How To Be A Digital Influencer

Do you want to become a digital influencer? I am sure that you answered with a big YES, that is why you are here now reading my post. Now let me ask you the reason why? Maybe you want to be known in the furture as the next big social media influencer like  Maine Mendoza, or maybe you need it in your profession or business. Whatever it is, being a digital influencer in your own field will not happen overnight.

Last year was a breakthrough. I was given a chance to speak in front of fellow digital influencers and marketers about my journey in this field of social media. 

In this journey, I've realized that there are steps for you to become one. This is a not a formula, but these are the things that I realized as I walk through this path.

Steps to Becoming A Digital Influencer

1. Be credible. People will follow you if they trust you. To be able to show that you are credible will also not happen in a snap. It take years of effort and patience to show the world that you are indeed credible.

2. Share. Share. and Share. Share your knowledge and expertise for free. 

3. Build a network. Join Groups. I feel good about myself if I am surrounded with like-minded individuals. Learn from them.

4. Be yourself. Be real. Be a real person and not a robot. Social media is already digital and your follower  need someone who can reach them, and that is you.

5. Find conferences and events. Put your skills to the next level by attending conferences and events. One event that I really  look up to is the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit organized by Digital Filipino. Check out the event details below and learn from practitioners.

The 2015 Digital Influencers Marketing Summit (#DIMSummit2015) will be held on October 10, 2015 at Best Western Plus Antel Hotel, Makati City. In this event, learn how  practitioners are building their digital influence to strengthen their branding and identity, sustaining their business and projects, converting strangers to customers and brand ambassadors.

Event Learning Objectives :

1. Market positioning and explore collaboration opportunities.

2. Roadmap to digital thought leadership.

3. Getting your money's worth in digital marketing efforts and results dreived through it.

4. Learn how to build a customer engagement blueprint that works.

5. Meet emerging influential faces in blogging and social media.

Be the next emerging influential person in social media. Attend the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit 2015 on October 10, 2015. Register now!

For more information on how to register: Click here

A Superb Discovery in Calamba : R & R Resort and SPA

I recently discovered a secluded resort complex in Pansol, Laguna where guests can have their own private pool in the comforts of their own air-conditioned cabanas. Pansol is known for its therapeutic hot springs and has been an important part of stress-relief and healing in many cultures particulary in Asia. Nestled at the base of dormant volcano Mt. Makiling, RR Resort and Spa is located at Km. 55, Purok I, Pansol, Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines (behind Baretto Elementary School). The resort spa offers the perfect quick get-away from the City that you have been looking for.

RR Resort and Spa boasts a 250 - square meter outdoor adult swimming pool and 60 - square meter kiddie pool where guests can  have some great fun in the sun. If you are looking for some privacy, they have 10 spacious and comfy family cabanas with  own private pool which reminds me of the native bahay-kubo.

ACCOMODATION

Private Rooms - Each of the 4 airconditioned private room is furnished with a king-sized bed, a table for two, marble-lined bathtub with running hot spring water.

Family Cottages or Cabanas - There are 10 cabanas available. Tropical plants like heloconias serve as green buffers between cottages. Each cottage has a floor area of 72 sqm and can accomodate a maximum of 8 people.

FOOD / DINING

RR Resort and Spa specializes in Filipino cuisine. I had a chance to taste Pako Salad (Fresh Fern Salad) for the first time and I like it.

FACILITIES / SERVICES

General Facilities 
• Clubhouse/Restaurant

• Lockers, Showers, Comfort Rooms
• Picnic Sheds
• Souvenir Shop
• Toyota HiAce Van
• Ample Parking

Recreation
• 250-Square Meter Adult Swimming Pool
• 60-Square Meter Kiddie Pool
• Billiards, Ping-Pong, Darts, Mahjong
• Expert Massage Service
• Function Rooms
• Hot Spring Water
• Hydrotheraphy Jets
• Manicure & Pedicure Service
• Videoke Bar
• Wet Bar

SPA / THERAPEUTIC MASSAGES
RR Resort and Spa also offers massage services to complete your R and R stay at the comfort of your cabana. Price ranges from 350 to 700. The theraphists are well skilled and will greet you with a smile on their face saying "Sawadee ka!"

PRICES / PACKAGES

For reservation and inquiries :
Look for Jackie 
(049) - 5452952
randrresort@gmail.com
www.randrresortspa.com 

6 JLofied Pointers to have an Awe-inspiring 3D Art Experience at Art in Island

3D Art has been fast becoming a trend these days and there is no better way to experience 3D art than visiting and exploring the biggest 3D Museum in Asia in terms of number of 3D paintings, ART IN ISLAND.

With almost 200 art pieces and visually remarkable 3D artworks that you can touch and interact with, you will be amazed that you can make yourself part of the artwork too.

"Takot kayo?"

So if you are planning to explore Art in Island with your family and friends, here are some pointers on how to have an awe-inspiring 3D Art experience at Art in Island :

BRING CAMERAS AND POWER BANKS (EXTRA BATTERIES)

Unlike with other museums where taking photos is a "No-No", 3D art museums lets you be a part of the artwork by having your  photos with these masterpieces. You will love it, your kids will surely enjoy it which might drain the batteries of your cameras and phones, so better bring extra batteries or powerbank. I'm sure you will not just gaze and spend your 2 hours just by looking at those artworks.

"Open the door! Mommy help!"

BRING YOUR OWN SLIPPERS OR WEAR SOCKS 

Wearing shoes are not allowed at the museum because it might damage the artworks on the floor. It's either you will explore the place barefooted or buy socks at the entrance. I suggest you wear dark gray socks or something that will complement your outfit for  more realistic photos. 

Keep your eye on the target!

HAVE A SNACK FIRST

Chances are you will need at least 2 hours to explore all the 200 artworks and you will be hungry. You don't want your kids throw tantrums when hungry. For those with active kids and if you want to get a perfect shot, allot 3 hours to explore the place. It's a bit tiring I must say.

Roar!

FIND THE SPOT

Taking  photos on the wrong angle means not seeing the photos in a 3D perspective. Find the vantage point (look for the floor sticker with the camera logo) and you will be magically transported to a new world.

"Mahuhulog tayo Mommy!"

PLAY THE PART 

"Acting-an lang eto uy!" (in Babalu's voice). So as the saying goes "Don't be shy, it's all in the mind!", play your part and act with all your heart.

"Mga anak ko mahuhulog kayo!

BRING OUT THE CRAZINESS IN YOU

Be creative and make your own story based on the paintings. We did not directed our kids to act, I let them make their own story. "Hindi naman sila mahiyain :-)"

"Ate Sapatos mo!"

ABOUT ART IN ISLAND

175 15th Ave., Brgy. Socorro,

Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines

www.facebook.com/artinisland Art In Island
421-1356

Ticket Price :

Adult - 500
Kids - 400


Here are some more  of our photos. Enjoy!

Photo Blog : When in Pattaya

Last July 2015, the Pag-IBIG Fund Chorale was given the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the 8th International Choir Festival held in Pattaya , Thailand.  It was an honor for  us to be the lone Philippine representative. We won 2 gold and 1 silver medals and I could not ask for anything more. Hard work, determination and "puso" made us successful in this journey.

More details here : http://www.jlofied.com/2015/07/pag-ibig-fund-chorale-bags-2-golds-in.html

It was my second time to visit Thailand and having the the same demographics with the Philippines, I felt like I'm home.

Here are some places we visited during our stay, and I hope you can get some ideas when you visit Pattaya soon.

When in Jomtien, Check in at Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel  (Pattaya)

The Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel is the largest resort hotel in the Na Jomtien Bay which I think is very ideal for international conferences and conventions. 

Photo Credit : Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel Website

The rooms are outdated 'tho but I think it's a great value for money. We stayed at Garden Wing which is actually ideal for big groups, but if you are planning the trip with your family or a small group of friends, you should go for the Ocean View Wing. Each Hotel Wing has its own restaurant and the Atrium Cafe located at the Ocean View Wing is my favorite among the 9 restaurants in the resort complex.

Communication is indeed challenging as very few of the staff understand English. And there is NO free wi-fi in the hotel, you still need to buy an internet card for 150 baht for an unlimited wi-fi internet  within the complex.

Be amazed at the wood works at the Sanctuary of Truth (Pattaya)

The Sanctuary of Truth is a gigantic wooden construction which covers the area of more than two rais. The top point of the building is about 105 meters high. It was constructed to withstand the wind and sunshine on the seashore at Rachvate Cape, Tumbon Naklea, Amphur Banglamung, Chon Buri Province.

The building was constructed according to ancient Thai ingenuity and every square inch of the building is covered with wooden carve sculpture. The purposes of decoration with wooden carve sculptures are to use art and culture as the reflection of Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge, and Eastern Philosophy. With in this complex, visitors will understand Ancient Life, Human Responsibility, Basic Thought, Cycle of living, Life Relationship with Universe and Common Goal of Life toward Utopia.

Source : Sanctuary of Truth Website www.sanctuaryoftruth.com

A one of a kind sinful experience at Walking Street. Not recommended 'tho for conservative people (Pattaya)

Walking Street is a red light district in Pattaya that draws a lot of foreigners primarily for night life. Just a warning, do not bring your parents, grandparents or someone who has a conservative soul.  Prostitution is not strictly illegal in Thailand, it is tolerated and party regulated. 

Just by walking along the street illuminated by colored neon signs, you will be greeted by Thai and Russian prostitutes, lady boys or an exotic dancer in a glass display window. I was actually shocked to read what's on their menu cards and what strikes me the most is "Boy-Girl / Girl-Girl /  Boy-Boy Fucking Shows". We are not interested to watch  any shows of course.

As we walk from the south end of Beach Road to the Bali Hai Pier, I was thinking of the  life of each "performers". Those cage performers in the glass windows and that particular teenager doing a street acrobat show were smiling at us but their eyes were shouting in pain, anger and sadness.

Mimosa Pattaya

Just across the Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel is the Mimosa Pattaya, also called as the "City of Love". One of the feautures of the place is the Lady-boy cabaret show.

Photo Credit : Elpie Parayno

We did not  enter the  place but I think there must be some great restaurants or drinking establishments inside. For 600 baht entrance fee for a foreigner, it is not a good deal if you are not into this kind of entertainment. 

Schedule of Mimosa Cabaret Show & Musical Fountain
3:00 pm
5:00 pm
7:00 pm

Pag-IBIG Fund Chorale Bags 2 Golds in The 8th International Choir Festival in Thailand

 THE PAG-IBIG Fund Chorale (PFC) won in three categories during the 8th Grand Prix Pattaya 2015 – International Choir Festival, held on 22-26 July 2015, in Pattaya, Thailand. The lone Philippine representative to the competition, the chorale earned the approval of the judges, garnering enough points to win Gold Medals in the Folklore a Capella category, and the Spiritual, Gospel, and Jazz category, and a Silver Medal in the Adult Mixed category.

The Grand Prix Pattaya 2015 is a competition open to non-professional choirs around the world. The PFC was joined by 12 other choirs to compete in various categories. The participants, who may join any of the applicable categories – Children’s Choirs; Boys’ Choirs; Youth Choirs; Adult Choirs (Women, Men, Mixed); Folklore A Capella; Chamber Choirs; Vocal Groups; and Spiritual, Gospel, and Jazz – must present a maximum of three different songs per category to be performed under a prescribed time limit. Well-known international choir masters led by Bangkok Opera Artistic Director Somtow Sucharitkul served as judges at the competition.

“We are very proud of the Pag-IBIG Fund Chorale’s accomplishments. They’ve already proven their mettle in local performances and competitions. Garnering the top recognition in their first international competition proves that our Fund employees do practice the culture of excellence that Pag-IBIG Fund embodies. With this recognition, they did not only make Pag-IBIG Fund proud but the entire country, as well,” says Pag-IBIG Fund President and CEO Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe.

Organized in September 2005 as the Fund’s official choir, the PFC has performed in various local music festivals, including Maestro Ryan Cayabyab’s One Thousand-Voice Choir Project in 2011. The group has also won several competitions, and was declared as the 2014 Grand Champion of the Civil Service Commission’s Government Choral Competition. Guided by Choir Master Anthony Go Villanueva, the PFC has become Pag-IBIG’s Ambassador of Goodwill, spreading camaraderie and goodwill as they perform in various outreach events from government agencies and private institutions.