(This article was published in the enliv section of the Bohol Sunday Post on April 3, 2005)

LEAH TIROL-MAGNO

BOHOL's streamline in the cyberworld could never be that wide if it wasn't for an Internet princess who explored and started to reach the corners of the world in the realm of international communications through web designs and development. Meet the Internet expertise of Web designer and developer, Dalia Melda "Leah" Tirol-Magno and journey beyond her conscientious skills, her know-how's and her proud venture as a Boholana entrepreneur in the field of information technology. Leah's interest in the Internet started in 1996 when she was introduced to Internet chatting and surfing. It was challenging for the young Boholano to discover at that time, there were no information about Bohol in the world wide web. Her conviction to promote thru the Internet grew. " I started to promote Bohol, and eventually do business thru the Internet," Leah quipped.

Thru self-study and help of her husband Arturo Carlos G. Magno, Leah ventured in webpage designing and hosting. Since 1999 when she started her e-business, she had designed web sites for organizations, companies, local governments and events. Some of these web sites are Bohol Tropics, Hotel La Roca, Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK), Balik Sorsogon, and the official websites of the Municipalities of Buenavista, Maribojoc and Loon.

Two years ago, Leah started her on-line store (an affiliate of a private company) that allowed Filipinos abroad to purchase goods, items and other gift ideas thru the Internet and she deliver the items right at the door step of the loved ones in Bohol. With the on-line store, Filipinos abroad won't have to worry and to experience the hassle of going to shopping malls, wrapping the items and mailing them to the Philippines.

"I have several sweet and cute experiences in my on-line store. Once, I had a US-based client who purchased a refrigerator for his mother-in-law who is in Bohol." Leah shared. The on-line store offers endless gift ideas, from simple and bulky appliances, the sweet chocolates, to flowers - even puppies and pets, the list is really endless. The on-line store has provided the Filipinos, most especially the utmost convenience for their loved ones who are left in Bohol.

From being a web page designer and host, Leah broaden her horizon in the Internet business. Leah was asked by a friend to help sell a property by merely placing an ad in Leah's well-visited Bohol web page (www.bohol-island.com). The property was sold and this opened another opportunity. Being a licensed real estate broker herself, Leah saw the potential of real estate business in the Internet. Today, Leah's success has become an inspiring tale of young people to avail of the endless opportunities for business thru the Internet.

Values and Insights

Back them, the Internet was a foreign realm to Boholanos. It was a great challenge for Leah when she introduced the websites and the Internet to as potent and effective venues for exposure and advertising. Leah's competence, warm disposition and lived-values have helped her conquer the challenges. "It is truly challenging to introduce the Internet to people who do not have any knowledge about the Internet." Leah recalled. "One must have patience, honesty, diligence, commitment, good interpersonal relations and must observe professionalism at all times," she added.

Leah's clientele has grown extensively over the years. Most of her clients today are of different nationalities and culture. "Some of them are arrogant, but many are really warm and very professional; many are actually impressed with Bohol," she opened up. Leah's interaction with these people, made her realized that her values have helped her in the business.

It took great patience and diligence for Leah to deal effectively with people who don't have any idea on the technicalities and the nature of the Internet. Patience also plays a role in harmonizing the desired outcome of the client with the creative and technical concerns of the designer. "You do what they want you to do, and please them (clients)," she emphasized, especially to neophytes in the business.

Professionalism and commitment are a must. "You have to be on time. Actually, many of my foreign clients are surprised because I am always on time, and sometimes even earlier… it be appointments or deadline for projects." Leah mentioned as she introduced a new face of a professional Filipino. Leah also emphasized that for one to be successful in business, he must maintain high level of integrity and credibility.

The Woman

Like many of the modern career women, Leah is challenged with her schedules. Yet amidst her hectic days, she never failed to spend quality time with her family. Her day that usually begins when she wakes up at six in the morning, is a blessing to her and her family. Amalia Karla "Am-am" (16), Arthur David "Badong" (12), and Arturo Jose "Arjo" (10) and Leah and Art's children.

The first thing she does every morning is to get the children ready for school. She and her husband Art (systems/network administrator of the University of Bohol) join the children for breakfast. Lunch is mostly (if not always) a family date. "I usually ask my kids, 'where do we have our lunch?' every day. We enjoy trying newly opened restaurants and food chains." She quipped. On free weekends, or vacant times, Leah also dedicates some time for her passion for fashion. Undoubtedly, with the fashion statement of this career woman, shopping is always part of her leisure.

Leah is fond of cooking. She enjoys going to the market place, buying stuff for dinner, preparing dinner for her family - simple joys for a busy career woman. When it comes to food, Art and Leah instill healthy practice to their children. Both enjoy eating vegetables and discourage the intake of soft drinks. The children followed the preference of their parents.

One of the amazing things that Leah has been doing for quite a long time now, is her regular Monday lunch date with her father, the former governor of Bohol Atty. David B. Tirol. She sets it as a priority since she knows her mother Board member Amalia Reyes Tirol, attends sessions on Mondays - a cute gesture of sweet and loving daughter.

While many people ask her if she'll consider entering politics, she only had this to say, "I am not saying 'no', and I'm not saying 'yes'. But, it time should come, I will be willing to accept it. Political blood runs in my veins", Leah stated. "I grew up seeing my parents serve the people willingly, lovingly and honestly," she added. If in the future, Leah should enter politics, it would be a plain continuation of the legacy of service started by her parents, Board Member Amalia Tirol and former Bohol governor David B. Tirol.

Leah is very grateful for all the blessings given by the Almighty. "As a return of my blessings, I teach young people how to use the Internet," Leah shared , pertaining to the Internet Literacy program she offered for free thru the University of Bohol facilities. To count, over 20,000 young people, many come from far flung high schools, have enjoyed the privilege.

Leah is not only a star in the Internet industry, but most especially, in the heart of her family and the Boholanos. Her reign as the 'Internet princess" has extended service to the young people of Bohol, thru her pure and unadulterated dedication in sharing free Internet education.

Hail to Bohol's Internet Princess!