Geeking and Techie: The Alternative Universe

‘Going digital’ is a buzz phrase these days.  Even in hobbies and interests, ‘going digital’ is making leaps and bounds.  Some people create blogs and vlogs, while others enjoy playing mobile games.  Indeed, the digital space has become a happy playground for both the young and the old.

Looking for a new digital hobby? Learn from these fellows from the WeAreAyala community!

Hi guys: Vlogging

Hector Orbeta, fondly called ‘Hex’ at work, is a registered nurse (with three masters degrees under his belt), and one of the busiest Patient Safety and Quality Management Officers at QualiMed Health Network, an Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) subsidiary.  

Despite his hectic work schedule, Hex finds time to do video blogs (vlogs) and is also a budding YouTube content creator.  He vlogs about almost anything from unboxing of tech gadgets, travel reviews, gardening, to giving helpful health information to his viewers.  For his travel vlogs, he visits interesting yet underrated coffee shops, beautiful yet unpopular provincial spots, art museums, and the beach!  This interest has allowed him to indulge his senses, explore new things and reconnect with himself. 

GG: Playing and livestreaming video games

From the classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the Nintendo Famicom (Family Computer) and the original gameboy to the hit Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games kids and adults enjoy nowadays, Chard Bondoc and Gerard Cueto have been avid gamers since they were kids. They have had a lot of GG (good game)!

In March 2020, Chard, a Project and Data Lead for Card Operations at Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), started a video game streaming channel with alias “Ch4rdnu” where he shares with his viewers his techniques on the games he plays. He is able to manage his time well by focusing on work and having enough time for his hobby. “I learned so many things during those countless hours of gaming. Apart from the knowledge of the game that I’m playing, I also learned better time management, emotional stability, and camaraderie,” Chard shares.  “I even improved my communication skills when I ventured into live streaming. It helped me practice since I talk to different groups and present to huge crowds at work.”

While he spends a lot of time online and playing games, Chard never forgets to “touch the grass,” which is what gamers say when it is time for them to go outside and step away from the games for a bit.

On the other hand, Gerard, a Digital Project Manager under Ayala Corporation’s Public Affairs Group, prefers to play within his private space.  His favorite games are Uncharted, Super Mario Odyssey, and Red Dead Redemption — his favorite game of all time.

“I get why a lot of people play competitive games, especially multiplayer-centric genres like first person shooters.  However, I’ve always gravitated towards single player games that have a defined beginning and end. Really interesting stories, worlds, and characters draw me in, but it also must be really fun for me to play until the end credits,” Gerard shares. 

Through gaming, Gerard can take a break from work not only to refresh his mind and body, but also to keep things in perspective.  “It allows you to refocus on the things that really matter: things we sometimes take for granted like family, health, and making the most of our time,” Gerard says.

Gerard’s gaming tip: Get a screen with 4K resolution, or with a refresh rate of 60 hertz for action-packed and fast-moving games.  You can also use speakers or other devices for a better streaming and gaming experience.

While some may think of the digital world as an “escape” from the real world, some see it as another way to recharge and reconnect with the real world.

Hector, Chard, and Gerard’s passion for tech and digital games empower them to explore a different world and gives them a fresh perspective that fuels and enriches other aspects of their lives.