Janette Toral
Columns
Tech and life
I THINK the challenge of being in the tech world is that many of the decisions we make are based on technology trends. That is normal. But if we are all reading the same materials, using the same tools, sometimes we come out with the same thing and there is no novelty in the offering.
It is a challenge to find inspiration as well that can bring in new ideas. Lately, I find myself engaging in various activities and trying out new applications that interest me. Apart from the recreation and benefits, I am hoping that it will allow me to meet new people, observe and learn in the process.
The top senator
AS OF this writing, senatorial candidate Grace Poe has emerged at the top in the partial and unofficial tabulation results. With the tight politicking happening to a lot of reelectionists, it seems there are voters who just want new blood and fresh faces in the Senate.
It reminded me of what Manuel L. Quezon III said at iBlog4 five years ago: the politicians in power will retire sooner or later. Some of them will pass away due to old age. And that beginning 2013, we will see changes on how we will vote. This will be further evident in 2016.
Have bloggers’ influence waned or increased?
I HAD an interesting meeting last week with some friends in government. One insight shared to me was “bloggers are no longer as influential as they used to be. Do you agree?”
Alternatives to Multiply
IN THE past few days, I have received private messages from friends asking what happened to Multiply because it announced it was closing its site.
I contacted its country manager, Jack Madrid, to ask him about it as I’d rather not speculate. Simply put, the decision to close the site was made in its main headquarters abroad.
E-commerce research
I JUST attended the first meeting of I-Metrics Asia Pacific Corp. This is my first Start-Up 100 Project and I am glad that it covers a subject that is close to my heart – e-commerce statistics.
Are you fit?
BEFORE Easter Sunday, I started my strengthening program using the Nike Training Club application that can be downloaded for the iOS and Android devices. It has at least 88 workouts designed for a person to get lean, toned and strong.
The application also has reward badges that gives incentives for the number of minutes spent using the application. The more minutes used, rewards are earned such as additional workouts from prominent sports or fitness personalities and recipes for salads and smoothies.
Digital Leaders Bootcamp
THE Cebu E-Commerce Summit that took place last March 23 was a success. I am very happy with the quality of speakers and participants who joined us in the event.
Cebu E-Commerce Summit
LAST Feb. 9, I was in Cebu to conduct an e-commerce boot camp at Location63. I was very happy with its outcome as most participants are already busy with their respective e-commerce endeavors, either as a pure digital play or as complement to their existing businesses.
The experience made me decide to extend the 4th DigitalFilipino E-Commerce Summit that happened last Feb. 22 in Manila and bring it to Cebu on March 23. Topics and speakers are now being posted at http://ecomsummit.digitalfilipino.com
E-government
OVER the weekend, I found myself in a situation – I needed to renew my passport because it was already expired. I visited http://passport.com.ph to start the process and book an appointment.
I must admit that the site can be quite intimidating with all of its warnings. You have to read the site content twice in order to know what to do next.
E-commerce Boot Camp lessons
LAST Nov. 29, I launched the E-Commerce Boot Camp online with the intent of providing free e-commerce lessons. It was meant to help me validate the contents of my 3rd e-commerce book and help aspiring entrepreneurs (I targeted 100) put up their e-commerce businesses.
It is also supported by face-to-face sessions. The first happened at UP Diliman in Quezon City last Jan. 11. This coming Saturday, the Cebu face-to-face session will take place in Location63.
