Picky Eaters Hamburgers: A Success Story, Reliving those Glorious Days

To all those Ateneans out there who has been enrolled during the school year 2006-2007, we witnessed the establishment of SOM Mall - a business lab handled by students mostly coming from John Gokongwei School of Management. 

My group and I were one of the first to establish business in the said mall. Our business is the infamous Picky Eaters and along our batch is One Big Flame, Chinky Chicken, Matcha, and Bodhi. Before, plenty aspiring student entrepreneurs inquired on renting a lot at SOM mail before its completely built. Many were dismayed by the fact that rentals of each stall range from 9000-15000 excluding the electricity and water usage fees. Because of these huge costs, many became hesitant to rent.

Even our group doubted if we can reach enough sales to cover all related costs. But, I encouraged the other group members to pursue our plan. WHY? One reason why I know our business will prosper in that area because of substantial market research. Another reason is that being a food fanatic, I strongly believe in our selling product which is to serve customizable hamburgers - Quarter Pounders and Half Pounders.

Even though professors doubted our research, meaning they gave us a failing grade because they did not believe on our business plan. We know factors such as the population of the market (number students in the campus), their buying power (how much money are they willing to spend for food), and their interest on the product.

With just a starting capital of 42,000 pesos. In four months of operation, we earned a net sale of more than 500,000 pesos - the most number of sales during our time. Picky Eaters trampled other food stalls.  Even Mcdonalds and Jollibbee in Katipunan were threatened and came by looking at our stall.

I know all of these stuffs because I was the Chief Financial Officer of our company.I also contributed in Market Research, Marketing, and Operations of Picky Eaters. 

With our success, I really learned that business is all about taking risks. If you really have done your homework in researching your target market, then you must not be daunted by negative feedbacks of closed-minded people. 

UAAP: Fantasy Draft Website?

It just popped into my mind while I was fixing up my lineup in Yahoo Basketball Fantasy and hoops.sports.ws. Why not create a web site that covers UAAP Statistics and Fantasy Draft targeting those who are die hard UAAP fanatics just like me. 

I am not just talking about feeding the needs of those UAAPcoholics, but you can also use these as means of promoting UAAP throughout the country and most importantly worldwide. This kind of website has the potential to be the gateway not just to increase the viewers of UAAP, but also to entice FIlipinos to use the Internet more.

The only drawback of having this kind of website is that it may also worsen the illegal betting in the country.  

I wanted to do this myself, but I am not a webmaster nor a programmer. To cut it short, I am not a techie person. I have given the webmasters of the Philippines a brillant idea. It is up for those techies to fulfill the dreams of UAAP fans. If not, I’ll just learn JAVA, HTML, and CSS and build the website.  

Attention: Ateneo Aegis Members 2007

I would like to address this message to Ateneo Aegis Members batch 2007. I have been trying to search for information regarding the release of Ateneo Yearbook 2007 since I am going to leave the country soon. I recently heard news by surfing the web that the estimated release is on October 27, but when I searched the site it is indicated that it was October 27, 2007. 

I also browsed your livejournal website. Apparently, I am very disappointed on how disorganize the website is. There are google ads blocking the articles you posted making them very HARD to search and read. I also requested to join your yahoogroups to know updates regarding its release, but apparently no one is complying upon my request.

I am the kind of person who does not rely on people to do things on which I am solely responsible for. I really don’t like asking favors from my friends in which I know I am capable of doing. Also, I am a person who treasures memories and Ateneo has been a part of my life. I spent 16  years of my life being molded by the Ateneo way.

Overall, I just want to have some updates. Thank you.  

Philippine Business Trends: Utilizing the Internet

With our advancing technology, more and more people are being exposed to the Internet or what they call “Internet savvy”. Considering that we still have a low number of Internet users, I foresee that this number will increase rapidly in the near future since having a computer and Internet connection is becoming more accessible. With this, I can say that dealing business in the Philippines is slowly being converted to dealing in the cyber space of Internet. 

For example, you can now buy and sell items online just by browsing the Internet. One good international site is EBAY. They offer entrepreneurs to post their products online for buyers to view. When you want to target the Philippine market, you can view auction.ph and sulit.com.ph. These two I believe are the most popular sites due to their aggressive advertsing schemes.

Another example is using blogs as means for business. I have seen TV shows where they feature a business and they advertise their website as nameofbusiness.multiply.com. One good example of this kind of website is evertsdesserts.multiply.com where she uses her blog to sell delectable pastries ranging from polvorons to cheesecakes.

Currently, I just learned that entering the Domain Industry is also a lucrative business to enter. You just need to speculate and use your creativity in purchasing a domain. Many people worldwide have become millionaires just by purchasing a domain and selling them at a higher price because of the high demand for their respective domain. 

However, all of these require hard work and passion. These things are not learned in school. Even though I have a minor degree in Marketing in Ateneo de Manila University where I was exposed to Brand Management, Advertising Management, and Market Research, I was not exposed to Internet Marketing. 

Overall, there is more room, greater opportunity for us aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the market of our likings. We just need to learn, be updated to current trends, and try to improve our skills by adding more and incorporating them with our other old skills. 

SKY CABLE METRO MANILA: BTV Returns "Basketball TV channel"

Before I have plans to change my cable provider for just one damn reason - I cannot watch my favorite and adrenaline intense NBA games. I missed lots of good games last season such as the match up of Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul. I cursed Sky Cable for not having an access for the great channel Basketball TV. 

But since I went to Singapore, my action toward this problem was delayed. Just recently, I turned on my 32″ Sony television and sat like a grunting lazy pig because of the usual channels offered by Sky Cable. Then to my surprise an advisory appeared at the screen. Basketball TV is now available.

My first reaction was What?! Is this true? Am I in the realm of dreamland? I quickly jotted down the contact numbers indicated at the screen to order since NBA season is about to begin. I was really eager to order prompting the operator give me direct details on how to order this gift from God. He said that I will only pay an additional of 120 pesos a month. However, he said that I should call back again 2 days after. Awww… I did not expect this to happen but hell, I can wait. Besides, patience is a virtue. 

In order to compensate for the additional charge of having Basketball TV, I decided to give up one Chinese channel. Surprised? I am a pure blooded Chinese. Just kidding, it just happens I find most Chinese girls hot and sexy, but still I prefer Japanese. 

MERALCO INCREASE: SHOWING THAT THE GOV’T CARES

ISSUE MERALCO is going to implement a whopping 36% increase starting on November. Why? They said it is a pretty hard decision, but because of the continuous drastic fluctuations of foreign exchange and since they want to SERVE the consumers better, this is the best solution for them.
And so as to lessen the impact to the less privileged people in our society, the government approved a refund of around 3.1 billion pesos due to overpayment in June 2003 to December 2006.

To view the whole story, click this URL: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20081021/tbs-meralco-7318940.html

PROBLEM

I really don’t see a problem if they wanted to SERVE the community better by offering BETTER service.

However, I just wanted to point out that WHY IS IT THAT THERE ARE OVERPAYMENTS? Well, it is not an issue anymore that the government of our country is one of the most incompetent and abusively corrupt. Obviously, they wanted the public’s money for personal gain, right?

But how, they mentioned that they are going to return the overpayments? Well, as I remember I am not only keen to Marketing stuffs, but I am a finance person as well. And based on the data this is how it works.

HOW THIS BECOMES A PROBLEM

They give you back your for all your payments, right? Let us say, your excess payment is 10,000 pesos. You go home happy, cheering and dancing saying that the government did something for you.

But hell, did you take into consideration when did you pay those? It was back in the year 2003 to 2006. The value of money today is different from the money you spent yesterday due to external factors such as inflation. It means that that the difference of the value of money today and money of yesterday is the amount of money used by the government for their ill-minded personal agenda.

And sure, they advertise this through the newspaper and through the Internet. However, our society is composed of poor and extremely poor people. Surely, they don’t have money to spend for accessing media stuffs. This means how the hell will they know about this refund thingie?  

Furthermore, how about those who do not have time to acquire their refund? Please take note that when you go to MERALCO centers, it takes a lot of time to pay and most likely to get a refund. It will be a hassle.

MY REACTION

So with these factors, are you sure that all of that 3.1 Billion pesos overpayment will be returned to the public? Is it worth to get those refund if it is going to be a hassle? Is this an effective way to SERVE the PUBLIC? HELL NO. Of course, there will be another excess and our government officials will gain from that fund. On the other hand, our country will be burdened by the additional loan, and we, the innocent citizens, will have the burden paying higher taxes.

If you are going to ask me what is the solution for this. Well here are my thoughts.

1. MERALCO should be after us, not we after them. Since they are the ones who created the problem, they should be responsible enough to distribute them to us by whatever means. Also the payment should have a percentage of interest since it is way back 2003-2006
2. I remember the line saying that “The Best Medicine is to Prevent Illness”. Incorporating this to the issue, I HOPE MERALCO will avoid implementing excessive bill payments to avoid refunds.

I just wanted to stress out that I hate politics and I degrade my dignity and humanity by being a politician. But, I am voicing out my opinions to create an awareness that I am not fooled by the government.

Getting the Hang of Blogging

As time passes by, I have noticed that I am beginning to get the hang of being a bastard blogger. I don’t know the reason behind this, but one thing is for sure, I am very HAPPY expressing my thoughts in a manner where you are forced to enter the realm of MY IMAGINATION, which literally means my world, RAY’s WORLD.
Though I am completely satisfied with all my blogs and the way I actually wrote them from being substantially academic to being a scrutinizing pain-in-the-ass critic.

It just it feels that when my whole personality changes when I begin to blog things that enters my fantasy. Probably, this is where they created the term “Two-faced” or with the story of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”.

People know me as a conservative, polite, and down-to-earth person. But, as soon as I open my blog and began typing, I am completely kaleidoscopic. I can be of both ends, from being a very romantic person who will melt your heart down to a extremely insulting maniac.

I have so many ideas, so many things to blog, different subjects to criticize, and expect for more. I am happy to be free in the world of blogging. Whenever I bring you to my world my fellow bloggers, whether if its heaven or hell, I just wish that you regain your sanity. 

A Love Letter for Cheesecake

Cheesecake and I are inseparable. I am forever a cheesecake lover and cheesecake dearly loves me. It seems there is always an attraction magnifying us stronger than ever before. Every bite of its delectable and simply scrumptious bits of cheesecake is actually making love with it.

This attraction makes me wonder and wander what cheesecake will help me feel like having sex without the feeling of any guilt? I’ve already tried plenty of cheese cake that makes  me feel horny while thinking of feeling its taste melting in my mouth. The ever filling Burgoo’s Raspberry and Oreo Cheesecake makes my life complete. The cheesecake of Cheesecake Etc., makes my day complete. The Blueberry Cheesecake of Red Ribbon. I’ve even craved for cheesecake of Bo’s Coffee. 

With my insatiable craving, I kept on searching for more and more tempting delicacies. Just recently, I’ve tried Evert’s Desserts (http://evertsdesserts.multiply.com) Strawberry Cheesecake. As I saw its round-shaped figured topped with red, heart-like strawberries, my mouth watered with eagerness to take its first taste. Slowly, but surely, I slipped my mouth at a spoonful of her strawberry cheesecake.

Bam! I was overwhelmed by the sensation. My senses cannot even explain the feeling right after that first bite. I was in heaven strolling and dancing with my precious loved one. And it felt like it was just my first time experiencing that sensational feeling.

I thank God for His wonderful creations. I also thank you Ms. Evert, for offering me your exceptionally delicious cheesecake. I hope that I also feel this kind of feeling once I tried your other sinful desserts.

I wish I can live forever with you. Truly, the sky is the limit for you my beloved…. Cheesecake. 

NBA LIVE 09 has been REVIVED!!!

Since Playstation 3 cds cost roughly around 3000-3500 bucks per game, I am taking precautionary measures before actually buying one. And one of the controversial games in the world of basketball is the competition between NBA Live and NBA 2K. Let me just give you a brief background, NBA Live has been the best basketball game in Playstation since it was released in the year 1995 or 1996 I think. However, with the arrival of NBA 2K, there was an upset. NBA 2K has been dominating NBA Live.

Why is that so? Because first and foremost it has good graphics almost looks like you are just a real live NBA basketball. Secondly, it is user friendly. An amateur player can do plenty of moves just with a flick of that analog stick making it very easy to score regardless if your enemy is the computer or a human. So what it really brings is the gaming experience.

What I really like about the NBA Live is the basketball strategy, the ball movement, the tactics on how to outrun and eventually outscore your opponent. That what makes NBA Live unique to other basketball games. NBA 2K is for AMATEURS. You do not believe me? Well, try me if you can beat me in both games.

I’ve tried NBA Live 2008 and it really let my hopes die that NBA Live will retrieve its rightful throne. It has poor graphics. The gameplay is not smooth. It has limited moves. The commentators are dull. Overall, I can say NBA Live 2008 SUCKS.

But, because Playstation 3’s features where you can download demos straight yo your game console, I downloaded NBA Live 09 and wished that my efforts will not go to waste.

And hell did I enjoy this game. I mean everything from the past that made NBA Live was left behind. Now, with smoother graphics, better gameplays, and those real spectacular signature moves. All I can is WOW. Too bad I can only play 2 minutes for 2 quarters since it is only a demo. 

I am now saving money to buy NBA Live 09. This is going to be a happy christmas for me.
 

Sony Playstation 3 vs Microsoft Xbox 360

Not long ago, I was offered by 2 of my closest friends to buy their game consoles. One is the ever popular Playstation 3 and the other one is the booming Xbox 360. I was doing some research on both the consoles before I decide to purchase.

Now, here is what I discovered. First, let’s take a look at what I researched.

PROS of Playstation 3

One of the things that I like about Playstation 3 is that you can play long hours without even worrying about overheating. Also, Playstation 3 is upgradable. You can upgrade the hard disk anytime you want or you can also purchase your own external hard drive. When it comes to its appearance, Playstation 3 is simply luxurious and elegant-looking. It also boast of its powerful system that dominates the gaming world industry nowadays. And lastly, it has a Universal Voltage Regulator in which you can plug it at a 110V or 220V.

CONS

One of the things that I dislike about Playstation is its limited number of games. I mean I am a certified gamer enjoying any kind of games as long as it is not for a sissy. Also, the Playstation is not maximizing its power. I mean if you compare the graphics of Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360 there is virtually no difference at all.

What about the Xbox 360?

PROS of Xbox 360

Games, games and more games. Xbox 360 is proud of having more games compared to the latter. They really made gamers wild. 

CONS

Overheating. The Red Ring of Death. I think this is the greatest drawback of Xbox 360. Why? As a gamer, I don’t want to stop the adrenaline rush while playing. 

Conclusion?

Guess what I bought. Playstation 3 rules. You know why? Even though I am gamer by heart, I am also considering my investment for that game console. Sony Playstation has proven that its console will last for years without repairs. Also, I believe that when one industry is down, th only way is to go up right? This means that I am taking the risk that Playstation 3 will improve the number and quality of games it cater. 

How about you what are your opinions 

Lazy Way to Earn Money

I have been in dotPH as a Marketing Officer for a month. I have been studying domains, web hosting, web designs, monetization, blogs, social forums and many more. Incorporating all what I learned, I somehow figured out that all of them have similarities - A Lazy Way to Earn Money.

By studying various internet marketing strategies, I figured out that there is a lot of potential investing your money compared to stocks. For example, a URL can be bought from 9 dollars up to 20 dollars good for one year. And you can auction it up to hundreds and thousands of dollars worldwide.
Probably, I am considering all these stuffs because I am really interested into trading particularly stocks and tech items. But, if you’re not into trading, you can also develop that URL and start your own business online. Once you are through with the setting up phase, that’s where money comes abruptly. What all you need is the power of speculation and a creative mind. Well, it just happens that I possess both of these qualities.

So, this is what really keeps me busy. I am trying to figure out the most efficient strategy in accumulating web traffic. There are lots to choose from but since there is continuous innovations in the world of Internet, you should wary about things that are phasing out.

I am really happy that I was accepted as a Marketing Officer in this company. These marketing strategies are not even taught in school considering that I undergo the pain-in-the-ass Minor in Marketing program in one of the top local universities.