stayed close to 1.4 billion since 2005, while the average ticket price has climbed from $6.41 to $7.46.

Looking for new ways to make money, theaters are exploring options like more in-house advertising and expanded concessions. But the biggest potential lies in digital technology and the flexibility it affords programming. For starters, events like live opera or college bowl games can draw 75 percent capacity on slow days, when theaters are usually "lucky to fill 10 percent of their seats," says Richard Herring, consultant for Davidson Theaters in Virginia. The trend is still young: Just a quarter of the more than 375 theaters using digital-projection company Cinedigm's technology, for example, are set up to show live events, but that number is growing quickly. Eventually, says Herring, as much as half a theater's revenue could come from this type of special programming.

2. "We get rich selling your eyes."

Theaters are drawing a bigger portion of their revenue these days from the on-screen advertising shown before the previews start. Revenue from these ads has been increasing by roughly 10 to 15 percent a year for the past several years, says Patrick Corcoran, spokesperson for the National Association of Theater Owners, and it's not going away anytime soon. That's because industry insiders rely on surveys like the one conducted in 2003 by marketing firm Arbitron that found two-thirds of audience members didn't mind them.

Some moviegoers do mind, of course -- more than 3,400 of them cared enough to sign a recent online petition demanding Regal Cinemas stop showing ads before movies. "I'm wondering why ticket prices are going up, and we're being forced to watch these ads at the same time," says Jason Thompson, who started the petition after growing frustrated with sitting through a string of ads before showtime. "The preshow presentation has been a part of theater exhibition for many years," says Dick Westerling, senior VP of marketing and advertising at Regal. What's more, thanks to digital technology, the preshow has become "more upscale and attractive."

3. "If you're getting tired of blockbusters, you may be in luck."

Special-events programming isn't the only change digital technology may be ushering into your local cineplex. It also makes film distribution cheaper and easier, thus potentially opening up more opportunities for independent filmmakers to get their work screened. "It's like a big iPod," explains Cinedigm CEO Bud Mayo. Movies are shipped on hard drives or downloaded from a satellite, without the cost or inconvenience of transporting heavy film canisters, and the theater can cue them up with the click of a mouse. That means theater owners can set up their schedules by "trial and error," says Lauren Goffio, manager of the Pavilion Park Slope theater in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The trend toward digital could also mean a move away from blockbusters. Hollywood has been offering mass-market products while most industries are directing specialized products to smaller groups, says Rashi Glazer, professor of marketing at the University of California, Berkeley: "The one-size-fits-all approach is the past, it's not the future." And digital lowers "the barrier of entry," since distribution is no longer an expense to be reckoned with, says Corcoran.

4. "We really prefer you didn't come on opening night."

Contrary to the way Hollywood considers opening-weekend box office numbers the ultimate test of a movie's success, theaters themselves are far less worried about packing the house for new releases. That's because they pay a percentage of ticket sales as a fee to studios, and the cut is typically bigger earlier in a film's run.

How does it work? Studios negotiate separate agreements with each theater chain for each film, so the conditions vary. But generally speaking, theaters pay somewhere between 35 and 70 percent of box office receipts to the studio as a film-rental fee, says consultant Herring. In most cases, the studio takes the biggest cut in the first week, and the percentage drops from there. "If you have a movie like Titanic that lasts for months and months, that's what we all dream about," says Bruce Taffet, the owner of The Pearl Theatre at Avenue North in Philadelphia. He says that by the third or fourth week of a given film's run, the exhibitor begins paying lower film-rental fees to the studio. Unfortunately for theater operators, "most movies don't last that long," Taffet says.

5. "We're all about the bells and whistles."

Noticed lately that the moviegoing experience has become a lot more, well, experiential? It's a result of theaters including more "premium experience" screenings in their lineup, including the use of IMAX and updated 3-D technology. And the trend seems to be accelerating. Regal Cinemas, for one, had 168 digital 3-D screens out of a total 6,782 screens nationwide by the end of 2008 and plans to up that number to 1,500 in the next few years. Meanwhile, about 175 Regal theaters have installed IMAX in the past six years, with more than half of those within the past year.

The lure is profit, naturally: After initial upgrades and outlays -- such as special screens and IMAX's imaging process -- theaters can charge $2 to $3 more for these tickets. And customers like it, says IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond. He cites 2009's Star Trek, for which IMAX made up 2 percent of total screens but 12 percent of box office over a two-week period. Similarly, 3-D screenings have won up to half the total audience for films like Pixar's Up. But Glazer chalks up the excitement to novelty, since "the films themselves don't particularly have anything to commend them compared to others."

6. "Our concessions are so profitable, it's ridiculous..."

Recessions com and go, but it seems concessions are here to stay. The average amount each customer spends at the candy stand keeps heading steadily upward, from $2.51 in 2004 to $3.09 in 2008. In fact, for major theater chains, concessions typically account for about a quarter of total revenue. So how is it that theaters get away with charging as much as $10.50 for a large popcorn and soda? First and foremost, movie concessions are a monopoly, since most theaters don't allow patrons to bring in outside food or beverages. (It's "not a requirement" to buy popcorn when you go to the movies, says Corcoran, of the National Association of Theater Owners. "People who want concessions can order them or not.")

But there's also an important emotional component, says Richard McKenzie, professor of economics at the University of California-Irvine and the author of "Why Popcorn Costs So Much at the Movies." When you buy Junior Mints or another favorite treat, you're buying a piece of the moviegoing experience, along with "the opportunity to laugh with a crowd and everything else people go to the movies for," McKenzie says.

7. "...so we might put in a bar."

Some theater owners are trying alternative concessions, offering menus that include more than the usual candy and popcorn fare, and even serving alcohol at some locations. For example, Regal Cinemas partners with Cinebarre at five venues serving beer, wine, mixed drinks, appetizers, burgers and pizza. And while there are only about 400 theaters across the country that serve liquor, the numbers have been slowly but steadily increasing. Terrell Braly, CEO of Cinebarre, says his company will expand to 20 theaters by 2011.

But that doesn't mean your local multiplex will be adding a bar anytime soon. There are inherent problems with serving drinks at the movies -- for one thing, it precludes teenage audiences, a key demographic for many theaters. There was even resistance from studios until the late '90s, says Corcoran, including refusal to allow first-run films to be shown in theaters serving alcohol, for fear patrons wouldn't pay attention. Braly says Cinebarre has proved it can deliver the same quality of viewing experience as a traditional chain and says leaving out teenagers isn't a flaw in the business plan, it's a boon to adult patrons by removing "the middle-school mafia."

8. "Actually, your neighbor's cell doesn't bother us that much."

We've all been there: sitting in the theater, our attention consumed by the drama unfolding on screen, only to have the spell broken by a ringing cell phone or the distracting glow of a text message. And with the cultural shift toward personal technology well under way, such disturbances are becoming a regular part of the theater experience, says Toon van Beeck, senior analyst at market-research firm IBISWorld. "People are so glued to their cell phones that it's become a big problem for theaters," he says.

A major check on theaters attempting to police these and other sorts of audience disturbances is the fear of customer backlash, says van Beeck. Movie houses don't want to lose younger audiences -- who are primarily responsible for disruptions -- by cracking down too hard. "But they've got to at least show the baby boomers that they're trying," says van Beeck. Kerasotes Theatres, a Midwest chain with 94 theaters, has taken steps toward offering an escape from rowdy crowds with its "enchanted evening" policy. At select locations on Friday and Saturday nights, no one under the age of 17 is permitted without an adult into movies that start after 9 p.m. The policy, says a spokesperson for Kerasotes, is intended to get people to attend the movies as a family. "When Mom and Dad are around, everyone tends to be on their best behavior."

9. "Going to the movies could be hazardous to your hearing."

Movies sure can get loud, but could they actually be harmful to your ears? Individual theaters' decibel levels vary, but special effects-laden action flicks, for example, can hit the same dangerous territory as a loud rock concert, thus potentially contributing to hearing loss, according to the Center for Hearing and Communication. In fact, any sustained noise over 85 decibels (roughly the level of city traffic) can damage your hearing, says Amy Boyle, director of public education for the center.

"We've received complaints" about noise level in movie theaters, but those who have taken it up with theater staff "have been met with resistance," says Boyle. If you're concerned about volume, you can buy a sound level meter at retailers like RadioShack to measure the decibels around you. Meanwhile, if you experience any ringing in your ears after seeing a movie, then that means it was too loud. "Remember, even the sounds that we like can be damaging to our hearing," she says.

10. "It may soon be safe to go to the movies in February."

Moviegoing has traditionally been a seasonal activity. According to Herring, theaters bring in 40 percent of their yearly revenue in just three months: May, June and July. The winter holidays are another big period for box office revenue, while spring and fall have been dumping grounds for low-budget movies and potential flops. But things are slowly changing as studios seek to spread their quality releases more evenly throughout the year. With the old calendar in flux, some smaller films are debuting with less competition and doing far better than expected.

Last year's surprise late-January hit Mall Cop, for instance, would probably not have been as successful had it been released in the summer against bigger films, Herring says. Indeed, we've started seeing more major releases off season in the past few years, says Alan Stock, CEO of the Cinemark theater chain. For example, September 2009 brought the release of family film Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. And if the trend continues, moviegoers might eventually see some high-caliber films come out in the dead zone of the major-release calendar: the postholiday doldrums of January and February.

Copyrighted, SmartMoney.com. All Rights Reserved.

Why we have to say our thanks this year?

Walking blind folded with sheer senses, that was my thing this year. It was really either about fate or faith perhaps?

Some people say that angels have been with us since birth, and some could even claim that they even take human forms just to be with us. You may refer to your family, friends, teachers, or just a perennial stranger. Imagine out of those millions of people, you cross your path with someone who could turn your life so different - great or bad, you could learn from them.

As someone in business, planning should have been consistent with all of my activities but isn't it that we have to be spontaneous as well to whatever opportunities that may arise? Some acts may not be as specific as they should be, right? You may like sweets: eclairs, bonbons, candies, etc. Things come in different forms that you never imagined yourself taking, but you just did since you know it is somehow close to that.

Whether this will be permanent or temporary, we simply cannot deny that we have shared some common paths with a lot of people. We can say that we are happy having them around and hoping they got entertained as well.

Being in schools, make me feel that my hunger for knowledge is more than just for books but also an interaction. In my grad school, it's more intense because you belong to a group who depends on your projects - mini company what my professors are saying. This is bigger step than just the dose of theories which I've been dwelling back in college. My teaching stint to my Alma Mater s also a unique experience. Dealing with students who are almost of my same age and still maintaining the status quo is indeed perplexing as well. I love my the toxicity of my schedule as I juggle with my sales work in hotel. Though it's different from the traditional approach, the experience is a good start and I am not afraid to expose myself further to it.

Being stranded during cyclones was my pride since I got good feedbacks which reflected my leadership skills. I'm not boasting about it but I acknowledge praises when it is due. It helps me to show to other people, especially to younger individuals, future is not afterall deteriorating. You still could see nobility from youngsters who see themselves as solutions to the already heaping dilemma of this country. It's not standing as if you're Superman, instead gathering a group of people who believes in kindness and hardwork. Let's continue to seek for these people to emulate. Let's show them that they are not running for extinction.

Sometimes, I wish same old faces would stay at one place so that when you got back, you no longer need to adjust- is complacency a sin? People do move on with their lives and they also seek for growth, even they thought that they were just retiring! It was a good chance for me to know more people and perhaps getting a more innovative approach on things.

Surprises, more of this stuff, for 2009. I thought I would drop on my knees but with a lot of help and grace from God, I stood firmly on my principles and I believe I became better, wiser, kinder. I owe this to all sorts of things I've been through. yes, uncertainty still fills me for next year but what the heck! I survived the 365 days of 2009, I'm surely could do the same, even better!

I no longer need to enumerate the significant names of people who contributed alot. I know that while you are walking around, you feel as if you are gliding with respect and dignity, because you know that somehow you have helped someone along the way. If ever you have read this blog and do know me, in your heart my words of gratitude is heard...it says thanks to you!

Tiger in, ox out!

I was uncertain on how my year will unfold as the world recession flooded the media. Perhaps even for a strong-willed person like me was truly scared at that time since poverty was exaggerated, darn pessimists! Anyway, 2009 was truly good for a juvenile who believed that 2008 was my year (that was my 888). 2008, I have dared the most critical challenges in my career, 2009 was the start of a wonderful things, 2010...well, I'm crossing my fingers so that's why I have distributed tiger charms to my friends and loved ones too.

Planning was not really something I'm good at, but what is innate is my sheer enthusiasm and curiosity. I became more daring to things or events that I have never imagined doing before such as teaching, sales, and a lot of fun stuff. This is my first time to live independently as well, so I got my share of difficulty too. Personally, I believe that courage and faith were my kits for the year of the ox. I am religious but how come I'm speaking Chinese mythology here? It is simply just fun! the prediction is more of an art to me, rather than principles. I believe that we always to watch out and reading some notion excites me.

For the year of the tiger, I'm still optimistic and I learned that we simply have to become spontaneous in order to let the natural expertise flow. My advise, don't easily get disheartened, it's part of the cycle of unwrapping gifts...you have to tear the beautiful wrapper to discover what's inside. It may seemed hard (some gifts even use seemed-to-be permanent-glues plus thick wrappers) but you will love doing it repeatedly through time. Yes, a cliche that "life is like a box of chocolates, you don't know what you gonna get!" might make you wonder what's in stored for you, that's why you have to keep an open-minded lifestyle and afterall, life is a continuous learning process! Remember to trust your instinct and to have faith in God.

So be brave, pray, and let's become more productive- afterall that is life all about, so have fun!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Yearly we have anticipated this season of cheers and I myself have been so pre-occupied of many agenda that I have to fulfill. I got my seemed-to-be-endless list for the gifts, plus freaking outfits for posh parties and many more. I even hoped to complete the roosters mass but unfortunately I missed the first day (sad). Who else is not excited of gatherings or reunions? I got my own share of activities even, though it's really hard joining the gaps among our schedules.

The celebration started pumping up last December 5, I really took time dressing-up ala-Edward of New moon, of course with a twist of bow tie! It was held at Prince Plaza, then followed by series of getaways with my officemates from IHG- hotels and other restos. Since I'm into grad school, I had my share of joys with my class in DLSU-RCBC last Dec. 15. For both series of parties, I have been gormandizing on gargantuan pizzas either from Niro or El buono (both were sumptuous feasts!). Then a coupls of days, my cellphone rang, it was an invite from my previous employer in MOLPHIL, they got a family party which I dressedd up outlandishly with a blue hair! The day after, was my college friend, Ana's wedding at Edsa Shrine with a reception at Jade's Palace. The theme was gold and red, so festive that is so timely for the Holidays. Good thing I kept my classic Filipino suit then partnered with a nice sort-of-a golden brown pants from GQ, so stunning on me (hahaha). I am happy for her, for I was one of those who keeps on bugging them to tie the knot and look for optimism rather to look on receipts! I remember our escapades on how I've been dragging her to do decisions for her, now she even got fiercer for having a marriage. Soon she'll have her own babies other than her pups. Hooo! Time passes so fast. Finally, I got my most recent party with my other part time job in CEU. I was one of the emcees and the theme was Retro to 70's. i was really looking for a bell bottom but that was nowhere to be found in the mall. Anyway, I re-used my ala-edward outfit and hooded with a better personality as necessary for hosting. The event is quite unusual since the party was held in day time, I thought I was about to melt away! Good thing I survived 'till end in one piece.

Much have been written and said, but one thing is for sure, these celebrations wouldn't be possible with out its real essence and that is Jesus Christ! Yes, I'm looking forward to a lot of parties until early next year and let's not forget nor be hesitant to mention his name during this important occasions. Amidst our crises, God has continually bless us with wonderful gifts and miracles. I have my family, what can I ask for? Personal and country finances, well for practical survival. Peace in our country, sure it's hard to live in chaos and in hate! Perhaps, so much more. So let's keep our prayers running guys, more than the receipts from boutiques!

Merry Christmas, happy New Year, and Happy Birthday Bro!