Face-off: Facebook vs. Friendster Will Facebook replace Philippines’ No. 1 social networking website?

By Hernel Tocmo Published in MINDANAO TIMES

January 18, 2009 Over 200 social networking sites have emerged in the vicinity of Internet world, yet only few were successful in terms of popularity and number of active users. Today, the internet is not only a media and our source of information, but it also links us to our friends and to the people worldwide. While more and more people are betrothed with these powerful Internet tool, more and more as well are getting addicted with it. Social networking sites influence people and continues to influence more. Although bunch of latest improvements flocked the internet, Filipinos are still keeping their track just to be up-to-date as the westerners do. As this present generation makes socializing a new method, Filipinos are also getting addicted with these, that’s why hundreds of social networking sites exist and compete with each other. In 2002, Friendster.com was founded and became the first online social networking site, which is now the most popular in the Philippines and its neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Friendster users can add other Friendster users, send comments and messages, customize their own pro-file by adding videos and music, upload photos as many as you want with a minimum size of 2 mega-bytes, add applications, and everything that a typical social networking site have. Although Friendster was founded by an American computer programmer, Jonathan Abrams, Asians obviously dominate the site as 90% of its total users came from Asia and Philippines got the most of its users and visitors. Now, Friendster is still the number two website and the number one social net-working site in the Philippines. While in 2004, Facebook.com was founded by Harvard University student Mark Zuckerberg, which was intended and limited only for Harvard students. Its users rapidly expanded until it became available to all people around the world ages 13 and above. Facebook is also the most popular social net-working site in the world especially in North America in terms of user traffic and for uploading photos, with 14 million uploaded everyday. As the same with Friendster, Facebook has also with the same features although there are some minor differences among each other. Facebook has also a user-friendly interface, a properly arranged navigation bars, and noticeable updates for friends located in the home page. Now, the world famous Facebook is considered the number one social networking site in the world in terms of number of active users and page visits according to Alexa.com. While Facebook aims to influence Filipinos to join them, some Friendster users are now shifting to its tough rival, the Face-book, and some still sticks to what they are used to, the Friendster. The reasons why Filipinos still choose Friendster are: most of their friends and classmates are Friendster users; Filipinos prefer to have attractive profiles such as customizing backgrounds and font’s styles and colors, adding “automatic play” music, and adding graphics and videos, so that visitors will find out more of the profile and its owner; you can view any profile unless it’s a public profile, and lastly, Filipinos are used to it. You’ll have to learn again some unfamiliar features if they transfer or have an-other account in another social networking site. Some Filipinos are also shifting to Facebook because it’s popular around the world; most celebri-ties have their Facebook account; easy-to-use interface and navigation bars; it doesn’t contain any huge, aggravating ads; it boasts an online friend chatting, which Friendster doesn’t have; and finally, its appli-cations are fun. No matter what you have, maybe a Friendster, a Facebook, or both of it, what is important is that you have hooked up with people you know and you want to know, share thoughts, and bestow wonderful comments and testimonials with your friends. Socializing with people online is just another way of meeting new friends whom you haven’t met personally and both sites offer almost the same features. It’s just a matter of practical choice in choosing what social networking site you want to join.

Huge wonders of a small island called Samal By Hernel Tocmo

UNWIND Magazine (Advance Journalism Class) – March 2009

Sanctified with rich natural resources and stunning picturesque seascape, the Island Garden City of Samal is a perfect place for every tourist and beach-lover. Officially recognized as a city on March 07, 1998, Samal has become a competitive metropolis not just in tourism but also in trade and industry. Famous for its white-sand shoreline, many beach resorts sprouted all over the island. In fact, 32 beach resorts are now huddled in Samal, but still, the place remained clean and attractive as it is maintained well by the government and with the help of its residents. Many beaches offer affordable accommodations and room rates, which keep tourists visit regularly. Local and foreign tourists also never forget their warm hospitality among their guests. Although the young city doesn’t want to be contested against the renowned Boracay, Samal’s magnificent white-sand beaches can be matched up by any famous resorts in the Philip-pines. Your 15-minute boat ride from Davao City will surely be worth it because of its priceless attractions and natural sceneries. Tracing back Samal’s history, many tribes from Davao, Jolo, and Basilan such as Mansa-kas, Mandayas, and Muslims have chosen to settle in the island. Composed of three groups, they were identified into one tribe called the Isama. Their rich history has helped them to be independ-ent from Davao City. Before, only Davaoeños and its neighboring towns come to see and experi-ence the spectacular paradise. Today, the magnificent island is enjoyed not just by the Filipinos, but also by foreign tourists. The Island Garden City of Samal will be gradually known not just in the Philippines, but also be compared to the best beaches in Asia such as Phuket, Manado, Bora-cay, etc. The tiny city in an island has brought out huge wonders of the Isama tribe, the Monfort Bat Cave which has the largest colony of bats in the whole world, and who forgets their impressive scenic beaches. No matter how small or how young the island, unless it has something impressive and attractive with it, people will keep on coming and appreciate the island taken care by its for-mer residents, the Isama.

Not the usual Christmas celebration By Hernel Tocmo December 13, 2008

Famous landmarks and streets around Davao City have become magnificent through giant and wonderful decorations and illuminating lights. Christmas is really fast approaching. This annual celebration wherein we commemorate the birth of Christ has been truly in eve-ryone’s hearts. Although it was six years ago since we celebrate Christmas and New Year with fireworks, people always find ways to make every Christmas special. Instead of shedding out money to buy dangerous firecrackers, Davaoeños nowadays spend their money to some impressive and more attractive Christmas decorations including edifying Christ-mas lights embellished around each house after the firecrackers and fireworks were completely banned. In 2002, a City Ordinance on firecracker ban was approved, which prohibits the distribu-tion, possession, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in Davao City. It was then the first time Davaoeños celebrate Christmas without hearing loud explosions of firecrackers and without witnessing colorful fireworks above the sky. It was also the beginning of celebrating Christmas with zero percent injury and without losing someone’s finger. Some people frenzied over Mayor Duterte’s decision about the firecracker’s forbiddance in the city, inferring that they will lose their only enjoyment every Christmas and also the livelihood of its sellers as source of their income during Christmas celebration. On the other hand, some peo-ple felt secured in every Christmas and New Year celebration because of the implementation of the law. However, the firecracker ban is not the hindrance why Davaoeños can’t enjoy the festivity. People are amused in eye-catching attractions around the city, which gives enjoyment not just to the young ones but also to the adults. Malls, hotels, parks and even government establishments have been decorating giant Christmas trees and colorful bright lights to enliven the peaceful yet livable city. The giant Christmas tree in Victoria Plaza, the largest in Davao City, has gained many peo-ple’s attention every Yuletide season because of its grandeur and superior among other Christmas trees. People passing J.P. Laurel Street always glance to this huge and dazzling Christmas tree as its brightness symbolizes the bright future of Davao City. Marco Polo Davao, as it celebrates its 10th year anniversary, also placed gigantic decora-tions at the top of its tall building and bright Christmas lights on the entrance area. NCCC Mall, also celebrating its 30th anniversary, showcased huge Christmas icons and symbols placed at the front of the building. Rizal and Quezon Parks in front of the City Hall of Davao is usually the grandest among else because it depicts the whole image of the city. Loads of colorful Christmas lights and huge lanterns were hung on its tall trees. Every Christmas, these are indeed the most attractive parks in the city. Through the initiative of the City Mayor Rody Duterte, these attractive sites are improved superbly. However, this year’s budget for the annual Christmas decoration of the parks was re-duced because the feeding of the Lumad and other indigenous tribes were prioritized. The Christmas celebration’s purpose is not only for mere enjoyment, but it is a feast of Christ’s birth. It does not necessarily involve firecrackers and decorations because no matter how silent our Christmas will be, what is important is that we learn to value the true meaning of Christ-mas.

Celebrating the festival of festivals By Hernel Tocmo

Paper Brigade (Intro to Journalism Class) – September 2008

Kadayawan sa Dabaw is indeed a tradition to every Davaoeño. It may be compared to the Rio Carnival in Brazil, which is considered to be one of the greatest shows on Earth, but each has different styles and highlights. Kadayawan Festival is a full-week celebration loaded with ample events and activities while Rio Carnival only happens in one night. Showcasing Davao City’s different tribes and diver-sity of cultures, Kadayawan Festival never fails to attract more tourists and visitors every year. Known as the festival of festivals, the annual celebration of Kadayawan is getting bigger and more exciting. With this year’s theme: “Musanay Lumadnong Kagikan, Yutang Kabilin Panalipdan” (Flourishing Indigenous Heritage, Protecting Ancestral Nations), it aims to preserve the cultures of indigenous ancestors like Lumads, who made Davao City as their homeland. For 22 years, the Kadayawan remained to be the festival of festivals because of its gran-deur and peculiarity. Further highlights and events like Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan and Floral Float Parade persuade Davaoeños to leave their television sets and watch it live on the street. Activities and events here and there make Kadayawan adventure rigorous, however it’s an unforgettable ex-perience that will enliven you to ask for more. Not only the Davaoeños and tourists enjoy the festivity, other indigenous tribes across the Mindanao have also participated its activities and events. Many people came to realize the essence of the festival as a thanksgiving of nature’s gifts and bounties of harvest to both flowers and fruits. Araw ng Dabaw is also considered to Davao City’s famous festival as the birth of the city. Due to terrorist attacks around Mindanao, including the tension between the Philippine Army and the MILF, Davao City still remains to be a safe place to stay. The city police and Task Force Davao have tightened security and have been on a 24-hour alert. Despite the tension, the celebration still continues. From August 18-24, the weeklong celebration is worthwhile since it boosts Davao City’s tourism. It also helps the indigenous tribes’ cultures to become popular to the modern residents of Davao City. Through the years More than two decades had passed; Kadayawan festival continues to be majestic and supe-rior among other festivals. The festival, which began in 1986, intended to unite the Davaoeños af-ter the havoc of Martial Law Period. In 1986, Kadayawan was called “Apo Duwaling”, named after Davao City’s famous icons: Mt. Apo, Durian, Waling-waling, and the Philippine eagle. The festival was later called “Kadayawan sa Dabaw” by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in 1988. The celebration and thanksgiving of bountiful harvest also derives from the friendly greet-ing “Madayaw”, which came from Davaoeño word “dayaw”, meaning valuable and superior.

More than the usual celebration Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, which is said to be one of the main highlights of the festival, happened on August 23. Despite the scorching heat of the sun, Davaoeños, tourists, and visitors from neighboring towns flocked the streets of Roxas Avenue, Claveria, and San Pedro just to wit-ness the culture and dances of different Mindanaon tribes. This year’s Kadayawan, Davao City has invited other tribes outside the city to participate the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan. The out-of –town contingents include Shariff Aguak, Maguin-danao; Mangagoy, Bislig City; Mampasano, Maguindanao; Tampakan, South Cotabato; Surallah, South Cotabato; Tupi, South Cotabato; and Digos City. The whole day presentation, from 7AM up to 10PM, will truly satisfy the audience and feed them information of each tribe. In the morning, all groups will give a two-minute presentation along Roxas Avenue. After lunch break, the Davao-based contingents will have a showdown while at 6PM, the out-of-town contingents will also have their showdown. Another main highlight was the “Pamulak”, the Kadayawan Festival Floral Float Parade, which occurred on August 24, 8-12 noon. 74 huge and colorful floats depicting Davao City’s fruits and flowers were presented along the street. The joy and happiness of both young and adults were priceless seeing those wonderful floats thoroughly prepared. Almost all imaging devices including DSLRs, compact DigiCams, and even camera phones were present. All classes of people were present too; even the beggars also watched the anticipated event. People who watched the event live didn’t notice the extreme heat of the sun any-more. What is important is the experience of being there, witnessing a grandiose once-a-year event.

Firecracker-related injuries doubled, 7 arrested for violating firecracker ban

By Hernel Tocmo BAROG Tabloid (Advance Newpaper Writing Class)

January 12, 2009 After celebrating Christmas and New Year without the presence of prohibited firecrackers in Davao City, there are still residents who fearlessly lit firecrackers across the street. Injuries dou-bled from two last 2007 to four this 2008 and seven people were also filed cases for violating the law. The four firecracker-related victims were Jhonrey Sanchez, 7, Neselle Mangue, 7, Drizczel Charles Parna, 5, and John Loisse, 9. They were brought to Davao Medical Center. Davao City residents felt safe because of the City Ordinance 060-02, which also known as the firecracker ban. The law, which was passed and approved on 2002, states that any manufac-ture, sale, distribution, possession, or use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices shall face punishments and penalties such as fines and short-time imprisonment. However, not all people were glad about firecracker’s prohibition in the city. Some people especially children and teenagers felt bad about the law because without firecrackers, Christmas will be dull and boring. Residents from other town were stunned that Davaoeños survive holidays without firecrackers as it is considered part of the Filipino tradition every Christmas and New Year. “Boring kaayo ang Christmas ug New Year diri sa Davao kung walay mga pabuto (Christmas and New Year here in Davao City is very boring without firecrackers),” said Shaira Gultiano, 19, a resident of Surigao del Sur. Despite the silence of the Yuletide season, some people choose to stay at home and cele-brate holidays with the whole family while some attended Crhistmas and countdown parties. Po-lice also caught some residents, who were lighting up firecrackers. They are now facing charges of violating the city ordinance, in which Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte rages over those who break the rules. Seven people celebrated an unhappy New Year behind bars after being caught by the po-lice using firecrackers. The following were: Franco Romero, Najer Maruhon, Emelyn Haranna, Michael Landayon, Julhasi Sahisan, Micahel Rejoso, and Elmar Canoy. Throughout the peaceful celebration of Christmas and New Year, there were no incidents of death caused by firecrackers and no injury on stray bullets.

Father Samson released memo on wearing IDs Hernel Tocmo

Paper Brigade (Intro to Journalism Class) – September 2008

“Everyone is required to wear AdDU ID at all times.” Father Antonio Samson S.J. emphasized this line on his current university memorandum released on Sep. 9, aiming to inform that not only students are required to wear IDs, but also the administrators, faculty and staff of the university. The antagonist group, MILF, has lately been terrorized Mindanao. Towns and cities from different regions of Mindanao have also tightened security to assure that no one can terrorize the region. As a result of this conflicts and violence, Father Samson issued a memorandum “Campus Security and AdDU IDs”, which stresses that everyone must wear their IDs while in campus. However, some students used to wear their IDs only when entering the gate, while most students usually put it off during Wednesdays. Father Samson said that the memorandum aims for security inside the campus and persuades everyone (administrators, faculty, staff, and students) to wear their ID to be easily identified as members of the Ateneo community. The administrators might have also noticed that only few teachers are wearing their IDs, thus, the memo was released. Security guards have also become stricter. They will warn you for confiscation when you put off your ID. Even during washdays, guards will oblige you to wear your ID inside the campus. Students noticed that security guards have been active in checking bags and IDs since the memo was released. A 3rd year International Studies student, Rhesin Trinidad, said she witnessed the great efforts of the security guards for safety reasons. “I hope that this tight security measures will not only last for few weeks”, she added.

Content Writing: a flourishing career by Hernel Tocmo

Since the Internet has risen in the world of technology, more people are getting hooked into it. That's why, in the latest survey conducted by Internet World Stats on December 2009, over 25% of the world's total population is already using Internet as means of communication, socialization, and even as a source of information. Through the higher demand of high quality content over the Internet, content writing for websites has become popular as webmasters would need not to spend more time writing for their own website. Content writing is merely a form of writing articles for websites particularly blog posts, press releases, etc. It depends on the demand of your client what article to compose. How-ever, it should be relevant and reliable for web browsers to ensure direct traffic of its visitors. Thus, providing a more relevant content for your website will result to a higher number of visitors. Therefore, the greater visitor count you have, the higher income you gain as they might become your possible clients in the future. Online entrepreneurs and website owners usually hire a content writer for time-efficiency. These content writers should be skillful enough to insert some keywords for Search Engine Opti-mization in your written article. As long as your written article is still comprehensible and easy to understand by the readers, your content will not just only produce positive feedback by the read-ers, but may also rank first in different search engines, which definitely make a website successful. A good content corresponds on some writing guidelines. As you noticed the content be-tween textbooks and articles from the web, they are different. Teachers and other professionals would prefer books as their reference but yet, the Internet still offers up-to-date news and current events, opinions, technology reviews, feature and sports articles. A content writer should use clear and simple language to express the ideas thoroughly and will not confuse the readers. Just like writing for print media, use active voice to be shorter and more precise. Also, discuss one topic in one paragraph. Never huddle all your ideas in one paragraph. Content writing is just another popular career in Internet world. It is different from writing in print and broadcast media. However, it's a great start of a flourishing career for budding pas-sionate writers.

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