Carlo Borja: Journal

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Peanut butter is my favorite sandwich spread.

It's the ultimate food symbol for my break time.

And, today I got some of that time.

The past few days have literally been moments of intense focus. I've never been this determined and hardworking in my entire life.

I could attribute that to my ever changing priorities. Now I got bills to pay and a future to prepare for.

I have to hustle my way through it.

However, today I got to spend some good break time.

My Internet connection has been acting up lately and I can't do any proper work.

That's why I got to spend some time for myself including writing this one for the blog.

I'm just thankful for these brief moments of relaxation. It's something I might not get that often nowadays.

There are 2 things that happen in government office transactions that I don't really like.

1. The long queue

This is always a given no matter what government agency you are in. Even if there are already computers and tablets to help speed up transactions, you'd still end up in a long queue -- all the time.

2. Shortcuts

Have you ever patiently waited in line only to find out that someone who just arrived gets to transact ahead of you? People always find shortcuts. They look for someone they know and they try to get ahead of everyone.

These 2 are my government office pet peeves. I must admit I have also been guilty of the 2nd one. But, that's just because I can't help it when the employees I know would insist.

But, if it was just me I wouldn't mind patiently waiting in line and do it the right way.

Change has to start somewhere, right?

In all fairness to the Apple Watch, this device has greatly helped me become more conscious of my health.

I always think of filling those rings every single day.

And, with that in mind I can't help but just find ways to move every single day. My move goals are not that high. It's just enough to keep me going and make it a habit.

I really love how technology can help our lives become so much better.

In this case, it has helped me stay healthy.

My girlfriend surprised me with my favorite coffee.

If you really know me, coffee is everything. Plus, this was given by someone who means everything me.

That is my kind of Valentine's day. Me and my girlfriend have each other already. No need for fancy stuff and things.

It's the simple and essential things that make us both happy.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

At least that is what Krispy Kreme thinks. They are rewarding students with good grades by giving them free donuts.

I think it's a good marketing move. They are not only targeting the 13-24 demographic. They're going beyond that.

Imagine how many kids will tell their parents to get them to avail of these free donuts. Plus, it is very timely since it's the end of the school year and students are scrambling to achieve good grades.

Win-win situation.

Good job, Krispy Kreme Philippines.

Kids, study hard.

Tonight we watched Fifty Shades Darker and I honestly do not know what to feel about this movie.

The objectification of women is strong.

The storyline was plain. I was even surprised that the movie ended abruptly.

It had a few giggles and good moments. But, that was it.

So, why all the hype?

Well, I guess the old advertising mantra that says "sex sells" is still true today.

I'm pretty sure that majority of the people went to watch this movie for that.

If you are into really good movies, then you might have to pass on this one. If you have nothing to do, then just join the bandwagon. :)

One of the biggest distractions when working from home is when you have kids around.

I'm still single but our house has 2 kids -- a 4 year old and a 2 year old.

No matter how much I isolate myself in a different room in the house these kids still get so noisy that they make you lose your focus.

Sometimes they just distract you with their toys or just talk to you about random kid stuff.

On the flip side, they are such a good stress reliever.

It could be just me as a child person, but there's something about kids that takes all of your burdens (at least momentarily).

Other than that, you just have to deal with them.

I've learned how to handle the additional distraction they give me on a daily basis.

It could be a different story when I have my own kids. We'll see. :)

Even though I am already done with school, whatever it is that I am learning I still take down notes.

That has not changed.

What has changed is the medium I use.

Back then, I was using pen and paper. Today, you would rarely see me do that.

I already went all digital.

I have my Evernote handy at all times -- through my phone, iPad or computer.

Keeping notes of everything I learn is a great way to retain it in my memory as well as referencing it for later.

The tipping culture here in the Philippines varies so much.

You could even choose not to tip if you want to. You'd still not get frowned upon.

Yesterday, I went to the carwash because the car already needed it.

The carwash guy asked 350 pesos to get the whole car (including the under chassis) washed and cleaned.

I was there the whole time looking at him. I saw how he meticulously washed every part of the car.

I know how hard that job is because I do wash the car myself a lot of times.

In the end I was pretty much satisfied with how he washed the car.

He deserved a thank you so I gave him a good 30% tip.

I hope that it will help motivate him to do a better job at what he is doing.

Right after our Sunday church service and ministry duties, we went out for coffee and had some good chat.

I actually enjoy these post church service fellowship meetings.

It could also be that I just love talking to people.

Hearing about other people's lives, interests, joys and failures really help widen my perspective about life in general.

Everyone is different and we all have unique stories to tell.

I don't mind listening to all of them.

Here in our city, I have also been actively involved in a business group that helps startups, students and entrepreneurs.

I am one of the managers of the Google Business Group here in Cagayan de Oro.

We've done a lot of events, workshops and trainings together and I've learned a lot over the past few years.

I believe it's important to be involved in communities and groups that share your passion.

It's a great way to grow and learn.

When mom says "I need your help," who am I to say no to that?

She had to run some errands today and I had to accompany her and drive for her.

I was busy and I had so much stuff to do.

But, when mom asks me something as simple as just a few hours of my time I would not hesitate to give it to her.

She has done so much for me.

This is the least I could do for her.

I was at a local restaurant earlier tonight for dinner.

Not only did they serve good food, they also had the best music to accompany it with.

Two acoustic singers sang the genre that brings back so many memories of my teenage years. It was relaxing and at the same time nostalgic.

In this age of pop and electronic music, I may be one of those who still want to keep the acoustic genre alive.

Good music makes me happy.

At church, I am part of the worship team ministry. We lead the congregation in singing praise and worship.

Though we have regular rehearsals, we value the importance of fellowship.

Every Tuesday, we gather and encourage one another with God's Word.

Because of this, the team is intact and continuing in service even with the temptations of the world.

Don't neglect the fellowship.

Aside from prayer, it is essential to keep the ministry going.

I work for a company that has all its employees work remotely.

We don't often see each other in person. It is mostly just on video calls.

So, when our CEO gave me this postcard of his family with a handwritten greeting inside I was ecstatic.

That personal touch is just what all of us needs. Take note remote teams.

A gesture as simple as this can go a long way.

Probably one of the hardest things to do when pulling off a surprise is keeping it a secret.

Today, my brother's girlfriend surprised him with a party at home.

There was a lot of planning involved. Stories had to be made and there had to be some really good accomplices.

Not everything was kept a secret, as expected.

My brother may even had a hint that he was about to be surprised.

But, what matters is everyone actually had a great time. I'm pretty sure my brother was pretty happy nonetheless.

The surprise party was after all a success.

I was stuck at home the entire day today because it was raining again.

And, from where I am at when it rains, it pours.

We even reached code red. That means waters have risen at a critical level and residents at low-lying areas are forced to evacuate.

It has always been that way for the past few years. Global warming is real folks.

Add to that our city's problem of urban flooding.

Anyway, I managed to still be productive.

I work at home so I was able to do some stuff that needed to be done. Plus, I got to burn through my endless list of tasks to do.

All is well.

It's still raining as I'm typing this. Hopefully, tomorrow won't be as gloomy as it was today.

Today is an important moment.

My girlfriend and I are taking a huge step for our future. We just made a huge investment.

We're investing in a home.

This will be where we'll settle down, have kids and take the next chapter of our lives.

We're slowly building our future and I know the Lord is with us every step of the way.

And, because of that I am excited for what is yet to come!

By the way, I also got a huge discount and some freebies because it's Chinese New Year.

I must admit that I am a fastfood junkie. I know it is unhealthy. But, I eat a lot of Jollibee and McDonald's.

One of the newest in McDonald's menu is this Mushroom Pepper Steak. Jollibee also has their own version.

I really can't determine which one tastes better.

All I can say is that it's not worth the hype. It doesn't really taste that good. It's not that bad either.

My mom's steak actually tastes better.

At least this one is cheaper.

Here in the Philippines, getting a haircut is pretty cheap.

I spend only around 200-250 pesos (around $4-5). That includes the tip!

Mind you, this is already on the expensive end.

There are barber shops on the streets that are as low as a dollar, including the tip.

I just choose the more expensive one because of the convenience, comfort and most of all the cleanliness of the place.

I'm Carlo Borja

Education

Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan

Experience

Head of Online Marketing

Marketing Staff

Youth Pastor

SEO and Online Marketing Consultant

Community Manager

My Skills

SEO

Content Marketing

Leadership

Organization and Management

THE WORK I DO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Outreach and Link Building

Content Marketing

General Virtual Assistance

Pastoral Work

Leadership and Management

Is Time Management Taking Too Much Time To Manage?

7 Tools for Managing Remote Teams

The Art of Managing Remote Teams and Working Remotely as an Individual

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