Icasma

19/06/2026

Time to sit, time to think, time to Pop

20/12/2025

Be aware of the scammers.

A short ducktail, and a timely reminder.

Today it is far too easy to pretend to be someone else. Same tone. Same style. A “new number” message landed with a familiar story: in hospital, temporary phone, urgent help needed. The aim was clear. Push for a quick GCash or Tikkie transfer before questions are asked.

What the sender didn’t account for was context.

Our yellow duck was supposedly in trouble, yet all the ducks were on the same island, together, enjoying a company outing. One simple check was enough. The story collapsed instantly.

What followed was swift and collective. Messages went back. The number went silent. A digital trail remains, and the right parties now have something to follow up on.

This isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about being present, aware, and willing to pause for thirty seconds before acting.

Scammers rely on urgency. Awareness breaks the chain.

09/12/2025

29/11/2025

The wave hit just right, showed up when it mattered.

The year began with great confidence. He grabbed the board and caught the waves. One was strong and steady, he rode it high. Then came a setback: a shark pretending to be a dolphin, slowing the pace and muddying the water. But a group of orcas appeared and slowly took the shark down. What followed wasn’t just another ride, it was The Big One.

Truth does not bend. When someone twists facts or hides behind a false face, reality always catches up. And when it does, those who once stood beside you quietly begin to drift away.

The wave catcher didn’t fall. He grew stronger, and so did the community around him. Now, they’re ready to ride The Big Ones together.

Catching waves isn’t easy. But with the right mindset, discipline, and the guidance of those who’ve mastered the surf, staying steady becomes second nature.

Stay humble. Don’t become The Shark.
One minute to midnight?
Still not too late.



This is a fictive story, shared purely for reflection, learning, and a touch of entertainment.

P.S. The wave in the photo wasn’t captured by me — it’s Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, California.

31/10/2025

Happy Halloween!

Don’t be a vampire at work, the one who drains the life out of every project.

In BPO, outsourcing, or AI dev teams, we build with energy, not fear.
We create, collaborate, and keep things moving, no ghosts in the workflow.

Build teams that bring life, not take it.

And tonight, Halloween party time, it’s your turn to shine, to nibble, and to party. You’ve earned it.



Ps: Image creation by bestgrafix.com

29/08/2025

When in Pampanga, or driving along NLEX,

Starbucks is more than a brand. It’s not always the top of the line, but every time I step inside, there’s that familiar warm welcome, no matter the location.

I often use Starbucks as my quick pit stop to get some work done, read through reports, or catch up on emails—always behind a secure VPN. And yes, we tend to pick the ones with complimentary Wi-Fi for that extra convenience.

After a bit of digging, I found out that within a 30–40 minute drive from my base, there are 24 Starbucks locations. Out of those, 11 offer complimentary Wi-Fi. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference when you’re on the move.

Whether it’s a short meeting, a solo work session, or just a quiet break before hitting the road again, these spots have been reliable companions. Consistency, comfort, and that cup in hand, that’s what keeps me coming back.

Do you have a favourite Starbucks along your route? Let’s compare notes over coffee.



PS: Not affiliated, just sharing a set of spots worth checking out.

25/08/2025

Today, the Philippines observes National Heroes Day 2025, a moment to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and vision of those who shaped the nation’s path to freedom and progress.

It is not only a day to honour the historical figures whose names are written in history books, but also a time to recognise the countless Filipinos who contribute daily to the country’s growth—teachers, healthcare workers, community leaders, and every individual striving to build a stronger future.

On this day, citizens and expatriates alike stand as one in respect for the nation’s heroes, past and present. National Heroes Day serves as a reminder that leadership, service, and resilience can be found in both extraordinary acts and everyday efforts.

13/08/2025

When in Angeles City, Pampanga,

Sipping a cracking cup of coffee from But First, Coffee (BFC), I jumped into a virtual chat with an Australian security expert who’s spent years helping businesses lock down their systems. The topic? How to secure endpoints when 90% of your workforce is scattered across the globe, working remotely.

We dug into best practices, and what to avoid. For starters, a robust endpoint security strategy needs to prioritise visibility: you’ve got to know every device connecting to your network, whether it’s in Sydney or São Paulo. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is non-negotiable, as is ensuring all endpoints have up-to-date antivirus and encryption. Regular patch management and employee training on phishing risks were high on the list too. But here’s the kicker: overcomplicating things with too many tools or neglecting to monitor user behaviour can leave gaps. Simplicity, consistency, and real-time monitoring are key to staying ahead of threats.

The virtual vibe at BFC, paired with a strong brew, made this discussion a proper spark for ideas. It’s a reminder that even in a remote world, the right approach, and a good coffee can keep things secure and connected. What’s your go-to strategy for securing remote endpoints? I’d love to hear your thoughts over a virtual cuppa!

Thinking of catching up soon, online or in person? Let’s talk over a cup.
So, what’s brewing in your world?



But First, Coffee (BFC)
The Shoppes at Infinity - PUROK 4, Angeles, 2009 Pampanga

PS: Not affiliated—just sharing a great spot worth checking out.

27/07/2025

When in Telebastagan, Pampanga

Sunday's are best spent with the people you love, and we found the perfect little spot to do just that.

We dropped by Paya St. Coffee in Orchard Telabastagan, just a short ride from SM Telabastagan. It’s a small 18-square-metre café, quietly tucked away, with a relaxed feel and a sense of community that instantly puts you at ease.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee welcomed us as we walked in. No fuss, no overdone interiors, just clean walls, good music, and great vibes. My wife, our son, and I went for their Sea Salt Latte and Paya Coffee. Smooth, full of flavour, not too sweet, just how I like it. The kids went for the coffee jelly (a hit), and the vacuum-sealed brownies were a nice touch—simple but surprisingly good.

The best part? It gave us time. Time to slow down, share a laugh, and enjoy being together. You don’t need much space when the atmosphere’s right. The team behind the counter were warm, welcoming, and made us feel like locals, even if it was our first visit.

You’ll find them at Orchard Telabastagan, San Fernando, Pampanga, and they’ve got branches in Don Ramon Village and Greenfields too. Worth checking out if you’re around.

Let me know if you're in the area—happy to grab a cup and chat. It’s always nice to share a good spot with good people.



P.S. Not a paid post. Just sharing something we genuinely enjoyed!

29/06/2025

When in Clark, Pampanga,

You know you’ve found a gem when the aroma of freshly brewed coffee pulls you in before you even see the counter. That’s exactly what happened when I found myself at La Nilad Coffee and Tea, tucked comfortably on the 2nd floor of SM City Clark, just in front of CyberZone.

It’s more than just a coffee stop, it’s a place where good design meets good conversation. With a mix of high tables and cozy seating, it’s perfect for everything from a casual catch-up to focused work chats. I dropped by for a quick break, and the menu didn’t disappoint: well-crafted coffee, thoughtful tea blends, and the kind of staff that makes you want to stay just a bit longer.

In the middle of a call about new projects (exciting things coming soon), I realised again how the right setting can spark the best ideas. Coffee shops like these remind me why local spots matter: they’re where connections begin, where ideas brew, and where the journey continues.

Thinking of catching up soon, online or in person? Let’s talk over a cup.

So, what’s brewing in your world?



📍La Nilad Coffee and Tea
2/F SM City Clark, Manuel A. Roxas Hwy, Clark Freeport, Mabalacat City

PS: Not affiliated—just sharing a great spot worth checking out.