WordCamp! Here I come…

Posted by Alma on 18 Jul 2010 in Blogging, Internet, Technology | 0 comments

To those who know me, I have always been a blogger– I have never attended any blogging convention though, and circumstances before had prevented me from joining even local blogging conferences. But this time, I stumbled on WordCamp Philippines just in time.

This year’s WordCamp is going to be held at the College of St. Benilde.  I know, I might start kicking myself the moment I get there cause I am not exactly within the 24-29 age category.  I dread someone might think I am a parent of one of the participants.  LOL

So, ok registration is now open.  To those blogging enthusiasts as well as those who intend to network with the local blogging community, this is your chance!  Registration fee is only P700.  If you register before August 15, enjoy a discount of P200 and pay only P500 or $12.

Secure a seat today!  Oh, and did I forget to mention that Matt Mullenweg has confirmed and he is attending the event???

Top Blogging Tools I Use

Posted by Alma on 11 Jul 2010 in Blogging, Internet, Technology | 0 comments

I have been a blogger for quite some time now.  Writing is almost like breathing or lets just say I love doing what I do best.   Now, blogging has not really been financially rewarding for me, except for the fact that blogging has helped me hone my writing skills as well as my technical know-how in various blogging platforms.

So here is a quick rundown of the Top Blogging Tools that I use here as well as my other sites:

WORDPRESS.  WORDPRESS.  I cannot say it enough but I love WordPress!  And yes, this has little to do with intelligent and handsome Matt, but its because WordPress is probably the best blogging platforms today.  I started blogging with Blogspot almost 10 years ago.  I was unhappy with its hosting limitations so I decided to switch on Moveable Type, which was uber cool 9 years ago.  I can probably launch a site in less than 10 minutes.  I guess the pros can do it for 5 minutes, but since I am plagued with false modesty today, I reckon I can get a WordPress site up and running in 10 minutes.  Another thing that I love about WordPress is its versatility when it comes to customization and there are literally thousands of reliable plugins to make your blogging experience spiffy!

For hosting, I have an account with SwankWebStyle.  And for domain registration, I use local ploghost and GoDaddy.

MacBook and HP Pavilion p6240d.  In order to write and post my articles, I use my reliable Macbook for non work related tasks.  I also use my HP Pavilion to maintain and write my posts for my client’s websites which are running in WordPress.

For my internet connection at home, I use Globe Broadband which is the most reliable service in my area.  Although I had issues with Globe (as if I have not ranted enough already), I have nothing much to complain when it comes to speed.  I have 2 internet connections at home actually so my children’s PC has its own sole connection and I do not have to fight with them when we are sharing connections.  Imagine, we can now do FarmVille and Farm Town simultaneously!

For images, I use a Canon Digital Ixus 30.  This has been one of my recent upgrade since the loss of my reliable GE Digital Camera.  For photo editing, I just use Picasa since uploading in Facebook takes only a few clicks!  I also like carrying a spare micro SD card along with my mini tripod along with my digital camera.

I also use my trusty Nokia E72 to take photos.  Its been very handy and I tend to use the camera as well since it comes up with decent images for my blog.

Blogging has provided me company when the going gets rough.  I would like to believe that I have amused and even helped some people because of this love for blogging.  There is no chance that I will quit writing in the near future, so all of the tools that I have dearly invested in better be worth it!  :)

Online Tools I Use Everyday

Posted by Alma on 30 Mar 2010 in Freelance Life, Freelance Productivity Tools, Internet | 7 comments

As a webworker, I use alot of online applications.  There are a myriad of collaboration tools out there, and here is a list of those I use every single day.

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.

Goodbye Trusty Nokia E63

Posted by Alma on 17 Dec 2009 in Internet | 3 comments

Nokia E63

I lost my mobile phone the other day. It was a Nokia E63 which started to grow on me. It was a pretty nifty phone and I have wifi connection at home which made me online on Yahoo, Facebook and Skype via an application Nimbuzz. Login to Twitter 24/7 via Gravity. Darn I paid $9 for that application…. It also made checking of Gmail convenient– all these under wifi connection at home.

The kids and I were doing our Christmas shopping and we took the usual route home on a cab. Like clockwork, we went off and when I got to the door, I rummaged through my bag and to check my mobile so I can turn the wifi connection on to check my email. Since I was unable to find it, I went to the PC to check my mail while continuing to look for it. Step two, when I cannot find my phone, I use Skype to ring my mobile so I can locate it. This has worked wonders as my mobile usually end up under the bed, on the pantry in the kitchen, etc.

This time I did hear the usual ring tone, but was happy to hear the dial tone via Skype, when I realize I left the phone in the cab. Blast. I prayed that the cab driver will return my phone. Long shot really with the Christmas season just around the corner. Anyone can make use and sell that phone for 10K easily. I am really toast.

I rang my mobile again and this time, no dial tone. Just the “out of coverage area” message. With my heart sinking, I knew I have really lost my mobile.

Cha-Li Beach Resort- Great Place to Hang for the Weekend

Posted by Alma on 17 Nov 2009 in Children, Family, Freelance Life, Internet, Technology | 6 comments

When you are a webworker, the internet connection is crucial, so when Globe in our area went down without prior notice, my kids and I went on a huff to look for a place with very good wifi connection.  Since our favorite place to hang Apple Tree Resort and Hotel also has Globe, we had to find an alternative.

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

3rd Mindanao Blogger’s Summit in Cagayan de Oro

Posted by Alma on 16 Oct 2009 in Blogging, Internet | 5 comments

Cagayan de Oro is hosting this year’s 3rd Mindanao Blogger’s Summit.  Spearheaded by ChiQ Montes and the CDO Bloggers, this event will surely be a success.  If you are an active blogger in Mindanao, please don’t be so quick to say no!  You can still register and join the Summit on October 24, 2009, at Pearlmont Inn, LimKetKai Drive, Cagayan de Oro.

This year’s Summit will be emceed by Migs Hipolito.  Famous local blogger, Blogie Robillo as well as Avel Manansala, Aileen Apolo and Lyle Santos will all have their 30 minute to discuss their niche and blogging expertise.  They will also share their knowledge in earning money online and how to gain more traffic to their sites.

I know the venue is not that great, and it is NOT Mallberry Suites, but lets take– its  Pearlmont!  Its inexpensive and location wise, it is convenient.  So will I be attending the summit?  I have never attended any bloggers summit before, but suffice to say I am tempted… lets just see, aye?