All time Filipino Geek

Diosdado Banatao, Dado as famously called, is the first Filipino engineer-entrepreneur who made it all happen in Silicon valley. He's undoubtedly the first Filipino geek whose work and accomplishments have helped shaped and revolutionized the PC industry in the early 80s. Dado who grew up in a secluded farming area in Cagayan Valley, is the ultimate symbol and proof that Filipinos, with diverse backgrounds, can make it big in the world through perseverance, hard work and continuous search for excellence.

Who will be the next Dado? Will he be a Cebuano? Let's see. Hope we all can drew inspirations from him, the father of all Geeks.

Asiaweek's write-up on Dado

A must to read book for aspiring Technopreneurs

The newest edition of the book entitled Rice and Chips by Dennis Posadas was already released and now available in National bookstore. In this book, Dennis attempts to present success stories and strategies modeled after the famed US Silicon Valley and how it could be replicated locally. I personally recommend reading of this book to IT startups, technopreneurs, technology innovators, IT practitioners, and academic institutions to gain deeper understanding of how technology, innovation and entrepreneurship forge each other to create a successful and blossoming economy in Asia, particularly Philippines.

Grab a copy now!

Morph blazes Open Source Innovations in Cebu

Morph Labs Inc. a sister company of Exist recently opened its software lab in Cebu City at the ground floor of i1 building at the Asiatown IT Park. The company becomes the newest hi-tech startup and IT enabled company to have located in Asiatown IT Park this year.

Morph is the first solution and technology enabler in Asia to venture into Software as as Service (SaaS) applications. Morph simplified innovations allow customers and subscribers to rent for software for a particular service as needed. This cut costs and gives more flexibility to customers specially companies and firms engaged in service provider industry.

Morph leverages the use of open source softwares, ideas and technologies into its products and service platforms. This approach enables the delivery of full range of services and features within a short development time. This also cultivates the growth of open source community and developers in Cebu which in general has been dormant in the last few years. Morph's vision and unique style would pave way for more hi-tech and open source-based startups to pop out in Cebu in the not so distant future.

Give way to open source, give way to Morph! Let's welcome the new kids on the park.

Red pills are being handed out at the doors of Morph. Hurry, apply now!

Easing the traffic woes

A sight of relief to people commuting along the Ban-Tal (Banilad-Talamban) area which of late has become a sign of the worsening traffic condition Cebu City has ever faced. Construction of an overpass along the Ban-Tal area is underway, thanks mainly to the government's strong move to put the project in place. Earlier, the project was a subject of resistance and objections among the business sectors and affluent residential communities in the area. Their objections were based on the possible impact of the project that it could shun consumers and potential costumers away from shopping in the area, particularly the Banilad Town Center.

All said and done, the Ban-Tal overpass project will benefit the majority of commuters, specially a thousand of workers and students coming from the upper Talamban who have to beat the morning and evening rush.

Cebu's Streetpreneurs

On every major streets and corners of Cebu City, you will see these people selling anything from rags, bottled waters, newspapers, cigarettes, candies, fruits, sunglasses, toys, home decors, etc. They are streetpreneurs. A lower class of Cebuano entrepreneurs who earn by selling goods to passing motorists and pedestrians. They symbolize the Cebuanos high entrepreneurial spirit and the whole city considered as the trading capital of the south.

Here's my latest acquisition from an streetpreneur, a cool artwork!

Hottest IT Job

This would be the second wave, the hot steaming Java again is taking Cebu by storm, so with a large number of programmers (special mention to our friends at NEC). Undeniably, Java is coming strong, fueled by a surge in demand of skilled Java programmers in Singapore, the US and IT companies abroad. If your looking for a good chances of working overseas, at this time, Java is the way to go.

Cebu, Poaching Site for IT Engineers

As of this writing, 40 IT engineers that I knew have already left Cebu since January this year to work for Singapore based IT companies. An average of 4 IT engineers a month! Thats just a fraction of the whole number of IT engineers who left the country to work abroad.

Is this good or bad? A brain-drain or brain-gain? There is no definite answer, it could be either or both.

Usually, experienced IT engineers seek for high paying jobs abroad. Earn enough to build a house and buy a car then come back home and settle for good. Thus, returnees bring skills and technologies which would benefit the local companies they work for upon their return. On the other hand, junior IT engineers usually stay and buildup experience and skills for a period of 2 to 3 years before going abroad. So I would say, its still a win-win scenario. Not so bad at all.

The most effective way to stop our IT engineers from leaving would be to increase their pay, comparable (i mean not really equal) to what they earn if they work abroad. To achieve this, we have to build a very strong software industry locally and reach global, just like the Japanese auto industry.

Modern day Cebuano Crusaders

You never see these guys in a war zone. Nor see them in a full body armor. They are virtually in existence. These are brave Cebuano media men who have spent their lives and fought, and still are fighting against all the immorals in our society. They live their lives exposing corruptions and irregularities in the government and all sectors; fought alongside victims of injustice; uncover relevant social issues. They are our modern day guiding voice.

Tune up to DYRF/AM 1215KHz for Ike Durano's Alagad daily air program from 8AM -9AM. Be vigilant and educated, lend your ears. Fight back and keep fighting.

Feeding the Graveyard Shifters

In way to keep the engine running like a well oiled machine, most fastfood chains in Cebu have begun extending their usual operating hours to 24-hours, round the clock. This is to better serve the growing population who are working on graveyard shifts. For these people, fastfood chains are one of the few alternatives to affordable quick-meals when cafeterias and restaurants are closed. Years ago, the only fastfood chain ( they only offer donut) that is open 24-hours is the Dunkin Donut af Fuente Osmena circle. Now, Jollibee and MacDonalds at the same area are already open 24-hours. So with the MacDonalds at the GY Squire in Lahug. Call center agents, programmers and IT guys can chow anytime to their gusto. Time has changed, so with our diet. Just a friendly reminder to keep in shape, well admittedly circle is shape, right?

System Programmer's Bible

You just knew it just as soon you reached your second year doing system programming for any platforms, be it Unix, Windows, legacy or any proprietary systems. Every programmer dreams of having his or her own library, stacked with variety books and references on programming, operating systems, networking, algorithms, methodologies and specific computing technologies.



While theoretically you can get any books from a local bookstore or order online, you still have to balance the cost and relevance of these books to you and your work, otherwise you will end up stacking with unused books which you will without any choice disposed at a later date. The choice of books usually depends on the particular area of your work and interests, in some cases the books you have just build up as time goes by. But there are really books that you can't live without, these are so called programmer's bibles. They're precious and of endless importance to what you do. For system programmers like me, these are the top of my list.

Pizza craze in Cebu!

Next to coffee, the latest dining craze that hits Cebuano buds is pizza! Geez! Really? Not anymore a symbol of the upper and social class, pizza has come to be like an ordinary food, just as it is to italians. Looking back, pizzas were limited to expensive Italian laced restos and fastfood chains such as Shakeys and Pizzahut, catering the working and upper class eaters. These days, several outfits has sprung out, catering everyone from students, yuppies, working and the upper class. The goodies are very much affordable and so many to choose from. At the top of my head, I could name Pizza Roma, Roma Mia, Da Vinci, Jersey Pizza and the newest fave Yellow Cab, which just opened its second restaurant along the Mango Avenue. This one is serving 24-hours. Mama! Is there anyone who eat pizza at midnight and early dawn?. We'll that shows how hungry-eating-pizza Cebuanos are.

PFEC a scam?

If you've seen the movie "Boiler Room" starred Ben Afleck, Giovanni Ribisi and Vin Diesel, you would be reminded of what PFEC (Performance Foreign Exchange Company) is all about. PFEC which holds office at the Enterprise Building along Paseo de Roxas in Makati was exposed in the national TV through GMAs Mike Enriques 'Imbestigador' segment the other week. Imbestigador really did a superb job in revealing the company's illegal activities. As the segment unfolds, the company was operating an investment scheme through a foreign exchange trade. Clients were urge to invest in dollar account with the assurance of double and triple profit in just a span of weeks but only to be told of a transaction misfortune and dollar fluctuation resulting to unrecoverable loss of their investment, including the initial capital. Gosh! Days later after the historic expose, NBI raided the said office following several complaints of fallen investors. Armed with search warrants, NBI confiscated several computers and equipments to determine how the company operates. At present, the investigation is still on-going. Though I'm not sure if the company still operates or have already closed.

But guys, be cautious, incidentally I saw an adz clipping of PFEC in the local newspaper. They have an office here in Cebu at the North Reclamation area. These guys usually go for people in the upper niche, mostly retirees, balikbayans, high paid IT guys including software engineers and programmers. Should anyone who represents PFEC approaches you, be warned. You already knew...

Programmers secrets to maintaining a healthy life

There was once a story about the early days of the BSD Unix wherein core programmers used to lock themselves up in a room and feed on pizza for a week or until the work is done. This is used to be a normal culture in the IT industry particularly software houses scrambling to get a product out of the line. Hard work and getting the project done in a very short time always come at the expense on the life and health of programmers, software engineers and everyone involve in the project.

For most of us, programmers life is very sedentary. We work on our desk all day which leads to unhealthy lifestyle. I've come up a list of possible ways contributed by friends and associates in the IT industry to balance life and work in pursuit of a vigorous and healthy lifestyle:

• Love what you're doing.
• Get physical.
• Nutritious intake.
• Work with a group or circle.
• Get enough rest.
• Less caffeine and alcohol.
• Exercise and stretching between work.
• Relaxed and conducive work environment.
• Get hitched.

Nowadays, IT companies are very much aware of these and have came up with varying programs aimed to balance the work and life of their employees. If you feel your doing much work and nothing else, please be empowered to consult your Human Resource department for changes.

Coffee or Beer?

Its coffee! Things has changed these days. IT guys prefer coffee than beer. Its hard to believe. Could this be the in thing nowadays? Or the lifestyle brought by the trend in the workplace? Go around Asiatown IT park, coffee shops are all over the place. Starbucks, Bo's, Coffee Beans, BrownCup, you name it. They're all there, like the sidewalk stalls along downtown Colon.

In IT, coffee is synonymous to guys who do not sleep; software engineers, programmers, geeks who have to stay awake to meet pressing deadlines and tight schedules; a chick who needs a date or two, whatever. Coffee is just a part of everyday routine, so addictive. Frochino Oreo please!

Accenture Cebu holds Job Fair

To software engineers, programmers, administrators and IT practitioners alike who are still looking for job, Accenture maybe a good place for you. The company will hold a job fair from August 31 to September 1, 8:30 AM to 6 PM at the Accenture Cebu Office located at the Pioneer Building, Cardinal Rosales Avenue corner Panglao St, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City. Bring a copy of your updated resume and recent 2x2 photos.

And don't forget, preparation for this kind of event is necessary. Review all the necessary stuffs on programming, software design methodologies, databases, web technologies, networking technologies, systems design and the latest trends in IT. Best of luck!

Hiring period for IT fresh grads

For graduating students taking up IT courses particularly Computer Engineering and Computer Science, this would be an opportunity to find and secure work after graduation. IT companies in Cebu such as NEC, Lexmark, NCR and Epson usually start recruiting fresh grads beginning this month. These companies will visit university campuses in Cebu, Visayas and as far as Mindanao. This is a very important event and a rare opportunity that bright and deserving students should not pass. So guys, get yourself ready. In IT, qualifying exam focuses on mainly two things, programming and mathematics. That means preparation and review are necessary, especially for average students who wanted to make a cut. Check your school's IT department and job and placement office for updates on this event, or inquire directly with these IT companies (their links are found at the right side of this page). Do it now.

OpenOffice good enough as replacement to MS Office

If you haven't tried the latest OpenOffice version, then I suggest you do so after reading this article.

OpenOffice have come a long way and is now prime to replace MS Office. For average users, OpenOffice boast feature sets that are comparable if not better than MS Office. Folks who have shunned OpenOffice before for lack of features and stability issues are now embracing OpenOffice.

Aside from the feature sets, OpenOffice is free and runs on almost all popular operatings systems. Here in Philippines, the license for a home edition of MS Office is at around Php4.5k. Why spend that amount when you can get the same for free? Why spend a peso for a feature on MS Office that you will never use? The learning curve from switching MS Office to OpenOffice is a non-issue. For an average user it would just take an hour or so to get used with the features, functionalities and all the bells and whistles.

So grab the latest version of OpenOffice and spend your Php4.5k for something more valuable.

Lack of Unix background amongst IT grads

This is one thing you can observe among IT grads these days. Whether its a reason of plain ignorance and preference, Linuxes and unixes haven't made such a good stride among our lads. Where Linuxes, BSDs and opensource have gained to much popularity in other countries like India and Brazil, here in Phils particularly in Cebu is quite the opposite. This is a pressing problem when IT companies hire fresh grads, there is just a few who have the experience or skills in Unix environment. IT companies have to invest time and resources for training.

There are several factors on this issue, one can be rooted in the failure of IT schools and universities in introducing and integrating Linuxes, BSDs and opensource at their curriculum. Students were not given much choices and exposure to these stuffs. IT schools and universities serve are playgrounds for students to learn the Unix world. These institutions must priorities and give particular importance in teaching the necessary skills set upon by the IT industry.

While its still a windows world out there, having skills in Unix could be ones weapon when applying for a job. Known companies such as NEC, Lexmark, Exist and Epson pay particular attention to applicants who have background in Unix. Thats really a big plus!

Programmers food at IT Park

For 70php, one can have a good and luscious meal at e-diner cafeteria. Thats really cheap! With so many restaurants and fastfoods within IT park, this is still the best place where one can get a decent meal at a very affordable price. E-diner has been a haven for programmers and IT practitioners alike who prefer a wider selection of non-monotonous foods and beverages. A meal set with 2 viands, a cup of rice and a can of softdrink cost a measly 70php! Thats almost half the price of the same set at the nearby restaurants. And you don't have to experience the hassle of long wait while ordering the food. This is so practical for IT guys who squeeze their time between dining and working.

Want a chiller? No problem. There is a Thirsty kiosk inside e-diner.

Accenture opens new office in Cebu City

"Not a call center company". Thats according to Keith Haviland, chief of Accentures delivery center network for technology.

Accenture inaugurated it office in Cebu City on April 04. The inauguration was highlighted with the presence of her excellency President Arroyo. Accenture occupies six floors of the Pioneer House at the Cebu Business Park. This is the company's second office in the country with the first one in Manila.

The company plans to hire 500 to 1000 software developers within this year and has already hired 150 developers prior to the inauguration. As expected, most of the applicants will be coming from the Visayas and Mindanao region.

Accenture's Cebu office is part of Accentures Global Delivery Network that will provide application management, system development and other services on an outsourced basis.

Congratulations to Accenture! A way to go!

Software Engineer's Wish List

Here's a list of every software design engineer wishes to have:

• Company issued Laptop computer.This is a weapon for every engineer and topped our list. The laptop allows an engineer some extra mobility to perform his or her job. In todays environment where computing is not confined to ones desks, the laptop is an indispensable tool for every engineer when doing presentations, meetings, discussions and working from remote location. However, laptop is expensive and only a few can afford to have one specially the high-end models, so the company should be the one providing laptops instead of the engineers buying their own.


• 15days sick leave and 15days vacation leave with pay.Every engineer should be given some time to relax and do something not related to work, specially when tending family or personal matters. While you prevent from getting sick as much as you can, sometimes its inevitable and nature has her way of bugging you down. Sick leave with pay prevents you from penalized financially when you cant make it to work.


• Flextime schedule. You can't afford to be late because it has a negative effect on you. Sometimes you woke up at the wrong side of the bed and you cant make it on time to the office. In most cases, you have to deal with the traffic and travel time between home and office. Flextime schedule allows you to manage well of your time and yourself, so you don't come to work unprepared.


• Overtime pay. While its rare this days, still some software development companies in Cebu do not pay overtime work rendered by employees. Its very normal in software development where projects have very short schedule, lack of manpower and resources and worst of all changing requirements which in effect force engineers to work past the normal schedule. Overtime pay also motivates engineers to commit working past their regular schedules just for the sake and completion of the project. So its always a win-win situation.


• Bunoses and 14th to 15th month pay. This should be considered as a reward to deserving engineers who worked hard and having a successful project.


• Tax shield. While this country is known for rampant corruption in the government, it is the ordinary working class who are paying taxes that get the most of the beatings, that includes workers in the IT industry. Our tax stood around 25% of our income. Thats a huge deduction from ones earnings if compared against what is returned from government services and infrastructure. Though it is our duty to help this country but we can't just leave the system as it is. It must be fixed, not later but now. With tax shield, the company pays a certain percentage of employees tax, say 30%. That would end up with more take home pay for the employees.


• Stock option. This is common to software companies in the US. The result is unwavering level of dedication and loyalty of employees to their company which would result to success. This is the only proven system in the IT industry where an average employee can be a millionaire. A win-win situation for all.


• Car plan. Who wouldn't want to have a car? A car is a symbol of independence. No longer a luxury but a necessity. We can't always rely and depend on our transport system. When security, availability and comfortability is an issue, having a car is a necessity. Its unimaginable getting a cab at midnight, tired and sleepy and you live 20miles away from your office.


• Housing plan. Who wouldn't want to have his/her own house.


• Competitive medical/insurance package.


• Access to clinic and doctor at the office.


• Post-graduate studies.


• Paternal leave.


• Christmas vacation. Have time for the family and loved ones. This is a very serious issue for us Filipinos where we can really feel the boundary between work and family.


• Technical trainings.


• Managerial and technical career paths.

Cebu needs more Software Design Engineers

As it turned out, software development and IT companies in Cebu City are clamoring for more qualified software design engineers. The supply is very low against the demand. This is evident from the job postings run on local newspapers that has been going on for about three months already. Top IT companies in Cebu City who are engage in software development are aggressively staffing there respective departments and units as a result of continued growth and more business opportunities to develop and market new products. Some software development companies are hiring more as a result of expansion. A few multinational companies are relocating their research and development units to Cebu City. The effect is underpopulation and a mad scramble of these companies to hire the best software design engineers.

As of the latest, NCR is hiring around 30+ software developers and 30+ web programmers. Lexmark has postings for several positions from firmware engineers, device driver engineers to software engineers. NEC Telecom Software Philippines has been looking for software design engineers for its Cebu and Manila offices. Epson, Exist and Alliance Software have been aggressively in a hunt. Joining them are Infoweapons, ICOMM and other IT companies.

A particular areas where there is a very high demand are system level development for Unix and Windows, Java programming, device driver/low-level programming and Web programming. Minimum qualifications for system level and device driver programming are C, C++, Unix, MFC and networking. PHP, AJAX, SOAP, XML and javascript for Web programming while JLook, JBOSS, XML, NMS, applets, and java-beans for Java programming.

So hurry now, Cebu is seeking out software design engineers like you.

Laughing your hearts loud!

If laughing is the best medicine, then probably this place is worth a visit once in a while to charge and reinvigorate ones soul. 22nd St, a comedy bar at the uptown Cebu City, is not just a typical comedy bar, but a place where one can truly laugh and unleash a heart that has been lost with its essence. Be warned though, this is not for all ages, this is an adult bar. The hosts are all gays! They do nothing but spend the whole evening lashing out sexually expletive innuendos and grin (if there's more to that) jokes! Too fem and proper? Too "pikon"? We'll this is not a place for you. Go there, and give yourself a big, banging laugh!

Employee Incentive Stock Option at InfoWeapons Corp.

InfoWeapons Corp is the first and only startup company in the country to grant incentive stock option (EISO) to its employees. Modeled after Silicon Valley companies in the US, InfoWeapons Corp (IWC) banks on IESO as one of the financial motivations for employees to work harder and remain loyal to the company. This has resulted to an staggering level of confidence, loyalty and unwavering dedication of its employees. Everyone at IWC share the same vision and goal all for the success of the company. Started in 2004, IWC is experiencing a very low turnover rate and has attracted the brightest and top software engineers and IT practitioners in Cebu.

According to friends at IWC, they're very hopeful and exited on the prospects of their EISO. Its no surprise, I could only feel envy to these guys. Damn! Who could not associate what stocks did to guys who worked at Microsoft, Cisco, Yahoo, Google, AMD and so many IT companies in the US. They're all rich! These guys also enjoy the bragging rights as co-owners of the company. Really? A 21-year old junior software engineer a co-owner of the company? Wow, think about that! The financial success of the company will trickle down to every employees, at all levels. Its not just the owner that gets rich, its everyone!

It'll be on surprise when one of these days, sports cars will be lining up at the parking sides of SkyRise building and nearby parking lots. Guys, you still owe me a ride!

For software engineers who are still searching for a domicile, InfoWeapons is right there for you, open and waiting. Hurry now!

Checklist of a Most Sought Software Engineer

Getting a job offer from top software companies in Cebu City don't come easy this days. You got to have the right stuffs. The level of expectation and qualification have soared tremendously the past years. It's not as simple as getting an IT degree or a colorful resume. Companies outsmart each other to get the best software engineers who can do the job. You can't be a better software engineer. You must strive to be the best. You have to standout in all areas. So how do you get to the top of the pack?

I compiled a list of pointers that would serve as your checklist and guide. These are solicited from friends and associates who are working as software engineers, project leaders, supervisors and managers at Lexmark, NEC, NCR, Epson, Exist, Accenture and Infoweapons. Take time to assess how far or close you are. There is no room for discouragement, your mantra is to
strive to be the best.

• Expertise in C/C++. These are not old languages. These are barometers in measuring your programming skill. If you excel in these languages, chances are you would also excel in any other languages. Most programming disciplines and best practices are best demonstrated and applied by these languages. You would likely to know how a piece of a software relates to the whole computer system. The first question likely thrown at you during interview would be: What is a pointer? What is the difference between pass by value and pass by reference? What is an access violation or segmentation fault? Java, PHP, Perl, C# are good, but they only come second.


• Solid background and knowledge of the TCP/IP protocols suite. There is an old saying that Computer is a Network. Understanding of TCP/IP protocols is synonymous to understanding the world. Most likely you will be developing client-server and network-based applications. One of the keys to producing reliable, robust and high quality network applications usually depends at the level of your understanding of the TCP/IP protocols. You must distinguish connection and connection-less oriented protocols and when to use them. Client-server model. Iterative and concurrent connections. What is IPv4 and IPv6? What is an IP address and port number. Unicast, broadcast and multicast addressing. What is a protocol and how to develop one. TCP/IP and OSI layers. Internet standard documents and governing bodies. You should be at least familiar with RFCs (Request For Comments) and internet drafts. Network sockets programming will be easy no matter what programming language you use.


• Computer networking and administration. Being able to setup and configure a computer network is a big plus. Think of a basketball player who can play different positions. You will become more valuable to the company by not just being a software engineer who write code. Usually, part of your job involves setting up and maintaining network environment for your project, like setting up a network testbed, configuring webservers, shared repositories, file servers, bug tracking and project management systems. These tasks are usually handled by system and network engineers. Small to mid-size companies prefer to hire engineers who can wear different hats. Lastly, you will be the last one to remain when the company is in trouble.


• Solid understanding of computer systems. You don't just confine your skills and abilities within the domain of software development. You have to be at least familiar with the hardware side. That is where your product runs. For low level programmers who write firmware, device driver and kernel code, familiarity and detailed understanding of the hardware aspect is very critical. Swap, cache, memory, bus, I/O, DMA are some jargons you don't just have to understand but how they function and integrate into the system.


• Unix platform. Its not all Windows out there. Deeper understanding and experience in Unix systems gives you flexibility to develop programs on different environments. Large software companies usually have different teams working on specific platform such as Windows, Unix and Mac. It is at your advantage if you are not tied within one platform.


• Solid background in data structures, algorithms and IPC. List, stack, queue, tree, trie, maps, hashes, shared-memory, semaphores, mutex, pipes, etc are building blocks of a complex program. These are the core things that you have to master.


• Software development methodologies and SDLC. You don't code right away when asked. This is something left to newbies and fresh-graduates. You have to follow certain principles and processes. Familiarity of the software development life-cycle is very important. You must be familiar with different phases of SDLC such as Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing and Maintenance and the activities within those phases. You also need to be aware of other unique methodologies such as Agile, Extreme programming, Pair Programming and others.


• Software testing and Verification. As a software engineer, you are expected to prepare and write test documents to validate requirements, design and implementation of a software program. You will have the hat of a software test engineer. There is no better tester that you the developer who knows the internals and externals of a software program.


• Software development tools. CVS, bugzilla, debugger, productivity tools, etc reflect your maturity and approach in developing serius and big software projects.


• Database integration and XML. Software engineers hate to be called database programmers. But you have to have the right skill when needed. In most cases, huge and complicated software programs or multi-tier applications require backend databases. So SQL is necessary. You should be able to integrate common databases such as Postgres, MySql, Sqlite into your program.


• Opensource software. If you don't know Linux, you live in a rock.


• Secure software programming and computer security. This would be your unfair advantage. The ability to develop and produce secure code is valuable and key to the company in producing high quality software products. You will help tremendously in preventing critical, blocker and cyclic bugs to reach end-users of your product.


• Software development processes and standards.Background on industry standard processes such as ISO, CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integrated), 5S and 6Sigma is a plus.


• Right attitude. Success of your company depends on the ability of its teams and employees to work and jell together. Think like a well oiled-machine. You are expected to work as a team.

First and only widescreen advertisement TV in Cebu City

The first thing you would notice when you reach the Fuente Osmena circle is the widescreen advertisement TV at the top of McDonalds and Orange Brutus. Running adz for 24-hours, this piece of billboard is a reflection of the place, known to many as the only place in Cebu that never sleeps.

The Cebu City government is encouraging advertisement firms to put up more widescreen TVs all over the city, specially at commercial districts like Mango Ave, GY Lahug, Capitol and Colon. In not in a distant future, we'll be seeing Cebu City like that of Tokyo and New York were widescreen TVs are not just walls and lifeless billboards, but a reflection of the whole city. Vibrant, glamorous and beautiful.

Lexmark's New IT Building in Cebu

Confidence, growth and future to Cebu's information technology. These are the messages of Lexmark RnD in Cebu when it launches the construction of its new building. Located at the back of Globe Innove in Ayala Business Park, the building will serve as an expansion to Lexmark's research and development operation in the country. Currently, Lexmark employs around 300 employees and has offices in Globe Innove and adjacent Keppel Building.

The new building which is due to open this year is expected employ an additional 100 to 150 software engineers, hardware engineers, system engineers, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, technicians and testing engineers. This would be the biggest event to happen this year.

The local IT scene is very confident that this aggressive expansion will signal investors to come to Cebu and pave the way for other IT companies local and foreign to follow. Goodluck!

SmartBro, false as advertised

Smart's SmartBro service in Cebu really sucked! Its all false advertising. You might be tempted in subscribing to their service. Be warned! Here's what I'm getting from their lousy service:

• Intermittent internet disconnection, specially on weekends


• Very slow download and upload speed, speedtest tells download is hovering around 150kbps, upload at 100kpbs. I'm supposed to get as high as 512kbps as stated in my plan.


• As stated in their brochure, you will be getting 7 times the speed of a dial-up connection. Again, false advertisement.


• It seems SmartBro is filtering my outgoing connections, i have to refresh my browser many times to be able to connect to remote sites. In some cases, i can't browse 3 or more sites simultaneously. This is not the case during the first month I've used SmartBro. I've tried Windows and Linux, the same thing. So its not related to my PC.


• Customer service can't help either, they can't point out exactly the problem. They could only tell me their site is undergoing maintenance and system upgrade. For how long? Like 3 weeks?


• Worst, I just switched from Globe, now I have to look for another provider, or just bite my tongue and hope...

Kahayag Cafe has closed

What a sad note. I would really miss this place, specially when looking for a place to chill out with friends on weekends. Kahayag Cafe is known of its artistic ambiance, great food, cheap beer and Cebuanos ingenious creativity in music. I can always remember those days enjoying the eve with Sheila and the insects, Urbandub, Catski, Budoy and Jr Kilat, Fastpitch and the newest bisdak acts. Truly reminiscing.

According to closed source, the building which houses Kayahag Cafe (and the adjacent Handuraw Cafe) will be replaced with a new commercial building. Whatever, we hope the owner of Kahayag Cafe has found a new place to continue what has started. Kudos Kahayag Cafe, thanks for the music, thanks for the art, thanks for the experience!

Average Salary of a Software Developer in Cebu

This is a rough average basic salary of a software developer working for software companies in Cebu City Philippines. These do not include bonuses, commissions and other financial incentives.

• Entry Level: Php16,000.00


• Junior Software Developer: Php16,000.00 - Php20,000.00


• Junior Software Developer with 3 years experience: Php20,000.00 - Php28,000.00


• Senior Software Developer: Php28,000.00 - Php35,000.00


• Senior Software Developer with 6~8 years of experience: Php35,000.00 - Php50,000.00


• Software Development Supervisor: Php40,000.00 - Php48,000.00


• Project Manager: Php35,000.00 - Php45,000.00


• Managerial Positions: Php50,000.00 - Php90,000.00

Small companies with less than 20 developers usually offer bigger salaries for Junior Software Developers up to Senior Software Developers. Web developers have lesser salaries compared to system and application developers with expertise in Java, C/C++, MFC or Microsoft Visual Studio, C# and Unix scripting languages.

Sources: Lexmark, NEC Telecom Software Philippines, Epson, NCR, Exist.

Biggest Information Technology Locator in Cebu

Asiatown IT Park is the biggest Information Technology(IT) locator in Cebu to date. Located at Apas (opposite Waterfront Hotel), AsiaTown IT Park is situated right at the heart of the business district, intersecting all corners of the city. IT Park houses multinational companies engage in software development, call centers, BPO centers, outsourcing and other support services for recreation, dining and leisure. There are five major buildings in IT park. SkyRise (first figure) is an eight-story building. It houses Epson, Infoweapons, ICOMM, Qualcom, PeopleSupport and other small firms. At the ground floor, you can find restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

I-2 building (second figure), is the latest addition. It's an eleven-story building. Jollibee, Starbucks, Coffe-beans, Cagnaan bookstore, Roma Pizza and some restaurants are in the ground floor.



I-1 building (third figure). A nine-story building. Majority of companies in this building are call centers. E-telecare occupies around 60 percent of this building. Exist Software is also in this building. At the ground floor, you can find small restaurants and coffee shops like DaVinci Pizza, Chowabonga, Ila Puti, Breakfast club and Bo's coffee.

Right entrance/exit of AsiaTown IT park. The building at the back is I-2. At the opposite side is the Waterfront Hotel.

The other two single-story buildings are E-Office1 and E-Office2. E-Office1 houses NEC Telecom Software Philippines, Tsunishie and PeopleSupport. E-Office2 houses NCR and also PeopleSupport.

Cebu is not a place for arrogant Koreans

They're very noisy, arrogant and rude. They're so reckless, impolite and disrespectful. They care only about themselves. They treat ordinary Pinoys (specially janitors, salesladies, waiters, guards) as nothing next to a beggar. These group of people feel like they own Cebu. Of all the foreigners I've seen, these group of people are the worst. There are reports of Koreans not paying rents (even whores), driving drunks, abusing our women, engaging in business without permits, overstaying, and you name it. This has to be stopped! Its been a long overdue! Our government should deport these Koreans, period!

Crook CITOM personnel

The worst thing that can happen to you while driving around Cebu City is getting apprehended by CITOM personnel. These guys are supposed to implement road rules and direct traffic around every corner of the city. Unfortunately, they don't! They will never do! These guys are so wicked, lazy, cocksuckers, scumbugs you name it! They're just there, in uniform, right in the eyes of the crowd, extorting fines from every victimized or fooled motorist. Take for instance at the insection of Mango Avenue and Archbishop Reyes St. (Insular Life building), vehicles on the two of the three lanes (middle and righmost lanes) going to Pier4 Area should be allowed to go straight and cross the intersection. There is no traffic sign anywhere near the vicinity that says only vehicles on the rightmost lane are allowed to cross. The middle and rightmost lanes on the opposite of the intersection are along the lines and you woudn't guess that when the green light is ON, vehicles on these two lanes should be able to cross the intersection. For whatever reason, CITOM only allows vehicles on the rightmost lane to cross the intersection and vehicles on the leftmost and middle must turn left. How could you understand that? To make it worse, at the opposite of the intersection are two CITOM personnel waiting for vehicles from the middle lane that would dare cross. Its pity to see drivers getting a TOP (temporary operating permit) or worst, confiscation of their drivers license. These CITOM guys are not educating motorist. Why can't they put a sign instead? Warn drivers in the middle lane from crossing?

With very little parking lots within the city, you have to be extra careful where and when you park. You'll just be shocked when you find your car clamped with an immovable boot (don't move your car with the boot on else damaging your tire) or worst, getting towed. CITOM guys won't apprehend or stop you when they see you park or even about to park! They make it like they never see the whole thing. When you leave you car, thats when they move in. It doesn't matter if there are signs or no signs of wheel clamping/towing area. Most of these signs are broken, destroyed and aren't replaced. So you be careful, particularly the streets sorrounding Cebu Doctors Hospital, Chung Hua Hospital and along Ramos St.

When CITOM guys apprehend you for traffic violation, they don't give you citation tickets right away. Instead, they'll make offers, ask or even plead you to make a bargain. They'll extort you money in exchange for a clean pass. For a P150 fine, their tag price is from P200 to P500. Sounds very familiar hah?

Reputable IT Schools in Cebu

IT schools are all over Cebu city, but there are only a few recognized by the IT industry to produce quality graduates who are ready to face the real world. If you are a high school graduate who dream of a career in IT or who just wanted to have a better chance when looking for an IT job, getting an IT degree from a reputable school would be the golden ticket. I surveyed NEC, Lexmark, Epson and NCR recently. Close to 80 percent of the engineers employed in these companies came from UP Cebu, University of San Carlos, University of Cebu, Cebu Institute of Technology and University of San Jose Recoletos. So there you go, get the most out of your time and money, get your IT degree from any of these schools.

Most recognized Software Development Company

NEC Telecom Software Philippines (NSP) is arguably the most recognized software development company in Cebu. Operating for over a decade, the company is best known as a bed rock of top-notched and highly-skilled software engineers. Its major contribution to the region is not just in providing work but a place for individuals to polish raw skills, discover potentials and master the art and disciplines of what is required to be a software engineer. IT fresh graduates try their luck and beat butts every semester to join NSP. The process is competitive but rigorous. One has to pass the qualifying written exam then the dreadful workshop or practical exam. After the two exams are series of interviews, which include technical and non-technical questions.

NSP is truly different from other software companies in terms of culture, matured-processes and technologies. The company recognizes outstanding engineers and provides them opportunities to lead projects and become leaders or managers in a very short time. You can lead a team of 10 or 20 in just two years if you're really that good! If you choose to be a techy guy or follow the technical career path, NSP has a lot of technologies that you cannot get anywhere.

Here is a list of cools stuffs in store:

• Programming languages: C/C++, JAVA, Windows MFC, Scripting languages


• Unix, Windows, Embedded Systems environments


• Networking protocols and technologies


• Web technologies


• Management Systems, System Applications, Networking Application development


• IPv6


• Telecommunication Technologies


• Project Management and SDLC


• Software QA


• Training and Japanese Proficiency Certifications


• Overseas Business Trip

Software Development Companies in Cebu, Philippines

Cebu is a home of the finest IT companies engaged in Software Development in the country. It even topped the capital city "Manila" in terms of the talent pool and the varieties of software products produced for local and foreign markets. Most of the companies are engage into outsourcing, on-shore development for foreign clients, RnD office of multi-national companies and some producing products of their own. Over a decade, software companies in Cebu have grown and expanded to accommodate and serve different areas in IT, locally and globally. A big number of these companies are located in AsiaTown IT Park in Apas, Lahug, opposite the Waterfront hotel. To date, these are the common areas software companies have strived with so much success:

• Telecommunications


• Security


• Embedded Systems


• Network devices and appliances


• Consumer electronics


• Banking and Finance


• Web Services and Web Hosting


• Advertisement


• Education and Learning


• Multimedia


• Gaming


• Electronic Gambling

Here is a list of big and known companies in Cebu:

• NEC Telecom Software Philippines (subsdiary of NEC Corp; engage in network management, network equipments and telecomnication)


• Lexmark Research and Development (RnD house of Lexmark of USA; engage in printer software development)


• InfoWeapons Inc (local company engage in development of secure networking appliances)


• Epson Software Engineering (Phils) (subsidiary of Epson of Japan; engage in printer and consumer electronics development)


• NCR Cebu Development Center (support office of NCR Atlanta-US; engage in POS development)


• Timex Philippines (affiliate of TMX Ltd N.V.; engage in software development for watches)


• Lear Philippines (engage in automotive electronic control systems)


• Exist (engage in web and Java based software development and opensource)


• ICOMM International (web and internet software development)


• Phil-Am Outsourcing (engage in outsourcing services)

In addition, Accenture will be putting up a software development office in Cebu this year.