Thursday, March 21, 2013
Writing for ThaHoliday
Just a quick update. I've been writing for a travel blog called ThaHoliday since late November. The blog focuses mostly on Southeast Asia, but every now and then we post about places across Asia, Europe, America... all over the world basically.
I also write travel tips, app reviews and other tidbits that may be of interest to travelers.
Do check it out at http://thaholiday.com. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook too. :D
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Salaries
This image has been going around in my Facebook and Plurk circles. It shows the average annual salary of graphic designers in different countries around the world.
It's fascinating to see how much designers are getting in countries like the United States, Australia and Switzerland. At the same time, it's pretty dismal to see how little graphic designers in Asia are getting in comparison. The Philippines is by far the lowest of the bunch.
When you convert that to Philippine Pesos, I suppose it's not such a bad deal. However, this graphic shows us that we can get more if we wanted to. I'm wondering though, what are the factors that affect this study? Are these figures based off the local clients, or overall clients that the graphic designers get? Or are clients willing to pay that much only because of where the designers are located?
Writers in the Philippines are in a similar predicament. At least, from what I'm seeing in the freelance boards I go to. Many people who are looking for writers prefer to get from places like the Philippines or India because their bids are low and they are willing to work for small amounts. Granted, when converted to the local currency it may be substantial, but the tradeoff is you have to write a lot before you can actually get a good amount. It's pretty much a bidding war most of the time, and often it's not the best writer who gets the job, but the one with a much lower rate.
Here's hoping that we can soon lift this kind of restriction (for lack of better word) for our graphic designers, writers, artists and the like.
When you convert that to Philippine Pesos, I suppose it's not such a bad deal. However, this graphic shows us that we can get more if we wanted to. I'm wondering though, what are the factors that affect this study? Are these figures based off the local clients, or overall clients that the graphic designers get? Or are clients willing to pay that much only because of where the designers are located?
Writers in the Philippines are in a similar predicament. At least, from what I'm seeing in the freelance boards I go to. Many people who are looking for writers prefer to get from places like the Philippines or India because their bids are low and they are willing to work for small amounts. Granted, when converted to the local currency it may be substantial, but the tradeoff is you have to write a lot before you can actually get a good amount. It's pretty much a bidding war most of the time, and often it's not the best writer who gets the job, but the one with a much lower rate.
Here's hoping that we can soon lift this kind of restriction (for lack of better word) for our graphic designers, writers, artists and the like.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Going Digital? Tips for first time digital camera buyers
The task of picking a new digital camera can be daunting for first time buyers. With the huge number of brands and models out in the market, one may be tempted to go and buy the first camera that'll catch their fancy. However, many consumers nowadays want not just the latest camera with nifty features, but rather the best camera where they can get their money's worth.
Before buying
Identify your need
It's easy to get swept away by the advertising glitz, the fads and the hype of cameras. Everyone is getting a digital camera, and many are switching from compact to DSLRs. However, you don't have to jump into the bandwagon. Are you planning to go professional one of these days and earn your keep as a photographer? Are you a hobbyist and want to take breathtaking and artistic shots to show off to your friends? Perhaps your need is simple: you just want a camera to document family gatherings or outings? Consider your reasons for getting a camera and take it from there.
Define your budget This probably goes hand-in-hand with the first tip, and is a practical one. How much are you willing to shell out for a camera that you will use in situations you identified before? It should be within a reasonable range, especially if you don't have anything set aside for such expense and plan to take it from your day-to-day expenses.
Know what's out there Visit the websites of known camera manufacturers and learn what models they have available. Take a look at the camera specifications. Most of them are pretty straightforward, although some information may be a bit technical. With that in mind, note down the ones you think sound like a decent camera for you. Note their make and model, and if available, the price. You can also write down the key features that caught your eye and made you pick the camera for consideration.
Do your homework Knowing what's available isn't enough. Again, one can easily be taken by the hype manufacturers place in their products. The Internet alone is a huge resource for information right at your fingertips. Here's what you can do:
Get your hands dirty
Once you have an idea of what you want, go visit an appliance or electronics store and ask if they carry the camera you want. If they do, ask the attendant if they can assist you in getting to know the camera first hand. Let them know that you're not yet going to buy one, but are weighing your options and would like to be a bit more familiar with your choices. Chances are, the staff will let you and even be able to answer some questions you have about the product.
Know the cost
Because you have a budget, it's best to know how much the camera costs in at least three stores. Product websites give you an estimate of how much the camera is, but some stores often sell it at a higher or lower price. As the store how much it is, what comes along with the standard box, and if there are freebies. Remember that the standard box should contain everything that the manufacturer ships to these shops. Freebies are the extra things that come separately from these boxes, and often do not cost extra. These are often camera cases, bigger memory cards or discount coupons to other accessories.
Warranty: A must
It is standard for cameras, much like other things, to come with a warranty. Factor this in when you're buying a camera. Some stores will include a limited warranty (6 months or even less), while others will give the full year or even more. Also ask if this is a manufacturer's warranty or a shop warranty: the latter is limited to the store and some repairs may cost you a lot. The former (manufacturer's warranty) would mean that the repairs will be done by whoever made the camera and often, parts replacements come free. Obviously, the manufacturer's warranty is the better deal.
It may sound a lot, but doing your homework beforehand ensures you'll be able to get a camera that's offers the best value for your money. You wouldn't want to buy one that everyone says is good, then later on regretting on buying it and wishing you got something else.
Getting a camera doesn't mean buying the snazziest or most high tech model around, but rather buying one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Before buying
Identify your need
It's easy to get swept away by the advertising glitz, the fads and the hype of cameras. Everyone is getting a digital camera, and many are switching from compact to DSLRs. However, you don't have to jump into the bandwagon. Are you planning to go professional one of these days and earn your keep as a photographer? Are you a hobbyist and want to take breathtaking and artistic shots to show off to your friends? Perhaps your need is simple: you just want a camera to document family gatherings or outings? Consider your reasons for getting a camera and take it from there.
Define your budget This probably goes hand-in-hand with the first tip, and is a practical one. How much are you willing to shell out for a camera that you will use in situations you identified before? It should be within a reasonable range, especially if you don't have anything set aside for such expense and plan to take it from your day-to-day expenses.
Know what's out there Visit the websites of known camera manufacturers and learn what models they have available. Take a look at the camera specifications. Most of them are pretty straightforward, although some information may be a bit technical. With that in mind, note down the ones you think sound like a decent camera for you. Note their make and model, and if available, the price. You can also write down the key features that caught your eye and made you pick the camera for consideration.
Do your homework Knowing what's available isn't enough. Again, one can easily be taken by the hype manufacturers place in their products. The Internet alone is a huge resource for information right at your fingertips. Here's what you can do:
- Visit review sites - There's quite a lot out there on the Internet. Go to any search engine, type in the camera you want and you should get several review sites. Among the top favorites are DP Review and Steve's Digicams, both which provide in-depth reviews on various camera models, sample photos and videos too.
- Log in to forums - It doesn't have to be a forum that's totally focused on digital cameras and photography. Many forums and online communities have sub-forums tackling technology and for sure, there's a thread about cameras. Do a search among the threads and posts to see if someone has posted a question about the model you want. If there's none, go ahead and post your question. You'll be surprised to see that there many who will respond to your query and give good feedback.
- Check out blogs - compared to review sites, bloggers often don't hold back when they write about something. In some ways, that's a drawback because if a product is really bad, many bloggers would rant incessantly and you might not get anything decent. However, this is a rare case and it's great to hear an actual consumer's thoughts on a product: their experience with using it, especially.
- Ask your friends - Definitely, you would have friends who own a digital camera. Ask them about their experience with what particular camera, especially if it is the same make and model of your desired camera. If not, ask them what they think of that particular manufacturer. As with blogs, hearing what an actual user has to say is often one of the best ways to know how good a product is. It is not foolproof, but it is very helpful.
Get your hands dirty
Once you have an idea of what you want, go visit an appliance or electronics store and ask if they carry the camera you want. If they do, ask the attendant if they can assist you in getting to know the camera first hand. Let them know that you're not yet going to buy one, but are weighing your options and would like to be a bit more familiar with your choices. Chances are, the staff will let you and even be able to answer some questions you have about the product.
Know the cost
Because you have a budget, it's best to know how much the camera costs in at least three stores. Product websites give you an estimate of how much the camera is, but some stores often sell it at a higher or lower price. As the store how much it is, what comes along with the standard box, and if there are freebies. Remember that the standard box should contain everything that the manufacturer ships to these shops. Freebies are the extra things that come separately from these boxes, and often do not cost extra. These are often camera cases, bigger memory cards or discount coupons to other accessories.
Warranty: A must
It is standard for cameras, much like other things, to come with a warranty. Factor this in when you're buying a camera. Some stores will include a limited warranty (6 months or even less), while others will give the full year or even more. Also ask if this is a manufacturer's warranty or a shop warranty: the latter is limited to the store and some repairs may cost you a lot. The former (manufacturer's warranty) would mean that the repairs will be done by whoever made the camera and often, parts replacements come free. Obviously, the manufacturer's warranty is the better deal.
It may sound a lot, but doing your homework beforehand ensures you'll be able to get a camera that's offers the best value for your money. You wouldn't want to buy one that everyone says is good, then later on regretting on buying it and wishing you got something else.
Getting a camera doesn't mean buying the snazziest or most high tech model around, but rather buying one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
I wrote this article almost four years ago when I first got my Canon Ixus 80 IS for a pay-per-post site. However, I never knew if it got published, so I'm posting it here on my blog.
Monday, February 21, 2011
What's your Coca-Cola Dream Pack?
Coca-Cola is pretty much a pop-cultural icon. It's hard not to recognize the red and white logo that's survived so many changes.
Now, Coca-Cola wants you to let your creative juices flow and tell them about your Coca-Cola Dream Pack. Simply answer these questions:
Send your answers to to dreampack2011@gmail.com with the following information:
Make sure you send them by February 28, 2011 to qualify. You can download the full contest mechanics from here.
And do you want to try your chances in winning a trip with accommodations for you and a friend to watch your favorite artist perform live, anywhere in the world? Then join Coca-Cola's "Any Concert, Anywhere" raffle promo! Best of luck!
Images source: Oddee
Now, Coca-Cola wants you to let your creative juices flow and tell them about your Coca-Cola Dream Pack. Simply answer these questions:
- If you had a dream Coke pack/bottle, what would it look like? How would you make it portable? How many mL/oz.? What would you call it and why? (e.g. in the same way we call the small Coke bottle Coke “Sakto”).
- It’s fun to make up nicknames. How would you call a new Coke pack/bottle if it had the following characteristics and why?
“It's a new handy and re-sealable bottle which I can drink to go with my snacks, anytime, anywhere, whenever the need strikes. It is convenient, instant refreshment whenever, and wherever I go: be it travel, trip to the mall, gimmick, or just simply when I'm on- the-go. Truly a great companion for my mobile lifestyle.”
Send your answers to to dreampack2011@gmail.com with the following information:
- Subject: Coke Dream Pack Contest Entry
- Your First and Last Name
- Your Age
- Your Contact No.
- Your Email Address
Make sure you send them by February 28, 2011 to qualify. You can download the full contest mechanics from here.
And do you want to try your chances in winning a trip with accommodations for you and a friend to watch your favorite artist perform live, anywhere in the world? Then join Coca-Cola's "Any Concert, Anywhere" raffle promo! Best of luck!
Images source: Oddee
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Nike presents The Black Mamba
Kobe Bryant has his own movie! Wow. I never thought I'd see the day. Then again, I shouldn't be surprised considering MJ did Space Jam and Shaq not only had his turn in films, but also had a recording contract to boot. So why can't Kobe?
The Black Mamba is Kobe Bryant's alter ego in this movie. He stars with Kanye West, Danny Trejo and Bruce Willis. The movie is directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by Nike.
I am somewhat of a skeptic, but the trailer had me laughing too, so I'm quite interested in seeing this film.
Should you fear The Black Mamba? If I were one of those crazy, muscled guys who want to destroy him, I'd say yes.
The Black Mamba will hit theaters on Saturday, February 19, 2011, 6:00 p.m. at the Ronac ART Center, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. The event will also unveil the Nike Zoom Kobe VI, so that's something to look out for.
The Black Mamba is Kobe Bryant's alter ego in this movie. He stars with Kanye West, Danny Trejo and Bruce Willis. The movie is directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by Nike.
I am somewhat of a skeptic, but the trailer had me laughing too, so I'm quite interested in seeing this film.
Should you fear The Black Mamba? If I were one of those crazy, muscled guys who want to destroy him, I'd say yes.
The Black Mamba will hit theaters on Saturday, February 19, 2011, 6:00 p.m. at the Ronac ART Center, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. The event will also unveil the Nike Zoom Kobe VI, so that's something to look out for.
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