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It was a much unexpected weekend for me. I wasn’t expecting to go to back to Gensan that November—plane fares have gone up and we weren’t allowed to file a leave since it was a Thanksgiving (the busiest day in the US). However, with our bosses nodding for a vacation and the 13^th month pay coming, I was able to push through with my trip to Gensan to attend Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 (or Sox Blogfest). It was organized by the Manansala brothers, Avel and Orman, together with the rest of Soccsksargen Bloggers of south-central Mindanao which was held on 26^th of November, 2012 at Sun City Suites in the city of General Santos.

Avel Manansala, one of the conveners of Sox Blogfest

Most of the blogging conferences such as in Luzon and in the Visayas tackle about anything in social media, its implications in the society, a tool for business, trending, photography, and just about anything. However, Mindanao has a different advocacy to push on—improve Mindanao’s image from the unfairly tagged “war-torn and poverty-stricken” island into a destination for business and leisure. It is indeed a challenge since it is still an ongoing struggle between conventional stereotypes and new media that fights for fairness—and Sox Blogfest is one of the venues to promote with. Sox Blogfest goes beyond personal blogging—it went into different facets of social media and advocacy, something Mindanao needs. The theme of this year’s Sox Blogfest was, “The Emergence of Blogs and Social Media.” To me, it meant going beyond the conventional uses of these two tools.

Conference Room

Delegates from different parts of Mindanao, even as far away as Iligan, were present on the venue. I was the sole delegate from the Visayas.

Bob Martin and History of Internet in Mindanao

Starting off with Bob Martin’s history of internet in Mindanao, in which we may see him as one of the first prime movers of promoting the whole island on the internet. The American shares the same passion for the island, that he has created several websites, Mindanao Magazine (www.mindanao.com) in particular.

Manolo Quezon on the stage

Following Bob is the undersecretary for Malacañang’s communications group and columnist Manuel “Manolo” Quezon III–talking about how the state of social media influences the Filipino society. The locomotion sets in for the rest of the day.

Jack Madrid of Multiply Philippines

Jack Madrid of Multiply Philippines provided insights on how is online marketing doing in the Philippines, with Multiply as an example of online entrepreneurship.

Mayor Darlene Antonino Custodio of Gensan

One of the guests was Honorable Mayor Darlene Custodio of the host city. She featured how the local government utilizes new technology and social media in their works. In the conference, she was particular about getting all of the public schools online and how it may be used for ease of information flow in this vast city.

The sun was up high and the heat outside was somehow unbearable. People have listened as more speakers, along with that sumptuous lunch (I simply love their eggplant parmigniana, kudos to Sun City!)

Raffy Tima of GMA for Think Before You Click

Raffy Tima of GMA gives an insight on how we as individuals should be responsible for what we post in our social media accounts such as in Twitter, Facebook or others, and its implication to moving the society, influencing or even cyber-bullying—“Think Before You Click!”

Mae Paner aka Juana Change

Perking up the afternoon was Mae Paner, also known as “Juana Change.” She used her talent as a director and theater actress and the power of online video (yes, she is a vlogger, video blogger) in order to move people to change on how the government and the society of this country. Her videos are satirical—comedic yet laced heavily with social issues that affects us all. In the end, she said that “change of the society starts from us individuals.”

Abe Olandres of Yugatech

Abe Olandres of Yugatech comes in as he talks about the latest tech gadgets and trends that may soon affect on how the Philippine society treats social media. This is the technical part of the conference, as Abe explains the trend in the Philippines–the latest that may become effective tools that Pinoys may use and change the society by technology.

US Embassy Depute Atache Cynthia Cook

The US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr., sent a message to the Gensan people through Deputy Atache Cynthia Cook about the works in US Embassy Manila and how it embraced social media as part of communicating to the people (especially to those who are asking about the US Visa).

Aileen Apolo-de Jesus of Google Asia Pacific

Aileen Apolo-De Jesús of Google Asia Pacific introduces Google Plus to this southern city, and its difference that is set from other social media. She also introduced Youtube Philippines.

Flow Galindez of Ang Sa Wari Ko

Wrapping things for this loaded day was Flow Galindez of Ang Sa Wari Ko, a partner for Red Whistle, World Food Programme and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in encouraging every Mindanaoan in partaking to any social-inclined advocacies in aiding their fellow citizens away from poverty and ignorance.

Sox Bloggers and the Speakers

The participants. Sorry po, di magkasya ang lahat

In this year’s Sox Blogfest, social media trends and beyond personal blogging has been the unifying topic for most. As the conference ended, it hopes that it would lead more Mindanaoans to blog not just about themselves, but on how they can help Mindanao overcome its negative tag that has belittled its full potential and better understanding of the three people’s of Mindanao.

Kuya Avel and Orman together with Nanardz, Alexis, Marz, Arzie of Sox Bloggers

To Sox Bloggers and most especially to Kuya Avel and Orman Manansala, congratulations for having a successful, full-house event dedicated to the Mindanaoan cause and for the rest of the nation through new technology!

More photos of Sox Blogfest 2.0, click here.

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Galeon Andalucia in Manila

It has been two hundred years since the “Pearl of the Orient” has last seen a galleon. After most Latin American countries gained independence in the 19^th century, especially Mexico, the famed Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade ceased to exist. Two hundred years later, Manila was visited—like somewhere in the past—by a Spanish galleon from Seville, Spain, the Galeón Andalucia.

As part of the Día Del Galeón celebrations in the Philippines, the 17^th century Spanish galleon replica docked at Manila’s Pier 13 at South Harbour after traveling for more than six months at the sea, from Seville in Spain to Manila. Before they even arrived here, the ship was at the 2010 Shanghai Expo in China. The galleon is manned by 30 tripulantes, 28 hombres and 2 mujeres.

Galeón Andalucia is docked at Manila’s Pier 13 at South Harbour (that’s near Eva Macapagal Ferry Terminal). She sits like a majestic chica from the past. Her masts tower the horizon. The wooden replica is powered by wind and by machine.

Now, its not like you saw Captain Jack Sparrow swinging around her masts but really, the galleon is one great manifestation of Spanish power during the 15^th to the 18^th Century. Galleons were used as “the bridge” between Europe and Asia—between Spain and the Philippines through Mexico.

Galeon Andalucia Full of tourists

And yes, they were treasure ships that the British and Dutch buccaneers and the Pirates of the Caribbean would love to get their hands on it. The ships were loaded with the riches of the Orient, silk, silver, gold, porcelain, and much more. The ships powered the imperial machinery of España for a long time! Those ships have to traverse the often dangerous Pacific—and a lot of them have sunk, marooned and even turned into ghost ships! One shipwreck would send the far-flung Spanish colony of the Philippines temporarily back towards the “Dark Ages.” That is how important these galleons are during that phase in our history.

Now, I don’t like to sound like a historical bookworm here but most of our “Hispanicity” was not an effect of direct rule from Spain, but it was through Mexico or Vicarey de Nueva España back then.  Yes, you heard it right! It’s not about Thalia and Manny Pacquiao’s contenders but a lot of things that we thought as “pure Kastila” is a product of a mash-up back in the land of tortillas and hot tamales! Imagine, 270 out of 333 years of Spanish colonial rule, we were under the Viccarey de Nueva España and the only way Spaniards could go here is through Mexico. Kaya tignan-tignan nyo na at malay nyo’t may lahi pala kayong mestizo! Records were so vague back then that they haven’t recorded whoever embarked and disembarked the galleons back then. Along with it were words, culture, flora, fauna, and even some of the classic “naughty words” were brought in, if you know what I mean.

Okay, let’s just stop the nerdy talk. Yet it is interesting to know these things in our culture.

Anyway back to topic, Galleón Andalucia will be here in Manila until October 9, 2010. It is open to the public for FREE! Yep, that’s right! Just go to Pier 13 South Harbour and have yourself registered at the PPA Gym before entering Pier 13. It is open from 8AM to 4PM on October 8 and 8AM to 12NN on October 9. Just make sure to be early so that you can be accommodated by the ship. The crew only allows 100 people at a time. Don’t forget your cameras so that you’ll have your own souvenir–and even change your Facebook profile pictures!

Soy Capitan de Galeon Andalucia!

Families are advised not to bring their kids, 8 years old and below as per Port rules.

By afternoon of October 9, the galleon will leave the docks of Manila and it is bound towards the “Queen City of the South,” Cebú. According to a Spanish crewmember that I’ve talked to, “Estaremos allí en Cebú en cerca martes de la semana próxima.” – They’ll be at Cebú by around Tuesday next week, October 12, 2010. So mga bai og atong mga higala sa Sugbo, you’ll have a chance to get a glimpse and embark at the galleon!

Its so nice to take a glimpse of what our culture has. Being a Filipino doesn’t mean that we have to deny our past that we were influenced by the Spaniards (or the Mexicans) through these boats that served as the Philippines’ bridge to the West for 270 years. It is a legacy in which it has shaped the history of world economic trade and society. In my opinion, knowing more of our colonized past makes me realize that we have to put things into another perspective, in order to understand how is it to be a true blue Pinoy.

¡Vamonos a Galleon ahora!

More Photos here:

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Nao Victoria - Spanish Galleon Replica to Dock at Manila on Oct 5

After two centuries of almost left in the oblivion of time, the journey of thousands of miles that initiated the modern trans-Pacific trade, has been celebrated. Manila, the first ASEAN cultural capital, opened the 1^st Día Del Galeón Festival (Day of the Galleon) on 24^th of September, 2010. The said festival will go on all the way to the 8^th of October, 2010 with the theme “Connecting Continents.” With cultural presentations, academic conferences and the revisiting of a replica of the Spanish galleon, the event was organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Instituto Cervantes, the Embassies of Spain and Mexico, and all other non-government organizations, and members of the academe and the Philippine government—rekindling the once (almost) lost connection between Philippines, Mexico, Spain and the rest of Asia in two centuries of treacherous journeys across the Pacific, that changed the course of world history.

Held at the Museum of the Filipino People at Manila, the opening ceremonies were attended by heritage and history advocates, diplomats from some Latin American countries, Spain, India and Japan, the NCCA, Senator Edgardo Angara (one of the prime movers of the said event), NCCA chair Cecile Guidote Alvarez, artists, students and more. Initiated with some performers from Artes Talleres and the UST choir, they featured the cultural aspects of the Philippines. Dances such as the flamenco and also an interpretative dance from famed Japanese acteur/danceur Jun “Nishio” Amanto was also featured.

From September 20^th to October 8^th, the Artes Talleres will hold an international workshop, while on October 5 and 6 will be the PACLAS Latin American Studies Conference, which will discuss the independence of the Latin American countries and the parallelisms in the Philippines. Another event would be the Espectáculos, which would include the performance of Juana Loca by Mexican playwright Miguel Sabido.

The event continues all the way to the sea, as Viaje Del Galeón, four-day educational field trip, takes a cruise from Manila to Cebú, with participants learning about the influences of the galleon trade in the Philippines and visiting these two great cities that influenced the said tornaviaje.

Inter-Faith Prayer at the Opening Ceremonies

However, the people may be drawn by curiosity and amazement as Nao Victoria, a replica of a 17^th century Spanish galleon, docks at Manila starting October 5 to 9. Admission is free. So, rather than just watching Pirates of the Caribbean, go with the real stuff of legends!

The rest of the country will also celebrate Dia del Galeon with their local commemorative events.

Most of us thought that the Philippines was directly ruled by Spain—yet it wasn’t for more than 200 years. Most of us use these terms everyday: sayote, zapote, palengke, tsokolate, kakawati, abokado, kalachuchi and so much more—but these came from the language of the great Aztecs of Mexico—Nahuatl. A lot of us thought that the only time you’ll see Philippines and Mexico in one scene would be screaming your hearts out of Thalia or telenovelas, or when Manny Pacquiao or any of our boxers get to rumble against the Mexican luchadores. A lot of these we took for granted, however our “Hispanic” roots are not just tied with Spain, but also with Mexico…and a lot of us don’t know that we have been influenced, in one way or another, so much with the Mexican-Spanish culture—all because of the galleons that once ruled Pacific Ocean’s trade.

For more information on the said event, please visit their blog at http://diadelgaleon.blogspot.com/ or http://www.ncca.gov.ph. You may also e-mail at diadelgaleon@yahoo.com.

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A century and 12 years later, the Republic of the Philippines celebrated its freedom from the Spanish Empire with a float, performance and parade gala at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila. Since this is the last year of the outgoing president Gloria Arroyo, the government allotted PhP10 million for the whole programme. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (Yes, another name change. It was National Historical Institute) was the main organizer of the programme “Kalayaan 2010″ (Freedom 2010). I wasn’t able to see the traditional flag raising at Aguinaldo’s House at Kawit (its too early! Good luck at baka trapik sa Binakayan galing dito sa Imus!) so I went to Luneta that afternoon for the civic and military parade.

Dinagyang of Iloilo performing at Independence Day rites

As usual, Quirino Grandstand has been the venue of such parades in history. Americans did it here. Luneta is one big park comparable to Washington DC’s “The Mall.” In any case, Roxas Boulevard was full of “MIUs” or Men In Uniform (police, military, pulis oyster) and looks like the military parade has been finished. Oh well, there is something left to watch anyway.

Finalé

To my surprise, Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival and Candaba Pampanga’s Ibun-Ebun Festival performers were there. However, there is something that lacks on their performance…or maybe there is something about in numbers. For the former alone, they didn’t sent the whole battalion that I used to see in their performances–that’s about near 200.

MIUs...Men In Uniform

Anyway, “Kalayaan 2010″ was said to be controversial…a way to glorify Gloria’s legacy. However, the organizers defended that it is about overcoming challenges and the legacy that the outgoing administration left for the progress of the Philippines. Whether politicised or not, its obvious that it presents the accomplishments of the Arroyo administration in almost a decade rule in the Philippines. Its like watching May Day parade minus the fanfare and uhm…crowd cheering for the greatness of the nation…or in their words, “Beat the Odds.”

Rizal Monument

However, I still can’t stop wondering, why are Filipinos at Quirino Grandstand (those ordinary ones) are just…don’t care. It’s like just another ho-hum programme. Although I love the performances and even the theme song, its just that there is something lacking in the hearts and minds of the Filipinos there. Are we taking Independence Day for granted?

Even the date itself is also mired with controversy. Even though if we freed ourselves from Spain as declared in Kawit on June 12, 1898, it wasn’t however recognized by any nation in the world–and bitterly, we were colonized once more, by the “benevolent Yankees.”

Sorbetes anyone?

The program itself really is to celebrate our liberation from oppression yet how come there is more spirit to town fiestas and big city fiestas than this sacred national holiday? I ask myself, could it be because of history or confused identity?

Anyway, after Gloria was “glorified,” we went strolling at Luneta until the time that the fireworks lit up the twilight sky. In a way, I celebrate the day of our liberty. However I am to ask, are we really free?

More photos here:

Rizal Park is located:

View Luneta in a larger map

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The advent of new technology has created new challenges that are faced by the media and its practitioners. To discuss and exhibit plans on facing a bold new world for the media practitioners and media itself in Asia, BroadcastAsia 2010, the largest digital multimedia and entertainment technology event in the region will be held at Singapore from June 15-18, 2010. With its theme “Integrating Technologies, Experiencing Content,” the event will be discussing on new technology, especially the advent of 3-D broadcasting technologies in Asia such as seen on television and film. Along with the innovation brought by 3-D technology, the optimisation of digital signages for entertainment and advertising will be also tackled, as some analysts forecast a brisk economy for these in the region. The said event will also open up a dedicated content conference, aiming to give new ideas on how creative content and innovate workflow solutions for different production companies in Asia.

Alongside BroadcastAsia 2010, CommunicAsia 2010 will also be held in Singapore on June. Being one of the most recognised infocomm technology events in Asia, it will showcase new technologies and ideas that would shape the ever-dynamic social and economic structure of Asia. Including in the highlights are wireless mobile technology discussions, marketing through social networking, green IT talks and business technology solutions.

The events will emphasize on how new media and technology aids the society and economic forces in Asia.

For more information:

CommunicAsia2010/EnterpriseIT2010:
Date: 15 – 18 June 2010
Venue: Singapore Expo, Halls 3 – 6
Opening Hours: 15 – 17 June: 10.30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
18 June: 10.30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Business and trade professionals only
To register, just log-on at www.communicasia.com

BroadcastAsia2010/InteractiveDME:
Date: 15 – 18 June 2010
Venue: Singapore Expo, Halls 7 & 8
Opening Hours: 15 – 17 June: 10.30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
18 June: 10.30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Business and trade professionals only
To register, just log-on at www.broadcast-asia.com

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Its just a few days away (or a week from now) before the most critical decision of the nation unfolds. The Philippine national elections is set on 10th of May, 2010. That’s next Monday already! The fate or the future of the entire Filipino nation rests on the hands of its citizens. The difference is, a lot may be shocked or confused as the polls goes automated. No longer we have to write our candidates in our ballots and be counted manually. However, it posed worries amongst the voters whether they’ll do the right thing in the ballots. This however, should not hinder Juan de la Cruz to vote. In spreading awareness of the importance of participating in the national elections, Krispy Kreme (KK) launched “DOugh YOUR PART.”

Krispy Kreme’s programme promotes participation in this democratic practice by setting up mock elections within the KK café. Choosing your well-loved KK doughnuts and coffee is done through a ballot. Ordering your favourite doughnut is done through the mock ballot by shading the oval corresponding to your order–its like choosing your vote for the next officials of the country–or like an examination back at school. Krispy Kreme Marketing Manager said, “Once they tried the mock ballot, it will urge them to go out and vote.”

To push forward the advocacy of participation, KK Vote 2010 doughnuts will be available from May 8 to 10.

This goes to show that KK does not only cater the satisfaction of the people, but also advocating in a peaceful and well-organised elections and at the same time, the change in the electoral practice is for the betterment of the country and it shouldn’t be feared of. For every Juan, it may only be one day of polls but that decision would shape six years of the foundations of the dynamic Filipino society, and a new chapter that would be written by Juan de la Cruz himself. The future rests in our hands, lets DOugh our part!

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The chief of the Lopez Group of Companies, Oscar “Oskie” Lopez, tells the story of the family’s triumphs and trials through time. He traced his roots from the earliest of times in the late Spanish colonial era. With his rediscovery of his past, he researched more about the heritage of his family and its contributions to the Filipino society. He believes that looking into the past would strengthen the foundation of their family and the Filipino society. In his 80^th birthday, the musical “Undaunted” was produced. It was played at the Meralco Theatre on April 23 and 24, 2010.

Originally conceived as a musical presentation for the 80^th anniversary of the Lopez Group of Companies, it has relived the history of the Lopezes from their ancestry in Iloilo, towards today’s generation and how the family kept the Lopez values of a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit, business excellence, nationalism, unity and team work, strong work ethic, integrity, social justice, and an over-riding concern for employee welfare and wellness. In the musical, they have emphasised these as something that strengthened the family’s business and prosperity towards the society. The musical’s title “Undaunted” reflects the strength of the family and sometimes referred to as like the phoenix who rises up from the ashes. As what Eugenio Lopez Sr once said, “this shall pass.”

Audie Gemora plays Oscar Lopez, together with Jake Macapagal, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd and more.

I still believe that we couldn’t move on to the future, if we do not look on to the past. Sounds familiar eh? “Ang di lumingon sa pinang-galingan, ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan”. This (in)famous maxim that history students have to carry it by heart has given the perspective that we could do better every day of our lives. As a history graduate, I am always curious about the colourful and seemingly melodramatic story of Iloilo’s past—my hometown. A lot doesn’t know that this busy port in Panay Island in Western Visayas region of the Philippine Islands was a major trading port for the once lucrative sugar industry. The Lopezes contributed to its progress and shared its height, and also its fall from grace. Oscar, I believe, is very sentimental in the origins of his family, Iloilo. In a way, the family history of the Lopezes adds to what is called the history of the Ilonggo people.

I could still remember the old slogan of ABS-CBN, “In the service of the Filipino.” Perhaps, this is one value that the Lopezes cherish that still lingers. Perhaps, through the musical, one could see what the Lopezes has contributed in nation-building and its history.

Follow the Lopez Link on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

More photos of Undaunted:

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Since the advent of online social media and blogging in the Philippines, it has revolutionised the way people think, see the world and express themselves. For one, blogging has moved virtual revolution onto a new level of awareness and spreading ideas fast. Filipino bloggers came together to talk about or discuss relevant issues that bloggers face in today’s society in iBlog6: from SEO marketing, to political blogging, photo-blogging, advertising, legal concerns, community blogging and more. iBlog6 was held on April 16 to 17 at the UP Diliman’s College of Law.

The first day generally tackled on how to optimise the presence of your blog and some other policies. The second day dealt more with general issues and topics about blogging. For the first day, I only reached the afternoon sessions, but went on a whole day during the second day of the conference.

Here are the photos from iBlog6 (Note: There are some extra-related photos for iBlog6 such as mamang sorbetero and Mang Larry’s Isawan):

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Puto Kalabasa with Eden Cheese | Photo by Flowell Galindez

BACOLOR, Pampanga — Christmas is the time of the year for giving, sharing and togetherness. As part of the tradition we Filipinos do during Christmas, we celebrate the birth of the Redeemer by observing nine mornings…nine days of waking up early and hearing mass we know as misa de gallo or simbang gabi. Christmas isn’t complete without a sumptuous meal served, may it be simple or extravagant. This is how Filipinos celebrate life. Yet 2009 was a tough year for most of us Pinoys. A lot of us have felt the brunt of tragedies and catastrophes. But no matter how tough it is Filipinos find hope in Christmas.

Kraft Foods, together with media company ABS-CBN, NGOs and local government units, launched Eden Cheese Keso de Gallo. Coinciding the 9 mornings of Simbang Gabi in 9 different locations around the country (Bacolod City, Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu City, Naga, Butuan City, Laoag and Pampanga), it is one way that Kraft can bring out the best of Filipino ingenuity through a cook-fest presenting innovative dishes using Eden Cheese and traditional ingredients and fun-filled activities. The winning recipe would in turn be served to the church-goers after the mass.

We had a chance to attend the last of the Keso de Gallo leg at Iglesia de San Guillermo, the famous half-buried-by-lahar church in the town of Bacolor in Pampanga. They’ve served puto (rice cake) with kalabasa (squash) and Eden Cheese on it. Hmm, for a moment, I thought there was no kalabasa at all! Innovative, it is one way for feeding kids who dislike the taste of healthy food.

Exploring the rich culinary culture of the Philippines has been fulfilling. Keso de Gallo brought Christmas culinaria to the Filipinos, sharing joy and happiness this Holiday season.

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In a bid of raising awareness about HIV and AIDS infection in our country, Project Headshot Clinic together with Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), launched “Move” on December 9, 2009 at Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk in Makati City. Niccolo Cosme, one of the finest photographers in the Philippines, was the one who took the headshots of famous and influential such as Dr. Eric Tayag of DOH, Congresswoman Riza Hontiveros, Wanggo Gallaga, Tim Yap, Kristine Hermosa, Carlos Celdran and so much more.  Joining them also are the ordinary Filipinos who took their stand in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS issue in our country.

In a recent figures released by the Department of Health, there is an average of 64 new cases every month as of 2009, with an average of TWO new cases a day as compared to just ONE new case every three days almost a decade ago!

The alarming rate has caused several cause-oriented groups to move into information dissemination about HIV and the effects to human beings. Most of the Filipinos are neither aware nor they do know it but shun away from talking about it. Hence, it builds a “culture of ignorance” in which it can create myths and false information to the public, thus increasing the risks of more infection amongst the Filipinos. It also creates a social stigma to those who are positive in this syndrome, which made them the “modern day lepers.”

“Move” is just one way in pushing towards access to right information and creating awareness for the Filipino youth on what is HIV/AIDS is and how does it affect our body, mind and even our society. As one of the 7 Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations by 2015, we as Filipinos should start curbing the number or those who are infected by promoting social hygiene, right information of the disease, and perhaps sex education and no-to-drugs programme. With the rise of people being infected by the HIV in the Philippines, don’t we think it is the right time to “move” before everything is too late?

For more information, log on to their website at HeadshotClinic.com and visit UNAIDS.org / UNAIDS blog.