b5media

September 27th,2005

Blogger Interview: Jayvee Fernandez

By Jeremy Wright

This is the first in a series of what will hopefully become weekly blogger interviews. As we’ve said all along, our goal is for our bloggers and authors to be the ‘heroes’ of this network, and this is just one way we feel we can promote them as individuals.

First up this week is Jayvee, who currently authors Cellphone9.

Who is Jayvee Fernandez?

note: image courtesy of m|ph: mobile philippines.

I heard he’s this really eccentric guy who had a passion for writing stories and poems when he was small. One day though, back in 2000, or was it 2001, he saw a website of Handspring’s Visor Deluxe. Now he’s been very curious about gadgets at that time but the Visor spurred his interest because you could add several things to it - a camera, a modem, even a back massager for crying out loud. And that’s what started his road to gadget bliss.

Currently, Jayvee works for a company called Hinge-Inquirer Publications. This is basically the publishing arm of the largest newspaper in circulation in the Philippines.

What excites you about mobile devices?

Mobile tech is truly personal technology. A big stress on the word personal. There’s more to it than the hardware - how you use it, how you customize the hardware with apps and accessories says a lot about your personality. The gadgets are an extension of your personal and social life. This is the angle I would like to convey for my blog.

What other areas are you passionate about?

I’m into theatre and music. Used to direct and write plays back in college and have been at the guitar for around 12 years. I’m also sinfully passionate when I’m eating a really delicious dessert, but I don’t think that makes me different from anyone who enjoys a good dessert. ;)

What is the most remarkable thing you’ve done?

Does joining b5 count? :) Well outside the line of technology, my proudest achievement was with my first job with development work. I formed a team that helped 200+ farmers rebuild their worker cooperative through livelihood training and an atmosphere of trust. By degree, I hold an MA in Education so teaching and interacting with people were always my comfort zone.

I don’t know what I’m doing behind the computer. Heh.

Did you always want to be a writer?

No. Actually I wanted to work for the United Nations, fighting world poverty one percent at a time because of my background in development education. So maybe I will, someday.

You see, one day I woke up and realized that I’ve exerted more effort in my actual writing for tech magazines than my professional work (I used to do marketing as well as some consulting work for a farm school). Then people started to write back saying how they loved some of the columns and reviews I’ve done. This is a case example where I ventured into something quite deeply without knowing it - and its too late to turn back. And I have no regrets. I guess everything happens for a reason.

What’s the coolest device you’ve ever reviewed (even if it isn’t cool anymore)?

That’s easy. I recently reviewed the Acer Ferrari 4005, a monster gaming machine that bears the famous Team Ferrari logo. Light carbon fiber body, powerful 128MB Radeon X70 video card, and 1GB of stock DDR RAM. A few days after reviewing the product, I was warmly approached by the local Acer guys. I was hoping they would give me one for free, but alas it was a thank you note. It felt good though.

Why did you join b5, and what are your hopes in relation to b5?

We have a motto we use for our local Palm OS user group (MaPalad.org). It goes “learn, share, and have fun.” It’s really those three things that spurred me to join, and what keeps me actively involved - the b5 virtual office is growing (via Skype!) and evolving as you read this.

You see, a blog network with a lot of passionate people leaves you with many options.

Anything else you’d like to share with your fans?
Fans? You mean I have fans?

But really, I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from guys back at the Philippines whom i don’t even know. I guess b5’s reach is not to be underestimated. The words of encouragement invite more pressure to produce valued content. But hey, if you’re having fun in what you do, you’re set for a happy life.

Thank you and Mabuhay!