The iBlog10 Experience (Part 4)

4/17/2014 10:50:53 AM

After hearing a lot of speaking engagements at the 10^thPhilippine Blogging Summit, I realized something: we have the capability to foresee them.

Yes, we all do, just like the trolls who used to create those ‘end-of-the-world’ prophecies.

Even yours truly came up with a list, which goes… like this:

1. Blogging will definitely not die. It will even grow. It may not be as popular compared to the present times, but the venture is definitely here to stay.
2. Cybercrime law can never stop people from blogging. You know, even during the hottest times of the so-called “Anti-Cybercrime Act of 2012,” the provisions can actually threatened one’s right of speech. But despite that, I don’t think it can really put the blogosphere’s revolution to an end. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t act like a cynical guy to the eyes of the internet advocates (‘coz in fact, I myself has been standing against the RA 10175’s dangerous clauses). And come to think the fact that we are in an ill-disciplined society and where laws aren’t ben implementing the way it should be.
3. More books will be published. Since blogging was the new venture for aspiring writers, it’s not that hard to see why. Want some examples? Those books from the Definitely Filipino authors. Another? Lourd de Veyra’s THIS IS A CRAZY PLANETS. The SPOT.ph’s popular commentary blog already compiled two books from his surreal number of entries. Aren’t convinced? How about Tricia Gosingtian’sfash-book (err, I mean fashion-content book).
4. Blogging will penetrate the mainstream shores. Actually, even today… some bloggers already have been successful in penetrating the limelight.
5. Internet will become a basic human right. Yes, it is now part of our freedom. In fact, one meme even shows the wi-fi as the hyper-extended version of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs aside from food, shelter, clothing, emotion and even sex (which believe it or not, is a basic human need at all).
6. In the journalism aspect, blogging will be serving as an additional source of information. In fact, it is the more vintage form of the so-called “citizen journalism” (heard of news blogs?). Which means researchers will not having a hard day or night clamoring for the information they needed. All they need is… a piece of modern thingies.
7. It will be more mobile. In the advent of technology where every gadget has its mobility, people now has the more capability to tell their story as it happens, just like an alternate version of live telecast.
8. More people will be get into blogging. And I am not pertaining to the predictions where a sudden rise of numbers, huh? It’s just there will be more new people who will use the platform. And just because more people will take the new venture…
9. Expect a much stiffer competition ahead. Of course, people will gonna race for their stats, audience and even revenues. And come to think that the “world as a huge battlefield;” it’s like a jungle-like battle royal match on wrestling, where “every man is for himself.” But I would highly suggest though that we should not treat others as if they are our opponents at all. It will not help you gain everything, believe me.
10. Everyone will be an entrepreneur. Well, technically speaking, we are in our very own right. But with the emergence of startups, more people will have that kind of mindset and personality which can be really helpful at all.
11. Everyone’s a historian. Well, Ms. Janette Toral was right when she told this on her presentation. And count Mr. Clarence Nixon too via his blog post. Actually, there mere fact we’re putting some inputs in our respective blog sites (especially if we’re doing it a la typical diary or journal type), we are already recording our own tale of events. We are author of our own respective lives, and as well as our own respective legacies.
12. Expect changing of behaviors. If during the old times, we only focused on one aspect of our daily lives; now… there’s a habit which Howie Severino called as the “multi-screen behavior.” Yes, everyone will be multi-taskers.
13. Expect new brands to emerge. We’ll never know. There might be a new dominating platform in the world of blogging in the future. There’s also a chance that a new social networking site can even lord over Facebook and Twitter (remember, at one point of our lives, Friendster was the name of the game in the early 2000s… until Facebook came over and ruled the social media world in 2009 – even if in reality is FB has been already in the circulation since 2004).
14. And last but not the least… there will be no apocalypse. No signs of 12-20-2012. Only ‘climate change.’ Besides, no one can really tell ‘when’ at all.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

The iBlog10 Experience (Part 3)

4/15/2014 8:42:13 PM

A few days ago, I had thought of creating a part 3 of my experiences on the 10^th Philippine Blogging Summit. The funny thing though is that one of my friends in the industry replied of “go ahead.”

And now, turns out the joke was one me when I made this post real.

As much as there are several points I imparted on the first two write-ups of this series (which by the way, was my personal tales of accounts during the two-day event).

It just so happened that I’m so thankful with bunches of stuffs I garnered during the stretch.and I’m not talking about anything materialistic here.

Instead, I’m all about ‘learning’ this time around.

1. Don’t write just because of Google. As what one of the social media kings Carlo Ople said (not in exact words though). Who cares if you’re the most searchable page on the world’s biggest search engine, while in fact you only have nothing but pieces of craps down there? It’s not bad to do the Search Engine Optimization, but make it your only second priority, ‘cause remember…
2. Content is still the king. Right, the C word does matter the most. This is what your readers and digital marketers are really up into. No one gives a crap on your site look on its superficial aspect, nor how catchy your title is, ‘cause...
3. Design only covers the small portion of your entire blog when it comes to SEO. Jason Bagio was right when he told me this. What’s the proof? My old blog design in 2012 where some readers expressed that I may have the good content – despite its not-so-freakin’-good outlook. But it doesn’t mean that you won’t focus on that aspect. Of course, you still have to level them all.
4. We are all marketers. Even if don’t have that natural way of ‘sales talk,’ the thing is we actually marketing ourselves to the entire cyberspace. And blogging is not the only ways and means; there’s also social media. Even if the way we used to express – that counts as our own selling strategy. In my personal and philosophical article entitled ’69 Things In Life According To Me,’ I told in one of the items there, “everyone’s a salesman, and the world is a huge marketplace.”
5. We’re not just bloggers. I’m not talking about our day-jobs here (even if reality-speaking, “I’m a BUM who blogs. LOL!”). It’s about professionalism too. Mr. Brad Geiger was right when he said we’re not just bloggers, as it alone lifts everyone’s status and morale in the entire society, regardless if that’s online or offline.
6. Don’t use (nor don't take even part) the platform for any of the ‘dark ops.’ ‘Cause you want to troll something? Make people pissed out of what you’ve written? Or to simply attack a personality? Dude, I may be a rant-maker, and I may be tagged as a troll (by nonetheless but a mob of no-brainers) or bully, but there is a ‘thin line’ between expressing one’s word and ‘pure attack.’ I would discourage that, especially if: first, you know nothing at all; and second, you’re nothing but a coward in real life.
7. Make your presence felt. This is how people will recognize you, regardless if you’re a big-time guy or just a member of an online cult. And if you’re sociable, or just a plain social climber (in a positive connotation), try joining on some online communities. Unless you don’t want to make many friends, doing such can be a huge starting step for you to get noticed. After all, we are all born to…
8. Make a stand. Through the advent of blogging, one simple person can be an online sensation. And now with the advent of social media, and other platforms, making a statement has just got easier. And on that note, making your own opinion can be reachable at your fingertips.
9. Never stop from chasing your passion. Take note: that P word keeps you going from doing what you love in the first place.
10. Make social media your friend. People may think that social media can be that one huge enemy from other aspects of the World Wide Web, especially for blogging. But, actually, NO. It’s definitely not. In fact, social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or even Tumblr (which is by the way a mixed platform of blogging and social networking), can be utilized to make your voice heard. It can be even more effective if you’re not that good on SEO.
11. Be responsible. Not just on your words, or design, but also on your entirety. The fact that there’s always a ‘responsibility’ accompanied for every basic human right we had – even if it;’s about expressing thru WWW. Besides, if in real life, you regularly check yourself at the mirror and fixing yourselves before you go, the same approach also applies on your blog too. Why did I say so? Simply because…
12. Your blog is your own brand. Just like as your name to your reputation.
13. Blogging is the new REAL venue for aspiring writers. Have you noticed a number of authors, writers, even journalists and other professions rose to the occasion through the act of blogging? Let’s face it: not everyone has a chance to become part of the school’s paper, or a pre-production staff, or every other profession that requires writing. You might be stunned if I tell you that even doctors do blog (just like one of the speakers during Day 2).
14. It’s even the new ways and means for the so-called ‘citizen journalism.’ Have you heard of the so-called news blogs? That one attests to this idea. The downside, though, is that a lot of bloggers tend to be irresponsible to post news items, too. And not all of them can really give a shit on the so-called ‘ethics.’
15. We’re growing. The internet is 25 years old, and whoever thought about advancements come in an ‘instant,’ especially lately where phones evolved as well as from desktop to laptops to tablets?
16. There’s a brighter way ahead. Well, if you asked me about the future of blogging…

Say, I already had a lengthy post. Maybe I should go for a Part 4.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

The iBlog10 Experience (Part 2)

4/9/2014 10:43:02 AM

There are so many memories and learning from Day 1. I know, the question from your mind goes: hey slick, how about the second?

Well, that is something I am gonna tell you for today. No need to worry, alright?

Aside from the almost the same routine as I did on Friday, I dropped by at the Vibal booth once again for much curiosity – in regards to that publishing e-book thingy. Seriously, I seem convinced on that project, and it turned my interest anew in writing (‘coz a few days back I am not just suffering a writer’s block, but also a quarter life crisis-like scenarios).

Well, I just hope I need to hit the right guys and improve from there (‘coz seriously, it seems I am not).

Anyway, moving on… sports blogger Ivan Saldajeno was in the house; and he spoke about the rise of sports bloggers in the Philippines.

Now that is something I can mostly relate into considering that yours truly actually started in this venture by putting my takes on several marquee match-ups in the National Basketball Association. But that was five years ago, though.

Afterwards, Jason Bagio hit the podium and spoke about the goodness of link-building.

After the break, Bien Nillos also told us about why other professionals, such as the ones from the medical field, should go blog. From there, business-minded peeps took over as speakers Genesis Reonico, Sonnie Santos, and Vanj Padilla engaged the participants in discussing about the bloggers as entrepreneurs.

As the afternoon session rolls, all eyes and camera lens were on Mr. Howie Severino as the Kapuso reporter took the spotlight and tackled the future of journalism, as well as how does blogging gets involved into it.

After Severino, it was Lace Llarena’s turn to discuss the impact of Crowdsourcing and Social Media on Business.While outside the hall, bloggers including yours truly took chances in photo ops and even interviewing the now-EIC of GMA News Online.

Then, Christian Blanquera introduced us into a new world named “startups.”

From there, Cebu-native Ruben Licera Jr presented the state of blogging in the countryside; with more emphasis to the central Philippines.

Then there’s nothing but good laugh while you’re learning around with Atty. JJ Disini when he spoke about the internet regulation. I think he just made the issue lighter considering it was quite very heavy to talk about with the advent of those blog-threatening provisions of the Cybercrime Law.

Last, but not the least, the Digital Filipino lady herself was on the podium where she tackled the 20 years of existence of the internet in the Philippines, and answers the questions relating to the future of blogging.

Well, Janette’s talk reminds me of my own thoughts on where the blogging will go from here (aside from hoping there’s an 11^thPhilippine Blogging Summit next year). And perhaps, that is something I will deal with you guys next time.

Anyway, what's an iBlog without a raffle segment? Here are several people who won the prizes. 

I knew that I talk less this time around, but anyway… here are my other thoughts from the second summit day.

·         Good links are hard to find. You just can’t expect that to be found easily on Google, Yahoo, Bing, or any other search engines. It’s like finding a good kind of car, better quality of Wrestlemania video to download, best rap song made by any local underground artist, or even finding a relationship partner – you will definitely have to exert effort to find the best things.

·         Sports will be the best thing on the planet. Of course, I’m bias. Nah, seriously, since most of the blogs comprised entertainment and political items, it’s high time to see more of them covering the emerging popularity of UFC, volleyball leagues, and as well as the always-skyrocketing NBA and other basketball associations.

·         Bloggers will be the new bunch of journalists; and whether you agree or not, they will be. In fact, some self-proclaimed news websites can actually fool you if you would only learn to read between the lines.

·         Cyber issues can never take down blogging. This is the philosophy where I really believe, and all you need to do though is two things: know your boundaries, and fight for a much-deserving right. In fact, there are more provisions which the blogosphere peeps will have to protest about. Though let’s face the fact  that it’s gonna be a long journey ahead.

·         The future is bright. No question about it.

I think that’s all for me for the iBlog10, folks! Looking forward to the 11^th summit which might happen on… okay, I have no idea if that might took place soon (or at least, when).

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

The iBlog10 Experience (Part 1)

4/8/2014 8:36:03 PM

It was like ten months in the making. And in fact, they just celebrated their ten years in this venture. And when they formally announced the event, I was one of the people who were more excited. Yes, frankly speaking, I was really looking forward for the 10^th Philippine Blogging Summit.

I wasted no time in deciding (since being too patient is not really part of my personality at all): I immediately signed my name there, and bet my money that I could not really afford to miss this big thing in blogging (nah, just kidding on the latter part).

It was Friday morning, around 8:20 in the morning when I finally entered the hallway of the Malcolm Hall inside the Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines in Quezon City. It was quite a lovely sight on a bright, sunny morning; and Kid Rock’s “Celebrate” is playing on my mind (the 2012 track apparently went on to become the main theme of the WWE’s 30^th edition of WrestleMania). 

Then, I hurriedly went to the registration booth and wasted no chance to pick my very viewing spot (you know where it means).

The first people who talked on the iBlog10 were Mrs. Noem Lardizabal-Dado and Mr. Carlo Ople, for the topic “Bloggers as New Media personalities.” 

Though Dado, known as the @momblogger on Twitter, spoke best on her advocacy-in relation to the talk which includes EpalWatch, I learned a lot more on Ople’s part (and I’m not saying this just because I was part of the guy’s social network for I think about four years). What the hell I am talking about? See photo below.

Yes, if you want to be a damn good fella in the new media, just simply follow his five steps.

And… oh, it was the only time I met Mr. Ople in the flesh.

After the first hiatus, Jinoe Gavan, Azrael Coladilla and When In Manila’s main man Vince Golangco spoke in regards to Bulding Communities Through Blogging.

They all have respective yet similar points in the topic though. I’m gonna let my captured photographs do the talking this time around.

Though Golango’s “10 Steps To Create A Writing Portfolio” really caught my attention. Yes, and why wouldn’t anyone since we used to read those Thought Catalog-like posts anyway (i.e. top 10 things about blah blah blah).

What are those? Simple: #1 – Start Writing; and #s 2 to 10 – Keep on Writing. I think Vince said it best with that hilarious meme on the wide screen.

During the lunch break, I managed to bump with the booth of Vibal Foundation, and found out they were now offering services of creating e-books for the indie authors like yours truly. Also, during the two-day event, they had three promos. 

I has yet to listen to their presentation later that day though.

After their afternoon talk, several personalities such as Grace Bondad Nicolas, Jonel Uy, Boris Joaquin, and Fitz Villafuerte on F199 Jobs spoke about the side of Bloggers as the Digital Marketers. Afterwards, it was Joeff Solas,  Mannix Pabalan, and Brad Geiser’s turn to hit the stage and tackle the Bloggers as Part of Internet Marketing and Advertising.

But I admire Geiser’s style in delivering his talk though.

Since then, Tonyo Cruz and Francis Acero spoke about what are the capabilities of bloggers in shaping your own personal opinion and national advocacies.

And before the day ends, I also managed to drop by at the GMA News’ booth, where they are raffling several prizes, including a Samsung Galaxy Note. However, I managed to score an 8GB USB. Not bad!

Now, after an ‘information overload’ Friday, what are my other thoughts for iBlog10? I can tell you a few of them, like:

·         Don’t write just to be the most-Googled site. Who cares if you’re the most searchable site if everything you have there is just a mere piece of crap? SEO can really help you, but there’s more to life than digging most of your blogging life on that aspect; as more people from the blogosphere will slap you with these truthful words: “Content is still the king.”

·         Content still matters the most. This is where people will recognize you; and at the same time, the marketers are really after. No one of them will give a shit on your catchy name or design. You know what I’m saying? MESSAGE, dudes: And another thing:

·         Being viral won’t make you famous. It’s just a number. Popularity is just a title; and a real talk tip for you: both items (viral and popular) are just temporary. It won’t last a long run. It’s like asking: “who cares if you got a thousand page views when in fact all you have right there is nothing but (I’ll say it again) a mere piece of crap?”

Well, the only exception to this rule: that’s if you are making money through this venture (I mean, for real). Otherwise, better yet…

·         Go for good. I mean, create a good post – something that people is really worth reading at all; and something that will really sell in a long run.

·         “Stand up for something of your own.” At the modern times, your blog is your own voice. This is where you are stating and entitling your own opinion the most. This is also the venue where your principle in life lies. So, you better know your worth.

·         Find the right guys. Especially if we’re talking about creating or joining a community group in the online shores.

You just can’t blend with the other type of people just to say “Hey, I’m part of this (name) group!” (believe me, I tried). And I’m pretty much sure there will be a lot of peeps out there who has the same interests and niches like you do.

·         Take care. It actually sounds sweet, right? But I am more pertaining to your blog – the brand that you own right now. You should also take care of your readers. And also…

·         Show up. This applies for bloggers who used to attend the events but did not managed to put up a single blog post about them.

You know, you have been trusted to write something about them in return, regardless of whatever time period it might took you. I’ll quote an article I read from a blog entitled Knowing Ropes: “If invited by a PR in an event, they are hopeful that you’ll blog about them. If you won’t, then better not go.”

·         Stay consistent. Just keep on creating a post. Don’t settle for viral alone. Write something that your readers can relate.

Anyway, next on the list will be the part two of my #iBlog10 experience. Stay tuned! Meanwhile, you can check out the entire album containing other images I took during the Day 1 of the 10th Philippine Blogging Summit in my Facebook page

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Why Should You Attend iBlog10?

4/2/2014 9:56:29 PM

Last year, I attended their ninth seminar in over the same span of years. Actually, it’s the second day of the event.

I can still remember that one female student who tipped me for the conference (at that time, she was approaching me to be one of her group’s respondents in their thesis).

And after all of the timing, I managed to take home a gift pack (which was then I gave to my ex-girlfriend as a gift on our half-anniversary) and a T-shirt which I also won at their raffle.

But aside from the prizes, there are more things out there which are more worth to cherish – and that is what I called “learning.”

Yes, you may thought I am the poor man’s Albert Einstein in the blogosphere after criticizing issues and surveying possible angles prior to making judgments, something that people may told me “ang dami mong alam” or whatsoever similar. But as long as you live, you still learn. You still commit mistakes. You still know some other ways more than what you first thought of.

And frankly speaking, iBlog9 fed my mind about blogging and even more beyond my limits. It’s not just about praising products or services for monetary sakes, nor about the freedom to throw a bunch of brouhahas. Believe me, folks.

Some people can attest to that after meeting them last June 1, 2013 (it was a Saturday, by the way). At least, I did not go home being a total ‘anti-social’ dude (what’s my other purpose in the first place aside from gathering knowledge anyway?).

I have been doing this venture for like five years straight (unless if I hadn’t stopped from doing so during the latter part of my high school days, I should have counted that as ‘nine’), and despite the time frame, even if people looked up to me as their ‘idol,’ I will not deny the fact to myself that I am still a neophyte in this industry.

And being a total beginner in learning stuff, I am recommending the 10^th Philippine Blogging Summit for all of you bloggers, especially if you are on the same roll like I do.

This year, as I checked out their schedule posted on the website iblogph.org, this year’s summit is all about the blog as a platform for new media, as well as building communities, shaping public opinion on current events and sports, as well as a new part of the marketing umbrella, regulations and history of the internet in the country and more (something that I’m afraid to tell you I will not dare to spoil your asses. Just please do attend if you want to).

Now if that doesn’t convince you enough, then checked out other bloggers’ insights on what they thought of iBlog10 and the previous iBlog conferences.

Otherwise, I may be quiet and sitting out there on the back along with accompany of mine, in case you recognized me here’s the tip: like my profile photo in this site (as well as on Definitely Filipino, the site where I also made my contributions), I always wear this aviator sunglasses. Just better be good when you approach me, or else expect me landing a punch on your nose (just kidding).

Before I leave, here are the schedule of activities posted by the site administrator:

DAY 1 AGENDA 

9:00 to 9:20         Flag ceremony, prayer, participant intro (limited)
9:20 to 10:00       Bloggers as New Media Personalities (Carlo Ople and Noemi Lardizabal Dado)
10:00 to 10:30    BREAK
10:30 to 11:30    Building Communities through Blogging (Azrael Coladilla, Jinoe Gavan, and Vince Golangco)
11:30 to 12:45    LUNCH
12:45 to 1:15       SPONSOR TALK
1:15 to 2:15         Bloggers as Digital Marketers (Grace Bondad Nicolas, Jonel Uy, Fitz Villafuerte, Boris Joaquin)
2:15 to 3:00:        Blogging as Part of Internet Marketing and Advertising (Jeoff Solas,Mannix Borromeo Pabalan, and Brad Geiser)
3:00 to 3:30         BREAK
3:30 to 4:00         Bloggers as Activist (Tonyo Cruz and Francis Acero)
4:10 to 4:30         State of Blogging in the Philippines – report from bloggers in the countryside (Ruben Licera Jr.)
4:30                        RAFFLE / GROUP SHOT

DAY 2 AGENDA
9:00 to 9:20         Flag ceremony, prayer, participant intro (limited)
9:20 to 9:40         The Rise of the Sports Bloggers (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno)
9:50 to 10:10       Future-Proof Link Building: No Spam, More Juice (Jayson Bagio)
10:20 to 10:50    BREAK
10:50 to 11:10    Why Doctors and other Professionals should Blog? (Bien Nillos)
11:20 to 12:10    Bloggers as Entrepreneurs (Genesis Reonico, Sonnie Santos, and Vanj Padilla)
12:10 to 1:10       LUNCH
1:10 to 1:40         SPONSOR TALK: GMA Network (Howie Severino)
1:50 to 2:20         Crowdsourcing, Social Media, and its Impact on Business (Richard Eldridge and Lace Llanora)
2:30 to 2:50         Mentoring Entrepreneurs through Blogging and Social Media (Christian Blanquera)
3:00 to 3:30 BREAK
3:30 to 3:50         The Present and Future of Internet Regulation (Atty. JJ Disini)
4:00 to 4:20         The Philippine Internet at 20 years old (Janette Toral)
4:30 to 4:50         Future of Blogging and Social Media
4: 50                       RAFFLE and GROUP SHOT 

EMCEE: Flow Galindez and Adrian Benipayo

Anyway, see you!

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions