You & Me Creative!

Creativity is a very broad topic. However, for me it is a never ending process. Just what I shared in the class, for as long as there are problems or situations, there will be creativity. It brings out the best in an individual. My classmates told me that there was a discussion last week about creativity and whether it is inherited or learned and discussions about Japanese creativity. With that we are asked to come up with our 3rd reflection blog.

Creativity for me is all about “Nature vs. Nurture”. Both nature and nurture play significant roles in the development of creativity of a person. Based on what I learned when I was still taking up Sociology, I would tell that a person’s creativity can be a product of both human effort and so-called will power. Human experience is affected and shaped by many variables.  So if you have creative mom and dad, there will be a tendency that their genes contain something that makes their brains perceive the world and articulate meaningful experience through whatever medium in a unique and different style. But to attribute it all to genes would be simplifying the beautiful complexity of the creative mind.

However, I believe that biological inheritance of being potentially creative is one part of the story. An individual’s early history has a significant effect. Interest and curiosity tend to be stimulated by positive experiences with family, by a supportive group or environment, with a rich cultural heritage, through being exposed to many opportunities and pressure with high expectations. In contrast, perseverance seems to develop as a response to a precarious emotional environment, a broken family, a feeling of being rejected and discrimination. Creative individuals seem more likely to have been exposed to both or all of these circumstances.

Also, I think that curiosity and drive are in many ways the “yin and the yang” that need to be combined for becoming creative. Curiosity requires openness to outside stimuli. It is playful and deals with objects and ideas for their own sake. Drive needs the inner focus, seriousness, the competitive spirit and being goal orientation. The curiosity and commitment of creative people often directs them to confront the social problems that most people are too content to leave alone. That’s why I think Japanese are full of curiosity and drive that’s why they are very creative.

I wasn’t able to get the copy of the lecture about Japanese creativity but let me just share my first hand experience with Japanese and how they are pushed to be creative and link it to the issue of Nature vs. Nurture. I have cousins who are Japanese and they go home in the Philippines once a year. Often times, we talked about how their technology differs from others. One of my cousins, Naoko Takara, told me that during the time that she was still studying, they were really thought how to be not just creative but competitive as well. She said that the generation is is behind a drive to redefine Japan as a leader in design and innovation in terms of fashion, architecture, video games, and hybrid. She said that their country is already transforming itself in ways no other major economy has by completely redefining its national mission to one of creativity and innovation. Also, Naoko told me that they are being taught and trained in school to be more creative, have a greater tolerance for risk, and want to make a real difference in the world.

To cap off this entry, I highly believe that in each one of us, we have a potential to be creative. We got it from our genes. It’s like a seed that our parents planted and all we have to do is nurture it to grow and develop. Integral part of the development is our society and its influence on how far can we go to be creative. Japan is doing a great job in etching to the mind of their people to sustain their credibility to be on top of the world in terms of being creative. As for the Philippines, I think we have a great potential, it is good that in this day and age, there is a strong influence of social media for us to be creative and be innovative as Filipinos. But for as long as we don’t imitate and create our own with Filipino heritage, we can be there on top and be competent in terms of showing to the world that Filipinos are competitively creative as well.

Am I Left or Right? That is the question!

The first lecture for my Creative Thinking class in Ateneo was indeed an eye-opener for me, its about whether we think left or Right.  I remember when I was in college, we already tackled these divisions of the brain and its function when you think and make decisions, but I never had any exercise or test that would gauge whether I think Left or Right. Two weeks ago our class had a short exercise about which side of the brain we think. For the past years, I highly believe that I have the qualities of a RIGHT thinker. Apparently, the result of the short exercise didn’t agree! The results showed that I am a LEFT thinker, WOW! I never expected it, and until now I am a bit confused if I would go for with what my belief for the past years or the result of the exercise.

They said that if you’re into creative, public relations and marketing, you should be a Right thinker. So I assume that I am one. I am a random person, I dwell on things by chance and there are times that I don’t follow certain directions because I know that there might be shortcuts to everything. On the other hand, I have a strong intuition on certain situation, most of the time I stick with what I believe and being accountable with it, however, I think broad especially when I daydream about different PR concepts and marketing strategies for my work. With all of these do you think that I am a right thinker? I still can’t get over the fact that it says the opposite. Well, I think that’s the problem with me, maybe I should start realizing that there might be a mix of a left thinker within me. I remember that there are people who think both, maybe I am one of those. On the second thought due to my confusion on the result of the class exercise,  I went thru my notes again. Then I started realizing thing and had me thinking that yes, there are times that I tend to think left.  Even though that I always think big, there are times that I start with a simple concept and stretch it wide. It is an important characteristic of a PR person to plan things out in a particular order to be able to distinguish priorities. Also, it is important for us to be verbal especially in presentations and meetings. And most importantly we should always think what’s feasible and realistic. Umm, so would I go left?

Like what I said in the class after the exercise, it really depends on us if we believe on these things but I would say that it is important that these can be our guide, a guide to know whether if which approach we can use to be able to solve situations, work and personal problems effectively. For instance, in a certain situation in which you’ll be asked to think a concept to launch a product, are you going to stat to go onto details or think big first? Are you going to follow certain template that was used before or create a new one. Overall, I think what I important here is we should know how to assess ourselves whenever we do a creative thinking to solve problems. However, not too serious, just the right amount of actualization that in cetain situation we can be a left, right or even a mixed thinker. So, for my question am I a left or right? That will remain a question. J

Reflection on the film OBJECTIFIED

"How does the design of our mobile phone, toothbrush or even the kitchen knife affect our lives? Did you to think about it? If you do, I would say that the movie Objectified will help you give a new perspective on these objects. Basically the film gave us a look inside the offices of the world's most influential product designers to see how these objects influence us that oftentimes without us even knowing it.  There are stories behind it and decisions were made, which is something that one would assume but rarely take the time to think about.

For me, a striking line by Henry Ford saying “Every object has a story”, encapsulates what the film is all about. For instance, a toothbrush handle has been carefully thought about and designed for the public. Consumer products are usually made in consideration of being user-friendly or non-obtrusive. It goes to show that most industrial designers are not the fine artists that they are often confused with. Their job is how to improve people’s daily life without people having to think about it deeply. However, based on the film, there are few companies that take design seriously at the moment but the film cited an American company that does it, which is Apple.

Mr. Jonathan Ive, Apple’s Senior VP for Industrial Design said that the best design is one that feels “undesigned” to the point where you do not know how it would be designed any other way because there is nothing left but the obvious. He added that, by removing the unnecessary elements in an object you get down to the core, which is what makes it great. Another personality that was featured was Mr. Karim Rashid a designer from New York, explains how cameras were first designed around the film. “Now we have digital cameras without film but cameras are still the same basic shape of cameras before them.” He said.

Moreover, the film shows how these designers are trying to design for the future. Designers know that we tend to want newer things that have a fresh and new look. But because designers continue to go through that process, what’s new at present by next year means nothing. Therefore, the goal for the designer is to make what looks like now look like then so they can repeat the process.

Overall, for me, this film encourages viewers to define and examine their purchasing habits and values more though rough. It is fascinating how much design goes into a chair and at the same time after billions of produced chairs that there are still uncomfortable chairs due to bad design.  I personally like the film because it reminds me to look at things around me with deeper appreciation, that these are not just useful, but were also designed or customized in accordance to my needs.

FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World Victory Party 2011

As promised, here is the first installment of my long over-due posts. (Photos courtesy of our official photographers Ryan Ong and Kench Genato)

FHM Philippines annually holds it 100 Sexiest Women in the World as a celebration party to its readers and advertisers in the country. Aside from being the sexiest show in the country, it is also Summit Media's biggest show every year. 

Sam Pinto took a big leap from last year’s number 32...

 ...to this year's winner and was crowned as the Philippines’ Finest.

Listed below is the final and official top 20 girls for this year;

1. Sam Pinto

2. Marian Rivera

3. Angel Locsin

4. Cristine Reyes

5. Solenn Heussaff

6. Katrina Halili

7. Jennylyn Mercado

8. Iwa Moto

9. Jackie Rice

10. Ellen Adarna

11. Bangs Garcia

12. Ehra Madrigal

13. Angelica Panganiban

14. Valerie Concepcion

15. Lovi Poe

16. Iya Villania

17. Anne Curtis

18. Bianca Manalo

19. Regine Angeles

20. Rhian Ramos

If until now you have no idea who else completed the bottom 80 girls, the complete list of the 100 Sexiest Women in the World is found in the July issue of FHM featuring the sultry Ms. Eula Valdes on the cover.

Hot-blooded male fans and readers trooped to the Hall B and C of the World Trade Center in Pasay City, for the Burlesque-themed victory party of FHM last July 14, 2011.

Here are some of the event's backstage photos.

Mercedes Cabral made it to the list as the number 100. Payat pala siya in person! hehe

above is the beautiful Janna Dominguez at the number 47 spot and the hot mama Aubrey Miles at number 34 below!

Super model Aze Sasaki at number 70.

above is the August 2011 cover girl Nina Jose na lamig na lamig and below is Paloma, number 51 ans 52 respectively.

Sponsors models showing some loveeee!

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Above is number 87 Saicy Aguila na super liit ng waist line and below is the Survivor Celebrity Showdown 2011 contender Ellen Adarna who got the golden 10th spot.

Another contender of the said show is Alyssa Alano on the number 76th spot.

the dashing number 25 sexiest Michelle Madrigal started the show with a bang with her Chair Dance opening segment

Another hot mama graced the event, on the number 82nd spot Sheree!

Above are some sponsors' models teasing the crowd while below is the 1st premiere vixen winner Pauleen So occupying the 59th spot.

Ang ayaw mag pa-kabog na si Wendy Valdez on the 53rd spot.

Another premiere runner up Abby Poblador attened the event as the number 75 sexiest.

Nina Jose and Wendy Valdez preparing  for the final walk.

Above is the fresh na fresh na si Bianca Manalo with her tiara on the number 18th spot and below is the super model Ornussa Cadness as number 30 sexiest.

Number 54 sexiest Jacq Yu was present also.

February 2011 cover girl and import who flew all the way from Los Angeles, Misa Campo attented the event as the number 32 sexiest.

The FHM resident cougar and the July cover girl Ms. Eula Valdez graced the event being the number 46 babe.

RRJ Models fires up their booth

Yes, that's Sam Pinto few hours before the show.

Number 62 and the May 2011 cover girl Stef Prescott was there who also had a production number.

May 2011 cover girl Regine Angeles was present claiming her number 18th spot.

My love Amiga, Daiana Menezes as number 44 was also present.

PBB unlimited housemate Jahziel Manabat at number 68 post.





Maria del Barrio star Paw Diaz on the number 73rd spot.

 Jef Gaitan as number 48 sexiest na hindi nag abala sa damit hehehe, hindi ko ata nabrief ng theme

At the number 8 post Iwa Moto!

Also, the only back-to-back winner of the FHM title Katrina Halili was there to show support to us!

So there, last is the picture with the FHM events Team all smiles kahit pagoda na kami. hehe

To watch videos of this event you may log on to FHM's official website (www.fhm.com.ph) and to Philippine Entertainment Portal's website (www.pep.ph). 

Whatever happened to me?

It was almost 4 months since I haven't visited my blogs site. Some of you, who already saw this site before, would ask, "Really, whatever happened to Allan?" hehe. Well, I was out of track since I decided to go back to school. Yes, went back to school and tried out a Masteral program in Ateneo de Manila University. I graduated college back in 2006 in San Beda College and took up International Business Management and Entrepreneurship but since I’m already stuffed with corporate environment, I thought of trying out a new field together with a new school, and so I figured out, other that commerce, I would want to explore the field of Sociology and Anthropology. It is funny that before I finally decided to take the course a lot of people questioned me on why I would take that instead of just sticking with Marketing or Management, well, to share to all of you, I’ve always wanted to be a professor, Yes, That’s my dream job! Since I was in high school I always dream of teaching students with practical knowledge and general interest which can be applied in our daily lives. I went to the Soc-Anrtho website of the school and it interest me to finally try it our. So I decided to take Master in Applied in Sociology and Anthropology program in Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola School. Moving forward, it  was a grueling semester but so far my grades was just on an average, though I never aim of getting high grades because I am a newbie with most of the sociological and anthropological terms.

However, despite the confusion of handling my schedule when I was about to enter Ateneo for Masteral,  I was able to maintain my work in Summit Media as a consultant for events-marketing and editorial consultancy for FHM, Candy Magazine and Cosmopolitan Philippines. Other things that happened to me these past months were the big events that we mounted wherein I spearheaded the casting of the talents and performers.  Back in July, we had the FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World and Cosmopolitan Bachelor Bash last September both held at the World Trade Center, Candy Fair that we conducted at the Mega tent events place in Ortigas Center and lastly the grand launch of the Esquire magazine which was mounted at the Manila Peninsula hotel. Also, I went to Bangkok Thailand together with the FHM team where in we had our first-ever out of the country shoot with the every sexy Lovi Poe. I also had a quick trip in Singapore and Malaysia with my good old friends in Summit. Give me time this week, since it’s a long weekend and I am still in a sembreak mode, to blog the said events here in this site. And this time, that’s a promise! hehehe

Frankly speaking, I have plenty of time to update my blog before but I was too stressed to even just open the site! Hehehe. Anyway, just to share, I am not yet sure if I will be able to enroll for the 2^nd semester since something new came into my career path that I have to choose if I will lie-low with my studies for the meantime or again take the risk of doing both my “new” work, summit work and school all at the same time. I will think of that problem next week! For the meantime, expect my blogs in the coming days and I will surely find time to post and update this site at my best effort.

Thank you guys for taking time to read this, and I am looking forward to an interesting All-Souls and All-Saints day and likewise to all of you!

Regards,

Allan

FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2011 - who will you chose?

 

The time has come. Who will you choose? Cast your votes for the 100 Sexiest Women in the World for 2011! The Grand victory party will happen on July 14, 2011 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. If you want to be part of it, here are 3 ways on how to vote:

1. Thru SMS;

• Voting via SMS is open to all prepaid and postpaid Globe, Smart, Sun, Talk N’Text and TM (Touch Mobile) subscribers nationwide. To vote, type in iFHM VOTE <name of FHM candidate> and send to 2640. You will then be prompted to register via SMS. Example: iFHM VOTE Cristine Reyes. Texting of votes costs P2.50 to all networks, which is equal to five (5) raffle entries.

2. Thru online voting;

• Log on to www.fhm.com.ph to register and vote! you can vote 10 girls per day

3. Thru snail mail or ballots;

• Official ballots are found inside the April, May and June 2011 issues of FHM. fill it up and send it to the address stated in it.

Here is the partial and unofficial top 10 of FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World list, as of May 14, 2011:

1. Marian Rivera
2. Angel Locsin
3. Sam Pinto
4. Cristine Reyes
5. Solenn Heussaff
6. Jennylyn Mercado
7. Ellen Adarna
8. Valerie Concepcion
9. Lovi Poe
10. Katrina Halili

Also, to help you decide here are some who are on my list:

 

Cristine Reyes: FHM Sexiest winner last 2009 and landed at the 2nd spot last year. Will she be able to bounce back at the top this year?

 

Angel Locsin:  The reigning FHM's Philippines Finest for 2011 and was on the top spot last 2005, now, she is having a neck-to-neck fight with Marian Rivera to win this year. Can she still defend her crown this year?

 Sam Pinto: A very strong contender for this year. Backed up with her sexy commercials for San Mig light and Fitrum, will her fast-rising popularity help her to be on top this 2011?

 Solenn Heussaff: Another very strong contender. Graced the 2011 anniversary issue of FHM last March and one of the most sought after actresses in Philippine showbiz. If ever, she will be the first ever FHM's sexiest who is a new entry from the list.

Angelica Panganiban: She is consistently on top 10 since 2006 but never on the top spot. I think is she poses again for FHM then she has a strong chance in winning!

Michelle and Ehra Madrigal : the Sexiest sister in Philipppine showbiz! I am alsways rooting for these sisters to be on top 10 list every year! but I am looking forward to see who will be on a higher spot!

Aubrey Miles: An FHM Icon, and even though is already a mother of 2, she proves that she can still be at same level with the new generation of FHM babes.

 

Bangs Garcia: last years number 9 sexiest and still has a strong following with the FHM community but is that enough to make her be on top?

Ellen Adarna: She has that longest line of FHM fans during her autograph singing ever! very fresh ans has a very wide scope of FHM and non-FHM fans! Truly an underdog who is strongly competing with big names in the top 10 list.

Bianca Manalo: A beauty queen who proved that she can also flaunt her curves to the pages of FHM. will you choose Bianca?

*Voting is until June 15, 2011! So if i were you, I'll vote as many as I can! Also, I might give out free FHM Victory Party tickets to some lucky twitter and blog followers! :p