Weng in California

Joey & Weng with our cousins in California.

Sarap bumisita! Kami din :-)

Gotta save $$$.

Weng in Vegas

After a long wait, Weng is finally in Las Vegas. The lovebirds are finally together!

Grace Padaca & Among Ed

In the last 2004 elections, Grace Padaca, a fearless radio commentator, won the Isabela governor seat over Faustino Dy, a member of a powerful political clan, by a close margin of about 1,285 votes. Presently, based on the latest tally, she is on her way to get reelected.

In the recent 2007 elections, the nation was again astonished by the victory of Ed Panlilio, a parish priest, won the Pampanga governor seat over Mark Lapid and Lilia Pineda, members of powerful clans and close allies of Arroyo, also by a close margin of about 1,147 votes.

There are many similarities between the two victories. First, both are highly competent yet selfless leaders on a moral crusade against corruption. Second, both faced powerful political clans with firmly entrenched political machinery and unlimited resources. Third, both ran a quixotic campaign that mobilized support of the upper and middle class. Fourth, their supporters were vigilant in guarding the votes which prevented cheating from taking away their victory.

Their success should inspire other provinces to break away from patronage politics, to destroy political dynasties and to encourage more qualified individual to run for public office.

On the other hand, in the national elections, let us examine the campaign of KAPATIRAN. They also ran a platform-based campaign but lost terribly in the elections. In comparison with Padaca and Among Ed, I think they lacked the charisma to mobilize popular support from the upper and middle class. This support is critical to gain funds for running advertisements. Even Grace and Among Ed needed funds for advertisement. Those ads send a message that a candidate is a serious contender, that he has a support base and that he has winnability. Consequently, these advertisements will further increase awareness of his campaign which in turn would multiply the support they were receiving. Unlike Among Ed's campaign, they never had the spark to start a momentum which was sustained until election day.

Can this formula for success in the local elections be duplicated in the national elections?Yes, I believe it can.

At the moment, I do not see a political figure that could duplicate the success of Grace and Among Ed using the same formula at a national level. But I do hope that someone will soon standout to capture the imagination of the Filipino people and to institute genuine reforms.

Kick-Off Party

Our business unit held it's periodic Kick-off party last night at Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas City. Doing the opeing remarks, it was my first time to address the troops as BU head. I kept the talk light and inserted some humor. I think it went well but I want to work on how to further lighten up the crowd.
I was a delicious dinner. Even the Japs enjoyed the food. Dinner was followed by a Karaoke session that lasted till 9:00pm. Well, there are the usual volunteer singers but most of the guys are generally shy. (But I think most are karaoke maniacs at home). Really! Our parties are like this! Like I said, I think it would be nicer if everybody lightens up. (I am making a mental note, alcohol consumption will most likely shake the party.)

Movie Time: Spider-Man 3

Monday. Took the day off to enroll my daughter to school. Quality education cost so much in this country! Today, I paid about P70K in tuition fees, books, uniform and other supplies. Unbelievable!

Finally, I got a chance to watch the blockbuster Spider-Man 3 in the big screen. Is this the end of the movie series? The ending seems to indicate so. First, the reconciliation HO and PP consequently ended their rivalry and ultimate showdown the series have been building since the first movie. Second, although a love confused PP could be more appealing, PP is totally set on MJ. The love story angle is tiresome already and I think it will be pushing it to try to reinvigorate this story line. Third, there is finally closure to the death of BP. PP has finally removed his guilt and found it in his heart to forgive.

What's with JJJ still in good terms with PP? Doesn't he know that this guy got between the marriage of his son and MJ? For a guy with a hot head he sure is forgiving. This event in Spider-Man 2 seems to be lost in the movie. What the heck, it's just a movie! Can't wait to have the DVD.

The Internet is full of rumors of a Spider-Man 4 based on the premise that V is still alive. He could still be alive but I think another sequel revolving around V wouldn't be as exciting since Spidey already knows V's weakness. I won't be surprised if there is another movie. There are millions ($$$) of reasons to do so.

Anyway, here are some pics of Tricia with her favorite characters.

Hello Manila! Goodbye Manila!

Glad to be back home but also a bit sad 'cause my sis would fly to settle down to Las Vegas the next day. She will soon get married soon and permanently settle down in the States.

Tatay composed a sweet poem for his unica hija. It was very uncharacteristic of him to show his soft side. Tricia read the poem during her despedida dinner.

To our one and only beloved Weng,

Throughout your life, I hope you will always

pursue sensitivity and kindness

as your chosen way.

Your sense of humor is wonderful;

hold on to it.

Being able to laugh

and the world will see you through many hard times.

Guard against bitterness and sarcasm;

they can destroy you.

Be yourself: the world will benefit

from your talent and humor.

Search for people who love and appreciate you

for who you are

and who will encourage you to improve.

Don't be satisfied with less than you can be,

for you have greatness within you

from,

Tatay - Mr. Mike

Nanay - the FAMAS awardee

Mel - John Lloyd

Jane - the Diningding Queen aka Gabriella

Tricia - the awardee

Oliver - Dr. Sadam

Myra - the patience of Job

Zenith - innocent looking coed

Mae - Ms. Workaholic

See you soon Weng! You will be missed!

SODEC: Day Three

There was less excitement today at the booth. Although there was still a heavy turnout of visitors, I think was less excitement. I got to get around to the other exhibits and took some photos.

Here are pictures from the Software Development Wing. Microsoft and Fujitsu have the largest booths. These guys are burning money! I think the Philippine facilitators - RP Consulate, DTI and CICC should be commended. It is always a delight to see our taxes at work. I think the Philippines should continue to participate in events like this expo.

I found some time to view the Embedded Systems wing. By the way, it is prohibited to take pictures in this area but I still managed to get some shots.

Mission accomplished! Time to do some final shopping and packing. I'm flying home to Manila tomorrow morning.

SODEC: Day Two

It was a rainy day. As expected, there was a lower turnout of visitors compared to yesterday due to the bad weather. I was only at the exhibit in the morning but it was a day filled with some unexpected sight seeing.

From the Tokyo Big Sight, I took the Yurikamome Line to Shimbashi. The view and infrastructure is awesome! I am sure there are shared pictures over the Internet. It is a must see if you have a chance. From Shimbashi, I took the Tokyo Metro Ginza line to Kyoubashi where I met Mr. Kudo at the Tokyo office.

We had a meeting at NEC Tamagawa Plant at Kawasaki. It was my first time to visit this plant. The building is very modern, well-secured and imposing skyscraper. We met Mr. Asakura, a longtime executive of the firm. He introduced us to one of his present clients. We are hoping to get projects from this client too. That is the way things get done here. You cannot just drop by for a visit, offer a service and expect to get a business deal. A shoukaisha will arrange a business matching meeting. Introductions and presentations will be made. Afterwards, we hope that they callback for a job order.

Later, we had diner with associates based in the plant in one of the local restaurant bars. The waiter was a very jolly fellow.

Tired and semi-drunk. I just dozed off at the hotel bed as soon as I returned to Kamata at around 10 pm.

SODEC: Day One

Exciting! That is the best word to describe my day. I finally put my Marketing and Sales training into practice. Our legs were tired but we remain standing, attentive and wearing a smile. I approached strangers and started business talk. I got snubbed but I also found some client leads. I delivered a short company presentation in Japanese. By the way, the preparation for the speech was useful because you can carry the same message in private conversation and presentations with potential clients. Overall, it was a very productive and fulfilling day.

Tokyo Big Sight
Location of the 2007 Software Development Expo

Here are some of the tactics I think we did right.

1. Always be attentive. It is very important to establish eye contact before making an approach to a guest. Think of the eye contact as an invitation or an indicator of interest.

2. Have a Filipino and Japanese tandem in the booth. A Filipino exhibitor skilled in conversation gives a strong positive impression about the company. A Japanese exhibitor can effectively and emphatically explain the Philippine-Japan business situation.

Here are some tactics I think we should improve next year.

Philippine Booth

1. Booth location. Try to get a corner spot where there is heavier traffic. There is a better chance for an encounter with a potential client. As a countermeasure, I suggested that we stand at the angle of the blind spot with the brochures for visitors to see the company name.

Taiwan Booth

2. Poster and Signage location. The poster is placed at about a 30-degree angle with the hallway. There is a blind spot where the poster cannot be seen. Also, the location of the signage should be higher to catch attention. I think the Taiwan booth a good example of signage location.

I must admit that I paid little attention to the details of the booth design during the preliminary meetings. It was only during the site inspection after comparing with the other booths can the shortcomings be realized.

3. Audio Visual Presentation. There is a common LCD screen. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown to me, the combined presentations of the participant in the Philippine booth cannot be played (unsupported format?). Each participant can play shows within its area using a notebook computer. However, it was very evident to that this does not attract attention. I did not see someone who stopped by to view the presentation in the small screen of the computer. An LCD monitor could be better.

4. Presentation materials. Posters, brochures and Powerpoint presentations should be reviewed and revised, periodically. Preparation for this event should be an annual planned activity.

I strongly support our annual participation to SODEC. It is a cost-effective measure to promote the Tsukiden brand as the best option for software development outsourcing in the Japan market.

CICC Philippine Business Seminar

Attended the Philippine Business Seminar sponsored by the Center for International Cooperation for Computerization (CICC) at their new office in Kourakoen.

I got to meet an old acquintance, Boots Baldoz, a former classmate in a Bridge SE training held in Makati which was by the way also sponsored by CICC. We were among the first graduates of the Bridge Systems Engineer Training course. It was a two-month full-time training which is quite long. I heard that the training program was cut short to 10 days because of the long duration. Apparently, most Japanese companies cannot deploy attendees because of project commitments.

I also got to meet other Philippine participants in SODEC. I hope I gave a good impression. Nobody can be sure what opportunity meetings like these will bring in the future. I feel that I am starting to build a name for myself in the industry.

Mr. Murakoshi observed correctly that we Filipinos are very friendly to each other despite being 'competitors'. I replied that it is a very Filipino trait to be very accomodative to everyone. However, we still understand that there is discretion in giving information. Also, we are not only promoting our respective companies but the our country too. We are united in this purpose.

Mr. Murakoshi delivered his presentation with no difficulty. During the cocktail party, I approached a fellow that could be a prospective client lead, AithCrew. It is an outsourcing firm engaged in India and China. Presently, they appear to be looking for a partner in the Philippines.

Tired. I will take an early rest. SODEC will start tomorrow and it promises to be another long day.

From Kanda to Kamata

Checked out of the hotel and took the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Subway from Kanda to Kyoubashi. It's hard to travel around the city when you carry a suitcase and a notebook computer. I especially dread the flight of stairs and the crowd. After exiting the station, I found my way to the company office.

I met colleagues, Joseph and Murakoshi, at the office. They just arrived from Manila and went to the office straight from the airport. We had dinner with Mr. Kudo before we move to Kamata. A bit tipsy, I dragged my stuff again up the stairs and through the crowd. We took the JR Keihin Touhoku Line from Tokyo to Kamata. There was a bit of commotion when the train stopped at Oimachi for some reason. Impatient, Murakoshi suggested to change train lines. We already climbed a flight of stairs to transfer when it was announced that the train was ready to move again. Darn, we hauled ass back to the train just in time before the doors closed.

We checked-in at the Hotel Urbain Kamata Annex. Dropping the weight of our luggage was a relief. Murakoshi showed us around. He used to live around this area. According to him, Kamata was some sort of Little Philippines in this part of Tokyo. As an entertainment district, Filipino entertainers used to thrive in the area. Since the restriction on entertainment visas, business in the area visibly slowed down.

However, there is still a visible Filipino community as evidenced by the photo below. These are mostly Pinays with Japanese spouses.

Kanda Matsuri

I have never seen Chuo Dori Avenue packed with so many people. If you have fantasies of running around the streets of Tokyo bare-ass, half-drunk and screaming, pick this day.

The Kanda Matsuri is a religious but festive occasion. People dress in the traditional robes. They chanted while they danced wildly to the beat of their drums. You could see sweat running down their faces as they struggle to lift the heavy ark on their shoulders. After the parade, they sat on the streets to rest, to eat, to drink and to enjoy the company of friends.

うれしいそう！

The Geek and the Sanrio Obsessed

AKIHABARA

After a sukiyaki breakfast at a nearby Yoshinoya, I went to Akihabara. The walk from the inn to Akihabara took only around 10 minutes. Akihabara is the electronics town of Japan. Every geek should at one point in their life travel on a pilgrimage to this district of Tokyo.

It is a common past time for gaijins to window shop. For some time now, a new game console is on the top of my wish list.

Checkout the Bic Camera prices.

Playstation3 (60 GB) 59,980円

Playstation3 (20 GB) 49,980円

XBox 360 38,700円

XBox 360 (Core) 29,800円

Wii 25,000円

Ignore the price tag! In Japan, the PS3 rules!

Next in my wish list is a Mac Book. A MA699 (Mac Book 1.83) is priced at 139,800円. I think the price is reasonable and relatively cheaper compared to purchasing it in Manila.

Akihabara is a place to go when you are looking for bargains. I noticed that shops for used goods have increased. However, I personally prefer to purchase my electronic toys brand new. These good could breakdown early in their life and have a life span. When purchasing new products, warranty is very important. For example, I bought an iPod Mini the last time I was in Japan. After only a month, the cable broke down. It is a good thing that Apple offers a worldwide warranty. The Apple Service Center in Manila replaced it. When buying used computers, I noticed that shops only carries a 1-week waranty. Now, if you recognize that devices have a life span, you should realize that you are taking a huge risk when purchasing used computers. If you are still determined to buy a used computer, carefully check the condition of the device and find a good arrangement for a warranty.

Impulsive buyers can spend a fortune in this place. Unfortunately, I do not have a budget for toys :-( In the end of the day, I purchased nothing. Well, I still need a strong pursuasion to buy.

SHINJUKU

Next in my itenerary for the day is to buy omiyage. Girls go crazy over SANRIO products. My wife and daughter seem to be obsessed with the stainless water jug :-) The have a collection now. I think I tend to spoil them. But what could I do? I love them.

You could always rely on a ODAKYU mall to have a SANRIO shop. The variety and quality of the items sold in Japan are better that those sold in Gift Gate shops in Manila.

Tired and hungry, I had a hamburger steak lunch at Pepper Lunch. It was a heavy and tasty meal. I look forward to sample other choices in their menu.

Yookoso

It was a very long day.

Restless. I think I only had 4 hours of sleep. I was up and ready at around 4 am.

My sister drove me to the airport. She would be flying to Las Vegas on the 20th to get married and to settle down. We may not see each other in the next 3 years. It is regretful that I can't be in Manila in the last week before she flies to the US. Fortunately, I would return to Manila on the 19th. At least, we still can have a day together.


NAIA

If you are traveling from Manila. It is advisable to be at the airport 3 hours before your flight. The lines to the check-in counter is as long as the lines for buying a ticket to watch Spiderman 3. It took me 1.5 hours to complete check-in, pass immigration and boarding inspection. I flew Japan Airlines. If you are flying Northwest, expect longer processing time. Security staff may inspect your check-in luggage. Really, American airlines have their own security staff.

Airport terminal fee increased from P550 to P750. Make sure you bring cash. Unlike other airports, you pay this fee before you get processed in immigration.

Make sure you follow these basic rules. Be at the boarding gate 60 minutes before the flight. Be ready to board 30 minutes before the flight. Remember, the gate will close 5 minutes before the flight.

NARITA

I really want to know the reason why they don't show inflight movies in JAL. Passengers have no other option but to read and to listen to their music selection.

I was anticipating some verification from Japan immigration. I wrote about this in Japan Visa Blues. Relieved! After waiting for 30 minutes in immigration, I got finally cleared. That's what you get when you have a bad rep. Make sure your travel papers are in order. It was a hard lesson for me. We should closely protect our freedom to travel. Remember, visiting to other countries is a privilege not a right.

TOKYO

涼しい！The first thing you notice once you stepped to the streets of Japan is the cool breeze. It was a welcome relief from the heat of Manila.

From the airport, I checked in to a business hotel. I am staying at Flexstay Kanda Inn until Monday. It has relatively new facilities. Nice place.

I will have a chance to witness the Kanda Matsuri or Festival. The festival is held on weekends close to May 15. Floats, wagons filled with dancers, and around 200 mikoshi are paraded through a large area of downtown Tokyo in honour of the deities of the Kanda Shrine, shinto priests on horseback accompany the parade. The main Kanda matsuri is held once every two years in odd-numbered years, while festivals held in even-numbered years are on a smaller scale.

Do you notice the close resemblance between the mikoshi and the Ark of Covenant?
To wrapup the day, together with Mr. Suzuki and Mr. Kudo, I had dinner with prospective clients. I met guys from AZing - Mr. Kurita and Mr. Shibuya. It was a pleasant meeting. For Japs, they seem to be cool guys. They had a bad experience in business outsourcing but look hopeful in doing business with us. Likewise, I hope we get this account.

Seven

Baby,

When you were turning six, do you remember when you insisted to have a princess party? You can't wait to turn seven to have a birthday party. You may not have a seventh birthday party of your own but you attended lots of parties.

Do you remember the times when you were so afraid of party mascots that you would hide under the tables? Admit it. You still are afraid of mascots.

Do you remember the days when you would cry out loud when you end up empty handed after a pabitin game?

Do you remember that you could always deliver the looongest happy birthday note?

Does the phrase High School Musical still ring a bell? Do you still dance to the beat of "We're all in this together"? Can you still sing "When There Was Me And You" from the heart?

Do you remember that you and mommy are always ready for bringme games?

Do you remember me and other daddies who used to look silly in party games? Remember the baby bottle?

Do you remember the time you always get excited just by thinking of balloons, cake, ice cream and loot bags?

Cherish your childhood memories. We hope they bring a smile to your face. That smile is our most precious gift to you.

Happy 7th Birthday Patricia!

Love,

Daddy & Mommy

Sofia's Birthday
June 16, 2006












Sofia's Birthday

August 4, 2006

January 19, 2007

Angelica's Birthday

January 20, 2007

February 24, 2007

Aijo's Birthday
March 10, 2007

Anika's Birthday

March 17, 2007

SODEC Buzz

The media was abuzz with promotion for the Philippines' participation in the 16th Software Development Expo (SODEC) with articles from CITEM, Business World, PDI and Manila Bulletin.
As part of the media promotion for SODEC, Joseph Valdez, our Engineering Director was invited for a TV interview in David Celdran's Business Nightly at ANC last May 4. He was accompanied by Jun Lasco of Ayala Systems (ASTI). I was there to take some pictures/video and to provide support.

For IT people like me, appearing live in television could be a nerve-rattling experiance. Personally, I am always conscious of the camera and I am not comfortable being in the spotlight. It requires a lot of nerve and confidence to pull a dignified appearance. Also, as part of the preparation, we had a simulation of the interview before the show. Overall, I think their stint was a success. There were awkward moments but they managed to pull it off. Congratulations!

David Celdran is a real pro. I was impressed by his wit and his ability to bring out interesting talking points within the 15 minute interaction. I gathered his questions and will attempt to provide answers in my own words.

What kind of software is outsourced to the Philippines?

What are embedded systems?

Do you work on simple or complicated operations? What is the knowledge base?

As far as Philippine software is concerned, is there a particular niche that we can fill?

Is Japan looking at the Philippines or is the Philippines reaching out in the world?

What are the opportunities that make Japan a lucrative market?

How do you describe the Japanese market?

Is there anything else that make the Filipino competitive? How do we compete against software giants?

Do we have the supply of knowledge and engineers?

Are we now buying foreign companies to get a foothold on external markets?

What are your plans for participation in SODEC?