iBlog: 7th Philippine Blogging Summit

This is not just any ordinary blog-related event hosted by some pretending-to-be-bloggers.. They're the best of the best, the cream of the crop..


And the fact that this is their 7th time to host such magnificent event only proves that this is really something to look forward to. I'm really at loss for words as to how to describe it, the place, the people (both organizers and participants) and the topics discussed.


It's a 2-day event. Day 1 (04.01) discussion targeted the use of blog as a medium to promote fellow bloggers/entrepreneurs' products and services. Day 2 (04.02) discussion is for everyone who has great interest on blogging. More on knowing Blogging 101 so everyone (of any age, gender, religion) was encouraged to join.

We're the very first to arrived, more than 2 hours prior to the schedule.. Okay, we're excited! We wanted to avoid long queues, avoid being seated afar and avoid getting none of their freebies. It didn't occur to me that blogging is a serious thing. And that there are people who really take blogging to a higher level, seriously! Not until I witnessed the people who joined iBlog. Most of them were from the corporate world, some even holding higher position. Nahiya naman ako tumabi. Though there are some students but not the likes of pa-cute lang. 

Event started around 9am. Everyone's seated and equipments' were set up. People began to open their laptops, some only have notebooks (I'm one!) We're not just there to listen but to participate as well. You will be oblige to surf the net, post your thoughts on your FB wall and Twitter account, raise your questions and share your views and opinions. And I am so liking it!

There was never a dull moment from the speakers. Even the host played his part. There were no stupid questions asked. Speakers gladly interacted with the participants. At the end of their talk, they were handed down tokens of appreciation from the organizers. I still wanted more of their talks, pero syempre their time's very limited. Considering some didn't make it, like Ivan Henares (idol ko pa naman sya!). I didn't mind the time, the topics presented got a hold of my interest. Im glued. 

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9:00 – 9:15 Welcome
9:15 – 9:35 Sponsor Keynote: Roby Alampay, Interaksyon TV5
9:45 – 10:15 Blogging 101 (Jonel Uy & Jinkee Umali)

BREAK

11:00 – 11:20 Podcasting 101 (Adrian Jeric Peña)
11:30 – 11:50 Dealing with Writer’s Block (Roy Dela Cruz)

BREAK

1:00 – 1:15 Intermission Performance UP Choral
1:15 – 2:00 Blogging for Advocacy (Sonnie Santos, Grace Nicolas, Ivan Henares)
2:15 – 2:35 Blog Traffic without SEO (Fitz Villafuerte)

BREAK

3:15 – 3:35 Your Blog and Facebook (Mon Macutay)
3:45 – 4:05 Building a Discussion Community (Michael Rubio)
4:15 – 4:35 Blogging, Social Networks, Online Relationships as Support System (Ria Tirazona)

Raffle, Group Picture

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To top it all, I had FUN.. I enjoyed listening to the talks. I learned lots about blogging, and it made me wanna take it to a higher level, maybe having my own domain and start making money out of it. I met lots of no-nonsense fellow bloggers and heard their thoughts on making the blog world be known to everyone. I adored the speakers and those who dared ask questions (esp the witty Mike Abundo, u got me!) for they show cleverness and interest to uphold blogging amidst the many other social networking sites. The food didn't leave us starving and craving for more, we're so full til the end. I loved the freebies, most esp the iBlog shirt (which I've won from the raffle). 

It's hard to pack our things up when it ended. We wanted more. The event was concluded with our group picture. I can't contain my happiness. I can't wait for the next iBlog8. 

**** PusangKalye and Chinchan: thanks for the pictures.