Octwelve - A Web Designer's Blog by Luc Melgar » Personal

Happy here in Singapore :)

Luc — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 08:13:37 +0000

It’s been 7 months since I wrote something in my blog. And it’s been 1 year and 4 months since I joined Comnet here in Singapore. It’s been a busy year for me. No wonder I can’t even update my blog. Even though, being an employee is not as comfortable as being a freelancer, what i can say is, I’m happy here. It’s the people around me, the colleagues, friends, the good and evil clients that you have to deal with, the feeling that people are relying on you, that you are an important player in the team, the joy we share whenever WE did a good job for a project, the knowledge that we pass on each other, and ofcourse, the craziness in the office! These are the things that I didn’t have when I was working alone as a freelancer.

My goal is to learn as many things as possible and be more effective with my work. How I wish I can free up some more time to study, blog, take photos with L. And how I wish to to have more salary so I’ll be even more happier hahaha! ^_^

Octwelve on .net magazine

Luc — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:50:14 +0000

I’m on the reader’s showcase of .net magazine’s january 2009 issue. I’ve been dreaming of being featured on publications and I never imagined it would be on my favorite magazine. I am soo honored! It’s a- dream come true! What a way to start my new year! :)

Technorati Tags: .net magazine, practical web design, popular web design magazine

Singapore Countdown to 2009 Fireworks!

Luc — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:12:51 +0000

My 2008 has been great! And now I’m looking ahead for 2009. Cheers everyone! Happy New Year!
Here’s a video of the fireworks display we’ve captured at the Marina Bay.

It is quite challenging to shoot fireworks. I’ve only captured 3 good pics haha

Technorati Tags: fireworks, singapore, marina bay, 2009

An Interview with Spicy Web Designers

Luc — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:56:23 +0000

I did an interview for www.spicywebdesigners.com, a site which showcases the hottest web designers… (oohh I’m hot?! ^_^) Want to share it with you. http://spicywebdesigners.com/2008/10/spicy-web-designer-interview-with-maryluc-melgar/

Thanks for reading!

Octwelve wins the Best Blog Design of the Philippine Blog Awards 2008!!

Luc — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:49:05 +0000

Woohooo! I did it guys! This is the biggest recognition Octwelve has ever had and ofcourse it’s the most special because it’s from my homeland. I really wish I was there at the event. Thing is I didn’t receive a notice earlier. If I only knew I could’ve booked just for the event. So shall I give my thank you speech here instead ^_^.

Ehemmmm…

I would like to thank those people who appreciate my designs and my blog. Thanks to Conrad for nominating me. Thanks to my followers for your support specially Jokay and Joni for their effort to vote for me for the People’s Choice Award hehe. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to that award girls. But thanks a lot!! I’m really flattered. It really makes my day whenever I receive emails of compliments. And I’m really glad to know that I inspire some people and make some fellow filipino designers proud of me.You know these kind of words really gives me the motivation to continue what I’m doing. You guys make my stressful day good :) So big big thanks!! Thanks for all your support guys!!!

Haha Oscars?!

Lastly, congrats to all the winners!! Asteeg ng pinoy!

Check out the winners at www.philippineblogawards.com.ph

PS:
Somebody tell me how to claim my award!!! :D

Watch the live video streaming of Philippine Blog Awards ’08

Luc — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:36:54 +0000

The video streaming will start at 5:30pm of September 21, 2008, Manila time.

Update: Finalist for Best Blog Design

Luc — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:10:49 +0000

Ok guys, this is getting more exciting! I’m also a finalist for the Best Blog Design category. Too bad I can’t make it to the awards night. I really want to see the event! Luckily there will be a live stream! Yay!

Here’s a behind the scene of PBA ’08 Video Shoot

Behind the Scenes: PBA 2008 Video Shoot from Coy Caballes on Vimeo.

The nominees are:

Accidental Rebel
Blog of a Freelance Web Designer
Dodski
Noel Perlas – Perlas Design Studio
OctTwelve
Pinoy Teens Online
Redberger
Stellify
Strawberry Colada
Stylemo
Tonet’s Daily
Well Whatever

Good luck to us guys!

Event sponsored by:

Co-Presentors
Level Up! Games
San Miguel Corporation
Nokia
Blog Bank
Smart Communications
Josiah’s Catering
Toshiba
Geiser Maclang
San Miguel Corporation

Gold Sponsors
Rsun My Technology Store
Yahoo
2go

Belo Medical Group
XFM 92.3
Buddy Gancencia Reality TV
Ultravision Photo and Video
Click Booth
Aloha Board Sports
Sheero Media Solutions
YourPinoyBroker.com
PLDT
Red Box
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Havaianas

California Pizza Kitchen

David and Goliath

Media Partners
Inquirer.Net
ROAM Magazine
flippish tv

Octwelve is a finalist in the Philippine Blog Awards 2008! Yay! Vote for me!

Luc — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:33:45 +0000

Voting for the bloggers choice award is now open! And yes, I’m late :P

Anyway, I’m really really excited about this! A few months back, one guy told me that he nominated me for this blog award. It’s like the most prestigious blog award in the Philippines. I didn’t get a confirmation email about this so I thought I didn’t make it. But today, I’m totally surprised that I made it to the finals!! Wow!

So guys, vote for me ^_^ Why? I dunno why I deserve it. All I know is I want to be recognize in my own country. It’ll be very special :) Thing is this blog is more popular in foreign countries than in my own homeland.

How to vote? Here’s the tricky part..

To vote, you MUST be a Filipino blogger, which means, you need to own a blog. You might be blogging on Blogger, WordPress.Com, Live Journal, Friendster, Multiply, or on a self-hosted blog—it doesn’t matter—the point is, you need to have a blog to vote. Your blog must be established at least three (3) months from today with a minimum of 10 posts.

Step 1.
On your blog, tell why you want me to win.

Step 2.
Submit that post URL and basic info to the Philippine Blog Awards committee using this form

What you get out of this? Well, you can make me happy, which I really need because I’ve been unhappy lately ^_^ Plus you also get a chance to win a Nokia N82.

Thanks guys!! Cheers!

Geez! Hell of a Week!

Luc — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:04:09 +0000

Because accomodation in Singapore is so damn expensive, foreign workers usually share the house. In my case, I rented a room of an old psycho lady. She accused me of stealing her bloody picture and started doing funny stuff to me. It’s a totally lame accusation to kick me out. There’s one night that she didn’t let me in. In the middle of the night, I had to go back to our office and spend the night there. I never thought I could encounter people like this in Singapore. I thought Singapore is a very very safe and peaceful place to live in. But there are many cheaters out there. My colleague has been cheated twice too. I wanted to move to another place as soon as possible but she gave a deadline shorter than what I’ve expected…2 days. Stress stress stresss…

Now I’m staying at a temporary room here at Toa Payoh. I’ve been here for a week. Tomorrow I’ll be moving to another house shared with a filipino family in Bedok. I have a good feeling that I’ll be ok there. The people and house is nicer, unlike my last house in Hougang, which is so rubbish like the owner. First time, I went inside that house at Hougang, I had a feeling that I don’t really like it…I had a bad vibe. I guess vibes are true. Thank God, I’m out of that house. And I gotta thank my colleagues too for helping me to get the hell out.

It’s so tough to be living like this…like homeless. And I felt so alone. Then 2 of my friends in the office left the company, so that adds up to my loneliness too. I’m so homesick. That time I just want to go back to Manila and sleep on my warm comfy bed, a place to call my own. But I wasn’t allowed coz I have to give a 2 weeks notice ahead if I want a vacation. I’m so stressed and depressed (i never cried though). I really need a vacation to rest my weary mind. But I found out that my mom wouldn’t be home this month to settle some things. So even if I go back, I’ll be home alone anyway. So that adds up to my sadness again. I’m unhappy lately…

That time, I wanted to give up everything here in Singapore too. I was thinking, why do I have to go through all of this, I don’t need this, why am i doing this to myself, for what reason. I was just so stressed about the house issue and I guess I’m also tired from work. I don’t have much free time as I used to have when I was freelancing. I’ve been working continuously for almost 4 months, quite an achievement for me. But then after talking to a friend, she said I’m still the same person who easily gives up on things when she doesn’t want what she wanted before just because it’s becoming a bumpy ride. Still the same person who escapes problems because it’s the easiest option. And it kinda hit me..I don’t wanna be unfair to anyone anymore. I had my lessons.

To end this, a short word from me who has never dealt with this kind of obstacle before. I don’t really know if it’s a serious problem or I’m just being an emo haha..So yeah whatever :P

Just smile and act the way like you always do. Don’t be depressed as it only makes you weak inside. Even if you have an easier option, think of what you really want and hold on to it without having to give up anything or anyone. Don’t give up so easily just because of obstacles. Instead, see this as an opportunity to improve our lives. It might not be easy but if it’s something that you believe in, and you’re not affecting anyone, things will go your way.

The Designer is OUT

Luc — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:34:38 +0000

Being an employee drains out a lot of energy. And if I become an employee and a freelancer at the same time, it will also gonna drain out my sanity. Because of this, I won’t be able to take on freelance projects…at least not at the moment.

This lifestyle is totally different. But I decided to give more time for myself and chill out.

I’m terribly sorry if I wasn’t able to get back to you if you contacted me for a quote.

I’ve received some FAQ and here’s my answer.

Q: Are you looking for employment?
A: No, I’m not. I’m already employed.

Q: Do you have time to work on our website?
A: Not much, but it depends how much you’re willing to pay me ^_^

Q: Can you do our website in exchange for free hosting or link because we’re quite popular?
A: No thanks. Unfortunately, my landlord doesn’t accept free hosting or link exchange as a payment.

Q: When will you be available?
A: Honestly, I don’t know. Time is off my hands now. Occassionally, I’ll be available and I’ll definitely give a shout.

I hope you don’t forget Luc, your friendly neighborhood designer. She’ll be back once in a while to work on your site. For the meantime, let her chill :)