Social Interests by Devon Manelski

About This Social Index

This page brings together the personal side of my interests—the things that inspire me, make me curious, or simply make life more meaningful. My social posts span a wide range of topics: travel, culture, art, food, music, global development, and everyday observations. These are the moments and ideas that sit outside the professional world but still shape how I see it.

I’ve always believed that understanding the world requires stepping outside your own routines. Visiting historical sites, exploring new places, appreciating art, or even noticing small details in daily life all contribute to a broader sense of perspective. Many of the posts here reflect that mindset: a painting that captures a cultural story, a place that reveals something about history, a piece of music that shifts your mood, or a global issue that deserves more attention.

Each link includes a short summary to give context and highlight why the post resonated with me. If you’re interested in culture, travel, creativity, or simply seeing the world through a more reflective lens, this page collects the personal experiences and inspirations that shape my life outside of work.

Technology & Innovation

  1. Sharing of Bill Gates Post on Energy

    A look at energy innovation and the long‑term challenges of global sustainability.

  2. Power Nation

    A post about automotive engineering and the culture of hands‑on mechanical work.

  3. Collins Aerospace in the Philippines

    Highlights the global reach of aerospace engineering and manufacturing.

  4. TwinBasic

    A nod to modern tooling for legacy VB6 developers and the importance of backward‑compatible engineering.

Travel & Places

  1. FDR Home in Hyde Park, NY

    A visit to the historic home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, reflecting on leadership and legacy.

  2. Taughannock Falls in Ithaca, NY

    A look at one of New York’s most dramatic natural landmarks.

  3. Guide to 2 Days in Manila by Forbes

    A curated travel guide highlighting Manila’s culture, food, and urban energy.

Art, Culture & History

  1. Hapunan by Botong Francisco

    A celebration of Filipino modernist art and cultural storytelling.

  2. Fernando Amorsolo’s "Carabao" at the Yuchengco Museum

    A look at one of the Philippines’ most iconic painters and his luminous style.

  3. Diego Rivera Paintings

    A post appreciating Rivera’s monumental murals and political artistry.

  4. The Splendors of Mindanao – Philippine Department of Tourism

    A showcase of Mindanao’s landscapes, cultures, and artistic traditions.

Food & Drink

  1. Ito En

    A post about Japanese tea culture and the global appeal of Ito En beverages.

  2. Catalina Crunch

    A look at modern low‑sugar, high‑protein snack alternatives.

  3. Food Bringing the World Together by NHK

    A reflection on how cuisine connects cultures and fosters understanding.

  4. Little Spain in Hudson Yards

    A visit to New York’s Spanish food hall celebrating Iberian cuisine.

Music & Performance

  1. Johnoy Danao

    A post appreciating the artistry and emotional depth of Filipino acoustic music.

  2. Ikaw at Ako by Johnoy Danao

    A reflection on one of Danao’s most beloved songs and its lyrical resonance.

  3. What a Wonderful World Cover

    A musical performance capturing the timeless optimism of the classic song.

Pets & Everyday Life

  1. Spyro Raincoat

    A charming moment featuring Spyro in a bright raincoat.

  2. Spyro Halloween

    Spyro dressed for Halloween—equal parts festive and adorable.

  3. Spyro in Raincoat

    Another rainy‑day Spyro moment, full of personality.

  4. Swimming Dachshunds

    A joyful post featuring dachshunds enjoying a swim.

  5. Spyro as a Puppy

    A nostalgic look back at Spyro’s early days.

Global Issues & Development

  1. Kenyan Farmers Use AI To Tackle Food Insecurity – Reuters

    A post highlighting how AI supports agricultural resilience in Kenya.

  2. Private Firms Driving A Solar Revolution in Africa – The Economist

    A look at how private investment accelerates renewable energy adoption across Africa.

  3. Quality Education is a Human Right – United Nations

    A post emphasizing global education equity and the UN’s advocacy.

Built In Articles

Why Managing an Information Technology Department is Similar to Managing Your Own Business

When we work in information technology, we tend to think of ourselves as technology people. Even when we are promoted into management, we still consider ourselves technologists and engineers. What many of us in technology fail to realize is that managing an information technology department is very similar to managing a business. All the same things that a CEO must do in order to effectively manage an organization, a CIO or information technology department manager must do as well.

To clarify the point, an MBA student studies the subject areas to prepare him or her to run a business. Some of the areas that an MBA student studies are: Strategy, Operations, Finance, Product Management, Marketing, Organizational Management, Strategic Partnership Management and Risk Management. All these disciplines are part of managing an information technology department.

  1. I.T. Strategy – What is our plan to increase internal and external market share and accelerate the rate at which we deliver value to internal and external customers?
  2. I.T. Operations – How effectively do we deliver our products and services to our customers?
  3. I.T. Finance – How much does it cost to run our department? What is the expected and realized ROI of the project portfolio?
  4. Product Management – How do we deliver value to our internal and external customers that increases our internal and external market share?
  5. Marketing – How effectively are we selling to, and servicing, our internal and external customers?
  6. Organizational Management – How effectively do we recruit, select, hire, onboard and manage our employees, contractors and consultants?
  7. Procurement & Vendor Partnerships – How effectively do we buy the things and partner with the organizations who help us to achieve our goals?
  8. Risk Management – How effectively do we anticipate, communicate and mitigate the risks we face while delivering products and services to our internal and external customers?

It is easy to forget how substantial the role of a department manager can be. The role of an information technology department manager is especially critical given how important technology is to every business. For every one of the eight areas, you need a plan with a one‑ to three‑year window. If you are not focusing on each of the eight areas that ensure that your department is ready to succeed today and positioned to grow going forward, there will be gaps in how prepared your department is for its strategic opportunities and market threats.