If You Think It’s Good Enough, Give It Away!

I may have said this before but I’ll say it again, nevertheless. If what you have is good enough, and you’re confident other people will appreciate it, give it away and let them try it “risk free”.

I’m not talking about “free estimates” or “free consultations”. I’m talking about an actual product or service that you are willing to give away or let your potential clients try out, RISK FREE! Okay, this is the part where most of you, businesspeople, are going to go “what!?!”

But hear me out here. Unless, you’re the only one in the world carrying a certain “widget” or “service” that people are willing to die for, you’re going to have to stand out against your competition, bad boy! And if you’re the new kid on the block, why are customers going to risk trying you out?

The goal of giving “it” away is to take away the risk factor. The goal here is to create a non-defensive attitude. The goal is to get your potential clients in the door. People in business call this the “loss leader”. And it is. And yes, there is a great benefit for having a “loss leader” in whatever it is that you do. You want people to latch on to something without them losing anything, except time. If your product or service is good enough, they will stick and stay with you.

So what does this have to do with people who are not in business or who do not have anything to sell? A lot! As a matter of fact, as cliché as it sounds, this practice falls under the “it is better to give, than to receive” category. And rightly so, marketing consultants have seen its value during the recession.

And because this article comes out in time for Valentine’s day, don’t we all do this to our significant others? Don’t we give them something… risk free? Don’t we pay for this and don’t we spend for that? Yes we do! And always, we get something BETTER in return, whether we expect it or not.

It doesn’t matter if it’s business or personal, if you believe that what you have is good enough, give it away! Don’t hold back! It might look like a “loss leader” but the return on investment will always outperform the initial cost of providing that “loss leader”, hands down.

Think about it and have a great day.

Choices. And More Choices

by Paco Arespacochaga

It’s Crazy But It’s True
By Paco Arespacochaga

A time will come when you will have to make a choice. It will be a life changing decision that will require wisdom, a lot of wisdom. It will also require understanding, a lot of understanding from you and for you on most part. The bottom line is that there is no cookie cutter route to this. A friend of mine calls this the moment of being “caught between a rock and a hard place”.

So what do you do when you’re up against the wall, pressed to make a decision? What do you do when you know that this decision will not only impact your life but the lives of people around you? What will you do?

Personally, I would pray and seek guidance from the Lord. I would meditate and spend some quiet time. I’ll fast if I must. Other times, I just jump in headfirst and deal with the consequences or the rewards afterwards.

The point is, at some point, you have to come to terms with yourself. You will have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. You will have to learn how to avoid pleasing everybody. At some point, you will also have to learn to stand up to what you believe in!

I learned to stand up behind my “life changing” decision-making, the hard way. Yes there were memories and opportunities that were given up. Yes, there were lives that were affected by my decision at the time. And yes, there have been rewards as well.

The one thing I am most proud of is my family, or what I define to be my family. I know it’s not perfect to some of you. But make no mistake, it may be crazy but it’s true, I have the perfect family.

I am proud of who I am surrounded with. I am even prouder to be part of their lives however big or small. Go make it a great day!

Review of New Beginnings - INTRoVOYS album

---- blog owner's note: before you begin to read this review. i would like to personally thank Meo for writing such a well written review. please feel free to chime in. and if you don't have the album he's talking about, now would be a good time to purchase it at www.introvoys.net - paco arespacochaga

Here it is...

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Review for New Beginnings
by Romeo D Garcia


The album is still Introvoys in sound and in spirit. But this time, I think its more mature, with more grit, toughness, and definitely more rock.



I particularly like the new versions of Just A Dream and Calling All Nations. These two songs are supposedly, even in their original versions, an upbeat song. The New Beginnings version gave more meaning and truthfulness to the song because of the extended use of guitars.



I think Tell Me Why is better here than the original version. As far as my ears can hear it, this new version was sung by Jonathan, while in the original, it was Paco on vocals. Sorry Paco, but I like the new version. This new version removes the stereotype that comes along everytime I hear the original version, which for me lacks the maturity and seriousness, more like a teenybopper song. Another song which I feel is better here is More than a Friend, for almost the same reason as Tell Me Why, the new version is more adult, mature, and serious.



Two of the songs in here are from the album A Brighter Day, the first album not to be released commercially in the Philippines . In A Little While is a nice song, although I think the lyrics is not tough enough vis-à-vis the beat and the guitars (I may be wrong, I barely understood the lyrics, hehehe). Meanwhile, Desire is like a feel good song with a spice of rock and alternative music. Still sounds distinctly Introvoys though, but no longer the eye-candy Introvoys, but the real musicians. Kudos guys for Desire… I love it!



As for the other songs, I’d take the original of Di Na Ako Aasa Pa over the New Beginnings version. Why? Because I felt that Di Na Ako Aasa Pa is not meant to be tough and rock. I like the balance of guitars and keyboards in the original version, whereas the new version has more guitars. Secondly, I think being a staple Introvoys song, my music databank in the brains just can’t be more objective, and tend to favor the original. Now for the song Living my Life, what I particularly miss was the guitar adlib of Vic Carpio, although the song is still good. Having said that however, the new versions of Line to Heaven and Kailanman are just all right.



Overall, the album simply wants to introduce a more mature, rock-oriented Introvoys, geared towards adult listeners rather than teenagers, which I think is better and only epitomizes your evolution as musicians. Hope you would commercially release new songs (albums) in the Philippines , and re-introduce yourselves in the Philippine music scene. We are tired of revivals coming from the modern musicians in RP.

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Paco, it is not an expert's review, just a few cents worth of opinion from a music listener.

Regards,

Meo
ROMEO D. GARCIA, MPA
Research and Advocacy Manager
Employers Confederation of the Philippines

PI vs RP… Does It Even Matter?

By Paco Arespacochaga

I was at a client’s place of business today, going over his marketing program. After our business transaction, our conversation shifted to a more informal tone and mode. My client, Atty. Charles Gangloff, commended me of my command of the English language. He inquired if I spoke English the way I did. I said “no”. As a matter of fact, I am quite insecure of my capacity to speak in English – writing in English is a different skill altogether.

Our topic brought us too many digressions. At the end of my visit, he thanked me for actually referring to him as “Atty. Gangloff” or “Mr. Gangloff” as opposed to “hey Chuck!” He is 82 years old, by the way. Anyway, he shared with a story wherein he and his wife entered a restaurant and was greeted by the host with something like this… “Hey GUYS! Whadya havin’ tonight?”

The man studied law and has a Phd. He has been practicing for the last 30 years. He goes to a restaurant and the waitress calls the couple “GUYS”. First of all, Atty Gangloff’s wife isn’t a “guy”. That’s me being sarcastic. The point I’m trying to get across is that; please call somebody by the title they wear. And when in doubt, please refer to them as “mister” or “miss”. Remember, this man spends countless hours and probably sleepless nights reading books and learning how to become what he is… a lawyer. Give him the title by showing some respect.

“Hey man! I’m going to the P.I. (or Philippine Islands) for Christmas!” is not an uncommon statement among Pinoys abroad. However, the correct and formal name of the Philippines is in fact R.P. (or the Republic of the Philippines.)

Filipinos, who live in the Philippines, don’t really appreciate anybody referring to the Philippines as P.I. because that term has long gone. It was a name used by the Spanish Explorer, Ruy Lopez de Villalobos – Las Islas Filipinas, back in the day. But this was during the Spanish era. The Americans translated the name in English, hence the term Philippine Islands. But you see, the Philippines isn’t JUST a group of islands anymore.

We’ve fought hard for our freedom and independence. We’ve established and re-established our own form of government and constitution. We’ve fought hard to make the Philippines a sovereign nation. We are far from being called Las Islas Filipinas.

This being said, it’s just like the story of Atty Gangloff. I say, give credit where credit is due and call it as it is.

The Philippines is a sovereign nation with a people proud of where they are. We’re more than mere Philippine Islands (P.I.)

We are the Republic of the Philippines!

A Nice "Thank You" From a Good Friend

I am humbled and privileged to have had some influence on this man's life. Thank you for your acknowledgement Donnee!

I read Marc Tupaz' note on Facebook and he talked about two people that have somewhat influenced him and his musical career path. Reading it made me smile. I hope it makes you smile too!

Fellas... read on below!

Twist of Fate and Contrasting Mentors
by Marc Tupaz

Those who have known me for a long time know that i started my singing career as a soloist. Little did i know at the time that two contrasting personalities would shape my career in a weird twist of fate. As a soloist, there were many words one could use to describe what i was as a singer. Sucks, Lost, Raw,Talentless,Stubborn,Lazy were all among the equation.

Rockstar number 1: I met rockstar number 1 one night at Bedrock in Malate. My 1st impression, What a jerk! hahaha but if there's any truth to the saying 1st impressions last then it is very untrue in this case. You could see right away that he was very good with his craft and enjoyed the limelight very much. He never ran out of ideas and wether some good and some are bad, he had enough talent to make it work.

Rock star 1 is better known as INTROVOYS drummer/ Actor, Paco Arespacochago or Enrico as we call him. Most people would say that he is a love him or hate him kinda guy and i love this guy like a brother. I was starting out my band at the time that i met him i think way back in 2001 and when he heard i was planning to put up my own band it almost seemed he was more excited than i was. Always vivacious and full of life, Paco always offered advice whether or not i wanted to hear it. The hardest thing for a young singer at the time was to be told what your flaws were but without saying it straight out, i knew what he was saying. Instead of telling me that our set was bad, he would tell me that there was something wrong with our lineup. Instead of saying that i sucked, he said music is hard and there's alot to be learned. But i knew what he was talking about. With Paco i learned to have a controlled amount of angst.. just enough for my personality. He enjoyed music so much that he wanted me to feel that joy for myself by pushing me with encouraging words. If he ever had anything bad to say about my singing or performance at the time i would never hear it. Instead he would break down what i can improve on future performances. With Paco i learned to be confident, and with a guy like him he had alot of confidence to spare hahaha no pun intended. Paco didnt mentor my singing but he mentored my feelings and outlook. Under his tutelage i can say i was half ready to take on the showbiz world. Best Paco Arespacochaga quotes: " Kahit nagkakamali ka na sa stage kailangan pogi ka parin!" 2. " Ang galing natin kanina Donnee. and of course my favorite quote.. 3. Harald and Paco having a conversation: Paco-" Harry, drumming is like having sex. You have to look sexy doing it. Kinda like having sex with a woman." Harald- "........." Paco- "You have had sex right?" Harald- "uh.. no" Paco-"......." " How about masturbation? Do you masturbate?"

Exodus: It was Paco's bday and there was a party at the famous compound. (Paco's apartment compund). Everyone was drinking including yours truly. I met Ira Cruz for the first time and everyone was either loud, rowdy or drunk. Then i was introduced to Rock star number 2.

Rockstar 2: Was quiet, cool and calmly drinking his beer when i was introduced to him. This is Wency Cornejo as Paco introduced me to the quiet intimidating man drinking his beer. I said, I know him. He's the singer of After Image i told Paco. Paco bit confused asked me.." How do you know After Image when you grew up in the states and not know Introvoys songs till you met me?" " I don't know" was my answer but i did know because i heard After Image songs in the U.S. Wency mentioned to Paco that he needed a backup band for his solo gigs because Color It Red was abroad so Paco offered my band. Wency in many ways is different from Paco and he would probably add that they are very different. We backed up Wency for a couple of his shows and during the drinking sessions after the shows i saw it as my opportunity to ask away my heart's desire better ways to improve myself. Unlike Paco, Wency rarely offers advise unless asked and ask away i did. During countless drinking sessions, I learned more about the quiet man who was oozing with talent and his songs, how he writes them,the meanings,the heart and experiences that make this quiet man as loud as he can be onstage and or when writing songs. It's funny how most of wency's advice contradicts whatever i learned from Paco. Confused as i was i slowly realized that music in all aspects is a contradiction that's why it's so wonderful. I learned how two different people as Wency and Paco are in the extreme, can make things work their own way. This is the point in my life when you could throw out the word "lost" from the list of words to describe me as a singer.Wency in a weird twist of fate completed what Paco started especially now with Paco living in the U.S. My favorite wency quote will always be " I'm proud of you." For a man of few words when it comes to those kind of things, It was worth a million words of encouragement.

My two brothers, two mentors, opposite sides of the world now. Without either of you, There will be no Marc Tupaz of Shamrock. Your legacies in the music industry will always be remembered. But your impact on me will never be forgotten. Sucks, Lost, Raw,Talentless,Stubborn,Lazy may or may have not been totally removed from the equation, but thanks to these guys and my bandmates atleast i know i improved and still am improving. Cheers to you guys! Shamrock's latest unreleased album is now part of your legacy also.

There Should've Been a Better Way to Read That Inauguration Poem

I was glued to my TV to witness history unfolding right before my eyes as my 5 month old baby slept like... a BABY!

Watching ex-presidents, the current one and the soon-to-be president all in one historic location was itself a sight to behold! Icing on the cake were performances by Yo Yo Ma and Co and Aretha Franklin. I was told that Charisse Pempenco was going to be there. My bad! She was at the Inauguration PARTY. Anyway, I was also anticipating poet Elizabeth Alexander, who was being raved at by different bloggers and different publications. I also read that during Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, she was there, being a year old and on her father's shoulders listening.

When they called her to read her poem, I kinda felt insecure about my ability to appreciate poems. Don't get me wrong. I like poems! As a matter of fact, I liked her "Stravinsky in LA" poem! So imagine my dismay when she got behind the pulpit to read her Inauguration Poem like a GPS asking a driver to "turn right" or "turn left". Where was the passion and emotion in her voice? I wanted to feel it but I wasn't. Half way through her poem, I had to force myself to appreaciate her poem delivery the way I used to force myself to swollow a tablespoon of COD liver oil!

*sigh*

I probably just expected much from her, I suppose.