I resigned from my job as a 3D artist doing graphics for commercials at a local post house, and now that I have more free time on my hands I decided to take up something different from what I normally do but still computer related.  Also, because I teach MAYA at PCCI as well I got a good price for the class.

The classes at PCCI are always small; in this case there were seven of us learning Dreamweaver.  In my class, we have on the average four to five students--even as few as three at times.  Having been a student and an instructor, I can see how a small class size helps.  It’s easier to call someone’s attention to something if you don’t have nineteen other people trying to do the same thing.

I also better appreciate their intensive approach to teaching.  It is daunting, to be sure, to have to learn a software application in four days, but the benefits are immediate.  You can be up and running in four days, as opposed to three months elsewhere.

You also get a copy of the course material to do the exercises again if you feel you need to, and evaluation copies of the software as well.

I was also fortunate enough to attend PEZA’s 11th Investors’ Recognition Day lunch in the Tent at the Harbor Garden, Philippine Plaza, CCP complex (along Roxas Boulevard).  PEZA, or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, handles incentives and promotions for foreign investors.

Being connected to the Department of Trade (DOT; aren’t we full of abbreviations today?),  the PEZA helps ensure that foreign companies who want to set up shop here have world-class, environment friendly and secure locations to do so.

Some of their incentives for foreign companies include tax holidays, or certain exemptions from income taxes for a certain number of years.  As a result many of the investors are able to turn a profit within the first year of operation.

The Investors’ Recognition Day is an annual event, and PEZA’s way of saying thank you to their investors.

There are a variety of different categories for which a company can be awarded, ranging from being environmentally conscious to being a shining example of being good emp

It’s good to know that many of the companies that were given awards this year are technology companies.  It’s encouraging to know that computer and technology companies are responsible entities and helpful to the community as well. 

Drum roll please!  The technology and gadget company awardees this year are:

In the Outstanding Exporters category, the companies that have shown outstanding performance in exports over a three year period are:

Panasonic Communications Philippines, Corporation
Philips Semiconductors Philippines, Incorporated
Rohm Electronics Philippines, Incorporated
Samsung Electronics Philippines Manufacturing Corporation

In the Outstanding Employers category, employers that have generated the most number of jobs, have held a high regard for the welfare of their workforce and have maintained a good working relationship between management and labor are:

Epson Precision (Philippines), Incorporated
Lexmark International (Philippines), Incorporated
Philips Semiconductors Philippines, Incorporated
Toshiba Information Equipment (Philippines), Incorporated

In the Outstanding Community Project category, given to companies which have strengthened their relationship with the communities through pro-community projects such as medical and dental outreach and scholarship programs, the notable companies are:

Amkor Technology Philippines, Incorporated
Philips Semiconductors Philippines, Incorporated
Samsung Electronics Philippines Manufacturing Corporation
Toshiba Information Equipment (Philippines), Incorporated

In the Outstanding Environmental Performers category, given to companies that have shown outstanding concern for the environment though their business practices and procedures while simultaneously sustaining economic growth, the notable companies are:

Texas Instruments Philippines, Incorporated
Toshiba Information Equipment (Philippines), Incorporated

IONICS EMS was also elevated to the Hall of Fame for being an Outstanding Employer for three years in a row.  Other Hall of Famers include Texas Instruments; Fujitsu Computer Products Corporation; Toshiba Information Equipment (Philippines), Incorporated; Intel Technology, Philippines; Amkor Technology; Hitachi Global Storage Technologies; Integrated Microelectronics, Incorporated; Epson Precision, Incorporated; and Lexmark International.

Congratulations to everyone!