So being an online worker the need to be connected is more than necessity.  Here are my top BlackBerry Applications on my BlackBerry Torch.

1.  WordPress on BlackBerry-  if you have some websites to keep tabs on, then thank God that WordPress has a BlackBerry app.  I have tried posting a test post days ago, and it went without a hitch.  You can post articles, pictures and even video straight from your BlackBerry to your WordPress Blog.  Cost:  FREE

2.  Kompass-  if you use Basecamp to collaborate with your team members, you can use Kompass to access your Basecamp account.  Although you can access Basecamp via mobile browser, Kompass has better interface in my opinion.  You can assign tasks, check milestones, and add comments easily.  Cost:  FREE

3.  Evernote for BlackBerry- from notes to ideas to snapshots to recordings, put it all into Evernote and watch as everything instantly synchronizes from your BlackBerry to the Web to your Mac or Windows desktop.  Nifty!  Cost:  FREE

4.  Paypal for BlackBerry-  access, receive Paypal payments quickly.  You can easily send Paypal to Paypal payments to friends, or relatives.  Cost:  FREE

5.  Lister-  if you need a quick and simple list manager for your BlackBerry, then Lister would be more than ok.   You can tick items, add more categories and even tag items.  Cost:  FREE

6.  Dropbox for BlackBerry-  send and access your files on dropbox from your BlackBerry!  Although I do not use this application since the ability to access my dropbox files via mobile browser is available.  Sending files to my public folder via email is also possible.  Cost:  FREE

7.  Yousendit Tracker for BlackBerry-  if you are a huge Yousendit user, then you can track your files and send files from your BlackBerry to anyone via Yousendit.  Cost: FREE

8.  Expensify for BlackBerry- keep track of credit card expenses via Expensify.com.  Be able to Add expense using your BlackBerry or even upload a receipt by taking an image of your receipt.    Your receipt will be uploaded to your online expensify account!  You can send your receipts via email as well.  Cost:  FREE

There are more than 4,000 of both free and paid applications in the BlackBerry App World.  Make sure you read the reviews before installing any application. I would suggest using RIM-native applications on your BlackBerry.

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Having started with Moveable Type, the move to WordPress was refreshing.  Easy installation via cPanel and config wise– one cannot go wrong.

I attended the Wordcamp Philippines 2010 because I wanted to learn more about WordPress as well as meet local bloggers.  It was sad that most of my veteran friends opted not to attend, but irregardless, I have met some of the biggest bloggers today like Winston Almendras of http://www.batangyagit.com, Maro of http://www.marocharim.com, Andrew dela Serna of http://www.alleba.com and fellow Odesk wonder, Gemma Baltazar of http://www.ladyprogrammer.com.

The trip to Manila was sponsored by clients so I had no trouble making the necessary arrangements to get there.  With the hopes of learning more on SEO, web optimization and Semantics on WordPress, I flew to Manila with high expectations.  I stayed at Kabayan Hotel as recommended by Irene the lady behind http://www.mindanaoan.com. The stay was not so bad and I was happy I decided to stay there since its so near the place of venue.

It was my first time to set foot on the College of St. Benilde.  The day of the Wordcamp started early for us since registration was scheduled at 8am.

Meeting Matt Mullenweg

The CDO group and I rode the LRT to get to College of St. Benilde.  It was early so the train was not packed unlike last night when I went to Kamuning to Bar 77 to meet my friends from UP.  When we got to the auditorium, everyone was a buzz since the man himself, Matt Mullenweg came in early to talk and mingle.  It was a delight to see this young boy from Texas.  I have been a huge admirer eversince I started using WordPress.

Approaching him for a quick chat and request for a snapshot was not very hard although Matt was clearly working on his Macbook almost the entire time he was there.

Breakaway Talk:  Advanced SEO, Optimizing Ads and Blog Flipping

Me during the SEO Session with Winston Almendras

Sad to say, the speaker slated for SEO never showed up.  To make it worse, he did not give the organizers enough time to find a replacement.  Fortunately, Winston Almendras of highly acclaimed Batang Yagit stepped in.  The discussion during the session was ok.  I was able to contribute my thoughts on SEO as a budding SEO Developer.  The interaction was great especially when people like Fracis Arbes of Kuaderdno ni Kiko was there to help out and share his own knowledge on SEO.  It was during this session when I met the youngest writer, and link builder I know– Kim Selorio.  Kim raised alot of questions during the session, which made the discussion livelier and interesting.

I honestly did not learn anything new during the session, but I was more than happier to share my SEO experience with the beginners. The Wordcamp is afterall about sharing experiences as WP users.

Breakaway Talk:  Semantics, Hits and Likes:  Semantics and Sentiment in WordPress

Kim- a 14 year old link builder, article writer and web designer

This session was interesting enough as Sylvan and I has always been into trends, statistics and yes, Google ranking.  As we continue to thrive and dominate our niche, tracking our web statistics has been one of the foreground of our success when it comes to link building and keeping our sites on the top 3.

This breakaway session was conducted by Marck Ronald Rimorin aka as Marocharim by the blogging community. He swore by WP-Stats– a plugin that spits out daily traffic reports on one’s WP site.  As a dedicated user of Google Analytics, Marck insisted that WP-Stats is enough to give its user an accurate report.  I highly doubt that, but he did challenge my belief and I have already instructed our Web Developer to install WP-Stats on our niche sites to enable us to compare our reports from Google Analytics.

For beginners, Maro taught us briefly how to analyze page popularity as well as how to be able to compare results in order to be able to find indications to improve one’s site.

Breakaway Talk: Optimizing WordPress Webserver Performance

This session was great because web performance backend wise is important to us.  Downtime is a lowdown, that’s why this session made more impression ton me than others.  I have been following Eric Malloy on Twitter and knew of him as an expat who runs a business in Manila.  What made his presentation compelling to me were his recommendations on how to optimize webservers for PHP. Basing his argument on how Apache is and how bad bounce rates are because of “bloated” WordPress because of the PHP and other factors like the CSS not to mention the scripts.  He showed us some samples and made recommendations.  Sliders on websites, including videos, huge image files are some of the cause of the slow loading sites.  Remember, page load is one of the factors when determining Google ranking.  Being a non-web developer or programmer, all these information were too much for me to grasp since I hardly to any PHP or MYSQL work on my WordPress sites.  Malloy recommended the use of NGINX (refer to slide #7)– a lighter, high performance web reverse proxy load balancer.  He recommended the use of Virtual Box, something I have never heard of til Wordcamp.

Malloy’s presentation was very interesting indeed, and I happily referred his recommendations to my Boss.

Matt Mullenweg-- the man behind WordPress and Automattic

Bottomline

The Wordcamp I finally understood was more like a networking event.  With huge sponsors like Woo Themes and Smart Telecoms, the Wordcamp was a huge success mainly because it continues to preserve that aim:  to promote WordPress not just for blogs but as a powerful CMS.

In the end, Matt Mullenweg took center stage to respond to questions about WordPress and Automattic.  I wished more people asked more technical questions other than “If you were given the chance to make a film about your life and WordPress, would you agree and why?”  His response was apt, “well, if there will be a film about me, I wouldn’t want it done while I am alive.”  Something like that…

Truth be told, I am happy to see and catch a glimpse of the man behind WordPress and Automattic.  Being a professional, I would have wanted more in depth presentations, but I guess that’s what webinars and other more focused seminars are for. Heck, I went to the Wordcamp to meet Matt!

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I am not sure how the surge of these ala-multiply sellers have broken into Facebook.  But the more and the longer most people hang in Facebook, the likelihood that more corporations, sellers, would want a piece of the Facebook pie.  So far, I have bought only 2 items from a seller through Facebook and I got them from a confirmed friend who just happened to be selling electronic items from the US.

Some sellers would tag their wares with your name so those images will end on your Facebook stream, unless you have assigned to filter those out so these items are off your wall.  Anyway, some of these products are interesting enough.  I am happy to see and be aware of the fad and be able to have fun looking at those bags and wondering whether they are fake or real.  I bet Ingrid, the BagHag would be able to tell right away!

I have not bought any expensive leather piece for a long time.  I am not into Gucci or those screamingly expensive bags, but I am more on those bags that I know will last longer and those are kinda expensive but not the range of those designer bags.  So I spotted this bag on Facebook and as soon as I saw it I ran a search using Google for its main site and fell in love with the goodies!  Sigh…

As you can see, I am a utilitarian kind of person who likes using using huge bags so I can carry alot of items:  pens, moleskine notebook, a pouch with medication for asthma for myself and my children, some allergy oitment, lip gloss and a small had sanitizer.  Ofcourse, never forget my double fold wallet and my huge pencil case with pens and coins inside including numerous SIM cards.

Its necessary for me to have a bag with pockets for easy key and mobile access.  Just remember my days when I needed to include a few change diaper and spare plastic bags and bibs into my tote.  As well as wipes and spare shirts and pants.  Those were the days, but I am sort of stuck in the huge bag department, because when I am out of my house, I still tend to carry everything.

So what’s in your bag?  And what kind of bag do you use often?

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Sometimes, my body screams foul and although I have promised to stay connected in case of emergencies, I never turn off the PC and Yahoo just in case.  So what do I like to do besides sitting on my comfy leather high back chair?  I like reading and watching movies. 

Its been awhile since I read a book for pleasure.  I love mysteries and legal fiction.  When I have extra cash, I like hanging around BookSale to look for Kellerman, Crighton, Patterson and Scottoline novels.  BookSale is convenient.  It is full of books from all genre.  Cheaper than buying new from National Bookstore.  Books are almost good as new!  And cheaper…

For this week I bought myself James Patterson’s Beach Road and Dirty Blonde by Lisa Scottoline.  It takes me one day to read a 350 page paperback.  Not bad.  But when I have work, I read my novel between breaks and before going to sleep.

To me, reading is one of the ways I can relax.  I like reading my books in bed. I also tend to take my book inside loo and tends to read while seated on the crapper.  Who doesn’t read while in the bathroom?

So, my friends, what books do you like to read?  Anything interesting?

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1) Gmail.  Who can live without gmail?  Gmail is quite convenient.  I have one catch-all account.  I have countless email accounts!   Believe me, if I would take the time to check each one of them, I’d end up wasting alot of time and yes- money.  So, I have made one gmail account as my catch all.  I also use gmail’s filtering and labeling feature to segregate my emails.

2) Dropbox.  I keep alot of files.  Work files, personal files, children files, medical files, legal files, you name it, I have it.  So having an online storage system is very important to me.  This allows me to unclutter my PC, as well as ease of access because I have 2 PCs, a laptop and a mobile phone at home.  Having DropBox enables me to share and move files from one end to the other.  This allows me to share folders with other coworkers easily.  And did I mention that its free?

3) Google Docs.  This application is so versatile, I use this to share and collaborate with my coworkers and clients.  I use Google Docs for ease and access.  Almost all my active work files are conveniently saved in Google Docs.

4) Google Notebook.  So sad that Google has stopped developing this great collaboration tool.  Just like Google Docs, Google Notebook allows you to share Notebooks with other collaborators.  You can browse, clip, and organize information from across the web in a single online location that’s accessible from any computer.  I continue to use this for compilation purposes.

4) Jing.  I use Jing everyday.  This application allows me to quickly create screenshots.  I can quickly annotate any webpage using Jing.  Below is a screenshot desktop.  Cool ha? I also use Jing to create quick tutorials for internet challenged clients.

5) Yahoo Messenger and Skype -  Self explanatory.  I use Yahoo Messenger and Skype for work.  At a cost of $30/year,   I also have an online US number which enables me to call and receive calls from the US.

6) Firefox- My love for Firefox has not waned.  I use Firefox everyday and never use IE unless it is necessary.  I use alot of Firefox add-ons and most of them I use everyday.  Firefox continue to dominate the browser arena.  I also use Google Chrome from time to time.

Here is a list of my favorite Firefox Add-ons:

GButts. This is a nifty add-on by Soeren Rinne.  This add-on is a must for those who use Google services alot.  Upon installation, you can easily jump from one Google service to the next.  It is also non-intrusive and sits neatly on your toolbar. In case you run into some glitch with GButts, which is rare, you may contact Soeren and he’ll quickly help you sort it out. Thanks to Soeren for helping me with my GButts years ago.

SEO Quake- Since I started learning SEM last year, SEO Quake is almost on at all times in my Firefox.  SEO Quake allows me to view and track our website’s ranking from various SEO parameters.

TwitterBar- I am not as active on Twitter now.  But its good to be able to share links and post one liners just by typing on Firefox’s address bar.

list.it- Do you constantly wish you have a quick notepad access on Firefox?   List.it is a research project from the Haystack Group at MIT CSAIL.  What is great about List.it is that you can sync your notes from one installation to another.

Persona- I love dressing up my Firefox.  Currently, its wearing WordPress Inkwell from WordPress.org.  Really funky!

Fox Clocks-  This allows me to display more than one local times around the world.

ScrapBook- This Firefox extension, is great when doing research.  It helps you to save Web pages  quickly as well as add annotations and other notes.

ColorPicker- this is helpful in determining the color of any webpage.

Stylish-   this addon allows you easily install themes and skins for Google, Facebook and YouTube.  However, I use Stylish for SEO work.  After installing Stylish, I have installed the NoDoFollow addon.

OnlyWire- this great addon allows me to submit content to over 30 social networking sites with one button click. Great with article marketing and bookmarking purposes.

There are so many online applications available to make collaboration easier. There are literally thousands of great Firefox addons to date.

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Me at Suvarnabhumi Airport

True to my promise, I did not use Cebu Pacific when I went to Bangkok for a client meeting and took Philippine Airlines.  The flight went well anyway, although I was pretty curious about the new airport, I decided to take the more reliable airline- Philippine Airlines.

The bought the ticket online a month early so I got a better deal.  The price difference with Cebu Pacific– the airline that suck, was only P900.  Since this is a client paid trip, my itinerary was short and this was also my first trip without any of my children.  It was pretty weird waiting in the departure lounge alone.    It sucked and I resisted calling my kids since I know this transition is necessary for all of us.

So how did my trip go?  It was good.

This was my first trip after 2 years.  My first trip out to anywhere without my children.  With quick planning and ardent budgeting, I made it to Bangkok with hefty shopping money and in one piece.

I booked myself at a small family run hotel, Bangkok Loft Inn.  The location of the hotel was great and convenient as it was on the Thaksin Ave, and close to the Bangkok Skytrain.  To check out how I found the Bangkok Loft Inn, click here. I used my internet savviness to find a budget hotel.  What made Bangkok Loft Inn ideal is its size.  Their Superior Room is ideal for a lone traveler, as well as a couple.  The bedding is great and true to their ad, the room boasted with a Samsung Flat Screen Television, free and robust wifi connection and good bathroom features. Its not crowded, and the location great.  The Inn was only a Skytrain ride away from Siam! Fantastic!

My room at the Bangkok Loft Inn

The hotel’s car picked me up from Savurnabhumni Airport and the ride to the hotel was 45 minutes.  The hotel staff were all accommodating.

FIRST DAY.  My cousin Elvir came and we headed to Siam Paragon for dinner.  I took him to a Japanese Restaurant and had ebi tempura, salad, makis and some beef dish.  It was great and service was perfect.  The Siam Paragon was a HUGE upscale mall in Bangkok.  Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, you name it is in this mall.  It was crawling with expats and backpackers.  I bought myself a Havaianas flipflops and headed out to check out their children’s section and found everything expensive.    Until I reached Central World and found it a haven for budget shoppers.  They have alot of items on sale and the children section was great!  I eyed the Barbie, Sanrio and Disney clothing for my scheduled shopping day.

SECOND DAY.  I met my client and his girlfriend today.  They were on their way to check out since they were off to some island off Bangkok.  Our one hour meeting went great. It was fast but full of details.  As a long time odesk provider, this was the first time to personally see and meet a client.  I have been working for his company for almost a year now… After our meeting, I headed back to the hotel.  One thing about Bangkok, compared to Manila, public transport is inexpensive. I have read so much about how expensive the taxi rides in Bangkok can be, and I was dreading my meeting with my client because of this.  My 45 minute ride from my client’s hotel to Bangkok Loft Inn was only  70 Baht.  Not bad.  I think it has something to do with the fact that I insisted on using the meter. Most taxi cab drivers when seeing a foreign traveler would normally insist on not negotiating and non use of the meter. So, when in Bangkok and you have no idea how to get from point a to b, get the hotel reception to talk to the driver. They can make sure the driver knows where exactly you are headed. No confusion. This will definitely save you more time and money.

THIRD DAY.  Today is shopping day.  I headed for Central World and bought clothes and shoes for my children.  I wanted good quality clothing and was happy to see that the items that I managed to snag did not really cost a fortune.  I had lunch at The Loft in Central World and had a blast eating Thai and Chinese dishes.

Although I am not weary about trying out new dishes, street food is absolutely something I am not too kin on trying. After living in Laos for sometime and seeing how food handling is poor in both countries, I decided that I am not missing much. I will just eat thai food from a restaurant and not from a street vendor. Absolutely NOT worth it.

At night, my cousin and I headed to SuanLum Night Market.  The trip to Sathorn was great.  We used the subway and was again pleasantly surprised that is was safe and darn clean.  Everything is so organized in Bangkok.  So Fín great!

Shopping in SuanLum went great.  Everything was cheap.  Souvenir shirts as low as 90 baht.  I bought some trinkets for myself and my friends.  I also bought those sinfully spicy and sweet tamarinds.  I got a bargain wrap around skirt for 200 baht.  It was gorgeous!

The place was crawling with farangs.  After exhausting and spending all my baht, we headed to find a place to have a drink and dinner.  We found a restaurant (I totally forgot the name now) with a view.  It was on rooftop and the view was awesome.  Cousin Vir and I ordered Tiger beer and several thai dishes that scorched our throats.  It was heavenly!

FOURTH DAY. Today I am heading back to Manila.  I am psyched, because my luggage is so full.  I would hate to pay for excess baggage, but I cannot wait to see my children.  I know they will love all the chocolates and the clothes.

So was it worth going to Bangkok?  For more ways than one, I knew deep in my heart I needed to spend some time all by myself.  Did the trip rejuvenate me?  It definitely made me more determined to succeed this year.

So far, the year 2010 was a great year for all of us.  Let all the blessing come rolling!!!

The Bangkok Loft Inn

Great food at the Loft

Eating Japanese in Bangkok

Fantastic, Tasty Morning Glory Salad with Seafood

Spicy Chicken Curry

My Cousin Elvir at SuanLum

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My requirements for a good place to hang are:

1.  Has internet connection (wifi or cable)

2. Has a Swimming Pool

3. Good and affordable food

We found them all at Cha-Li Beach Resort.

The last time I was at Cha-Li was almost 20 years ago.  Then, it was just a small place with thatch huts for day time swimmers.  They did not have a pool yet.  Once I have checked the amenities of Cha-Li using my mobile connected through GPRS, I called them to ask about the internet connection and their rates.

Ivy, the amiable receptionist confirmed that their internet is up and running at that their service provider is PLDT, I booked and we packed and left for the city.  When I got to the resort, Ivy took me around while we find the cabana with the strongest wifi connection.

We settled in at Cabana Naranja.  The cabin has 2 queen sized bed, full tub and bath, plush pillows, aircondition, cable television, and yes, my very important wifi connection at the veranda.

The children loved Cha-Li.  It has a good pool, although I would have preferred a kiddie pool, but since they only have one adult pool, the kids have to make do and wade on the shallow end.  While they are in the pool, I am at their restaurant which is close to the pool and has yes, my wifi connection!

Although I had to shell out almost $150 for the weekend, it was no biggie since I managed to stay in contact with my work and my kids had a break from the usual house related activities and they all spent their time on the pool and the beach!  A win-win situation!

To book and for more info:

Cha-Li Beach Resort and Conference Center
Zone 3, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City
Philippines, 9000
Phones: (+63) 88-855-5941
info@chalibeach.com

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1. What you would do with your Apple Gift Card if you won?

If I would win, I would definitely get myself a subscription of MobileMe or a Mac Box Set if I have extra money to cover the balance.

It’d be nice to get an upgrade from my older OSX!

2. Who do you find most inspiring and why?

I find Matt Mullenweg because of his achievements as well as his influence in the development of WordPress and other web applications. He is inspiring especially to the youth and to web users because of his dedication and obvious talent as well as intelligence and his hardwork in harnessing his craft.

3. Your Twitter username so others can follow you if they please. (Not required.)

Anyone interested on SAHM tips as well as VA tips can follow my progress via Twitter @lifediscourse.

(Via Ryan Barr)

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This was perhaps the worst day of my life as a webworker.  I panicked and turn off the dying Macbook and rushed to my daughter’s PC and when I go there, I realized that all my important data were in the Macbook…  In short, I did my work in the PC and proceeded with the search for answer.  I dreaded that something worse must have happened to my Macbook.  Dang, how much would a new battery cost?  A quick check at the Philippines Apple Store gave me the figure of P6,990 for the battery…

What???  I almost cried…

I checked philmug.ph for help and I got immediate response and the advise that I got was that the problem was probably the adapter or the battery.  Since my children and I were scheduled to head for town the next day, I used their PC for my webwork and I was simply lost.  The bookmarks in the other PC was not updated, not to mention that my passwords were all in my Macbook.

I was lost… and to make it worse, my children kept hounding me if I was done with work because my daughters wanted to use the computer and play online games at y8.com.  Ayay!!!  My head started to beat and I felt like dying, so I decided to…

sleep.

Yes, I went to sleep and I slept for a l-o-n-g time.  My body just went off and I slept like a log with Ia, my one  year old beside me.

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