Last Friday, May 8, I flew to Manila so I could attend iBlog5: The 5th Philippine Blogging Summit which was on May 9 at UP Diliman. Thankfully, Bagyong Emong already went out in time for my flight. Kevin and I met in NAIA so we could together go to Vanjohnn’s whereabouts. We went to SM Megamall since Van is there with his friends. A long walk towards the condo after.

Eric fetched us (like kids) so we could go together to UP Diliman. We were there on time and we get to have their freebies. Weee. Cebu Bloggers Society‘s (including me) wearing of their official shirt (thanks Van for the shirt) attracted the organizers attention so we were first in introducing ourselves to the early crowd. We were followed by more interesting bloggers.

The first topic was Blogging 101 by Mica (idol) and AJ (my new friends, wee!). It was followed by Photo Blogging 101 by Faith (Rarr, go purple team!) and Fritz. We then had our break and I forgot what happened during the break. Video Blogging 101, one of the most interesting talks because of Kring’s humor, by Azrael and Kring followed. Mobile Blogging 101 by Ka Edong was next. The Do’s and Don’ts of Blogging, the controversial talk, was by Benj and Juned. The last talk before lunch was by Master Winston and Coy, Blog Promotion & Traffic Generation Strategies 101. Then lunchtime!

I took my lunch with the other CBS members. After the meal, we walked from Malcolm Hall to the place of the oblation. I did not let go of the opportunity of seeing the UPD oblation. It was different compared to our own oblation back here. The walk was long but it was fun. UPD is so green. As green as your mind.

We took a jeepney back to Malcolm Hall since we knew we were already late then for the afternoon session. Atty. Disini talked about the Legal Issues of Blogging while Ms. Janette talked about Preparing Bloggers for the 2010 Elections. Unfortunately, I only heard Mannix Palaban for Blog Advertising Situation in the Philippines because I went out after his talk. One of my weaknesses is too much aircon (side by side with sleepiness) so I decided to go out and do nothing. I stayed in front of the soccer field for about an hour and a half, doing nothing. I went back inside after the break to hear the last talk, Blogging to the Next Level by Fitz and Anton Diaz. I have learned so much from Mr. Diaz’s talk. That ends the iBlog5 event but the day did not end there.

Together with new and great friends from Manila namely, Hannah, Mica, Winston and Ada, we (Van and I) went to Kenny Rogers to dine. We met with other bloggers there like Jehzlau and sorry I forgot the rest. Oops. We then had a small conversation and a handful of jokes. Katips Bar was next where the other CBS members were happily gulping beer. We had fun picture taking (CBS plus Winston) in the place before we went out to go home. That’s what I thought. Mica, Winston and Hannah were to spend a little more time in Van’s place. We then had few small talks and played 1-2-3-pass where I NEVER LOST . I learned a lot about them. They are absolutely cool people.

They went home around 1:30 in the morning and everyone had to have their short sleep for the Enchanted Kingdom event. EK post will follow soon.

iBlog5 was a great event. It was successful and I am absolutely sure each one of us who attended have learned something relevant to our blogging lives. But what made the day complete is that I get to meet a lot of new friends in a day. I met the best bloggers in the Philippines and made friends with them.

Again, thanks Ada, Mica, Hannah, Winston and Vanjohnn for the fun times! I can’t contain the happiness! Wee. More friends at the EK event!

Again thank you and see you soon.

Thanks to Vanjohnn for most of the pictures.