2024 State of Marketing Report – by HubspotMarius Sescu
https://www.hubspot.com/state-of-marketing
· Scaling relationships and proving ROI
· Social media is the place for search, sales, and service
· Authentic influencer partnerships fuel brand growth
· The strongest connections happen via call, click, chat, and camera.
· Time saved with AI leads to more creative work
· Seeking: A single source of truth
· TLDR; Get on social, try AI, and align your systems.
· More human marketing, powered by robots
ChatGPT is a revolutionary addition to the world since its introduction in 2022. A big shift in the sector of information gathering and processing happened because of this chatbot. What is the story of ChatGPT? How is the bot responding to prompts and generating contents? Swipe through these slides prepared by Expeed Software, a web development company regarding the development and technical intricacies of ChatGPT!
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsPixeldarts
The realm of product design is a constantly changing environment where technology and style intersect. Every year introduces fresh challenges and exciting trends that mold the future of this captivating art form. In this piece, we delve into the significant trends set to influence the look and functionality of product design in the year 2024.
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthThinkNow
Mental health has been in the news quite a bit lately. Dozens of U.S. states are currently suing Meta for contributing to the youth mental health crisis by inserting addictive features into their products, while the U.S. Surgeon General is touring the nation to bring awareness to the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation. The country has endured periods of low national morale, such as in the 1970s when high inflation and the energy crisis worsened public sentiment following the Vietnam War. The current mood, however, feels different. Gallup recently reported that national mental health is at an all-time low, with few bright spots to lift spirits.
To better understand how Americans are feeling and their attitudes towards mental health in general, ThinkNow conducted a nationally representative quantitative survey of 1,500 respondents and found some interesting differences among ethnic, age and gender groups.
Technology
For example, 52% agree that technology and social media have a negative impact on mental health, but when broken out by race, 61% of Whites felt technology had a negative effect, and only 48% of Hispanics thought it did.
While technology has helped us keep in touch with friends and family in faraway places, it appears to have degraded our ability to connect in person. Staying connected online is a double-edged sword since the same news feed that brings us pictures of the grandkids and fluffy kittens also feeds us news about the wars in Israel and Ukraine, the dysfunction in Washington, the latest mass shooting and the climate crisis.
Hispanics may have a built-in defense against the isolation technology breeds, owing to their large, multigenerational households, strong social support systems, and tendency to use social media to stay connected with relatives abroad.
Age and Gender
When asked how individuals rate their mental health, men rate it higher than women by 11 percentage points, and Baby Boomers rank it highest at 83%, saying it’s good or excellent vs. 57% of Gen Z saying the same.
Gen Z spends the most amount of time on social media, so the notion that social media negatively affects mental health appears to be correlated. Unfortunately, Gen Z is also the generation that’s least comfortable discussing mental health concerns with healthcare professionals. Only 40% of them state they’re comfortable discussing their issues with a professional compared to 60% of Millennials and 65% of Boomers.
Race Affects Attitudes
As seen in previous research conducted by ThinkNow, Asian Americans lag other groups when it comes to awareness of mental health issues. Twenty-four percent of Asian Americans believe that having a mental health issue is a sign of weakness compared to the 16% average for all groups. Asians are also considerably less likely to be aware of mental health services in their communities (42% vs. 55%) and most likely to seek out information on social media (51% vs. 35%).
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfmarketingartwork
This article is all about what AI trends will emerge in the field of creative operations in 2024. All the marketers and brand builders should be aware of these trends for their further use and save themselves some time!
2024 State of Marketing Report – by HubspotMarius Sescu
https://www.hubspot.com/state-of-marketing
· Scaling relationships and proving ROI
· Social media is the place for search, sales, and service
· Authentic influencer partnerships fuel brand growth
· The strongest connections happen via call, click, chat, and camera.
· Time saved with AI leads to more creative work
· Seeking: A single source of truth
· TLDR; Get on social, try AI, and align your systems.
· More human marketing, powered by robots
ChatGPT is a revolutionary addition to the world since its introduction in 2022. A big shift in the sector of information gathering and processing happened because of this chatbot. What is the story of ChatGPT? How is the bot responding to prompts and generating contents? Swipe through these slides prepared by Expeed Software, a web development company regarding the development and technical intricacies of ChatGPT!
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsPixeldarts
The realm of product design is a constantly changing environment where technology and style intersect. Every year introduces fresh challenges and exciting trends that mold the future of this captivating art form. In this piece, we delve into the significant trends set to influence the look and functionality of product design in the year 2024.
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthThinkNow
Mental health has been in the news quite a bit lately. Dozens of U.S. states are currently suing Meta for contributing to the youth mental health crisis by inserting addictive features into their products, while the U.S. Surgeon General is touring the nation to bring awareness to the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation. The country has endured periods of low national morale, such as in the 1970s when high inflation and the energy crisis worsened public sentiment following the Vietnam War. The current mood, however, feels different. Gallup recently reported that national mental health is at an all-time low, with few bright spots to lift spirits.
To better understand how Americans are feeling and their attitudes towards mental health in general, ThinkNow conducted a nationally representative quantitative survey of 1,500 respondents and found some interesting differences among ethnic, age and gender groups.
Technology
For example, 52% agree that technology and social media have a negative impact on mental health, but when broken out by race, 61% of Whites felt technology had a negative effect, and only 48% of Hispanics thought it did.
While technology has helped us keep in touch with friends and family in faraway places, it appears to have degraded our ability to connect in person. Staying connected online is a double-edged sword since the same news feed that brings us pictures of the grandkids and fluffy kittens also feeds us news about the wars in Israel and Ukraine, the dysfunction in Washington, the latest mass shooting and the climate crisis.
Hispanics may have a built-in defense against the isolation technology breeds, owing to their large, multigenerational households, strong social support systems, and tendency to use social media to stay connected with relatives abroad.
Age and Gender
When asked how individuals rate their mental health, men rate it higher than women by 11 percentage points, and Baby Boomers rank it highest at 83%, saying it’s good or excellent vs. 57% of Gen Z saying the same.
Gen Z spends the most amount of time on social media, so the notion that social media negatively affects mental health appears to be correlated. Unfortunately, Gen Z is also the generation that’s least comfortable discussing mental health concerns with healthcare professionals. Only 40% of them state they’re comfortable discussing their issues with a professional compared to 60% of Millennials and 65% of Boomers.
Race Affects Attitudes
As seen in previous research conducted by ThinkNow, Asian Americans lag other groups when it comes to awareness of mental health issues. Twenty-four percent of Asian Americans believe that having a mental health issue is a sign of weakness compared to the 16% average for all groups. Asians are also considerably less likely to be aware of mental health services in their communities (42% vs. 55%) and most likely to seek out information on social media (51% vs. 35%).
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfmarketingartwork
This article is all about what AI trends will emerge in the field of creative operations in 2024. All the marketers and brand builders should be aware of these trends for their further use and save themselves some time!
A report by thenetworkone and Kurio.
The contributing experts and agencies are (in an alphabetical order): Sylwia Rytel, Social Media Supervisor, 180heartbeats + JUNG v MATT (PL), Sharlene Jenner, Vice President - Director of Engagement Strategy, Abelson Taylor (USA), Alex Casanovas, Digital Director, Atrevia (ES), Dora Beilin, Senior Social Strategist, Barrett Hoffher (USA), Min Seo, Campaign Director, Brand New Agency (KR), Deshé M. Gully, Associate Strategist, Day One Agency (USA), Francesca Trevisan, Strategist, Different (IT), Trevor Crossman, CX and Digital Transformation Director; Olivia Hussey, Strategic Planner; Simi Srinarula, Social Media Manager, The Hallway (AUS), James Hebbert, Managing Director, Hylink (CN / UK), Mundy Álvarez, Planning Director; Pedro Rojas, Social Media Manager; Pancho González, CCO, Inbrax (CH), Oana Oprea, Head of Digital Planning, Jam Session Agency (RO), Amy Bottrill, Social Account Director, Launch (UK), Gaby Arriaga, Founder, Leonardo1452 (MX), Shantesh S Row, Creative Director, Liwa (UAE), Rajesh Mehta, Chief Strategy Officer; Dhruv Gaur, Digital Planning Lead; Leonie Mergulhao, Account Supervisor - Social Media & PR, Medulla (IN), Aurelija Plioplytė, Head of Digital & Social, Not Perfect (LI), Daiana Khaidargaliyeva, Account Manager, Osaka Labs (UK / USA), Stefanie Söhnchen, Vice President Digital, PIABO Communications (DE), Elisabeth Winiartati, Managing Consultant, Head of Global Integrated Communications; Lydia Aprina, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Nita Prabowo, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Okhi, Web Developer, PNTR Group (ID), Kei Obusan, Insights Director; Daffi Ranandi, Insights Manager, Radarr (SG), Gautam Reghunath, Co-founder & CEO, Talented (IN), Donagh Humphreys, Head of Social and Digital Innovation, THINKHOUSE (IRE), Sarah Yim, Strategy Director, Zulu Alpha Kilo (CA).
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
The search marketing landscape is evolving rapidly with new technologies, and professionals, like you, rely on innovative paid search strategies to meet changing demands.
It’s important that you’re ready to implement new strategies in 2024.
Check this out and learn the top trends in paid search advertising that are expected to gain traction, so you can drive higher ROI more efficiently in 2024.
You’ll learn:
- The latest trends in AI and automation, and what this means for an evolving paid search ecosystem.
- New developments in privacy and data regulation.
- Emerging ad formats that are expected to make an impact next year.
Watch Sreekant Lanka from iQuanti and Irina Klein from OneMain Financial as they dive into the future of paid search and explore the trends, strategies, and technologies that will shape the search marketing landscape.
If you’re looking to assess your paid search strategy and design an industry-aligned plan for 2024, then this webinar is for you.
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
From their humble beginnings in 1984, TED has grown into the world’s most powerful amplifier for speakers and thought-leaders to share their ideas. They have over 2,400 filmed talks (not including the 30,000+ TEDx videos) freely available online, and have hosted over 17,500 events around the world.
With over one billion views in a year, it’s no wonder that so many speakers are looking to TED for ideas on how to share their message more effectively.
The article “5 Public-Speaking Tips TED Gives Its Speakers”, by Carmine Gallo for Forbes, gives speakers five practical ways to connect with their audience, and effectively share their ideas on stage.
Whether you are gearing up to get on a TED stage yourself, or just want to master the skills that so many of their speakers possess, these tips and quotes from Chris Anderson, the TED Talks Curator, will encourage you to make the most impactful impression on your audience.
See the full article and more summaries like this on SpeakerHub here: https://speakerhub.com/blog/5-presentation-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers
See the original article on Forbes here:
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2016/05/06/5-public-speaking-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers/&refURL=&referrer=#5c07a8221d9b
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd Clark Boyd
Everyone is in agreement that ChatGPT (and other generative AI tools) will shape the future of work. Yet there is little consensus on exactly how, when, and to what extent this technology will change our world.
Businesses that extract maximum value from ChatGPT will use it as a collaborative tool for everything from brainstorming to technical maintenance.
For individuals, now is the time to pinpoint the skills the future professional will need to thrive in the AI age.
Check out this presentation to understand what ChatGPT is, how it will shape the future of work, and how you can prepare to take advantage.
A brief introduction to DataScience with explaining of the concepts, algorithms, machine learning, supervised and unsupervised learning, clustering, statistics, data preprocessing, real-world applications etc.
It's part of a Data Science Corner Campaign where I will be discussing the fundamentals of DataScience, AIML, Statistics etc.
Time Management & Productivity - Best PracticesVit Horky
Here's my presentation on by proven best practices how to manage your work time effectively and how to improve your productivity. It includes practical tips and how to use tools such as Slack, Google Apps, Hubspot, Google Calendar, Gmail and others.
The six step guide to practical project managementMindGenius
The six step guide to practical project management
If you think managing projects is too difficult, think again.
We’ve stripped back project management processes to the
basics – to make it quicker and easier, without sacrificing
the vital ingredients for success.
“If you’re looking for some real-world guidance, then The Six Step Guide to Practical Project Management will help.”
Dr Andrew Makar, Tactical Project Management
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Applitools
During this webinar, Anand Bagmar demonstrates how AI tools such as ChatGPT can be applied to various stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC) using an eCommerce application case study. Find the on-demand recording and more info at https://applitools.info/b59
Key takeaways:
• Learn how to use ChatGPT to add AI power to your testing and test automation
• Understand the limitations of the technology and where human expertise is crucial
• Gain insight into different AI-based tools
• Adopt AI-based tools to stay relevant and optimize work for developers and testers
* ChatGPT and OpenAI belong to OpenAI, L.L.C.
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
This session highlights best practices and lessons learned for U.S. Bike Route System designation, as well as how and why these routes should be integrated into bicycle planning at the local and regional level.
Presenters:
Presenter: Kevin Luecke Toole Design Group
Co-Presenter: Virginia Sullivan Adventure Cycling Association
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...DevGAMM Conference
Has your project been caught in a storm of deadlines, clashing requirements, and the need to change course halfway through? If yes, then check out how the administration team navigated through all of this, relocating 160 people from 3 countries and opening 2 offices during the most turbulent time in the last 20 years. Belka Games’ Chief Administrative Officer, Katerina Rudko, will share universal approaches and life hacks that can help your project survive unstable periods when there seem to be too many tasks and a lack of time and people.
This presentation was designed to provide strategic recommendations for a brand in decline. The deck also incorporates a situational assessment, including a brand identity, positioning, architecture, and portfolio strategy for the Brand.
Presentation originally created for NYU Stern's Brand Strategy course. Design by Erica Santiago & Chris Alexander.
A report by thenetworkone and Kurio.
The contributing experts and agencies are (in an alphabetical order): Sylwia Rytel, Social Media Supervisor, 180heartbeats + JUNG v MATT (PL), Sharlene Jenner, Vice President - Director of Engagement Strategy, Abelson Taylor (USA), Alex Casanovas, Digital Director, Atrevia (ES), Dora Beilin, Senior Social Strategist, Barrett Hoffher (USA), Min Seo, Campaign Director, Brand New Agency (KR), Deshé M. Gully, Associate Strategist, Day One Agency (USA), Francesca Trevisan, Strategist, Different (IT), Trevor Crossman, CX and Digital Transformation Director; Olivia Hussey, Strategic Planner; Simi Srinarula, Social Media Manager, The Hallway (AUS), James Hebbert, Managing Director, Hylink (CN / UK), Mundy Álvarez, Planning Director; Pedro Rojas, Social Media Manager; Pancho González, CCO, Inbrax (CH), Oana Oprea, Head of Digital Planning, Jam Session Agency (RO), Amy Bottrill, Social Account Director, Launch (UK), Gaby Arriaga, Founder, Leonardo1452 (MX), Shantesh S Row, Creative Director, Liwa (UAE), Rajesh Mehta, Chief Strategy Officer; Dhruv Gaur, Digital Planning Lead; Leonie Mergulhao, Account Supervisor - Social Media & PR, Medulla (IN), Aurelija Plioplytė, Head of Digital & Social, Not Perfect (LI), Daiana Khaidargaliyeva, Account Manager, Osaka Labs (UK / USA), Stefanie Söhnchen, Vice President Digital, PIABO Communications (DE), Elisabeth Winiartati, Managing Consultant, Head of Global Integrated Communications; Lydia Aprina, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Nita Prabowo, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Okhi, Web Developer, PNTR Group (ID), Kei Obusan, Insights Director; Daffi Ranandi, Insights Manager, Radarr (SG), Gautam Reghunath, Co-founder & CEO, Talented (IN), Donagh Humphreys, Head of Social and Digital Innovation, THINKHOUSE (IRE), Sarah Yim, Strategy Director, Zulu Alpha Kilo (CA).
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
The search marketing landscape is evolving rapidly with new technologies, and professionals, like you, rely on innovative paid search strategies to meet changing demands.
It’s important that you’re ready to implement new strategies in 2024.
Check this out and learn the top trends in paid search advertising that are expected to gain traction, so you can drive higher ROI more efficiently in 2024.
You’ll learn:
- The latest trends in AI and automation, and what this means for an evolving paid search ecosystem.
- New developments in privacy and data regulation.
- Emerging ad formats that are expected to make an impact next year.
Watch Sreekant Lanka from iQuanti and Irina Klein from OneMain Financial as they dive into the future of paid search and explore the trends, strategies, and technologies that will shape the search marketing landscape.
If you’re looking to assess your paid search strategy and design an industry-aligned plan for 2024, then this webinar is for you.
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
From their humble beginnings in 1984, TED has grown into the world’s most powerful amplifier for speakers and thought-leaders to share their ideas. They have over 2,400 filmed talks (not including the 30,000+ TEDx videos) freely available online, and have hosted over 17,500 events around the world.
With over one billion views in a year, it’s no wonder that so many speakers are looking to TED for ideas on how to share their message more effectively.
The article “5 Public-Speaking Tips TED Gives Its Speakers”, by Carmine Gallo for Forbes, gives speakers five practical ways to connect with their audience, and effectively share their ideas on stage.
Whether you are gearing up to get on a TED stage yourself, or just want to master the skills that so many of their speakers possess, these tips and quotes from Chris Anderson, the TED Talks Curator, will encourage you to make the most impactful impression on your audience.
See the full article and more summaries like this on SpeakerHub here: https://speakerhub.com/blog/5-presentation-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers
See the original article on Forbes here:
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2016/05/06/5-public-speaking-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers/&refURL=&referrer=#5c07a8221d9b
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd Clark Boyd
Everyone is in agreement that ChatGPT (and other generative AI tools) will shape the future of work. Yet there is little consensus on exactly how, when, and to what extent this technology will change our world.
Businesses that extract maximum value from ChatGPT will use it as a collaborative tool for everything from brainstorming to technical maintenance.
For individuals, now is the time to pinpoint the skills the future professional will need to thrive in the AI age.
Check out this presentation to understand what ChatGPT is, how it will shape the future of work, and how you can prepare to take advantage.
A brief introduction to DataScience with explaining of the concepts, algorithms, machine learning, supervised and unsupervised learning, clustering, statistics, data preprocessing, real-world applications etc.
It's part of a Data Science Corner Campaign where I will be discussing the fundamentals of DataScience, AIML, Statistics etc.
Time Management & Productivity - Best PracticesVit Horky
Here's my presentation on by proven best practices how to manage your work time effectively and how to improve your productivity. It includes practical tips and how to use tools such as Slack, Google Apps, Hubspot, Google Calendar, Gmail and others.
The six step guide to practical project managementMindGenius
The six step guide to practical project management
If you think managing projects is too difficult, think again.
We’ve stripped back project management processes to the
basics – to make it quicker and easier, without sacrificing
the vital ingredients for success.
“If you’re looking for some real-world guidance, then The Six Step Guide to Practical Project Management will help.”
Dr Andrew Makar, Tactical Project Management
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Applitools
During this webinar, Anand Bagmar demonstrates how AI tools such as ChatGPT can be applied to various stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC) using an eCommerce application case study. Find the on-demand recording and more info at https://applitools.info/b59
Key takeaways:
• Learn how to use ChatGPT to add AI power to your testing and test automation
• Understand the limitations of the technology and where human expertise is crucial
• Gain insight into different AI-based tools
• Adopt AI-based tools to stay relevant and optimize work for developers and testers
* ChatGPT and OpenAI belong to OpenAI, L.L.C.
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
This session highlights best practices and lessons learned for U.S. Bike Route System designation, as well as how and why these routes should be integrated into bicycle planning at the local and regional level.
Presenters:
Presenter: Kevin Luecke Toole Design Group
Co-Presenter: Virginia Sullivan Adventure Cycling Association
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...DevGAMM Conference
Has your project been caught in a storm of deadlines, clashing requirements, and the need to change course halfway through? If yes, then check out how the administration team navigated through all of this, relocating 160 people from 3 countries and opening 2 offices during the most turbulent time in the last 20 years. Belka Games’ Chief Administrative Officer, Katerina Rudko, will share universal approaches and life hacks that can help your project survive unstable periods when there seem to be too many tasks and a lack of time and people.
This presentation was designed to provide strategic recommendations for a brand in decline. The deck also incorporates a situational assessment, including a brand identity, positioning, architecture, and portfolio strategy for the Brand.
Presentation originally created for NYU Stern's Brand Strategy course. Design by Erica Santiago & Chris Alexander.
1. Ang Munting Ibon
isang Kuwentong-Bayan ng Maranao
‘Upang mapagtibay ang relasyon sa
kapwa, maging magalang, matapat, at
mabuti ka.’
2. Noong unang panahon, may mag-asawang
naninirahan sa malayong bayan ng Agamaniyog.
Sila sina Lokes a Babay at Lokes a Mama.
Pangangaso ang ikinabubuhay ng mag-asawa
subalit hindi lang ang lalaking si Lokes a Mama
ang nangangaso kundi maging ang kaniyang
maybahay na si Lokes a Babay. Bago sumapit ang
takipsilim ay inilagay na ng mag-asawa ang kani-
kanilang bitag sa gubat at ang mga ito’y kanilang
binalikan sa madaling araw.
3. Isang gabi, habang mahimbing sa pagtulog si Lokes a Babay
ay dahan-dahang lumabas ng bahay si Lokes a Mama upang
tingnan ang kanilang mga bitag. Anong laking gulat niya
nang makitang ang kaniyang bitag na nakasabit sa puno ay
nakahuli ng isang munting ibon samantalang ang bitag ng
kaniyang asawang nasa lupa sa tabi ng ugat ng isang
malaking puno ay nakahuli ng isang malusog na usa.
“Hmmm, hindi maaari ito,” ang sabi ni Lokes a Mama sa
sarili. “Matabang usa ang nahuli ng bitag niya samantalang
ang sa aki’y isang munting ibon lang ang nadale. Alam ko na.
Pagpapalitin ko ang mga hayop na nahuli ng aming mga
bitag,” ang nakangising wika ni Lokes a Mama habang
inilipat ang usa sa kaniyang bitag at saka itinali ang ibon sa
bitag ng asawa. Umuwi si Lokes a Mama nang nasiyahan sa
kaniyang ginawa kahit alam niyang isang panloloko ito sa
kaniyang asawa.
4. Kinabukasan, maagang ginising ni Lokes a Mama
ang asawa. Gusto niya kasing sabay silang
magtungo sa kagubatan upang sabay ring makita
ang mga huli ng kani-kanilang mga bitag. Gulat na
gulat si Lokes a Babay nang makita ang matabang
usang nakasabit sa bitag ng asawang nasa itaas
ng puno samantalang ang kaniyang bitag na nasa
tabi ng puno ay nakahuli lang ng isang maliit na
ibon. Ipinagtaka niya kung paanong ang bitag na
nasa itaas ng puno ang nakahuli ng isang usa,
subalit hindi na lang siya kumibo. Sa halip, iniuwi
niya ang munting ibon at inilagay ito sa isang
hawla.
5. Samantalang, iniuwi naman ni Lokes a Mama ang
kaniyang huli at saka iniluto. Umamoy sa
kapaligiran ang nakagutom na amoy ng nilutong
usa subalit nang handa na’y agad itong nilantakan
ng lalaki nang hindi man lang nag-alok sa
kaniyang asawa. Mag-isa niyang kinain ang buong
usa sa loob ng tatlong araw kahit alam niyang
gusto rin ito ng kaniyang asawa. Isa pa’y ang bitag
naman talaga ni Lokes a Babay ang totoong
nakahuli sa usa. Likas siyang maramot at walang
pagpapahalaga sa asawa kaya hanggang sa
maubos ang usa ay hindi niya binigyan si Lokes a
Babay na nanatiling walang kibo sa kabila ng
ginawa ng asawa.
6. Nang naubos niya ang nilutong usa ay muling
niyaya ni Lokes a Mama ang asawa. “Gusto
ko uling makatikim ng matabang usa. Halika,
maglagay tayong muli ng bitag sa gubat,” ang
kaniyang paanyaya sa asawa. Muli, naglagay
ang dalawa ng kani-kanilang mga bitag.
Subalit hindi marunong umakyat ng puno si
Lokes a Babay at dahil hindi man lang siya
tinulungan ni Lokes a Mama ay inilagay na
lang niyang muli ang kaniyang bitag sa tabi
ng puno kung saan siya dating naglagay.
7. Hatinggabi nang namalayan ni Lokes a
Babay ang kaniyang asawang bumangon at
dahan-dahang lumabas ng pinto.
Nagkunwari siyang tulog. Matalinong babae
si Lokes a Babay at nahulaan niya ang
ginawa ng asawa. Subalit wala siyang
intensyong sundan ito. “Alam kong niloloko
mo lang ako, pero hindi kita papatulan”, ang
tahimik niyang naibulong sa sarili at saka
niya pinilit makatulog kahit pa siya’y
nagdaramdam sa ginawang pagtrato sa
kaniya ng asawa.
8. Nang siya’y makatulog ay nanaginip siya. Napanaginipan
niyang pinakakain daw niya ng palay ang kaniyang alaga at anong
laking gulat niya nang nangitlog ito ng isang montias o isang
mamahaling hiyas.
Nagising na lang siya dahil tinatawag na pala siya ni Lokes a
Mama para tingnan ang kanilang mga bitag. Subalit wala na siyang
interes sa bitag. “Ikaw na lang ang pumunta,” ang sabi niya sa
asawa. “Masakit ang ulo ko at mas gusto ko pang magpahinga na
lang.” ang dugtong pa niya. “Bahala ka. Basta’t pag may nahuli ako
ay hindi ulit kita bibigyan. Kaniya-kaniya tayo,” ang sabi ni Lokes a
Mama habang pababa ng hagdan. Hindi sumagot si Lokes a Babay.
Sanay na siya sa pagiging tuso at maramot ng kaniyang asawa.
Wala rin itong pagpapahalaga sa kaniya at hindi niya naramdamang
mahal siya nito.
9. Pagkaalis ng kaniyang asawa ay agad niyang
pinuntahan ang kaniyang munting ibon. Kumuha siya ng
palay at ipinatuka sa ibon. Gayon na lang ang kaniyang
panggigilalas nang makitang pagkalunok nito sa palay ay
biglang nangitlog ng isang maningning na diyamante ang
ibon. Dinampot niya ang diyamante. “Mayaman na ako!
Mayaman na ako!” ang paulit-ulit niyang sabi sa sarili
habang itinago ang mamahaling bato.
Tulad ng dati, pag-uwi ng kaniyang asawa ay iniluto
nito ang kaniyang huli at mag-isang kumain nang hindi
man lang nag-alok. Subalit hindi na ito pinansin ni Lokes
a Babay. Sa halip ay masaya siyang humuni ng paborito
niyang himig habang gumawa sa bahay na labis
namang ipinagtaka ng kaniyang asawa.
10. Araw-araw nga, pagkaalis ng kaniyang asawa upang kunin ang
anumang nahuli ng kanilang bitag ay pinakain naman niya ng palay
ang ibon at saka nag-abang sa ilalabas nitong diyamante. Walang
kamalay-malay si Lokes a Mama na marami na palang naipong
diyamante si Lokes a Babay.
Isang araw, habang mag-isa na namang kinain ni Lokes a
Mama ang kaniyang inilutong huli ay nagsalita si Lokes a Babay.
“Hindi ko na matiis ang pakikitungo mo sa akin. Alam ko na ang
ginawa mong panloloko sa akin. Bukod pa riyan hindi ko na rin
kayang tiisin ang pagiging maramot mo at kawalan mo ng
pagpapahalaga sa akin,” ang buong kapaitan niyang sabi sa asawa
na hindi man lang tumingala mula sa pagngasab sa niluto niyang
ligaw na pato. “Payag na ako sa dati mo pang sinabing
pakikipaghiwalay sa akin. Magmula ngayon, lilipat na ako ng tirahan
at hindi na kita aabalahin subalit huwag na huwag mo na rin akong
aabalahin.” ang pangwakas na sabi ni Lokes a Babay.
11. Medyo nakonsensya naman ang lalaki dahil
totoong lahat ang sinabi sa kaniya ng asawa. Pero ito
na ang pinakahihintay niyang pagkakataon. Ngayon ay
malaya na siya. Matagal na niyang sinabi kay Lokes a
Babay na gusto niyang makipaghiwalay subalit hindi ito
pumayag. Ngayon ay heto at pumayag na siya sa
kaniyang kagustuhan.
Nag-impake si Lokes a Babay ng kaniyang mga
gamit habang dala ang pinakamamahal niyang ibon at
umalis siya ng bahay. Naiwan naman si Lokes a Mama
at ipinagpatuloy lang ang kaniyang pangangaso.
12. Samantala si Lokes a Babay ay bumili ng isang
malawak na lupain at nagpatayo ng isang torogan o
malapalasyong tahanan. Kumuha siya ng mga
guwardiya at mga katulong na magsisilbi sa kaniya.
Naging maayos at masagana ang kaniyang
pamumuhay. Nabalitaan ni Lokes a Mama ang
napakagandang kalagayan sa buhay ng kaniyang
dating asawa kaya’t muli siyang nagplano.
“Babalikan ko si Lokes a Babay para makasalo rin
ako sa kaniyang kayamanan. Hindi ko alam kung saan
niya kinuha ang kaniyang kayamanan subalit dapat lang
na makinabang din ako,” ang sabi sa sarili ng tusong
lalaki.
13. Subalit napaghandaan na pala ito ni Lokes a
Babay. Kilala niya kasi ang pagiging tuso at
manlolokong asawa kaya’t pinabilinan niya ang
kaniyang mga guwardiya na huwag na huwag itong
palalapitin man lang sa kaniyang magarang
tahanan. Kahit anong gawin ni Lokes a Mama ay
hindi na nagpaloko sa kaniya ang asawa.
At magmula noon, namuhay sa bayan ng
Agamaniyog si Lokes a Babay nang maligaya,
masagana at payapa.
(Mula sa Pinagyamang Pluma 7, pp.9-12)