About Rob Rivera
The Porto Diao group, of which Rob Rivera is a part of, can be reached through our website Contact page or this email. Our team will forward your questions, comments or concerns to the appropiate parties then.
CV (last updated: 13-09-2007):
Tags: aspects of culture, blog, books stores, contact, exedra books, freedom of expression, freelance copywriter, no holds barred, Panama, Rob Rivera, roberto rivera, top tourist destinations, web writers Trackback URL2001 - 2004
I work as a freelance copywriter/graphic designer for RMR Web Services, as well as in MORSA, S.A creating web pages and content, as well as different graphics for use in products and campaigns. I’ve since become a partner in both of these enterprises. In 2003, my acclaimed short story “El Dislate del Ser” was published in MAGA Magazine, the biggest literature magazine in the region.
2004
In the month of June I present and distribute my first written work in Spanish, a storybook for young adults named “MADA FAKA: CUENTOS POR ROBERTO RIVERA“ and putting it up for sale in different books stores like Exedra Books and El Campus as well as off-beat novelty stores such as Underground Store and Volumen Brutal, to name a few.
In February, I write, produce and direct what has become my first audiovisual work, a short film based on a story of my own concoction; both of them go by the title “MANU EL VIAJERO Y LA EXPEDICION AL MAGNA FLORA.”
In May, I receive a certificate in the award ceremony for the “Concurso de Dibujo ‘Manga’ 2003,” organized by Big Eye Solutions. My entry was displayed in the honorable mention gallery afterwards.
In August, I star in the short film “El Dislate del Ser,” directed by Enrique Perez and is based on the story that goes by the same title from my book “MADA FAKA: CUENTOS POR ROBERTO RIVERA.” The short film makes the rounds on various film appreciation circles and tv channels in the country, as well as being shown in different film festivals in Costa Rica and the United States.
2005
In the month of January I’m hired by the offshore company Net Think Media as Head Copywriter, responsible for web content of all of their websites and projects ranking from all types of themes and topics.
In April, the compilation book “ELEGIDOS 2004″ from Editorial ARES, Argentina, is published; the work showcased various young authors from all over Latin America. I was chosen to represent Panama with my short story “Moco.”
In August, I collaborate as writer and actor in the short film “La Verdad Nada,” directed by Enrique Perez. The short film makes the rounds in various film appreciation circles in Panama, including a showcase in the Alhambra theaters. Also in this month I am interviewed and my short story “Babalu” is published in Nicaraguan online publication “Palabras Sueltas,” ed. 03.
In December, I earn the position as editor for the Panamanian website ALMANAQUE AZUL (www.almanaqueazul.org). The organization deals with raising awareness regarding the preservation of Panama’s beaches and coasts.
2006
In May, I open what is now known as THE PORTO DIAO NETWORK (www.portodiao.com), a blog portal, its end goal being to promote new and innovative ideas and individuals. I would use this network as the face that orchestrates social events created by the group the network is composed of. Since then we have created many videos and other forms of art, as well as events that showcase our philosophy.
Also, with the help of Porto Diao I launch my personal website which since its conception has enjoyed a steadily increasing readership (100,000 unique visitors a month as of JULY 2007). I have published all of my past works that have seen print as well as articles and other editorials, free of charge. The site is mostly written in English, yet there are some entries in Spanish too. The website is linked on various alternate news-gathering websites such as Pilka, Global Voices and Google Travel.
In October, I organize and orchestrate the first Zombie Walk done in Panama (more information here: www.zombiewalk.com) with the help of THE PORTO DIAO NETWORK. It was a big success.
2007
In March, I start a new job as Content Manager for offshore company BLUE MOON OVERSEAS. Also in March, I become a collaborator for the print edition of online publication THE PANAMA REPORT.
In the Months of June and July, I organize a month-long Alternate Reality Game where participants assume the roles of assassins in a special tournament that is on 24/7. This was the first time a game of this sized was organized 100% via the Internet.
Present
Aside from becoming a tall voice in the Panamanian blogosphere, I’m collaborating in various other projects online, as well as organizing other events similar to the Zombie Walk and the Alternate Reality Game, as well as dwelving into web video production and viral marketing by way of THE PORTO DIAO NETWORK. I currently work as the Content Manager for BLUE MOON OVERSEAS and do freelance copywriting work for various different industries. The Rob-Rivera.com site is a young adult-oriented PR 5 site full of articles, pictures and video about Panama, its society and culture, real estate, and tourism. It is linked to by important websites such as the Wall Street Journal, Global Voices Online and top Panama-related sites such as Panama Start, The Panama Report, Best of PTY and more.
Education
2000
I graduate from the Oxford International School with a degree in Science and English. I entered this school back in Kindergarten (1987-2000).
2001-2002
I briefly join in at ISTHMUS School of Architecture , only to move afterwards to Ganexa University for Fine Arts, earning degrees in design and art. Around this same time I enter the U.T.P (Universidad Tecnologica de Panama) where I study Journalism with emphasis in Creative Writing.
2003
I complete the degree for Creative Writing given out by the U.T.P (Universidad Tecnologica de Panama) where I studied under great Panamanian writers such as Enrique Jaramillo Levi, Alvaro Menendez Franco, Hector Collado, and Raul Leis, among many others. My short story “El Dislate del Ser” is published in MAGA Magazine.
2004
I study at the U.T.P (Universidad Tecnologica de Panama), specializing myself in linguistics.
Specialties:
I possess a complete domain over both the English and Spanish language, in both written and spoken forms. Due to my 5 years of experience in the copywriting field I can create S.E.O-optimized content for web pages as well as merchandising content for marketing campaigns in a variety of subjects. I’ve seen everything from gambling to blogs to adult content to everything else under the rainbow. I believe that a good way to check the pulse of the public is to pay attention to the media, as I have done so for years. I’m familiar in the use of the following programs:
- Macromedia Dreamweaver (web pages)
- Macromedia Fireworks (internet-ready images)
- Macromedia FlashPaper (document-converting)
- Adobe Photoshop (image editing), Adobe Premiere (video editing)
- Microsoft Frontpage (web pages)
- Microsoft Powerpoint (presentations)
- Microsoft Excel (data management)
- Microsoft Word (text) as well as Open Office (Linux OS)
I’m also savvy in converting video and sound formats from one to another, and can effectively increase the level of Search Engine Optimization (S.E.O) of websites, resulting in more traffic and notoriety with the major search engines (i.e. Google, Yahoo, etc.).
Hobbies:
Drawing, photography, movies, the beach, reading (books AND comic books), music, the process of creating, organizing events and T.V. Having a good time is always a plus whatever I do, and I’m easygoing enough to try out new and exciting things. I also enjoy outdoor activities like walking, soccer, biking and pretty much everything else there is to do outdoors. I love spending time with my friends and loved ones. I am determined, proactive and creative, and pour those qualities into all of my activities.

