I have mentioned several times lately that some big changes are in store for this blog. Actually, when my plans are complete you won’t even be able to call the site a blog anymore! That’s right, we will be changing to a “Web Magazine for Ex-Pats in the Philippines, and those who want to be,” or something like that. I’m still ironing out details, honestly. So, what is the difference between a blog and a web magazine? Well, lets have a look at that.
Yes, the site will still revolve around blogs. Oops. Did I say blogS? Yes, I did. Instead of the site being a blog, I will be changing it to a site that houses multiple blogs. Right now, we have a single blog with many different authors all writing on that blog. What I envision coming is having multiple blogs, which will result in each author having his own blog. Let’s fact it, each of us writing has a little different outlook, and I am sure that each reader has his (or her) own favorites among the authors, so it will be easier to more closely follow your favorite author, but still easy to follow each of the other authors too. To accomplish this, the home page of the Magazine site will be a single page that ties all of the different blogs together. When you go to the “Home Page” you will see information from each of the authors, and other information too. Then, let’s say you want to follow AmericanLola, you can click over to her blog, etc.
In addition to each author having their own blog here, there are some other aspects of the Web Magazine that I am envisioning:
1. A Video Blog, or Vlog. Each author can post on the Vlog with videos from the Philippines. These could be their own videos or videos from around the net (You Tube and such) that they feel would fit in with the Magazine theme. It could be as little as one new video per week, or it could be a new video each day. That is something we will just have to see. An example of what a personal video might be would be if I took my camcorder and went to town and documented a jeepney ride, or if I went out in the Province and rode a carabao, that could be put on video and shared with the group. Maybe something serious, maybe something silly. It will vary!
2. Photo Gallery. I am envisioning a Photo Gallery where each person (author or even readers) could have their own Photo Album where they can share pictures with the group! For example, if one of the readers comes for a vacation in the Philippines, they could put up some photos from their trip for the rest of the community to enjoy.
3. Job Board. One of my favorite Bloggers that I follow is Darren Rowse, and Australian who is known as the “ProBlogger.” For the past year (maybe more), Darren has had a place on his site where Job offerings are advertised for Blogging Jobs. There is also an area where people can post for jobs that they are looking for. I think that this would be kind of a natural here on the Live In The Philippines Blog. Any jobs that are available for Ex-Pats could be advertised on the site. One of the most frequent e-mails I get is “what kind of job can I find there.” Well, there are not too many jobs for Ex-Pats, but if we could get a roundup of them here, that might be a great resource. Right now, the biggest challenge that I face on this item is being able to find the jobs to list! But, I am thinking about it, and I really want to do this, so I’ll probably figure out a way to get it going!
4. Forum. We’ve been talking about doing a forum in connection with the comments discussion lately. There is so much topic drift in the comments that I think a forum would be a natural here. I am not 100% decided on this, but I feel that it is something that will probably happen.
So, as you can see, we have a lot of work ahead. It is something I’ve been kicking around in my mind for a couple of months now, and we have just gotten down to serious work on the site. It may take a couple weeks, or maybe more. Maybe it will be a couple of months before everything is in place and we settle down in our new “virtual home.” But, it is something that WILL happen!
The main reason that I am posting this is because I want to hear about what the community thinks. Are there other features that you want to see? Do you see something I listed above that you think we should not have? I want to hear your comments! Let me know what you think.
About MindanaoBob
Bob,
This is too eerie, we’ve been following the same bloggers: Darren Rowse, Steve Pavlina… Who is next? Now if you tell me you’re following Robert Scoble, I’ll really be floored! So are you?
Your idea of an ezine of ‘syndicated bloggers’ is just great. I’m looking forward to it.
Hi Angie – I don’t usually read Scoble (he’s not in my RSS reader), but from time to time I will go check him out.
Bob,
I think these ideas are great!!!!!
I see and feel that a lot of the bloggers are like friends. I have meet John, but even the writters and readers feel like friends too by learning how they think. I hope one day we can all get together for a party.
As soon as the photo section is set up, I have a lot, evern some you have not seen to put online.
And, maybe (praying as I am typing) I can get a job there so my dream can come true.
Keep up the GREAT work!!!
Hi Bruce – I’m glad that you like the ideas! It may take some time for all of this to be implemented, but we are certainly working toward this, and I hope sooner rather than later!
It would be great if AmericanLola offers podcasts of her Cebuano lessons. Language, I think, is easier to learn if I can listen to someone as opposed to just reading the lessons.
Go for it, Bob. In keeping with the magazine theme you might think through/discuss with the rest of the group the idea of losing the ugly term “blog” completely and call the author’s sections “Columns” and the authors “Columnists” … I think there’s an industry out there that has done it that way for hundreds of years, but I may be mistaken … a lot of “web wizards” seem to take great pleasure in re-inventing the wheel LoL.
It’s not just sarcasm or my weird sense of humor that makes me say that, either. I’ve been a”guest blogger” before and I didn’t like it. One person’s blog is too personalized. On the other hand, if the ‘founding blogger” is the Publisher/Editor in Chief of a magazine, individual contributors/columnists can keep their own voice and within broad editorial guidlines can keep their own voice. Many of us who read print newspapers read every word of favorite columnists and flat ignore ones we don’t care for … and the model works quite wwell … ever since Ben Franklin’s time.
There’s alot of good stuff being written in and about the Philippines that is too fragmented today … providing a place to aggregate it can only help.
Bob, I think a new format will be great. One thing I think would be helpful would be the local Philippine time posted and maybe the current forex rate for the peso. Will be looking foward to the improvements.
Hi Bob,
Good ideas, the forum thingy seems to be just what the doctor ordered, and the photo/video whatsit, is a good idea too.
Just make sure you publish detailed instructions, for us morons…..:wink:
Looking forward to the changes.
Ian
Hi Ian – Thanks for the vote of confidence! I think the photos will be fun too!
Hi Rob S – Thanks for the ideas. I’ll have to do some thinking. The time should be quite easy, the exchange rate may be a little more challenging, but I’ll see what I can figure out.
Thanks for the ideas and opinions, Dave! Hmm.. “Publisher & Editor in Chief?” I like that!
That is indeed a nice idea, I’ll have to see if she is interested in doing that!
I do have a “Learn Bisaya” podcast. You can find it at:
http://visayas.wowphilippines.com/bisaya
Bob
My point is that i have faith in your decision making in this area because you have more experience than most if not all of us. I enjoyed the change of format last week but then sort of agreed with the general opinion that it got a bit confusing. I’m sure you will get the changes right and like some conventional wisdom…..either go forward or you end up going backwards because if you try to stay still it won’t work. Well something like that anyway…….good luck
I appreciate the thought, Rick! As always, I’ll do my best to build up the community here!
all of the ideas sound good bob , can i be in charge of the food, recipie column?:mrgreen:
Hi ken – I’ve got a great idea! How about if you will be in charge of food….. i.e. feeding all of the readers and bloggers!
A thought just occurred. It would be nice if there are resident bloggers/columnists from other areas of the Philippines so that such areas are likewise represented and get written about.
There are a lot of differences amongst geographical regions, starting with their dialects/languages, the food, local customs, festivals, etc. Since the theme is Philippine-based (ie, Living in the Philippines or For Expats in the Philippines) I think extending the coverage is a logical progression.
Does this idea make sense?
Hi Angie – I have been searching for bloggers from other parts of the Philippines for several months. I keep getting ex-pats in Davao who want to write on the blog, and I am even leery to take them on, because I don’t want the blog to be too “Davao-centric,” however, so far I haven’t had luck in finding people in other areas who are interested in joining in. If anybody reading this is interested in joining, I would be very happy to add them!
i will have to get onother job… lol
great idea Bob. too bad im not a good writer. maybe i can tell stories of being a tambay in the philippines
english is not my favorite subject but I enjoy reading everyones blogs here and ideas/experiences. i look forward to the new website.
Hello BOb – Go for it! Sounds exciting, and looking forward to learning new things from this site.
Agree with Bruce – ‘I hope one day we can all get together for a party’ BUT for a cause – for Bantay Bata.
Thanks marygrace! I’ll be looking forward to that party too. Will Bruce be paying for the whole thing?
Hi Jeff – Well, I am very happy that you are enjoying reading the blog!
Bob,
Your the one that is making all the money, The rest of us is poor working people. Hahahahahahahaha
OK, we all bring a sandwich to share
Hi Bruce – I spend a lot of time working on this blog, and this particular blog makes very little money! If you figured how much time I spend on this site, and how much I earn from it, it’s probably less than $1 per hour!
Hey Bob,
This blog is a “labor of love”. You know I am very supportive of you so, yes, I am behind you on this new endeavor. We’ll hit bumps along the road but we’ll get there…
Hi Tina – Thanks for your support!
Go for it Bob,a detailed map of Mindano would be a good idea as I dont seem to be able to find one on the net.
All the wonderful pics you post on your Mindano blog of different places it takes forever to find them without a map
Ref #25: Let’s see now – Less than $1 @ hr = P25 @ hr (to be conservative). Average 5 hrs @ day (to be conservative) on blog site = P125 @ day. 30 days @ month (standard) = P3,750 @ month.
You ARE a rich man!
Ditto to Post #28. Indeed, indeed, Bob’s riches extend to way more tthan his pocket.
Hi Angie – Thanks for your nice comment.
Hi John – This wouldn’t be the place for a Mindanao map (maybe a Philippine map), because this blog is for any part of the Philippines, not just Mindanao. I have wanted to add a Mindanao Map to my Mindanao.com site for some time, but where can I get one that is not protected by copyright? Also, putting a map on the web is not so easy, especially a detailed one, because it would be so big, and not conducive to screen sizes and such. A map for a small area is one thing, but Mindanao is a huge island, and to have any kind of detail would mean that you must make is very big.
I do appreciate your suggestion John J. Just don’t know how to make it happen.
Hi Bob
If you want to put a map here why not just put a link to Google Earth or one of those free site.
Hi Jack – Oh boy! Why do the simple solutions always elude me? That’s a great idea, and I’ll work on including that. Dave Starr has been showing me models of doing this very thing, and I just never put 2 and 2 together to come up with 4!
Yikes! I go out of town for 4 days and so much happens! Let’s let Bob’s ladies do the Cebuano audio for now, okay?
I feel a little bad that I haven’t really written about anything except Cebuano, other than in the comments, so I’m not going to do a podcast… Thanks for asking!
This is great! I like the web-zine idea and look forward to having my own ‘column.’ Anyone what to help me name it? Something besides “AmericanLola’s corner?” That just begs for a rocking chair logo and I’d hate that!
AmericanLola,
“Anyone what to help me name it?”
This is actually exciting that you’re engaging your readers. I’m sure many suggestions will be forthcoming.
But first we need to know what your plans are. Will you be branching into other topics? What areas of Philippine living do you plan to cover?
Hi Bob,
On Google Earth: What coincidence, I was just surfing on it the other day and thought about your travels. I was a regular Google Earth user then forgot about it when I switched to a mac early this year.
When I went back to use it the other day, I noticed some new features. The most appealing one for me is that travelers can post pictures on the location it was taken. Mindanao doesn’t have a lot of pix and I thought about all your travel shots around the island. I thought “boy, it sure would be great to see were Bob took some of his pictures.”
I looked around the country and some really fascinating pictures from northern Luzon (up to Babuyan Islands) and some all the way down to the islets south of Jolo.
Then when I started finding my cursor in places like Quebec City and Machu Pichu, I knew I needed to get my lazy butt back to work.
Macky,
Have you seen Machu Picchu? Aren’t those Incan ruins just awesome! Most unbelievable remnants of an ancient civilization I’ve seen… Standing amidst them just put me in a state of bewilderment, I could have stayed there forever. They were that mesmerizing.
(Sorry for the ramble.)
Hi AmericanLola – I have already worked up the logo with the rocking chair and everything! Are you saying you don’t want that?
Hi Macky – You know….. Google Earth or Google Maps could have some application for my Mindanao PhotoBlog. I’ll have to look into that!
Hi angie – I have never been there myself. It must be a sight to behold, though.
Uh, yeah, Bob, that’s what I’m sayin’!
I am enjoying writing about Cebuano because I know some people will find it truely helpful! On the other hand, people moving to or living in Tagalog-land will not. I have some fun stories I could tell, but I find it easier to respond to topics that come up than I do coming up with my own topics (other than Cebuano Grammar). Outside of Cebuano, I would say my strong suit is understanding Filipino culture and perspective, from an ‘outsider’s’ point of view. In other words, answering questions related to, if that’s the way it is, what does that mean to me? How do I need to change? How do I need to see things differently? How can I avoid being the bull in the cultural china shop? Nearly 20 years of living here and many personal cultural disasters should be good for something!
Thanks, Angie, you are right. I’d do better to define this… Hmmm. Well I think I am the only expat woman writing on this blog, and I write from Cagayan de Oro, which is a large city on Mindanao that is not Davao.
Hi AmericanLola – Ah shucks! All that design work is going to be wasted now! Ha ha…
Honestly, AmericanLola, I think that you should write about language and also about cultural issues. I have always thought that you should write about cultural issues. Don’t worry about Tagalog, hopefully we can soon attract somebody who can write about Tagalog for us. I do think that adding cultural issues to the mix would be very interesting. You know, it can actually be quite easy too… just tell stories about your cultural disasters over the years, and that is a great lesson for everybody!
Hi Bob,
Looking forward to your innovation of LiP Blog.
I just have an idea that pops in my brain right now.:shock: “What about a PARTY LIST group that will represent ‘Expats” in the Congress. We may call it “Pusong Pinoy Expats”. I think it’s time now to hear the voices of Expats community in the Congress. 2010 is fast approaching!!!!????
Have your piece ladies and gentlemen…
Bob,
I appologize, I guess you did not realize I was joking with you. You know if I could, I would rent out the Marco Polo for the party.
I guess I need to start buying lottery tickets.
Hi Teng – not trying to be disagreeable, but I do have to disagree with your idea of any kind of representation for ex-pats in the Philippine Congress. We are not citizens of the Philippines, thus, in my opinion, our desires for legislation really have no bearing. The way I look at it, if a person ran for Congress where I am from in the USA, and his platform was that he would put the desires of Philippine Citizens ahead of all else, I would never vote for him, because those people are not citizens. If ex-pats want to have representation in the Philippine legislature, we should become Philippine Citizens. That’s my view of it!
Hi Bruce – no need to apologize! I was just didn’t want others to get the idea that this blog is a big money maker. That’s all.
Bob,
Just curious, are Americans (born in USA) allowed dual citizenship?
Hi Tina – No, Americans are not allowed dual citizenship. In order to take on Philippine Citizenship you are required to relinquish your oath to any other country. Under Philippine law, we must give up our previous citizenship. Under American law, the USA does not recognize dual citizenship.
Hi Bob,
It’s just a thought
. I’m only concern of those Expats who would like to exercise the same rights as the Filipinos have especially if they are permanently living in the Philippines or making the Philippines as their home base. But what about the Filipina wives of the Expats who still hold Filipino Citizenship? The wives can surely define the angst of their husbands then these will the basis to present the platform.
Again, this is just my wild imagination.:razz:
Re. post #40. Very good summation AmericanLola. Now that I know your leanings, I can think of a few names for your blog/column. Of course, you yourself, will probably come up with the best name, as no one can know you better than you.
And I would think you would want the name to project not only the collective wisdom learned thru actual living there, but also who it is coming from; ie, your persona. (You strike me as very gentle and very wise, sharing knowledge but never trying to sound so authoritative. That’s how I “experience you” when I read your posts.)
Hi Bob you have new plan again for your blog no skirt it’s very
great ideas you go forward no stop I like everything new.
Only please if I like to find information very fast you can to put
search I put one word and I find very fast with search.
Maybe I want to much if possible.
regards
Here goes the comment drift again LoL.
@==>>Bob:, Sorry but your facts on dual citizenship are wrong. US citizens can hold any number of other citizenships and renouncing US citizenship to accept another country’s citizenship is not recognized by the US … It is actually quite difficult to reniunce your US citzenship and make it “stick” except for some uncommon or illegal actions. I dicuss this (with references) in many of my PhilFAQS articles. The conept of no dual-citizenship for US citizens is based on laws about 30/40 years ago which Congress has since changed.
@==>> Teng: perish the thought. The last thing I (or any other expat (in my opinion of course) should be doing is getting involved in Filipino politics. If I wnated to deal with that mess I could have stayed in the US. Besides, I have a great many rights already due to my wife;s Filipino citizenship and the Philippine Family Code … and I don’t have to pay taxes on income from outside the Philippines … it’s the best of both worlds.
@===>> The Google comments:
Google Earth is a very fascinating tool but it requires download of an application to each user’s machine and along with it a lot of data. impractical for a normal wbesute or dial-up users.
Google _Maps_ however uses the imagery from Google Earth and is completely web based. Anyone can go to Google Maps (maps.google.com) and make personal maps, adding place marks (with data, or photos, etc. linked to each place mark, lines, shapes and so on. Then with one simple URL you can either email the map or simply “drop” the link in a blog. Google stores the map and serves the map so disk space, bandwidth, etc. are not an issue. See:
http://philfaqs.com/things-to-do/things-to-do-go-to-the-mall/
for an example and feel free to contact me off list if anyone wants more info/help on this.
Hi Bob,
Follow-up question related to post #44.
If ever there is political instability in the Philippines, (just a hypothetical question), can the US order American expats to go back to the USA even if they’re considered “Philippine permanent residents” and even if married to Filipino spouses?
Can you be ordered to go home? And what happens if someone’s spouse does not have a green card or is not a naturalized US citizen?
Hi Angie – The United States is a free country, in other words all Citizens of the United States are free. As long as we don’t break any laws while in the USA, the country cannot “order us” to do anything. I do not believe there are any circumstances where the USA can force me to go back there again.
Hi Dave Starr – OK… I knew that the dual citizenship question would spark some major debate. I stand corrected on my statement, although I say that I am still correct. The reason? The USA does not officially recognize dual citizenship, but they also do not go after those who have dual citizenship either. However, the key here is that the Philippine law specifically says that the only way you can obtain Philippine Citizenship is by giving up your former citizenship. Here is a quote from a Philippine Government website:
“If you’re not a former natural born Filipino, and want to obtain Philippine citizenship, you will be required to give up your original citizenship. Naturalization is possible after 10 years (5 years if married to a Filipino) of legal residence in the Philippines. In either case, the process is costly and takes considerable time, and it is probably best to consult a lawyer specialized in this field before getting into the process.”
Hi Zois – I’ll do the best I can with the search capability. Thanks for your suggestion.
Hi Dave—ROI Guy,
Your comment is highly appreciated. I think you’re right knowing the dirty things about politics in the Philippines. I only hope that the present goverment would come up with more investment protection for Expats who would like to settle down or invest in the Philippines.
The US _does_ recognize dual nationality Bob, it’s been tested a number of times in the US supreme court … again, your information is 30 years behind the times. In the US State department’s own words: “The Department has a uniform administrative standard of evidence based on the premise that U.S. citizens intend to retain United States citizenship when they obtain naturalization in a foreign state, subscribe to routine declarations of allegiance to a foreign state, or accept non-policy level employment with a foreign government.”
I’ve alreadyposted quite a few offical references on this … if the US citizen does _not_ intend to permanently renouce his US citizenship the act of voluntarily aqyiring another citizenship is not precluded. Also, no US citizen may voluntarily renounce US citizenship, as far as the US is concerned, excpet in person in front of a US consular officer in a US emabassy or conbsulate.
I probably will never go for it myself but it’s not rigt to perpetuate the myth that a US citizen will lose his/her US citizenship by acquiring another … that used to be the case and has been clearly overcome by events.
It;s worth noting that a number of other devloped countries _do_ strictly limit “dual nationality”. Germany for one only allows dual citizenship under very limited circumstances, likewise, Japan. Sweden changed their law similar to the US in 2001 … before that they strictly prohibited an adult acquiring another nationality. But the US, Canada, UK and Australia to name a few “big names” allow it.
A number of interesting court cases here for those interested:
http://www.richw.org/dualcit/cases.html