BlogFest Soccsksargen, Experiencing the Funnest Bloggers in Mindanao

It seems just like yesterday when I joined DigitalFilipino's Women in Web, Wireless and Outsourcing roadshow in 2006. It was a trip where we went to Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Cebu to talk about what businesses could do on the internet. It was during that trip that I met with the Davao internet community, organized by Andrew. I was still finding my way around my job back then so I just made a suggestion that they come together as a community. They did and that community has grown throughout Mindanao.

I'm really happy that the local internet community in Mindanao thrived and flourished and I try to come and attend their events whenever they send me an invitation. And this year I was invited again to speak at the BlogFest Soccskargen. I thought I would not be able to go in person and was just planning to join them via Google Hangout, so I surprised them and told Avel that I was flying in.

True enough, the Sox Bloggers, known to be the funnest bloggers in Mindanao, put together 2 awesome events. BlogFest Soccskargen had a line-up of bigatin speakers. I hope I was able to convey a couple of opportunities for the Mindanao bloggers through my talk.

In the evening, I got to attend the Philippine Blog Awards - Mindanao leg. The ceremonies outside of the awards night in Manila are usually straightforward. We all got a big surprise though when Donna, the host, introduced each award category in the most fashionable and entertaining manner. Everyone in the room was laughing and I must say that the fatigue I was feeling was wiped away (I was already up at 3 in the morning so I could make it to the 5 am flight).

Well, I'd like to make a correction to the Sox Bloggers slogan (if I may) because they are the funnest bloggers in the Philippines!



Congratulations Sox Bloggers, especially to Avel and Orman, for another very successful event!  (I hope someone would upload Donna's fabulous performance!).

Blogfest Soccksargen, Experiencing the Funnest Bloggers in Mindanao

I couldn't say no to Avel when he invited me to be a speaker at the 2010 Blogfest Soccksargen. I love these guys and share their passion for blogging. I am after all an adopted daughter of the Soccksargen bloggers group since they all witnessed Jay's marriage proposal last year (he practiced on Avel and 2008 Miss GenSan Romarie). (And I still want to live in Mindanao!).

I took an early morning flight to GenSan last Saturday and bumped into Jay and Bobby at the airport -- two other speakers for the event. We proceeded to East Asia Royale Hotel and hung out for a bit. I was hungry and dragged Andrew to have late breakfast with me. We went back to the event and caught the other half of my former professor's talk (Danny Arao) on "Journalism Ethics for Bloggers" and I realized I did learn a lot from Danny when I was a student.

Soccksargen bloggers are indeed the funnest I've encountered in the Philippine blogosphere. Lead by brothers, Avel and Orman, things really go crazy when they are around. Here's a photo of bloggers enjoying Orman's afternoon energizer exercise which he did just before my talk.

I think I must have crashed everyone's brain after my talk since Avel's orders was for me to talk Google products that may help the bloggers. And because I am masunurin, I complied. I do hope though that they would remember everything I mentioned since they did really well with my pop quiz. Haha.

I managed to do a lot in GenSan in 24 hours. I actually managed to squeeze in some spa time, merienda at Firenzo Deli with Eric and dinner with Drew at Little Dubai. AND attended the Soxbloggers Christmas party and sashimi night. It was definitely an unforgettable and fun party (and the only Christmas party I am likely to attend this season). A magic show was ongoing when I arrived at the party and I was awed at the magician's skill (they are going to give you a run for your money Marcelle!).

The second magic act was a "comedy magic act" and the magician got someone from the audience to help him -- Ria and I volunteered Eric. It was really hilarious and I'm not sure who among the Blogfest speakers laughed the loudest. Take a look at Eric and let your imagination run wild (see photo below).

And here's Avel and Orman playing Pinoy Henyo.

I was sad to leave GenSan. I missed another tour, but I had to go because of duties for the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards. Anyway, Soxbloggers are truly the funnest in Mindanao and I hope I'd be able to join them again next year! Thank you so much guys!

P.S. You should be proud of me, I was the only speaker who managed to bring home the bottle of Sinamak. I transferred it to 2 small water bottles and wrapped it in 3 plastic bags. Hehehehe.

Emerging Influential Blogs of 2009

I was included in the list of emerging influential blogs of 2007, a writing project by Janette Toral which she started back in 2007. Oh, I almost forgot, You Got Tech was included in 2008. I was asked by Janette to share my experience about making it to the top 10 last month in Cagayan de Oro and during the awarding ceremonies last Saturday (August 10).

I am thankful for being included in the list since it has helped me a lot both for work and personally. I've gained not just a couple of friends, but a lot of friends from all over the country (and worldwide). And I say a lot because it's been so hard to cut down our guest list for the wedding (which isn't a blogger event heh). It was blogger friends from Davao and Cagayan de Oro who conspired with Sweetie for his proposal. And with lots of friends, you get lots of contacts!

What keeps my blog going though is my love for writing. It doesn't really matter to me if people read what I write, but knowing that there are people who do read what I write gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling, mababaw kaligayahan ko eh. Earning from my blog is just a plus and hopefully I'll be able to buy myself a proper computer chair when I claim my earnings. Getting invited to events is also a plus, but not a must. The freebies are charming too especially when I go hungry or just want to reward myself with something, but also not a must.

Blogging for me is a very personal experience, depende rin sa mood ko. It doesn't take a lot of my time too, sometimes it just takes me 5 minutes to make a post (I can type really fast!). I just hope that through this medium I'm able to help and inspire others.

Thank God my camera is back from the service center! Gaganahan na ulit ako mag-blog!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2009 Emerging Influential Blogs writing project!

Writing to Exhale
Patay Gutom
The Struggling Blogger
Zorlone
Father Blogger dot Com
Kelvinonian Ideas 2.0
Tales from the Mom Side
Adaphobic
Lakwatsero
Let's Go Sago!

And here are photos from the 2007 ceremonies:

And my video of the 2008 ceremonies:

The Mindanao Bloggers Summit (Year 2)

I was looking over the activities for the Mindanao Bloggers Summit and whoa they actually have a SASHIMI NIGHT!!! Why? Coz they're doing it this year at the tuna capital of the Philippines -- General Santos City! (BTW, that's also where our boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao, hails from).

I'm definitely NOT missing it this year! And I'm very excited to be part of the event! Woohoo!

See you guys there!

What Can You Do in 3 Minutes?

There's so much you can do in three minutes and I think one thing I can do in 3 minutes is make a quick blog post! 

I just got word from friends from SM Hypermarket that Pantene is throwing a bash for bloggers, and I'm quite excited with the plans they have presented. I'm also curious if this event will help tame my monster hair (LOL!).

Here are the details of the party:

Date: October 17, 2008, Friday

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Where: Taste Asia, Mall of Asia (beside SM Hypermarket)

A glimpse of what to expect: photo wall, fabfoto, food (!!!), special cocktail drinks, music and a hanep dress-up of Taste Asia methinks, games where you can win instant prizes!

How to join: Just register here

(to check if you got in, go here)

Oh and a special celebrity guest is set to grace the occassion! 

So what can you do in 3 minutes? Well... sign-up for the party now and find out next week. 

Don't forget to bring your blogger cards so you can pass them around and get traffic from your fellow bloggers. 

GO!

(and please do spread the word!)

Side note: our parties are getting to be more exciting!

The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2008

It was just a year ago when An Apple a Day was recognized as one of the Top Ten Emerging Influential Blogs of 2007 (remember I won a car?). It was truly an overwhelming experience and I still get embarrassed when somebody tells me they've seen my blog. I've since developed other niche blogs based on my interests and it also eventually inspired me to go beyond my own sphere and create a blog that would benefit other people.

And that blog I created with friends was recognized as one of the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2008.

YOU GOT TECH

YouGotTech was born out of the need to reach out to the non-techies who just end up awed and scared of technology. We hope to make a difference by helping educate the non-techies and make them internet addicts err... experts in their own right.

Watch some snippets of the ceremonies in this video -



The 2008 Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs

1. Manila Foodistas
2. Filipino Voices
3. Visit Sagada
4. Missing Carlo
5. Mar Roxas for President in 2010 blog
   
6. You Got Tech
7. The Not so Talented DJ Montano
8. Davao Delicious
   Music Picks
9. Bariles Republic
   Fritzified
10. Bloggers Da Who

Events! Events! And More Events!

I'm giving up hosting parties for the next few months. It's fun, exciting, but nerve wracking too! There's also so much stuff going on in the next few weeks so I just want to really sit back, relax and enjoy... uh I hope!

Be there or be square!

August 11, 2008 - Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2008
I feel like it was just yesterday that "I Won a Car...!", I had a hard time putting together my list for this year's writing project, but still managed to. You Got Tech is part of the top ten this year! Woohoo!

August 15, 2008 - Cebu Bloggers meet-up
It's just going to be a small meet-up. If you're based in Cebu well I hope to see you there! I have no idea yet where it's going to be held, but it's going to be on Friday early evening. Go bug the Batangyagit, he's coordinating it. Teehee.

August 23, 2008 - Ubuntu Love Day Manila
I know the slots have been filled-up. I have yet to make my 30-day challenge successful. So, good luck to me!

September 4, 2008 - mini-Wordcamp Davao

September 6, 2008 - Wordcamp Manila
This is the topic they gave me, "Demystifying Google Analytics". Should be uber fun!

September 21, 2008 - Philippine Blog Awards
Thank God I've been relinquished my hosting duties. I looked totally different last year, thanks to Sasha who did the styling. I think they're giving me something else to do this year.

Well, if you're a Filipino blogger and reading this entry... help spread the word about these activities! There are so many new bloggers and we need to welcome them in the fold. Best way to make a lot of new friends!