My Blogger's Choice

It’s the season to give recognition again to quality blogs as Philippine Blog Awards 2008 gives shining moment for deserving bloggers. I like the idea of awards. Through these, we are challenged to bring out quality content and tall orders of information dissemination. So, on this note I would like to send my kudos to The Philippine Blog Awards!

Now, together with all of my widgets and finger-counted readers, we would like to endorse our vote for the Blogger’s Choice award. Greenfields of my Menace votes for Makoy’s Memoirs of a Certified Blogger. This blog will help any urbanite go through day to day get go with all of its timely posts. The author is simply effortless in bringing out worthy information any urbanite would care to know. Certainly, reading this blog is like reading a compact version of an upbeat broadsheet.

Now, if you are someone who believes in my taste, please follow my trail and let’s all root for Makoy’s blog. I believe that MMCB blog simply cuts across the borders of blogs that rants and blogs that flaunt social frauds and boastful stance. I hope quality and responsible blogging prevail.

Goodluck to all the nominees!

Now I think I have to send some love to these brands for helping out PBA stage this beautiful project: Level Up! Games, Nokia, Blog Bank, Smart Communications, Josiah’s catering, Rsun Technology Store, Yahoo, XFM 92.3, Buddy Gancencia Reality TV, Ultravision Photo and Video, Click Booth, Aloha Board Sports, Sheero Media Solutions, YourPinoyBroker.com, Belo Medical Group, Inquirer.net, Toshiba, ROAM Magazine, PLDT, Red Box, Coffee Bean and Tea leaf, 2go, Havaianas, and California Pizza Kitchen.

L E O

Woot woot!

It’s my natal day month! Count 14 days from now and I’m on my way to being another year older. It’s true when they say that learning comes with the age. Maturity comes with the age. Even fashion sense and hygiene comes with the age. So it has been my mantra to always reflect back on what have I become before I reached the very day of my birth.

I have to include this in my post. Just the other day, I discovered that one of my blogger friends shares the same birthday as mine. Ronan of “Poging Payatot” blogspot and I were having a casual talk in YM. I was just asking him to create his own version of Jason Mraz’s I’m yours. He was a bit skeptical telling me that it’s quite hard to remake a Jason Mraz song. I told him that I would consider it as a birthday gift. He asked me when my birthday is. To my surprise, he directed me to tags in his blog that contains two articles about his birthdays celebrated respectively in years 2005 and 2006. The common factor is that both articles were posted August 15. Yes, we have the same birthday. We are both Leos. He even told me that it is the same day that Mary went to heaven as she was summoned by God. I never knew this resemblance. It was the first time that I know a non-celebrity person celebrating the same birthday as mine.

So guys, if you are planning on buying me a gift; there’s still 14 days for you to save for it. I’m not that hard to please. Ha Ha Ha.

Just so you will have a better idea on the character of Leos like me, here’s a brief description done in a very tabloid way:

LEO - The Boss

Very organized. Need order in their lives - like being in control. Like boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help others. Social and outgoing.. Extroverted. Generous,

warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Full of themselves. Loving. D oing the right thing is important to Leos.. Attractive.

Most Opinionated

After almost nine months of being in the Blogosphere, I would have to say that I learned a lot. Of course, there are people who came along teaching me and guiding me through every important detail that I need to know as a blogger. Coming with this duration, I would have to “believe” that I have already built some significant numbers of readers. (Yes, I have to believe some people actually read my blog.)
Blogging community in the Philippines alone is populated by more than 3 million online blogs which prompts every new blogger to find a distinct niche in building one. I have to say that there are a lot of blogs out there which never fails to amaze me, that’s why I keep on coming back. That is actually the key substance of having a great blog- having the readers coming back because you’re dishing out interesting stuff that can stimulate opinion and trigger thoughts.

I know I am way far from being a star blogger. It comes with the time and of course, reader base. As a simple blogger, its enough for me to get 50-60 hits a day. It’s a halleluiah moment to get 70 hits. (which is the maximum number I got so far.) My most favorite thing about this blog is when people leave their comments and opinion on what I wrote. It feels good when people share the same thought as mine. The same way that it feels challenging when they are challenged to give out their opinion and defy my opinion.

Now, to honor my most opinionated readers, I have installed this new widget in my blog tagged as “Most Opinionated”. For the past 9 months of blogging, I would like to thank the people who never fail to give me some lift. More kudos to you guys who go here on a regular basis to waste your time and realize at the end that you need to give out some blabbers from what I just posted.(Thinking about it, its not a wasted time at all.)

My Top 10 Most Opinionated Readers (as of the posting date.)

1. Bench – 25
2. The Dong – 16
3. Danieljr. – 16
4. Abou – 13
5. Kris Jasper – 11
6. Earvin – 11
7. Consistent anonymous – 10
8. Dazedblu – 10
9. Acey – 9
10. Eli – 8

I am humbled to know that somehow I have these people appreciating what I write. It inspires me to go on and search for innovative means to explore and bring some not so ordinary stuff in this blog. Here’s Denis saying “Maraming Salamat po at sana’y tuloy-tuloy kayong bumalik dito sa munti kong blog.”

And Oh, thanks Bianca Gonzales and Marilyn Monroe for the greetings! (hahaha, dream on)

Star Bloggers in Asia

It has been said over and over again since internet became too ubiquitous- Blogs now can equal the reign of traditional media. True to the sentiment; because blogs can easily put up updates on the currents events and minute by minute get go since internet has become so powerful. Not to mention the many numbers of blog hosts that can help any blabber mouths transform their words into something worthy to read.

Hence, I bring to you the so- called stars of Asia when it comes to the crap oh I mean craft ( no pun intended) of blogging! This has been originally compiled by Shefali Rekhi of the Straits Times/Asia News Network in Singapore. The article appeared on the “Talk of the Town” segment of the Opinion page of Philippine Daily Inquirer under Editor Juan V. Sarmiento Jr. dated June 22, 2008 (Sunday).

THE PHILIPPINES

Bryan Boy

Web developer-turned-fashion writer
Blog address: http://www.bryanboy.com/

Blogs about: Fashion, accessories, pop culture

Popularity: 180,000 visitors a day

CHINA

Xu Jinglei, 34

Actress-turned-director
Blog address: blog.sina.com.cn/xujinglei

Blogs about: Her work and daily life

Popularity: Page views of more than 149 million since October 2005

TAIWAN

Hu Jia-wei (Wanwan), 27

Comic artist

Blog address: www.wretch.cc/blog/cwwany

Blogs about: Everyday life

Popularity : Has drawn more than 120 million visitors since October 2004

SINGAPORE

Lee Kin Mun, 38

Full-time writer/Podcaster/TV host

Blog address: http://www.mrbrown.com/

Blogs about: Current events, music, gadgets, family

Popularity: About 10,000 people read his blog daily

JAPAN

Naoto Amaki, 60

Former ambassador to Lebanon

Blog address: http://www.amakiblog.com/

Blogs about: Diplomatic and political affairs

Popularity: Figures among the top 10 political bloggers in the country

INDIA

Amit Agarwal, 31

Personal technology columnist

Blog address: labnol.org

Blogs about: Technology

MALAYSIA

Ahiruddin Attan, 47

Former editor of Business Times and Malay Mail

Blog address: rockybru.blogspot.com/index.html

Blogs about: Political affairs

Popularity: Has attracted more than 4.3 million visitors since May 2006

Brian Gorell @ iblog 4 Summit

Alright, I have to admit that this article is little too late, but I really did plan on having a special post on Brian Gorell’s participation on the Philippine Blog Summit recently held at UP Diliman. I have to say that there was really nothing special about his video. He was situated in his pond, with a not-so well angled camera and with mosquitoes feeding on his Australian skin. He discussed how he started blogging and his primary aim in doing his page- that is to send big bos to the people who have done him wrong ( Oh well, that is how he presented them in his blog) According to Brian, there are a lot of stress in blogging; from comments to the daily updates and all of the things that are accorded to the blog. This is quite a nuisance for me, because I primarily consider blogging as a therapy and an outlet of releasing things which can actually cause stress. Anyhow, I know a lot of bloggers are experiencing this co called “WWW stress” especially if you are the kind of blogger who spends more than half of the day in drooling and rambling at your blog and maybe dropping by at other people’s site.

What I like about Brian’s video is the candid and unedited presentation that made it entertaining and okay, informative. I am actually quite impressed on how his blog captured so many followers. I guess gossip really sells here in our country.

iblog4 Summit 2008

Hellos back everyone!

As promised, here now is the full-throttle post for the iblog 4 summit recently held at Malcolm Hall, College of Law Building in Up Diliman. Again, you can recall me saying that it is my first time to be on a blogging summit and meet my “kapawa blogeristas” in flesh (as in moving and beating flesh). I would have to say that the event went really good because of the high profile attendance and generous sponsors. Just like what I expected, I learned a lot of blogging insights in the summit. One topic that really stood out among others is the issue of Copyright and libel. Atty. JJ Disini (one of the spearheads) delivered the topic in a very intelligent way couple with witty humor. I learned the principle of Fair use which practically guides internet publishers to always pay high respect for original makers of every element found in the web. I was alaso thrilled in knowing that Mindanao bloggers are uber sikat in their place. These Mindanao bloggers are like credible journalists already as they go for real aspirations for Mindanao that goes beyond the tangible products of traditional media. Meeting bloggers is also quite a thrill. Di pala sila mga web puppets lang or scene stealers. I learned that blogging shall be written in a way that it will affect readers and contribute some effects to the society. SEO is good but we need values; just like the advocacy of Ms. Noemi Dado in reshaping the Filipina image in the World Wide Web. I am one in this fight too!

I am hoping to attend the next iblog summit and join the movement of creating 2010 elections blog saga. I agree to the idea of bloggers being on the topmost state of vigilance during the election because we all know how powerful writing and new media are nowadays.

This is not Entrecard

Ha Ha Ha.

Yes, not Entrecard but Calling Card

For the IBlog4 summit, I decide to make a calling card just in case some people asked for it for scrath or tooth pick of maybe a scratching tool for irritated skin. Anyhow, here are the designs that I considered including the winner. Secret lang ha, but this is the first time for me to have a calling card signature after me. Ayos diba?

the winner!

iblog 4

This is it!

Today is the most awaited day of Bloggers and Blog enthusiasts all over the Metro as Iblog4 summit takes place right at this very moment. Yes guys, I am one of the attendees and this is my first time ever to attend a summit of bloggers. I actually doubt if I should really be there because I’m sure that it will be packed with bloggers who hold uber super blogs that are well visited and well ranked by search engines. Who am I to mingle with these people? Oh well, its worth the try, besides the organizers made me feel welcome and secured. He He He thanks to you guys! I shall blog about the summit next time so keep coming here guys.

I am looking forward to learning awesome stuffs about blogging and also to meet new people to whom I can share insights with. So here’s one loud cheer of Kudos for Iblog4!

Brian Gorell Hysteria

I think that most of us already heard or know about this blog authored and syndicated by Brian Dorell, an Australlian blogger who is running a site that is currently a hot stuff here in the Philippines because it basically tackles the lives of High profile people in the society in a not so pleasant taste. The young blog has already received 2 million hits and is currently getting tons and tons of comments and Paypal donations. According to Brian, this blog aims to hit those people who have done him wrong in order for them to pay for their bad doings. This issue sparked up so bright that our local media has already spawned to tell the story. ABS-CBN and a local radio station did an interview of Brian Dorell respectively. Now, will all of this high buzz, the Philippine government was alarmed about the growing numbers of blogs and is now planning to pass a bill that will censor Philippine blog sites. It is in the light of copyright and responsible blogging that they will focus on. They want to end blogs that cause attacks to personalities without proof or concrete basis.

It is just fair to create a law that shall moderate the contents of blogs in order to make sure that we take care of the credibility of the World Wide Web. It is really a matter of honest writing and clean motives that we can all continue to have this great freedom to express ourselves. As a blogger, I would always advocate the saying – “with great freedom comes a greater responsibility.”

the MAKOY brand.

Blogging has certainly created a significant buzz in the society as many bloggers maximize their freedom for speech through blogging. Blogs these days go beyond mere personal accounts and documentaries, and this is the reason for a congested blog land. Well, I am not complaining. I mean, this should be good because this basically means that Filipinos are really mobile and educated. The problem is that it’s very easy to make a blog; all you need is a little drive for technology plus some of your “blabbers” and you’re good to go. But what some people don’t realize is that blogs should also be stuffed with quality writings. (By saying “quality” doesn’t mean superior grammar or magnified composition) Just like TV, radio and print; a blog is also a form of media, so it is crucial to make a blog that is worthy to read. And talk about worthy reads? I know this blogger who has all that; meet Makoy, the certified blogger. Now, don’t go raising eyebrows because the person does have the right to claim the “certified blogger” tag. His blog is like a hybrid of everything that is essential; I can’t say that it’s just a personal blog, because there are a lot more insights in his blog that goes beyond personal. Now for me to further substantiate why I think he is a certified blogger, here are my reasons:

Making a difference: Makoy’s blog contains all the essential insights a normal urbanite needs. From lifestyle to politics to entertainment and pop culture, the blog is loaded only with the substantial information that are good as a “brain munch”.

Artistry: Makoy’s writing style is very consistent; it’s straightforward but nevertheless is it dull. I am also a fan of his simple humor that can strike your witty bones. The layout and graphics are also legibly done and the whole blog is not heavy in the eye.

Kindred to bloggers: Makoy helps other bloggers, especially the new ones; everyone in the blogsphere is a witness of how he shares his knowledge to everyone. He is in deed very human. I also commend him for putting his personal life in his blog because it really takes a lot of guts to put your life in an open media.

On the right track: They say that you are what you eat and therefore you are what you read. Having a daily dose of Makoy’s insights will surely make you updated with the events and happenings in the current get-go. It will surely help you talk with sense.

Yes to brand!:Makoy has already created a brand in the blog land. Just like in advertising’s brand race; toothpaste is Colgate, soap is Safeguard, fast-food is Jollibee, coffee is Nescafe and blog is Makoy’s Memoirs of a certified blogger.

And as a brand, I think that Makoy’s blog can endure the test of time because he has the capability to always create good elements in his blog, plus I heard that he has this strong number of loyal readers. Hmmm are we talking about girl fan groups here? :)

The Blogger's Prayer

Oh compassionate, so faithful, so loving You are Our Father.

We ask You to increase our faith and our love for You that we may use blogging as an instrument to fulfill Your purposes.

May we become bloggers of truth and promoters of peace.

Help us to be steadfast in our Christian commitment that visitors may find in our blogs a source of encouragement and inspiration.

Give us strength to proclaim Your word, that we may play our part in breaking down the walls of hostility in the world and use our blogs to strengthen the bonds of friendship, solidarity and love.

Make our hearts meek and humble that we may treat our readers as friends, not as unique hits, that we may strive to change ourselves for the better more often than we pimp our site templates, that we may find more time to ease the pain of someone in our own home than to reply to comments left by strangers, that we may interact with our next door neighbors as often as we chat with our blogrolled friends, that we may be more concerned about helping the less privileged than about the number of subscribers to our RSS feeds.

Deliver us, Father, from spams and viruses, from pride and selfishness, and from the temptation to replicate images without permission and copy ideas without crediting the original authors.
May we always be united as a network of bloggers and friends working together in Your name.

May our blogs lead us closer to You.

We ask all these through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Prayer by Fr. Stephen Cuyos, MSC (Philippine Blog Awards Night 2007)

Image from Collinclark.blogspot.com

Guevara is on for responsible blogging!