1. What is the good news in “Magandang Balita?” What inspired you to make this your blog’s name?

The good news about Magandangbalita.com is it’s about good and positive news and information, particularly in the Philippines. Even though I have been remiss lately, I still have bigger plans for the blog.

I envision it to be an alternative news source, as well as a hub for inspiration and success. Many of my early entries focused on positive thinking, goal setting, life planning and good news. I eventually found the local blogosphere and deemed it good news (and it is). But it’s only the beginning.

Magandangbalita.com was created to become a positive influence. I did not find a news or media source devoted to good news in 2004. Happynews.com and Goodnewspilipinas.com came later. I am happy that they “stole” my idea. But I still hope to give them a run for the niche in the future. Maybe sooner than later.

I believe in the Filipino and in the Philippines. There is still hope and it is up to us to work towards prosperity, abundance and success. And hopefully, Magandangbalita.com will play a part in the re-building of our country.

2. About Positive Mindset: At what point in your life did having a Positive Mindset help you the most?

That point was when I decided to consciously become positive. Before that point, I was limited and stagnating. I could feel that I can do more, yet something was holding me back. Ever since I chose to become positive, many of my self-imposed barriers were lifted, my self-limiting beliefs disintegrated. I used to think that I could not run a website myself because I didn’t have the skills. Now I have some blogs I administer myself. I used to fear that the worst things will happen in my projects and endeavors. Now, though I am aware of the possibilities of things going haywire, my confidence level has gone up. I have a good percentage of successes. I used to think asking was a negative trait, now I ask and most of the time get the answer quickly with a smile. the Though I still experience failures, they don’t affect me that much. Instead, I turn them into learning experiences – making a negative thing positive.

One big bonus I got with a positive mindset is better health. I used to have colds and allergies almost every three weeks. Now, I very rarely experience sneezing spells. I recommend positive thinking to everyone. Even if you are skeptical, it will do wonders for you, one way or another.
3. Entrepreneurship: What’s your dream business to start up? How far are you getting along?

One of my greatest goals at this point is to create a free online school. My ideal start-up would be an eLearning company that manages this project. I’ve always considered myself an engineer by education, an educator by vocation. If I express my passion for learning and technology in this way, I am sure that my dreams of financial independence will also be fulfilled. Like many, I believe if you do what you love, the money will follow.

How far along am I? I have the blueprint in my head which needs to be written down. I know the tools that I need and they are easily and available for free. I have a plan on how to start the ball rolling. I even have a website though it needs more care. Now that I am putting these things out in the open, I hope I can focus more on doing than thinking. Anybody out there who wants to help me out?

4. At the start of the year, you posted your 2007 predictions: What to Expect in 2007: On Blogs, Blogging and Bloggers. Now that we’re approaching the half of the year, are we getting there? What needs to be done for this to happen in 2007?

I almost forgot about this entry! But you know what, almost all of them have come to fruition already. To wit:

1. More Filipino bloggers will go pro.

J. Angelo cooked up two new blog networks. Jhay, Jeff and are now pro-blogging. BayanihanBlogNetwork too got Eugene aka Seav and some others in the act. Maybe I’ll for a network blog too, who knows? I might even get you Migz (for free hahaha).

2. Institutions accepting blogs as a new medium.

Gmanews.tv having blogs is the best example for this. Mainstream going new media.

3. Blogs as news.

Well. Actually, this blogger became news. A good thing it is good news for all bloggers and “internet workers” like him.
4. Schools to use blogs as communication and educational tools.

Think Pisay Meets World thanks to Sir Martin. I’m sure other teachers and academic institutions are using this tool though they have not caught the attention of the blogging public. If you know anybody who has used/is using/will use blogging in any way connected to local Philippine schools, please feel free to drop me a message.
5. Blog Collaborations

PinoyMomsNetwork, PinoyPetsNetwork just to name two.

6. Blog Awards.

Though I was part of the organizing committee, I had no idea that Abe, Jayvee and Gail were up to something that gave birth to the Philippine Blog Awards 2007.

7. Other Bloggy Thoughts

• Lobbying through blogs. – Maybe this will start with the new congress. With Abe’s case, FOSS, paypal, etc - maybe we can use blogging to make our voice heard.
• More inspirational bloggers - My links at MabutingBalita.net have grown since. many priests and lay people are blogging.
• Politicians to use blogs as platforms – Dr. Martin Bautista used this in a limited way. Anticipate more politicians who will maximize the potential of blogging.

5. How has blogging helped your faith?

I started my personal ministry, MabutingBalita.net, and the weekly email I sent to encourage others, to lift spirits and to remind them of God’s love. Little did I know that I would also benefit greatly from the emails I receive, the people who contribute and write for the newsletter. As I gave, others freely gave back. Their stories and example inspire me to walk the journey of faith with hope and expectations.

After discerning that this is a ministry that I think God wanted me to do, I started even when I had doubts. No plans, no marketing. What started out with friends, family and officemates of around 50, the email list has grown to more than 2000 and counting. The phenomenal growth I can only attribute to God’s hand. The greatest faith lesson I’ve learned so far is “If you sense God is asking you to do something, even when it seems hard or impossible, just do your part. He will do the rest.”
That’s it. Thanks Migz for the questions.

So if you want me to ask you questions:

1. Leave me a comment saying “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.