1
2012
Illumedia Workshops Batch 1 Experience
Illumedia Workshop‘s first ever public workshop has just ended and we are happy to share that it was eventful and successful!
It is Team Illumedia’s pleasure to be able to work with trainees who are eager to learn about Web Design and Basic WordPress Theme Creation. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has joined the workshop, & we are definitely looking forward to seeing you in future workshops by Illumedia.
If you would like to be notified of our future workshops, please sign up at www.illumediaworkshops.com
See more photos here.
Here are just some of the feedback from our unforgettable Batch #1 trainees:
Jay Isidor
SUPER COOL!…awesome
Dominic Saraum
The Workshop was great! Each part of the lessons were well executed. I learned a lot and can’t wait for the advanced lessons.
Peejay Capina
… the place is comfy, the staff was very accommodating and I’ve learned a lot from Ms. Eliza, thank you so much guys! Looking forward to the advance. 
Watch out for our future workshops!
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21
2012
Day 1 of Basic WordPress Theme Creation Underway!
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28
2012
Public WordPress Workshop Hosted by Team Illumedia This April!
Once you’ve decided to stop learning, you will stop growing.
It is a fact. Learning is indeed essential for growth. That is why if you try and consider the pace we have today; new gadgets, discoveries, methods, techniques and technologies are being born every minute. Making our stored knowledge our foundation, we must learn to adjust and adapt to better innovations for our advancement.
Are you a web or graphic designer?
Do you aspire to be one?
Are you a student who wants to learn more of what is needed in the real career life of such?
Illumedia is hosting its first Basic WordPress Theme Creation Workshop this April!
WordPress is rapidly gaining popularity and one of the most preferred platforms of a website by most companies. This is due to the fact that it is very user-friendly for both the client and the designer. As a designer you would be able to easily execute the desires of your client with less hassle and you wouldn’t have a hard time making all the changes required on the site you’re working on. However, the sad part is that WordPress isn’t taught in schools. Most web and graphic designers who’ve mastered the WordPress platform learned on their own through years of experience.
Well let’s just say you’re in for a great opportunity.
Eliza Kirsten Magno is one of the very few who has learned WordPress by heart and she’s going to take the time to impart her knowledge to those who are interested! The workshop which has limit of 20 seats is open to students and even professional web and graphic designers. Eliza seeks to give back to the community through this little endeavor.
She aims to educate and pass on her passion to the participants in an unconventional way. If a wonderful thing such as this comes knocking on your door, would you just walk away?
For more details on the workshop you can visit www.illumediaworkshops.com.
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6
2012
Illumedia Is Inviting You to Experience Life Now
Davao is now a bustling city, strewn with various commercial establishments, indicating that this city is a rapidly growing metropolis. Amidst this progress, Davao has remained true to it’s roots, one that has built a strong foundation in the hearts of every Dabawenyo. The people of Davao, rather than just the place, successfully brought a mix of cultures together that poetically transformed Davao into what it represents today: a land that promises a yin and yang of the old and the new.
Myriads of generations of Dabawenyos have long been enjoying a quality of life that pays homage to the past and at the same time offering the future a warm welcome.
Experience depth of life here in Davao now! For there is a big difference between living and merely existing.
“It is not length of life, but depth of life.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
We consider it an honor to be given this opportunity to showcase Davao. Win or lose, we feel that we’ve already won in showing how we have done this successfully as one solid team!
Kudos Team Illumedia!
We will be posting the hi resolution video here on our site after the competition is over. 
To Vote for our video simply follow the following steps:
1. Go to http://facebook.com/SouthSpot
2. Watch Entry # 2 “Experience Life Now”
3. Click on Like if you like what you’ve just seen
Davao – Life is *definitely* Here.
Some screen caps:
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18
2011
Birthday Girl
They may talk of a comet, or a burning mountain, or some such bagatelle; but to me a modest woman, dressed out in all her finery, is the most tremendous object of the whole creation.
~Oliver Goldsmith~
November 16, 1983.
Illumedia is a team headed by a woman. A strong woman I might add. She has been through life’s blows just like everyone else but has remained standing. Yesterday, we celebrated her 28th year of existence.(I think she might not post my blog now that I mentioned that. Anyway, I’m a risk taker, LOL.)
Our beautiful celebrant received from her friends from the office as well as outside an early morning serenade and her favorite birthday cake. Then for lunch the team went out and enjoyed our favorite past time : eating and talking gibberish. What can I say? We know how to enjoy the simple things of life.
Why am I writing this blog? Well the truth is this is not for you primarily. First and foremost this is to express a heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Eliza Kirsten B. Magno.
“Thank you for all your hard work and thank you for sharing your life and dreams with us. We pray for you love, joy, peace and your life’s purpose.”
This blog is for the birthday girl but of course you get to read it because you have been part of us, of Illumedia.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
Happy birthday! You are so precious in GOD’s sight.
We love you Eliza!
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9
2011
Illumedia Supports GraphiCon 2011
Mr. Wilson!
A frantic voice echoes amidst a strong weather.
Mr. Wilson!!!!
Sobs and loud cries—these are what the character of Tom Hanks in the movie Cast Away was left with after he lost his ball he conveniently named Mr. Wilson. For those who haven’t watched the movie, no he wasn’t crazy. The main character was washed up in an island all by himself after surviving a plane crash. Tom Hanks kept himself sane by talking to a volleyball (I know that sounded weird). Well the truth is men were not created to be solitary individuals.
Honestly, GOD did not create us to be left out on our own. You can very much find in the movie that the character needed to communicate let alone express himself. It is a NEED.
Illumedians who are comprised with a majority of artists can very well express themselves in their work but it is also pertinent that they also be given the chance to relate with the very people who share the same interests with them. That is why the team is going to GraphiCon!
DUAAD or Davao United Association of Animators and Designers, Inc. will be holding an event on December 01, 2011 at the Abreeza Mall Activity Center called GraphiCon or Graphic Design Convention which is a grand convention for graphics and motion graphic enthusiasts in the Davao region. At least 300 participants of graphic artists, graphic arts enthusiasts, marketing executives, technopreneurs, photographers and members of the academe will be uniting to promote the industry.
The team knows that it is not the only team who renders its services so we are for solidarity with people in this industry. We view it as an opportunity to grow and learn from others and their craft. We believe we can co-exist with others in a healthy and competitive way. Eliza Magno and the team at Illumedia foster this kind of mentality from the very beginning which is why Davao Web Design (Online Community for Web/Graphic Designers) was founded in the first place.
As the cliché goes, “no man is an island” so we’re setting out to talk with our Mr. Wilsons and we greet them with a smile.
GraphiCon, here we come!
**UPDATE NOVEMBER 21, 2011** GraphiCon tickets now available at the Illumedia office. Call us at 082 271 8563 Email us at info@illumedia.net or Skype us at illumedia.support You may also visit us at 2nd Floor La Core Bldg., Victoria Plaza Compound, Bajada, Davao City [Google Map]
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19
2011
A Work In Progress
As I left my house this morning a cocoon was tediously holding on to a minute portion of our gate. Come to think of it sometimes work does get a bit demanding. Good thing it’s not all work at Illumedia Outsourcing.
Over the weekend, the team had their hands full with work. Not all work and now the team worked over the weekend?
I know I may have you confused right now so let me clear your mind.
Last weekend the team was busy with work…team work for the team building activity. The destination?
Eden Nature Park.
This mountainous adventure fortunately revealed how much the team has grown into a family. As Illumedians played it “old school” using a Jeepney on the way there a few setbacks held everyone only but for a while.
Old school…the old Jeepney needed a little push with the radiator, brakes, etc and sure enough the gentlemen of the team came to the rescue. Because of this modern chivalry the day turned out great! As Illumedians arrived the first task was the Indiana Jones. At first some were hesitant as it was too terrifying for their very laid back nature but due to the unending encouragement the entire team had for them they were able to overcome their fears but of course there were a few “mommy cries” ;p
After which more activities that promoted trust and camaraderie filled the day making the bond that held each other intensify even more. And because we love food…of course that physiological need was more than satisfyingly given special attention. “Yum yum yum.”
The day ended with a superb weather making everyone filled with laughs and hungry for more.
Getting back with my cocoon illustration..LOL.
Sometimes with a lot going on things get demanding but knowing how the cocoon ends makes it all worth it. Looking forward to a lot of butterfly transformations over the next few months. It will certainly be some of GOD’s most wonderful masterpiece.
Illumedia_blogger signing out.
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7
2011
Pursuing the Vision : Illumedia Goes “Offline” and Joins SMED Week
There is nothing constant but change. In the world of technology, what works is usually updated with newer innovations. People these days don’t just sit back anymore, they get into it and are more involved than ever before. However, what I’ve noticed is that people get the drive only to pursue something if they find purpose and if they believe in the vision presented to them.
As a team, I can honestly say we find joy in our work. We know it’s not all about money. We know we are building relationships with people. We know we are helping others build their businesses and companies. We know we have a purpose and our vision can be shared and help the local community. While we are comfortable in our office and behind our computer screens we take one step forward.
Information dissemination. Facts. Statistics. Testimonies. First hand experiences. We have so much info to offer which can be of help to the market. We will be precisely presenting the power of social media, mobile websites, video marketing and web presence. It will be raw and realistic. We have seen the power of all these and we know that most people just don’t have ample knowledge to direct them to harness this truth.
The SME exhibit will be an opportunity for us to give and fulfill what we have envisioned. We want give out every bit of blessing we have received and so we grabbed this open door. We want to bring in people, businesses and companies into the net and we don’t want them to just blend in. We want them to grow and harness their capabilities thus living up to what we have envisaged.
Yes we will be part of the motorcade and yes we will get a booth just like everyone else but we will also be coming to this event of enterprises without facades. We will be coming clean with ourselves. Our hands ready to extend and ears ready to listen to team up with you to help you get closer to your dream because in doing so we will be closer to ours.
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30
2011
I Do
On our regular Monday General Meeting, Eliza filled the room with a discussion about commitment. As defined, it is a pledge or a bind dedicated to something or someone. Based on a spiritual aspect more importantly Psalm 37:5 says: Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and He will help you.
Since there are no half-hearted commitments we believe that it starts with the heart. If your heart isn’t in the right place it would be difficult to see all your words put into action and of course for you to persevere or endure once the going gets tough.
However, getting your heart to commit isn’t easy. It must first understand why. To reevaluate we pondered once again for the purpose of the company and of course why we go to work every day. Losing perspective on the fact that it’s not all about money will drive all the passion away.
We all know the fable about the hen and the pig:
A hen and a pig were talking in the barnyard one day. The hen was so proud and talking on and on about how glad she was that she and the pig can grant the wish of the farmer and his family to have ham and eggs for their breakfast. The pig, however, was less enthusiastic about it. He replied, “That’s easy for you to say. For you it’s just a contribution. For me it’s a total commitment.”
For those who don’t understand the purpose why this company was built it is so hard to commit to the mission, vision and company policies. Every extended effort will just bring about a heavy heart. You have to be involved in what you are doing but dedication is a choice. All I know is, if you don’t feel you should commit yourself because you don’t want to take a risk well then…you are just plain chicken! No pun intended ;p LOL!
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30
2011
Snail Mail Confirms that We are on the Map!
Do you remember your first stuffed toy?
Your first day of school?
Your first teacher?
How about your first crush?
In a world of “firsts” it is more likely that you would remember these people and events because they pose a great deal of significance. However, if I do ask you if you remember your first snail mail well I know that will be hard for you. More or less it will be just one of those vague memories you haven’t really held on to. This is not quite surprising because considering the technology we have now, snail mails are not really such a big deal. If you try to think of it instant messaging, emails and the like are more convenient. These technological advancements really make the World Wide Web the new status quo.
Last Monday June 27, 2011 Illumedia received its first snail mail from Google. It wonderfully stated that our team is now available via Google Maps. We can now be searched on the internet and our location, contact information and driving directions are now readily available online.
This is definitely one snail mail we will never forget. Illumedia—-is now on the map!
View Larger Map
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27
2011
Jellies in Our Bellies
Jelly Bellies are one of the most numerous in variety when it comes to flavor. Well, think again. Their wide array of flavors cannot compare to our team. We proudly have the following: (Brace yourself.)
- Drama queen/princess.
- Singing reggae dad.
- Sweet-looking bipolar prime minister.
- Hug manager.
- K-9 PHP Programmer.
- Schizophrenic blogger.
**(Halfway through and I know you’re already confused, kindly read on :p )**
- Lakers Chef.
- Obsessive Compulsive Clutter Artist.
- Daddy’s girl.
- Dessert nurse.
- Salon hearthrob.
- Bully Jelly.
- Div master emoticon.
Yes, I know your head hurts…
You can’t f
ully grasp the different personalities in the team. I guess you can never really understand unless you taste one (If you’re up for it that is). It is the Jelly Belly way…Being scared of one flavor prevents you from enjoying the adventure. It doesn’t really matter. Some like cinnamon, others like watermelon better. Whichever the case is, it makes up the whole Jelly Belly can. We beat all their 49 flavors don’t you think?
Well we won’t be complete if we’re missing one.
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16
2011
Illumedia Swarms Facebook
Bzz…
Bzzzzzzzz….
Bzzzzzzzzzzz!!! Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!
Illumedia busy bees create a buzz as Illumedia launches its very first promotional campaign. The campaign is promoted through an email blast with the mighty use of email flyers. We are giving away free Facebook fanpage banners for the first one hundred people who sign-up!
Yup it’s absolutely free.
Why?
We are not cheapskates LOL.
Seriously, we want to show everyone the advantages of using social media with regards to building up a business. People will undoubtedly be able to experience first hand how they can establish and market with style. We believe that a large percentage of people are online and most importantly using different types of social media like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. Shouting in the midst of a crowd is also as efficient as shouting at the crowd to come to you. This is such an exciting event for the whole team as we help others help themselves.
Like.
View the Campaign Here.
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6
2011
The Cartooned Truth
Adminstrative Team Meetings (GoAnimate.com)
If you want to be better you have to be adaptable to change. In such a short span of time, everyone in our team has been constantly checking out the system based on our own observations and of course the different feedbacks we have had with our clients. Last Saturday, one of our clients pointed out some concerns and this made the management pin-point a few weak links.
NO.
There was no tsunami caused by panic but we didn’t just shrug-off our shoulders as well. It made us pause and sit back for quite a reasonable amount of time to evaluate what went
wrong. Humility is so evasive these days so we want it to be our friend. We know it will be one of the few foundations that will help us grow and strengthen as a team. We are not dictated by what other people say or think about us in a gullible manner so to say but we care if it affects them and our relationship with them.
Truth.
Well the truth is, no one is perfect. A cliche? Unless you embrace this truth, you cannot move forward. They say the truth hurts, well it can also be funny. I learned all this in our Monday weekly meeting through a very mood-uplifting animation. Here it goes…
Nizzi, Guide, and Louie Comm Flow (GoAnimate.com)
"Purple" Depicts Resilience and Humility
GoAnimate.com
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1
2011
43 Days In
by: Eliza
Today’s forecast:
- Day started out clear and sunny as always and i’m not talking about the weather!
- Great meeting with Kat and Anner today. Some exciting stuff happening in the next few weeks!
- James M. brought Spanish sardines for lunch! I didn’t get to have any, but i’m sure it’s YUMMY!
- As i’m typing this, Jackie is doing her presentation on Joomla for our trainees! She’s doing a good job!
- Realization: Nizzi is soooo hardworking. Our lovely project manager is AWESOME at what she does. Krissy, our adorable chronic hugger is AMAZING as well
- Julie missed her Angry Bird stuffed toy today… so she’s picking on me about my Purple Star stuffed toy, I think she secretly wants to take it hostage.
- Rolled out of a number of proposals and mockups today! (WHEW!)
- I have not spoken much to Louie or Gio today, which is good – and it only means they’ve been working hard as well!
- James C. is focused and quiet as usual!
- Our Biometric Electronic Bundy Clock has been named “THENCHU”. Because that’s what it says whenever we time in/time out!
First of all, I’d like to be honest and say – I did try to write a serious blog post here, but just can’t seem to. What we have here is a happy work environment and not a stiff and detached one. Don’t get me wrong though – we know when to be serious. The admin team and myself have been working non-stop on making sure systems are in place, and that they are properly implemented. We desire to ensure the quality of the work that we deliver to our clients with the help of setting healthy boundaries — to keep things professional, yet provide a positive working environment that everyone can enjoy. IF one is working with a heavy heart – it will definitely show on their work! So people, keep whistling while you work, will you?
The past 40-something days has been very eventful. We’ve learned and grown so much and slowly but surely building a strong foundation for ourselves. I believe we have already begun laying down the first few blocks. We realize we have a long way to go, and we still have so much to learn — but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy every minute of the ride!
- The Anner – Always thinking…. about what? Who knows?
- Our Verse for the Day!
- Meet THENCHU
- Nizzi – Who’s about to fill up that calendar with things to do!
- Elloisa – Former Nomnomholic.
- Gio – the silent miracle worker!
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1
2011
All Hail the New Roman Blinds
Michael Anguren and Ron from Kurtina
On a Friday-May 27, 2011 two wonderful men came into our humble office to install our new Roman Blinds. Our office is situated on the second floor with built in glass windows on its two adjacent sides. This would be a dream if you live in a place with a cooler weather but in our town, this can be a bit of a dread. Natural light is good but too much can give you a headache plus it also renders the new air conditioning unit near incapable of doing its job.
North Wing Installation
Imagine the glee when our curtain provider offered us blinds that have the blackout effect. Upon our request it just took more or less a week before they came knocking on our door again with all their installation paraphernalia, all geared up so to speak.
Since almost half of our team are positioned facing the windows they had to give way. The first few drills into our wall were quite captivating but to my amazement the excitement everybody had were transformed into an undivided attention to their tasks.
Impromptu Meeting!
The next few moments that followed involved the conference table catering to almost all of our web designers and half of our administrative team. If Kobe Bryant, the famous NBA L.A Lakers player stated that noise can’t block his shot then our team stood their ground and responded to his statement with “Curtain installation can’t block our work”.
Eyes sparkled with the earth colored fabric. Directly put, this not-so-important event inspired and filled our hearts.
Some people may find our little joys shallow but we do like to keep ourselves that way. Our joy does not come from gallant or extravagant things. It comes from the people we’ve grown to love working with. Our relationship with each other have grown and evolved quite dramatically. With each other, it’s NOT what we have but it’s who we share it with.
Hurray the Roman Blinds!!! No more unmerited tanning
Brand Spanking New Roman Blinds! Wee!
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1
2011
Beloved Admin
Exec. Assistant Julie and Project Manager Nizzi
Supervision is not very well liked. This is a good thing to take into consideration since a quarter of our team is
Admin. Head and HR Amber
comprised of our administrative staff. They are in charge of reprimanding, implementing rules, giving out memos, responsibilities and to generally oversee that employees do not abuse the clients or vice-versa.
Being in admin support, as I’ve thoroughly observed is not easy at all. You are the shock absorber of the company. Your boss or clients will relay good or bad feedback for the team members through your division and employees at the same time will air out all of their concerns to you. You have to call the attention of the concerned party in the company and the ones that the company comes across with from time to time. Stating this let’s face it, pride has no taste but it’s the hardest thing to swallow so you can very well expect that not all people will receive your piece of the cake with an open mind.
Most importantly, an admin over a bunch of creative people does not mesh well naturally. Creative people are usually not used to rules let alone legalism. Admin people on the other hand are more meticulous in keeping every part of the company well-oiled and cannot tolerate an excess of freedom that jeopardizes the majority’s well-being. This result to a few bumps in the road like a little bit of friction from time to time but I feel this is necessary for everyone to learn more about each other.
I don’t know with other companies but our admin found a common ground for everyone. Everyone is meeting halfway and is getting along well with a certain level of understanding. Don’t get me wrong, creatives are still creatives here but with the admin’s special touch given a more promising opportunity in the aspect of improvement not only in their craft but in a very holistic manner.
Proj. Management Assistant Krissy
Our administrative team members are not tyrants. They mean business but they also love us. They are the ones who push us to eat, yes eat! Our eyes are often so glued to our screens that we lose track of time. They also take care of things that we have no time to attend to and this is quite a relief. Everything is settled properly in due time because all of us exert an effort to pitch in. Everyone strives to be better because we all feel that everything is done out of genuine concern.
Thank you beloved admin!
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1
2011
The Illumedia Mission and Vision
- Provide employees with opportunities for growth in his/her chosen field of expertise
- Provide the opportunity to work in a happy and conducive environment for work where honesty and integrity take the front seat in dealing with clients and one another
- Encourage lasting and healthy relationships with each other to promote the solidity of the team
- Provide an open and constructive communication and allow a free flowing exchange of ideas
- Promote honest work for honest pay
- Deliver the best quality of work for each client
- Give an opportunity to build own personal portfolio
There are thousands of Mission and Vision Statements out there. They are uplifting yes but are they actually being achieved? Illumedia was but a company that started off with three people and has now ballooned into a group of fourteen individuals. It is officially now more than a month since we’ve actually moved in into a new office with a more organized set-up, I think it’s time for evaluation wouldn’t you agree?
For more than a month now new people have been welcomed, trained and given the chance to build their own personal portfolio.
Camaraderie is slowly being built through weekly company meetings, team meetings and trainings nonetheless. Correction and constructive criticism is practiced through the “Nip things at the bud” philosophy. Anyone who falls into the twilight zone of inefficiency is given a little nudge and given more motivation to fuel up passion once again.
An organizational chart has been properly structured to grant a clear and open line of communication wherein any member of the team’s idea, sentiment or concern is without a doubt given ample opportunity to be heard. So far, this has worked like a charm because response and feedback has been immediate without the compromise of disrupting the flow of productivity in terms of work.
Forty-two days is no guarantee on the accomplishment of what this company has set its heart to achieve but we can safely say that it is wonderfully right on track.
