Your fab jologs in HK

Enter your search terms Submit search form

Getting published

Check out page 4 of HK Magazine's May 26 issue.
 

Yes, my letter to the editor got published! Sure they’ve deleted a few points, but it’s still my work, my opinion, my name! And whether they give me a prize or a token for that, I really don't care. Having something I've written in there is a prize in itself.
I've always loved HK Magazine so it's really a big deal. I don't know why and when exactly I became a big fan, but I've been collecting each and every copy since I arrived here – the number of copies in my drawer correspond to the number of weeks I've been here – and I try to read each copy from cover to cover. Guess I'm not a lazy reader after all; it's just that I prefer reading magazines more than books.
Having my name published again is a big accomplishment - it's the closest I can get to the glory-of-the-byline after leaving editorial. Today, I'm satisfied with the letter to the editor, tomorrow (who knows) my name might just end up in the staff box. Wish.

posted by: Jeko at May 30, 2006 20:16 | link | comments (3) |

Boss-struck
 
I just had the most fabulous dinner in my entire GS life. Imagine a humble marketing executive like me securing a seat with 12 of the (allow me to exaggerate a bit on this one) movers and shakers of Asia and U.S. electronics publishing business!

Office atmosphere for the past few days has turned crazier and busier as more and more execs from other offices go on a business trip here, and as our publication preps for the roll out of various projects. I, for one, have been putting more hours in the office just to meet deadlines, and the night before yesterday's dinner was probably the worst, as I've given my full 13 hours for a task that simply won't end.

I've decided to leave early yesterday but I just couldn't find the right timing for my big escape. Everywhere I looked, there were bosses. And even if I got to sneak past them, I'm sure they'd catch me in the only elevator that serves all 25 floors of this building. The elevator requires five minutes lead time (let me exag again: you need to press it five minutes before you leave, otherwise you miss it and you’d have to wait for another five). And having to wait for five minutes there means that there's a big chance of bumping into one or two of my bosses, or if I was lucky, all of them.

So I waited a few minutes more. But just when I’ve found an accomplice for my big escape, and as I've made several successful steps away from my workstation, one boss calls me and asks me to enter another boss' office. So I did. There I got this invitation which, by the way, sounded more like an order, to stay for a couple hours more for a dinner outside.

Next thing I knew I was at the Jumbo Kingdom Restaurant with the publisher, the associate publisher, the publisher of our mother publication in the U.S., another exec from the U.S., the editor-in-chief for asia (yep, my former boss), editor-in-chief for China, the online development manager, the marketing managers and the key sales managers. Whew!
Indeed it was overwhelming. But for a moment I also felt that my presence there was more like a Judas with the apostles.

Dinner was great and discussions were light. It was great to know that these big-time bosses were also people who have had some funny moments, secrets, and bloopers at work. I've even heard of stories about names I've only been reading in our mother magazine and I really feel grateful that these people have somehow put some character into those names.

posted by: Jeko at May 25, 2006 16:50 | link | comments (2) |

Good rep
 
HR Manila contacted me last week, asking if I can help them with their staffing needs. I know I'm not an HR guy (+honhon+ is), but I do have connections if that's what they wanted.
Apparently, I have made good reputation in Manila office and now they want more editorial people who are just like me - Collegian alumnus.
In Manila office, there were only three Manila Kule alumni, one entering just before the other one leaves. Sadly, we never really got the chance to build a mafia of some sort!
Going back to the request, I endorsed them to the office of student affairs and the current M-Kule board. I also gave them contact numbers to CEGP, and that should be enough to help them.
It's nice to know that I have a good reputation (at least in Manila HR that is) and that bridges weren't burned when I left these institutions. Here in Hong Kong, I have yet to make a mark. But for now, my reputation – I assume – rests on something like a new employee who goes home to Pinas every other month.

posted by: Jeko at May 22, 2006 18:51 | link | comments |

Net and books

This is the last time I'm going to use ACLC's computer. Beginning next week, the college will stop renting out their computers and all their facilities will no longer be available for outsiders. Sigh. The college has kept me company for more than three months and my weekly itinerary won't be the same without the two-hour surfing on the list.
One suggestion I got was to enroll in one of their programs, pay about $300 for the one-sem enrollment and enjoy an almost unlimited access. I would've had considered doing just that, but common sense tells me why would I. They only offer basic courses and I'm doing just fine with my computer skills.
And $300 is still $300 (monthly broadband fee for home use is only about $200. Problem is: I don't have a PC yet), and even if I get that unlimited access, my usage time would still be limited to only twice a week, since I am in the office during weekdays.
It's just hard to say goodbye but I have no choice. I would need to transfer elsewhere which, as of my last checking, offers about double the per-hour price of ACLC and looks much more crowded.
*****
I'm proud of myself today. I was able to buy four books for $4, thanks to Flow second-hand bookshop. Yes, ONE DOLLAR a piece (about 7 pesos each), wuhoo!
The first one is a book by Anne Rice; the second is an exercise cum recipe book; third one is about attitude and personality check; and the fourth one, uhm..., about family inheritance which may lead to the murder of one of the four siblings.
I'm not really the booklover type. I must confess I'm a really lazy reader and would prefer to watch really crappy films than read a novel or something like the Da Vinci Code. But somehow something made me excited about my purchases.
But before I start reading these four, let me finish a book about Psychoanalysts. A book which, by the way, I planned on reading two years ago, but has only started with the first chapter just last week. One chapter in two years? The four books I bought will truly go a long way.

posted by: Jeko at May 20, 2006 13:54 | link | comments (2) |

posted by: Jeko at May 18, 2006 19:24 | link | comments (3) |