A Googleplex Throwback

I was a scout for Google in my past life.  That's what they used to call us (being lone feet on the ground). It was hard and we coped by having calls with our regional scout siblings. We had one international meet-up in Mountain View in 2007. We were not complete since the others couldn't get their visas on time. 

When I was cleaning up my childhood home, I found a framed photo which I made back in 2007. It included the names of the other scouts and then CEO, Eric Schmidt. I did that so I don't forget their names, especially since the others were from other regions. 

We were late for our meeting with Sundar because we had to
ride a bike to transfer buildings. It was hard!

That week with the other scouts was one of the highlights of my stay at Google. We got to meet the CEO and I remember meeting the current CEO, Sundar Pichai (he was still a VP back then). Ahh, but what I remember most from that week was learning how to play bocca and meeting fellow Pinoy Googlers. 

And here's little me with my Chilean and Colombian siblings, Jim and Francisco.

We bonded by figuring out what words in Filipino was similar to their language.

We planned to write a book a few years ago, but everyone's so busy. I guess we'll have to wait until everyone's retired, haha. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Where to Buy Pixel Phones and Chromebooks

My Pixel 7a died. It was affected by the battery issue. It was doing well, but for a few weeks the battery started going crazy. It would suddenly drop to zero even at 40%. I immediately searched for solutions and found several options: (1) Turn on battery saver; (2) Check if your phone is eligible for the extended repair program.

A friend bought the phone for me 2 years ago in Singapore. My phone was eligible for the program. I chose to get a voucher since I'm unable to bring the phone to Singapore (plus it would be scary to bring a bloated phone on a flight!). We'll eventually need to buy something if the future and I was able to use the phone anyway for two years and my 4a still works!

Anyway, I started to look around for a replacement. I didn't want to buy my friends in Singapore, plus I don't know if anyone's coming home soon. I know you can buy at GameXtreme online, but I don't want to get stressed over delivery. I found out about their physical stores, so we dropped by last weekend. They have Pixel phones, Chromebooks, Nest devices, Chromecast, and watches. The don't have it on hand all the time, so it's best to call and make a reservation. 

They had an available Asus Chromebook for only PhP9,900! It was so tempting, but my Chromebook is still solidly useful and my older Chromebooks are all still working! I saw they also have HP Chromebooks on their website (only PhP11,995!). I've been using a Chromebook for all my computer needs! That includes blogging, editing videos and photos. I'm just like any user, nothing hardcore, so a Chromebook works for me! 

Oh, I digressed! Haha! Anyway, at least you can buy a Pixel phone now at a physical shop. If you're not comfortable ordering it online just go to GameXtreme. It's useful to call ahead and reserve what you want to buy so they can have it on hand when you go.

RIP my Pixel 7a phone, huhu. (

#BeKind #StaySafe

10 Years

It's been ten years since I embarked on the journey with Google and what a ride it has been.

Ten years ago I applied to be the country consultant for the Philippines on a whim (actually more out of frustration over a former boss). It took me almost six months to muster up the guts to send in my application. It was a huge surprise that I got a response from recruitment within 24 hours. After months of deliberation, background checks I onboarded on a new journey on my birthday.

A few weeks later I found myself on my first plane ride to the US. I was so scared and promptly cried when I stepped out of the San Francisco Airport. When I arrived at the hotel in Mountain View the hotel reception said my sister called several times already and she had sent me a package. It was a thick jacket since she knew I'd be cold. I knew then that I'd be okay.

I still remember my first day at campus. I entered the building with much trepidation as I did not know what to expect. I was telling myself, "What have you gotten yourself into?" After passing through reception I was told to have a snack at the micro-kitchen and there I met Francisco from Colombia. Eventually the other scouts arrived and we were ushered in a room where we had countless trainings and throughout the two weeks we met product managers, big bosses (i.e. Alan Eustace and now CEO Sundar Pichai) and we got a glimpse of Sergey Brin zipping around on a segueway.

It was like being in a dream (a seriously jetlagged dream) and I now remember only bit and pieces. That two weeks though forged a fellowship and friendship among seven people. We all didn't really know what exactly we were going to do. All we knew was we had a big mission to fulfill. Throughout the years we only see each other sparingly, but we'd get on calls every so often to check on each other. And whatever we've been through, we understand each other the best.

Now it's been almost ten years since that fateful year that brought us together. I'm the only one left from our batch in our region, but that special sibling bond is still there and will be there for many years to come. We are planning to do something together, but let's see how long it takes to do. We'll probably get to it on our 15th year as you know how we always try to iterate things.