Search Engine & Social Network Marketing Adventure

E-Commerce & Social Media Marketing Workshop for Carl Duisberg Association of the Philippines

2009-11-29T21:51:00.005+08:00

Last November 20 and 21, I conducted an e-commerce and social media marketing hands-on workshop for the Carl Duisberg Association of the Philippines (CDAP). Its organization members and non-member paying attendees, for a total of 30 participants, joined the said activity at Oxford Suites in Makati City.

Here was my training outline at that time:

Day 1

Introduction to E-Commerce
E-Commerce Project Planning
Accepting Payments Online
The E-Commerce Law

Day 2

E-Mail / Newsletter Marketing
Search engine optimization
- Keyword discovery, analysis, distribution
- Competition analysis
- Web content writing
Search Engine Marketing & Advertising
Social Network Marketing & Advertising

I guess the biggest challenge of teaching and handling a workshop of this size is meeting participant expectations based on their individual needs. As 2 days was quite short, I hope the materials received will allow them to move further with their respective experiment or trials.

After the workshop, the organization had its annual election of officers and general assembly. Congratulations to its new set of officers!

The workshop was a good warm up as I'll be resuming my E-Commerce for Entrepreneurs Hands-on Workshop series this December 7 to 18.

My sincerest thanks to the CDAP for having me. All the best to your organization. Big thanks also to DigitalFilipino Club and CDAP member Carole Lee for introducing me to the group.

The New Yahoo! Look

2009-10-28T23:11:00.002+08:00

What is nice about the new Yahoo is that the home page now gives you a glimpse on activities on your various accounts in the site.

It can tell how many new emails you have, updates from Yahoo Profiles connections, who's online among Yahoo Messenger friends, among others.

in reference to: Yahoo! (view on Google Sidewiki)

(I just discovered Google Sidewiki. Thanks Gary Viray!)

Memorable trip to General Santos City

2009-10-24T17:30:00.006+08:00

IMG_9820, originally uploaded by avelmans.

After the last leg of DigitalFilipino Club and Bloggers eyeball roadshow in Davao City, I catched up with Avel Manansala and met some of General Santos City bloggers from July 19 to 21.

Some of the trip highlights include:

GenSan Exchange sponsored my accommodation at Phela Grande Hotel (has free wi-fi)
Had a taste of Tunaghetti at Genee restaurant. If you will visit General Santos City, make sure to have your picture taken in their magnificient photo wall giving a great view of the city.
Met the blogging Generals (photo 1, 2, 3) such as:
- Hector (http://writingedge.blogspot.com/)
- Cidz (http://www.generalsantoscityphilippines.info/)
- Mars (http://plurk.com/marzz)
- Dax (http://daxiweida.blogspot.com/)
- Gumer (http://www.technotechniques.com/)
- Gay (http://ascientistinthekitchen.net/)
- Tammy (http://djtammy.com/)
- Sheng (http://sdumalay.blogspot.com/)
- Rosilie (http://rosilie.blogspot.com/)
- Arnel (http://jhonkie2.blogspot.com/)
- Ric (http://blagadaggg.blogspot.com/)
- Jinky (http://jborela.blogspot.com/)
Had my first jump shot experience at the Oval Plaza.
Met the owner of KimKyts Tuna who won emerging entrepreneur of the year in the city.
Visited the Blugre Cafe franchise that Manny Pacquiao owns and had my favorite Durian Coffee.
First time to visit a spring resort, Olaer Spring Resort. Had my first water jump shot experience there too. If you haven't been to this resort, check out this short video where Avel gave an overview about it.
Visited the PacMan mansion although we were not able to go inside. Here's a snapshot video of it:
Met Ed Villamor who was having a victory dinner, Kuya Ed Tuna and Lechon Grill, for being one of the awardees (entrepreneur of the year).
Delivered a talk to the students of AMA Computer Learning Center about blogging. The owners of GenSan Exchange are also the owners of this school franchise. Avel's GenSantos.com was formally recognized as one of the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs in 2008 (chosen by writing project participants).

Thank you to all General Santos City blogger friends for making this short trip memorable!

My big congratulations goes to Avel Manansala as well for the well-deserved recognition he got a the Philippine Blog Awards Mindanao last October 24.

Users as the new models

2009-09-07T19:50:00.010+08:00

Last April 29, 2009, I was one of the three panelists on "The rise of Digital Advertising and the Philippine Outlook for 2009" invited by the 4As - premiere advertising association in the Philippines.

The focused of my presentation was blog / social network marketing and advertising. Looking at various activity trends, noticed a lot of companies organizing activities with users (or favored ones) at the front act.

Some entities organize contest encouraging users to submit blog posts, photos, and even videos to a site.
Some users get tapped to function as coordinator either on a volunteer or paid capacity running a campaign.

So instead of hiring the usual talents or celebrities, more companies realize the value of collaborating with loyal users in carrying the brand and interact with peers online.

The same applies for user trials where those who enjoyed or enlightened (or even not) with the experience will share what they think in their respective blog or communities they belong to.

Find more videos like this on DigitalFilipino.com Social Network

So I totally agree with fellow panelist Donald Lim, CEO of Yehey.com, when he said in the video that traditional advertising methods won't work online. Advertising agencies need to adjust and learn how to treat users differently from the usual models or celebrity endorsers.

Maria Rodriguez Java of ABS-CBN News also joined in the panel where she shared interesting statistics focusing on their experience.

Impact of Social Networks on Public Relations

2009-07-30T19:17:00.003+08:00

Last April 30, I delivered a sidebar talk during the 1st general membership meeting of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines at Ascott Makati. My talk was about the "Impact of Social Networks on Public Relations".

I think PR people face a big challenge today as their clientele use social networks more to provide updates and get direct feedback from users. This presents both an opportunity and a risk as well. In addition, it also challenges the future role of this profession as users become PR themselves.

Public relations people today need to savvy in blogging and social networking in order to interact better using this medium.

EON's Junie Del Mundo also delivered a talk on corporate social responsibility which I found to be very interesting.

“Building Trust in a Connected World”
I got invited by Qartas Corporation to be one of the resource persons this August 4 from 2-5pm at the Balmori Room of the Manila Peninsula Hotel.

My 30-minutes talk will be about “Embracing the New PR: How Corporate Blogging and Social Media can help in traffic generation and brand building”.

Qartas Corporation in cooperation with Galileo by Travelport have gathered the top executives of the travel industry to discuss how they can maximize the use of the internet to grow their business, how having a trust mark (Sure Seal) helps in increasing conversion rates, and address the growing concern on internet fraud.

My talk will focus on how corporate blogging and social media like Friendster, Facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace can help promote brands and increase site traffic.

Many thanks to club member Jovel Cipriano for considering me to talk on this topic!

This coming August 10 to 12 as well, I will have a workshop where one of my topics is about blog marketing & advertising and social network marketing & advertising.

Meet the Yahoo! Purple Hunt Purple Crew

2009-07-29T07:18:00.002+08:00

pikpak 367, originally uploaded by astiege.

Although I have blogged about Yahoo! power users being tapped to help out in the Purple Hunt (referred to as Purple Crew), I think this is the only photo that we have today where we are altogether in one shot.

I'll miss you folks and hope we can keep in touch.

(In the photo left to right are: Jimmy Hilario, Jonas de los Reyes, Jobar Pensica, Lai Legaspi, Janette Toral, and Anne Flores)

My Yahoo Smile by Caitlyn

2009-07-29T03:26:00.003+08:00

5-year old Caitlyn often sees Yahoo Messenger in action as her parents communicate with their friends, relatives, and to each other when one is out of town. Yesterday, she just blurted out to her mom, "this is how Yahoo smiles".

She likes the Yahoo Messenger smiley so much that she even draw and now practicing how to spell Yahoo.

My Yahoo Smile by Caitlyn @ Yahoo! Video

Come to think of it, all that Yahoo! Messenger "cuteness" really has an effect. Seeing that smiley icon jumping while you are opening the program is like creating a feeling of "anticipation" that you are about to chat with someone special.

Yahoo Purple Hunt Phase 4 Grand Finale Winners

2009-07-25T20:00:00.007+08:00

Purple Hunt Philippines @ Yahoo! Video

Congratulations to Calvin Galgana (Honda Jazz), Erliza Karen Cabisidan (entertainment system), and Jemuel del Valle (Canon 500D Digital SLR) for winning the Yahoo! Purple Hunt phase 4 grand finale prizes.

All winners from Yahoo! Purple Hunt phase 2, 3, and 4 were recognized during the evening finale event.

Those who did not win in the footrace also got Globe Tattoo kits. For those who were not able to get their prize, please expect the event organizer, Youthopia, to contact you in a day or two on the collection of your consolation prize.

Congratulations Yahoo! Purple Hunters!

Also, there are a lot of feedback received from you on problems encountered during the event and how the Purple Hunt can be further improved. You can e-mail purple-hunt-ph@yahoo-inc.com and a Yahoo! representative shall respond.

Yahoo Purple Hunt Honda Jazz Winner - Calvin Galgana @ Yahoo! Video

Erliza Karen Cabisidan bagged 2nd prize at Yahoo Purple Hunt @ Yahoo! Video

Jemuel del Valle bagged 3rd prize at Yahoo Purple Hunt footrace @ Yahoo! Video

New Vision Dance group at Yahoo Purple Hunt Grand Finale @ Yahoo! Video

More than 1000 Yahoo Purple Hunters at Bonifacio High Street

2009-07-25T16:55:00.001+08:00

More than 1000 Yahoo Purple Hunters started coverging as early as 7 am to participate in the crack the code portion of phase 4. In total, more than 200 were able to crack the code and a raffle was held to know who will be able to join the footrace.

Gary Samios Uy at Yahoo Purple Hunt Crack the Code @ Yahoo! Video

Jacqueline Lubrica cracks the code at Yahoo Purple Hunt Grand Finale @ Yahoo! Video

Midnight Purple Hunters @ Yahoo! Video

The footrace required the Yahoo Purple Hunters to visit several pitstop and perform a challenge that includes making a puzzle, moving purple marbles using a chopstick, make a balloon hat, finishing a cold drink, among others. In the less than an hour, the race was finished as one Yahoo Purple Hunter found the car.

Many thanks to all Yahoo Purple Hunters who joined this activity. To my fellow Purple Crew / Power Users, I'm gonna miss you guys. Let's keep in touch.

It feels great to meet, be part, of an active and proud Yahoo users community! Rock on!

Purple College Workshops by Power Users

2009-07-25T14:34:00.002+08:00

A lot of the Yahoo! Purple Hunters joined the Yahoo! Purple Hunt grand finale earlier today, July 25, and also attended the Purple College Workshops by Power Users.

Many thanks to everyone who attended my session on Blogging and Social Networking 101 (Tips & Techniques in Building an Online Community). Here are some notes that can be of help too:

For those who would like to learn more, I have a blogging and social networking workshop series happening on August 10 to 12 that covers this subject too.

My fellow power users Jimmy Hilario also did a talk on "How to take professional photos using an amateur camera". Followed by Jobar Pensica on "Creating and managing a community of photo-enthusiasts".

Yahoo Purple Crew Jobarracuda won TV 5 Evening News Contest

2009-07-21T22:47:00.002+08:00

in black & white, originally uploaded by jobarracuda.

Fellow Purple Crew Jobarracuda just won in the photo contest initiated by the TV 5's The Evening News (TEN). He competed against more than 400 participants in this photo montage contest - where 5 photos on the topic social realism got submitted.

Here is the story behind the photo according to Jobar:

I was shopping at Baguio market when this little girl approached me, asking that she'll carry my bag for some money. I told her that I'll just take a photo of her and she doesn't have to carry my bag.

"Isang kuha lang po ha" (just one photo sir).
I smiled and took a shot as fast as i can because i didn't want her to change her mind.
She was so happy and surprised that i gave her 50 pesos (1 dollar). Most of the time they get 10 or 20 pesos in every bag they carry....and most are heavy shopping bags.
"Kuya nagkamali po kayo" (brother you made a mistake.)
Offering back the money.
"No I didn't", I said. "That is really for you."
Then i went my way praying that the photo i took of her was alright.

Congratulations Jobar!

Yahoo! Purple Hunt Phase 4: Guess the location of the Purple Hunt Grand Finale Event

2009-07-21T22:25:00.004+08:00

The Yahoo Purple Hunt Phase 4 just kicked off last July 14. The microsite has began falling apart to reveal the secret location of the Purple Hunt grand finale event on July 25.

Purple Hunters will have to guess the location and input on the Yahoo Purple Hunt microsite anytime from July 14 to 24.

Those who will get it correctly shall receive a confirmation e-mail. Only Purple Hunters with the confirmation e-mail have the chance to participate in the footrace.

Mechanics of the Footrace:

People must bring the confirmation e-mails and be at the location at 9am wearing purple. You must be 18 and above to qualify.
Registration will be from 9 am to 10:30 am.
From 10:30-1:00 pm, registered Purple Hunters will go through a skill based test to shortlist 40 people for the footrace. This will require you to hack the microsite by clicking on clues combination. Watch this video to have an idea about it.
At 1 pm, the shortlisted Purple Hunters will be brief on the footrace.
From 2-5 pm, the 40 shortlisted Purple Hunters will participate in the footrace to find the Honda Jazz Purple Car.

During the footrace, the 40 shortlisted Purple Hunters will have to visit several pitstop, perform a challenge, and get the next clue until the car is reached. Note that each pitstop will have a challenge that needs to be performed well. Anyone caught cheating will automatically be disqualifed.

Once the car gets found, the whole race shall end. The top three (3) shall get the following:

WeeWillDoodle with Yahoo! Philippines @ Yahoo! Video

1st place

2nd place

3rd place

Note as well that:

Anyone from the Philippines, who was able to guess the exact location at the microsite, can join for as long as they are in Manila on July 25 during the actual footrace.
Phase 2 (Canon Camera) and 3 (Blackberry Smartphone) winners can still qualify to compete for phase 4.
Note that this is not on a first come, first serve basis.
The picture that is now in the site will not be replaced and shall be gradually unveiled.

Meanwhile from 12 pm - 6 pm, there will be plenty of activities at the venue, such as the following:

Purplescape Exhibition
Purplize Your World
Purple College Workshops
Project Purple Showcase
Purple Lounge
Interactive Games

The event will start to wind down from 6-9pm where there’ll be a prize presentation for phases 2 (Canon Camera), 3 (Blackberry Smartphone), and 4 winners, a finale programme and a Purple concert with local talents performing.

Note that unlike in the last two phases, I won't be giving out exact address tips as phase 4 is very competitive. However, I will be helping you guys out by seeding a clue a day here. If you know the answer, type in your answer at the microsite to get a confirmation e-mail.

The location was featured in phase 3 (Blackberry Smartphone) (July 14 clue)
The Purple Crew visited this location to give away Yahoo Swags. (July 15 clue)
I was there on the first day to give away Yahoo Swags. (July 17 clue)

Good luck to all Purple Hunters! See you at the Purple Hunt Grand Finale Event on July 25. I shall be covering the event the whole day. Will post pictures and videos here.

Yahoo Purple Hunt Phase 3 Winners: 6 BlackBerry Storm smartphones

2009-07-21T18:55:00.004+08:00

BlackBerry Storm Smartphone, originally uploaded by ThePurpleHunt.

Just like to give Purple Hunters a heads-up that Yahoo! just announced the winners of the BlackBerry Storm Smartphone (phase 3) in the Purple Crew Yahoo Groups. They are:

1. Jennilyn Tanciangco
2. Sylvia Oronce
3. Germie Florendo
4. Alwedjh Obenario
5. Coralyn De Castro
6. Eleonor Priscilla Garcia

Congratulations Purple Hunters! See you at the grand finale this Saturday!

Get Yahoo! Swags - It's Easy When it's Purple!

2009-07-12T14:08:00.001+08:00

I was at Krispy Kreme Bonifacio High Street and Glorietta last July 3 and 10 to meet and greet the Purple Hunters. Congratulations to the winners of the shirts! Fun to meet the midnight hunters too who came in full force during this activity.

The Purple Crew visited Krispy Kreme Bonifacio High Street (July 3), Starbucks Market Market (July 4), Krispy Kreme Glorietta (July 10), and Krispy Kreme Trinoma (July 11) where Yahoo! swags were given out to those who mentioned the magic keyphrase "It’s Easy when it’s Purple".

Team Manila joins Yahoo!’s Project Purple, originally uploaded by Jem Seow.

Some of these swags were the Limited Edition Team Manila T-shirts, Yahoo Purple Hunt ID lace, Yahoo! pins, and paper doll flyers. The activity was part of the Yahoo Purple Hunt promotions.

Get to know the Purple Crew!

Yahoo Purple Hunt BlackBerry Smartphone #6: University Santo Tomas

2009-07-12T09:15:00.002+08:00

Day 3 b, originally uploaded by purple crew purple hunt clues.

This is the oldest and largest university in the Philippines.

If you know where it is, type in the location address at the Yahoo Purple Hunt microsite to win.

Six (6) BlackBerry Smartphones will be given away in this phase 3 of the Yahoo! Purple Hunt.

Yahoo Purple Hunt BlackBerry Smartphone #6: UST

2009-07-11T05:34:00.002+08:00

Day 2 b , originally uploaded by purple crew purple hunt clues.

This is the oldest university in the Philippines and has been visited by 2 Popes 3 times.

If you know where it is, type in the location address at the Yahoo Purple Hunt microsite to win.

Six (6) BlackBerry Smartphones will be given away in this phase 3 of the Yahoo! Purple Hunt.

Yahoo Purple Hunt BlackBerry Smartphone #6: St. Thomas Aquinas

2009-07-10T00:54:00.002+08:00

Day 1 a, originally uploaded by purple crew purple hunt clues.

St. Thomas Aquinas is the Patron of this location. The location is home of the Growling Tigers and Salinggawi Dancers.

If you know where it is, type in the location address at the Yahoo Purple Hunt microsite to win.

Six (6) BlackBerry Smartphones will be given away in this phase 3 of the Yahoo! Purple Hunt.

Yahoo Purple Hunt BlackBerry Smartphone #5: Sharks

2009-07-10T00:46:00.002+08:00

Day 3 c, originally uploaded by purple crew purple hunt clues.

The floor space at this location is 8000 sq m with a 220 degree curved tunnel.

If you know where it is, type in the location address at the Yahoo Purple Hunt microsite to win.

Six (6) BlackBerry Smartphones will be given away in this phase 3 of the Yahoo! Purple Hunt.

Yahoo Purple Hunt BlackBerry Smartphone #5: behind the Quirino Grandstand

2009-07-09T06:01:00.003+08:00

Day 2 b, originally uploaded by purple crew purple hunt clues.

The Purple Crew is at a location is behind the Quirino Grandstand. The place seems to have a lot of water around!

If you know where it is, type in the location address at the Yahoo Purple Hunt microsite to win.

Six (6) BlackBerry Smartphones will be given away in this phase 3 of the Yahoo! Purple Hunt.

Yahoo Purple Hunt Phase 2 Winners: 6 Canon Dugutak IXUS cameras

2009-07-08T18:12:00.000+08:00

Canon Dugutak IXUS, originally uploaded by ThePurpleHunt.

Just like to give Purple Hunters a heads-up that Yahoo! just announced the winners of the digital camera (phase 2) in the Purple Crew Yahoo Groups. They are:

Franze Ramirez (Mobile number: +63916.992.xxxx)
Tristan Jerick Reyes (Mobile number: +63929.358.xxxx)
Antonio Victor Velasco (Mobile number: +63917.829.xxxx)
Francesca Cruz (Mobile number: +63906.214.xxxx)
Marileen Moral (Mobile number: +63927.790.xxxx)
Joan Lyn Matawaran (Mobile number: +63917.733.xxxx)

Congratulations Purple Hunters!

Yahoo! Swags at DigitalFilipino Club & Bloggers Meet-up Bacolod, Cebu, & Davao

2009-07-08T11:56:00.007+08:00

I've been able to get some Yahoo! swags to be given out during the DigitalFilipino.com Club & Bloggers Meet-Up sponsored by PAGCOR in Bacolod, Cebu, and Davao. Of course, bloggers should mention the magic keyphrase in order to get the goodies.

They are scheduled to be held in Casino Filipino Bacolod (July 4), Casino Filipino Cebu (July 11), and Casino Filipino Davao (July 18).

See you friends!

Yahoo Purple Hunt BlackBerry Smartphone #5: China Oceanis Philippines Inc.

2009-07-08T06:53:00.003+08:00

Day 1 c, originally uploaded by purple crew purple hunt clues.

This location was first opened in March 2008 and owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc.

If you know where it is, type in the location address at the Yahoo Purple Hunt microsite to win.

Six (6) BlackBerry Smartphones will be given away in this phase 3 of the Yahoo! Purple Hunt.

Yahoo Purple Hunt BlackBerry Smartphone #4: Triangle North of Manila

2009-07-08T05:37:00.002+08:00

Day 3 b, originally uploaded by purple crew purple hunt clues.

Construction started for this site in June 2005 and the project name was North Triangle Mall. The mall's name comes from its shape & location… Triangle North of Manila.

If you know where it is, type in the location address at the Yahoo Purple Hunt microsite to win.

Six (6) BlackBerry Smartphones will be given away in this phase 3 of the Yahoo! Purple Hunt.

Yahoo Purple Hunt BlackBerry Smartphone #4: reverse waterfall

2009-07-07T06:28:00.002+08:00

Day 2 c, originally uploaded by purple crew purple hunt clues.

This mall boasts having 7 water features including a reverse waterfall. It also has a roof top park.

If you know where it is, type in the location address at the Yahoo Purple Hunt microsite to win.

Six (6) BlackBerry Smartphones will be given away in this phase 3 of the Yahoo! Purple Hunt.

Yahoo Purple Hunt BlackBerry Smartphone #4: 550 stores

2009-07-06T09:07:00.003+08:00

Day 1 b, originally uploaded by purple crew purple hunt clues.

It might be hard to track the Purple Crew down. This location is on a 20 hectare site! There are over 550 stores at this mall.

If you know where it is, type in the location address at the Yahoo Purple Hunt microsite to win.

Six (6) BlackBerry Smartphones will be given away in this phase 3 of the Yahoo! Purple Hunt.