Joy Isaguirre | Musings of a Blog Convert

The 4th Philippine Blogging Summit was held at Malcolm Theater in UP Diliman last April 26, 2008. Didn’t get to attend the first two sessions, had to finish some stuff and run some errands for the Elevate 2008 event before heading off to UP.

top (right): bloggers at iBlog4; bottom (left): cafemom and pinkmonster; (center): chickenmafia

11:00 – 11: 30 Photoblogging

Arrived around 11am, halfway through Juned Sonido’s session. The way Juned presented the topic, with his corky humor, made Photoblogging all the more interesting for me. SML which is short for “Samahan ng Malalaking Lente” is his funny way of saying, “it’s not the bow, it’s the Indian.” Humor and eye candy, not a bad combination!

Here’s some of the caveats and provisos that i got from Juned:

* Never become annoying.
* Respect the wishes of the subject.
* Respect the owner of the pet.
* Respect the owner of the land.

11:30 – 12:00 Blog to Print – Jonas Diego
Bringing blog content to the printed page. Updates on Jonas’ initiative on blog comics.

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
Met up with bloggers Jester-in-Exile and Azrael, we discussed the rudiments of online stalking. For someone who recently experienced getting stalked online and offline, the topic has caused a slight indigestion on my part.

1:00 – 1:40 Vlog and Podcasting Prospects in the Philippines by Aileen Apolo and Coy Caballes

1:45 – 2:45 Blogging and 2010 Elections Panel

Ms. Janette Toral, Ms. Luz Rimban, and Mr. Manuel L. Quezon III discussed the importance of blogging and how bloggers can effectively participate in the the 2010 elections. The reason behind the call for non-journalist (bloggers) to do random acts of journalism is because mainstream media cannot cover everything. It was also said that maintsream media can be highly selective about its coverage. Hence, citizen journalists (i.e. bloggers) are encouraged to fill the gaps.

Here are some key things a blogger/citizen journalist can do in order to help in the 2010 elections:

* spot news stories
* report them
* take video or still photos
* deliver commentary and analysis

2:40 – 3:10 Legal Challenges in Blogging

Atty. JJ Disini discussed the legal issues about blogging, defined what is fair use, and how to steer clear from libel suits. Oh yeah, let’s not forget about intellectual property and copyright infringement.

3:30 – 3:50 Blogging for Advocacy

This topic by Ms. Noemi Lardizabal Dado is really close to my heart because it helps reshape the image of the Filipina Online. It was a decade ago when i first voiced my opinion and wrote about how Filipinas are perceived online and offline. The essay that i made back in 1998 was featured in a website called PinoyLife by its editor Moonie Lantion. There were so much negative connotations on filipinas and only a handful of us had access to the internet, let alone the guts to speak our mind. So in order to give voice to the majority of women who wish to take a stand but doesn’t have the means, i felt it was my obligation and duty to stand in the gap and speak out.

A decade later, i am happy to see that more filipinas are taking the initiative and discussing issues like these. Kudos to Ms. Noemi Lardizabal Dado for spearheading the Filipina Image project.

Yes, “I’m Proud to be Pinay!”

3:50 – 4:30 Blogging from the Countryside

The Mindanao Blogging Experience by Ria Jose

4:30 – 5:00 Closing Remarks / Group Picture / Raffle

Met SexyMom (Dine Racoma) and her very kind and sweet son, BA Racoma. This young man left a very remarkable impression on me during dinner at Banapple with Ate Verns. To Ms. Dine Racoma, you’re one fantastic and sexy mom for bringing up a very fine young man!

top (left): BA and Dine Racoma; (right): Joy with Dine and BA Racoma; bottom: won movie tickets and Yehey! vouchers during the raffle