Journalixm

‘This Is Still a Filipino Company,’ Says Company Founder While Bowing More Deeply Each Week

MANILA — Third Domingo, Founder and Chairman of IXM Hakuhodo, assured staff that the agency remains a proudly Filipino company—even as his bows to the Japanese representatives stationed in the corner conference room have grown noticeably deeper, longer, and closer to full-on floor contact.

“This is still our house,” Domingo reportedly said during Tuesday’s Do’s Day town hall assembly, while pausing to adjust his posture into a courteous, 15-degree incline. Observers noted it was a marked evolution from last year’s polite nod and slight waist tilt.

Founded in 2009 as IdeasXMachina, the agency quickly gained a reputation for its award-winning irreverence and Domingo’s gleeful disdain for anything remotely corporate. But since Japanese ad giant Hakuhodo acquired shares in 2018, insiders say there's been a quiet cultural recalibration—one that includes a sudden rise in Seiko watch enthusiasts, Pokemon fandom, and the repetition of the word “seikatsusha” in presentations.

Domingo, who still maintains the largest office on the premises, has kept spirits light. “Weekends are for my farm in Tarlac,” he reportedly told staff. “Weekdays are for tactical repositioning via respectful humility.”

Some team members have begun keeping a running tally of bow angles, affectionately known as the “Domingo Dip Index.” Current average: 38 degrees, with projections trending toward yoga-adjacent territory by Q3.

At press time, Domingo was seen motioning to an intern to fetch the Hakuhodo reps some Pale Pilsen from the office fridge—because this is still a Filipino company with excellent hospitality.

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Read ANINO, Bronze Winner of Craft - Digital - Best Illustration Category at the Kidlat Awards.

Snow Schnabel, geek, writes an open letter to those new to geekdom. No gatekeepers allowed.

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Hi Green Greek,

Welcome to the world of investing your time and emotion in your favorite things. It’s terrible, you’re gonna love it.

Nowadays, “geek” is chic. Everyone has a favorite superhero. Everyone knows what a “Jedi” is. We know “the way”. We understand the multiverse. As someone who was picked on for loving sci fi and sorcery, it’s hard not to be both awed and also a little resentful.

Read the rest here: https://journalixm.com/2025/03/07/retconned-an-open-letter-to-new-geeks/