Goodbye Bali, Hello Next Country!

To me, Bali then, was a dream, a dream land that i can be in, with a dream goal to be able to carry on in fulfilling my mission for Beach Hut. After 75 days, i can say, we have conquered it, in our own way (thanks Sir Frank Sinatra)! Its an experience worth repeating and its an experience that opens the door for Beach Hut to the world, and for me ,an international career.

Let me do a Lolit Solis here- salamat nga pala sa mga boss ko, ka officemates, mga tumulong sa Bali, Kota Kinabalu,sa mga inspirasyon ko, sa mga kaibigan ko, sa minamahal na pamilya ko, at higit sa lahat, in English, more importantly, i want to thank all of you who eavesdrop on the stories of my adventure. It doesnt stop here,in case you dont know, i just got my round trip plane tickets to... SECRET!!! :)

Back in Manila!

August 21, 2006

Today I only had 2 hours of sleep, I ‘m so excited to go back to my country, that’s why even if I’m feeling sleepy I tried to stay awake. Our flight is scheduled 9:15 am, so we went to the airport around 7am, our 1st flight will take 2 hours 10 minutes going to Singapore, we will transit there for 1 hour 45 minutes and then will take another flight going to Manila, its around 2 hours and 30 minutes flight, I tried to take a nap in the plane coz I really feel sleepy, so I took about an hour of nap so I can have energy when I’m in Manila. When our plane landed at Manila Airport I can’t explain the feeling, I’m really so excited to see my family again, I really missed them so much.

Torn Between Going Home and Staying Still In Bali

August 20, 2006

This day I can’t sleep anymore, its only 1 day and I’m going back to my country again, but as I was packing my clothes, I felt sad coz I’m leaving Bali, I won’t forget this place, specially my friends here, they are really kind and they treated me very nice. I really wish I can go back here. I will miss everything about Bali when I’m in the Philippines.

Farewell Party and Beach Hut Kite

August 19, 2006

This day we tried to fly the Beach hut kite in Kuta, the first try was not successful but luckily on the third try we were successful, it was nice to see the Beach Hut kite flying on the beach, specially in Kuta where there are many people. This is also another way of promoting Beach Hut in Bali.

On the evening, we had a small gathering at my place, it is our farewell party, some people from rotaract Bali Sanur was present, also my friend Chingyee from Kuala Lumpur was there, its like her farewell party also coz she will be going back to Kuala Lumpur the following day.

A Monkey On My Shoulder

August 14, 2006

This day we went out to see other places of Bali, Sam first took us to Bedugul, it’s a high place in Bali, I didn’t have any knowledge that this place is cold, I thought it’s hot so I just wear a sleeveless shirt and short pants, that’s why Chaw, Katz and Sam were all laughing at me coz I’m so cold when we are in Bedugul.

We went to Taman Ayun, Mengwi and Ulun Danu all of these places are in Bedugul, then we went to Alas Kedaton, its monkey forest, its really scary because this is the first time that I will be going to a monkey forest in which the monkeys are just roaming freely. There is also 1 monkey that stayed on my shoulder for almost 5 minutes. I was really

Afraid during that time, coz the monkey’s face is just few inches from my face and I don’t know what he will do. But it was fun, the monkey is tame.

After here we went to a warung ikan, we ate catfish and another fish which I forgot the name, the food was really delicious, I can’t resist on ordering another half cup of rice.

Preparing for Day Off

August 13, 2006

Today is Sunday and still work day for us, went to Circle K Kuta to check on Chaw and Katz, after there I went home to fix some of my clothes for laundry and rested coz tom we will have a day off, we will take time out to see other places of Bali, Sam will be our tour guide. Thanks to him that he has time to accompany us tomorrow.

Another Day Has Passed..

August 12, 2006

Another day for us on Circle K, not so many people today, just stayed with Chaw and Katz on Circle K Kuta. They also don’t have sale today.

18 pcs it is!

August 11, 2006

Today I’m still at home observing the status of my stomach, it’s good that I’m feeling better now, after having lunch I went to Kuta to visit Chaw and Katz on our Airtoo Booth. It is not a good day, no sale today. In the afternoon Sam arrived and delivered 1 box of 40 ml. Beach Hut lotion to Circle K, I was happy to learn that we already sold almost 18 pcs. Of 40 ml lotion here.

I also talked to Ms. Ari, the category specialist of Circle K and asked her the best way of monitoring the sales movement of Beach Hut in their stores, and it was good to know that we can get it straight from her, so I told Sam to contact Ms. Ari for whatever details he needs from Circle K so he can report it to our office in Manila in due time.

Emotions

August 10, 2006

Today is not a good day for me; I woke up around 3am because my stomach is having problems, then come 5am I woke up again to go to the toilet. I wasn’t able to go to Kuta today because I have some problem on my stomach, but I was able to go to the internet café for a while, I was able to chat to Brian, my colleague in Thailand, it’s a good thing he’s ok there, but I still feel sad coz he wasn’t able to close some deals there. I just told him to relax and don’t feel sad about his experience there, there is always a next time I said. And some words to cheer him up also.

Doing this kind of work is really difficult, especially if you are alone and working in a different country, there are so many adjustments that you have to make, so many trials you have to conquer, and especially that your love ones are thousand miles away from you. but there are so many things I’ve learned about this experience, almost ended my life on the beach, got lost several times, drive on the left side of the road, learning Bahasa language, talking to people who doesn’t understands you, eat spicy and very spicy foods etc… but the only thing I did here is to be myself, to enjoy my stay here, loneliness for me is my enemy here, even though I got used to be alone in Philippines coz I’m an only child, hehehe.. but I remember when I first chatted to my dad he just said don’t look at the calendar, it will just make you lonely, at first I laughed but I just realized it is true, now It’s only 11 days to go and I’m back in my country again.

I’m so happy that I’ve accomplished my tasks here. Even though not 100%, but I hope that my company and my boss’s and friends in my office is happy also and proud that our product, Beach Hut sunblock made it through international market. I really salute Dennis, his wife Emily, and all the people of Naturale Labs. For their great courage and confidence of bringing Beach Hut to international market. I like also to thank Dennis and Emily and also Mara, my Marketing Manager for their unending support, trust & confidence and believing in me that I can bring Beach Hut in Bali, Indonesia. I may not accomplish all the tasks here but I’m confident that my next country to visit will be better.

The Power of a Flyer (entry by Chaw)

August 9, Wednesday

A nice and cool sunny day.

A little Russian girl named Karen comes to the booth clutching a crumpled and folded up week-old flyer in her hand. Her mother Elena had bought a 180 mL bottle of Beach Hut some days back but had no time to take her daughter to the AirToo booth. Until today!

After Karen had gotten her tattoo, she and her mother went on their way merrily. Before the hour was up, they were back with Karen's brother Leon. He wanted an AirToo as well!

Adorable Russian kids Karen and Leon Yankova with their AirToos!

2nd Shipment in the Works

August 09, 2006

Today I went to see “Dede” our importer, talked to him about our 2^nd shipment and the processing period, etc… and then I got our discount from our 1^st shipment. After here I went back home to check on my motorbike coz there’s a leak on my gasoline tank. I tried to look at the damage and I decided to call the place where I rented and that’s in Kuta, so I told them to meet me in Kuta so I can also check on our Air tattoo booth in Circle K.

Reporting Day

August 08, 2006

Today I went to the internet shop to have some updates to my office in Manila, then I went to Kuta to visit our Air Tatoo Booth. not so much sales today in our booth, but I’m confident that we are doing good in other shops that we have displays.

The Sun, Beach Hut and Rip Curl

Bali' s Version of Splash Island

August 07, 2006

Today I went with Amier and Sam to visit some retail prospects, 1st we went to Guardian Pharmacy, which has 11 stores in Bali, 1 in Lombok, and all around Indonesia they have 123 stores. We talked to the manager and presented to him about Beach Hut Sunblock, and gave him the proposal, he said he will forward the proposal to their head office which is in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, they will give us a call as soon as the head office approved the proposal.

Then we went to Waterbom, a famous place here in Bali for swimming pool lovers, this place is like “Splash Island” in the Philippines, the only difference is that they only have 1 swimming pool, but they have 12 slides which people here are really enjoying, most of their guests are foreigners and even on weekdays they still have lots of guests, I’m thinking what more if it’s weekends. After I presented the product and gave the proposal I also asked the retail manager if we can put the Air tattoo booth here as promo for Beach Hut, he said he will work on that. I said I will send him the proposal within the week.

After Waterbom we went to “Matahari” famous also in Bali for department store and supermarket, they only have to stores, 1 in Simpang Siur and the other one is in Kuta Square, we talked to the purchasing manager and she gave Amier choices, 1st choice is you have to rent a place in the supermarket and 2nd is 1 year contract with them plus listing fee for each product. Amier said they will still make a study for the choices given to them.

Sukawati

August 06, 2006

This day we went to Sukawati, (Famous place in Bali to buy souvenirs) I’m with Sam, his brother Ronnie and Katz, Chaw wasn’t able to join coz she went to the church. We bought some souvenir items like wooden wind chimes, shirts, shorts, keychains, bags, coasters… to give to our friends, relatives and love ones in the Philippines.

After here Sam and Ronnie took as to Sanur, we ate in a famous warung, restaurant that has been there since 1970’s. They only serve fried fish and fish head in soup, I can’t remember the name of the fish but I think it’s the same as the “Maya-Maya” fish in the Philippines, the food is great, very delicious, its just very spicy, specially the ‘sambal” the chili sauce, my tears almost dripped while finishing my meal.

After here Sam and Ronnie brought us to the house and I took Katz to Kuta by motorbike. Coz Chaw is waiting for us there.

Reports,reports

August 05, 2006

Today, I fixed my clothes for laundry, went to the internet to send some reports to my Marketing Manager, and fix some things again at the house, I suppose to go to Kuta but its late already, I just called Chaw re the Airtoo booth in Circle K.

Beach Hut Brand Associate Chaw Salinas Blogs In

After 15 days of manning the AirToo Booth, conversing with locals and some foreigners, and watching the Bali sunset, I've come to observe the following:

1. Kuta Beach swarms with sunbathers, surfers and swimmers at around 10 am. Around the time when the sun is most harmful.

2. Indonesian females don't like the sun. I think I'm the only brown-skinned Asian sunbathing out there!

3. It's nice and cool during this time of the year in Bali.

4. The Bali sunset is always a spectacular sight.


Bali has two faces. In the daytime, it has the laidback and relaxed feel of a beach city. At night, it becomes edgier, slightly dangerous and risque. It's no wonder that people from all over come here. It's a perfect vacation destination.

Thanks to King's efforts and the company's fullforce support, Beach Hut has penetrated Bali. My mission in the month that I'm here: to spread the Beach Hut virus.

That's going to be a challenge considering the fact that character-wise, I'm not the type to make a grand entrance. But I so want to infect every sunbather, surfer and swimmer out there with the fun clear-spray sun protection goodness that Beach Hut has to offer.

Armed with, an immense love for the sun, sand and the sea, a little "kapal-muks", and a passion for saving skin from the evils of the sun, I shall walk the shores of Kuta beach and spread the Beach Hut luv.

Wish me luck!

Great Placement and Display at Rip Curl!

August 04, 2006

Today I’m with Sam again, we delivered Beach Hut stocks to 1 Circle K store in Sanur area, so the total stores of Circle K is already 29! After giving flyers and stocks here, we went to another Circle K in Kerobokan, quite long motorbike ride, after checking the stocks there I decided to check on the Ripcurl surf shops in Kuta, when we 1st went to Ripcurl Legian we are amazed of the display in front of the entrance, and when I asked the crew there about the Beach Hut displays, he showed me around the store, and me and Sam was really happy to see Beach hut all over the place, all over the surf shop you can see Beach Hut products, I was thankful for the manager of this shop coz even if we didn’t have a stand or rack for the product, they placed our product in a more better place.

After here we visited Ripcurl Kuta Square, and again we are amazed when we saw Beach Hut all over the Surf shops, even the crews are happy to show us the different places where the Beach Hut display is located. I again thank the persons in charge of putting Beach Hut all over their stores. I’m very confident that this move will give us more sales!!

After here we visited Chaw and Katz in their booth at Circle K Kuta then we went home, by the way, Sam and I will have an appointment on Monday to the manager of “Water Bom” this is tourist destination also in Kuta, it is a big swimming pool with different slides, just like Splash Island in Philippines, I hope everything will turn out good. I hope Lady Luck will still be with me…. Hehehehe…

Lost and Found

August 03, 2006

Today I had a long time chatting and making reports to my office; I also talked to some of my officemates back in Manila, what took me so long is sending files to my Marketing Manager, coz the connection on the internet is so slow.

After sending my reports, I went back home to prepare the flyers that I will distribute to other Circle K stores in Jimbaran, its around 30 minutes motorbike ride from my house, but when I was in Jimbaran I got lost for around 30 minutes, I tried to ask some locals there but they can’t understand English language, so I decided to call Sam about the direction, I have to cal him thrice coz I can’t follow his directions, hehehe.. at last I found the Circle K store I’m looking for after almost half an hour of getting lost.

After here I went to another Circle K store near the airport then I went to the Airtoo booth to check on Chaw and Katz the sad thing there is they still don’t have any sale for the day, only inquiries, I will think of other ways of how to make the sale go up specially with the help of the free air tattoo promo.

Good Thing I Didnt Curl My Way to Rip Curl

August 02, 2006

Today, me and Sam visited some Circle K stores and we also delivered to Ripcurl surf shops, its really a great feeling if you are delivering stocks to retailers, for me its really an honor that my product will be sold in an international store or a popular store/shop in one country. Aside from that our product is displayed beside some known brand in sunblocks. Oh, what a great feeling!!! I’m really so proud I’m part of the Beach Hut Team!!

In the afternoon, we also visited 2 surf shops, 1st is “The Station” and 2nd is “Star Surf”
These surf shops is referred again by my friend, Iin of Rotaract Bali Sanur, in the station I’ve talked to Ms. Susi, she’s the supervisor there, I presented the product and gave her the proposal and she said she will ask her manager for approval. Then we went to Star Surf, looked for Mr. Kumbang, the person referred by Iin, but he is on leave, so we said to one of the crew that we will go back. Then we went to visit Chaw and Katz in Circle K Kuta. After resting for a while we packed up and went home.