The event will be on the 24th of October 2009 while the venue will still be announced in the coming days. Also, this year’s theme is: “Mindanao Bag-ohon sa Panan-aw,” which aims to uphold Mindanao through the nice things and places it has to offer and expunge the negative notions the world has about it.

I bet you the bloggers of Mindanao, wherever you are right now, are all excited about the MBS3! For those who are interested to join, please sign up in our Pre-Registration Form. Cagayan de Oro is waiting for you!

In attendance were GenSan’s bloggers, both seasoned and neophyte, all under the tutelage of Avel Manansala. It was a good group, coming from various age groups, interests and backgrounds.

I was able to introduce WordPress to the participants, and hopefully, allow them to appreciate the power and flexibility of this awesome blogging platform. Admittedly, at present very few bloggers in GenSan use WordPress. But after that first seminar, I am hoping that the numbers will increase. Especially that more and more bloggers there are getting into niche blogging and content specialization, I am counting on their looking to WordPress as their next publishing medium.

Lyle was “discovered” during the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit last year in this city, when he was asked on the spot to give an impromptu presentation on Google AdSense. He is quite the speaker — very engaging and interesting. And so, I look forward to doing more blogging seminars in tandem with him in the near future.

I’d like to thank Avel for making the blogging seminar possible, as well as Coffee Club 101 for hosting the group for two days. This coffee shop is most certainly a blogger-friendly establishment — and serves quality coffee to boot!

Speaking of which, the bloggers of Cagayan de Oro are also conducting a similar event this week. Kudos to ChiQ Montes and her crew for this effort! Blog on!

Spearheading the CDO bloggers’ group is ChiQ Montes, who is a Web developer and WordPress themes designer. She was also one of the tireless volunteers of WordCamp Philippines 2008, held in Manila last 6 September 2008.

As with the past two Summits, MBS3 will be held sometime in October. I will leave it to ChiQ and her group to announce further details — exact date(s), venue, program, etc. — as they get finalized. I sincerely hope that we will see even more bloggers from more places in Mindanao (and beyond) attending the Summit in 2009.

In behalf of the Mindanao Bloggers core group — Andrew, Ria, MiGs™ and Winston — I’d like to extend our congratulations to the CDO Bloggers! You have our full confidence and support!

This group is now being led by Chiq Montes, who was one of the tireless volunteers at WordCamp Philippines 2008. Last 8 December, I also got to know Goma, Bang, Ding, Cloyd, Robstroy (who was also at MBS2), Amelia (whom I had already met last June 2007), and Mike Abonitalla.

They’re a fun bunch, and they seem to have just the right amount of enthusiasm to be able to sustain their presence in Northern Mindanao. They were very eager to learn about the experiences of the Davao and General Santos groups. The CDO bloggers are rarin’ to be a much more active part of the Mindanao Bloggers community.

It is indeed remarkable that groups of people who are geographically, socially and even religiously disparate can come together as one cohesive community. Beyond the cities of Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro, other areas are now coming online: Dipolog, Malaybalay / Valencia, Kidapawan…. I just wish I could touch base with the bloggers of all these places very soon!!

The CDO group is obviously very excited about the prospect of hosting the 3rd Mindanao Bloggers Summit. Well, the core group of MB originators (Andrew, Ria, Migs, Winston and yours truly) are going to arrive at a decision very soon.

Cagayan de Oro is one very progressive city. At a casual glance, it’s very hard to tell whether Davao City is still in the lead in terms of development. Population- and geography-wise, Davao is still much bigger, but CDO is clearly making large strides towards economic and social progress. As a destination, the city of golden friendship is more than ready to host the Summit in October 2009.

Kudos and more power to the bloggers of CDO!!!

The presentations by leaders in the media and tourism fields gave us a sense of what’s being done presently by both government and the private sector to promote tourism and culture in Mindanao. Davao City Tourism Operations Officer Bong Aportadera and Regional Director Sonia Garcia of DOT-11 apprised us of the two simultaneous programs for the city and the region, respectively. For the city, the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) is championing the DaWOW! concept. It’s a holistic program that deserves to be pushed to the forefront of all tourism-related activities in Davao. Below is the presentation by Mr. Aportadera.

DOT-11, for their part, is keen on encouraging the various regions to identify special-interest destinations which would receive special focus for promotions and development purposes. DOT-11 is mandated to take care of the Davao Region: Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental.

The summit was not all about what is or what should be. It was actually more of what we can and will do. Mr. Aportadera and Ms. Garcia discussed plans of action for the tourism industry, and appealed to media to help spread the word.

This summit also reminded me of MediaNation5.2, where media industry bigwigs discussed the Mindanao issue. At the Mindanao Media Summit, the discussions were more specific, and more ground-level. Media practitioners and tourism professionals from many parts of the island aired their views on the current state of local tourism and what they felt had to be done to help improve the current numbers.

It was rather disappointing, however, that the representative of national media, Mr. Fred Gabot, did not at all deliver on what he was supposed to talk about. His presentation was supposed to be on the role of national media in promoting Mindanao tourism. Instead, he attempted to give insights on what tourism in Mindanao is all about — something that Mindanaoans are aware of already. He also tried to get away with blaming local media for not doing enough to generate publicity for the island, ergo, national media could not provide column space / airtime for Mindanao news.

Wrong. At MediaNation5.2, influential media personalities in Metro Manila already admitted that Mindanao is not given enough column space or airtime because news emanating from the Philippine South was “not sexy”. But don’t get me wrong: these top-level people from national media were there in Tagaytay last August to help solve the Mindanao news issue. But the fact is, this isn’t a chicken-and-egg question.

Local media outfits do generate tons of content to help promote the island, and they are sensitive about portraying Mindanao incorrectly. However, it is national media that’s culpable in the misrepresentation of what’s truly going on in the South. For example, a local mediaman in Davao told the summit audience of one of his experiences with a Manila-based editor. He had written about the bombing of a bus in Digos; the bus was en route from Davao City. His editor changed the title of his piece to ‘Davao bus bombed‘. Why? Presumably because mainstream media thinks nobody in Metro Manila knows where Digos City is.

Then, in reiterating the importance of peace in Mindanao, the speaker flippantly voiced out his opinion about the “Christian-Muslim” conflict, that “our Muslim brothers should learn” about peace. There was a collective gasp in the audience when Mr. Gabot said this. Such glib statements are very irresponsible, and that was pointed out to him during my reaction. This goes to show how many people outside of Mindanao are grossly unaware of the real interactions and relationships among Mindanaoans.

Fortunately, Mr. Gabot did get one thing right. He encouraged the summit participants to consider the Internet as the next medium of communication. And this is true. Through the Internet, local media can bypass insensitive editors in Metro Manila.

The first day of the summit ended with all stakeholders in media and tourism signing a Manifesto of Support, which reads:

I recognize the importance of media, peace, culture and tourism in contributing to the improvement of the collective efforts and psyche of a people in promoting peace. In light of these trying times, I will endeavor to play an active role in promoting the diverse attractions and rich traditions of Mindanao and the rest of the nation.

I am cognizant of my professional and personal capacity to commit to help in the betterment of Mindanao, and I will use these gifts to speak the truth against biases and negative perceptions. I shall support efforts to promote true and lasting peace, and an appreciation and understanding for the intrinsic and unique culture of Mindanao.

By signing this manifesto, I acknowledge that every citizen can and must speak for truth, peace, culture and tourism. And I acknowledge that it can begin with me.

So help me God.

I signed this manifesto as the convenor of the MindanaoBloggers community. I am pleased to report that our group (as well as the concept of blogging) is now gaining ground in establishing a foothold on society as the emerging form of media.

Patricio el Suplado

Philippines Ultimate Online Teen Magazine

Name: Patricio
Location: Davao City

When did you start blogging in earnest? Which blog platform did you use 1st?

I actually started blogging when I was still in the elementary. Those were the days when I was first introduced to the so-called internet-landia. Before I thought blogs were like ordinary static websites we used to see around. But those blogs that I created before can still be found on the internet but those aren’t active now.

I’m using Blogger for now; later I’ll be having my own domain name, thanks to NokiaHost.com.

Why do you blog? What/who gave you that 1st push?

I blog because I have a passion for writing. My blog started initially as my online journal but turned out to be an online magazine which people of all age brackets can read.

My blog serves as an outlet of my thoughts and views about everything under the sun.

Tell us about this featured blog. Purpose? Target audience?

I would be a hypocrite if I tell you that I wanted to be featured here NOT for traffic; hey, it’s really for traffic! hehe.

But more than that, I wanted my talent in writing – as others say it – to be noticed. Hey, I welcome criticisms regarding my blog, just make it a constructive one okay, thanks.

My target audience is my fellow teenagers. But I can still make posts/ articles which will get the attention of oldies and perhaps, youngsters.

How many other blogs do you own?

I only have one blog currently active. Unless you count my elementary blogs which are mediocre in terms of lay-out and content.

What “offline” activities do you do to promote your blog(s)?

I literally do offline promotion of my blog like telling my classmates I have a new interesting post on my blog, etc etc.

After making a post about the recently-concluded MBS2, when I went back to school, a lot of my classmates asked me about my trip to GenSan, little did I know that almost all of them are viewing my blog during the free time, haha.

What/who inspires you to keep on blogging? How come?

WHO: The professional bloggers. The convenors of MB and the likes. My fellow young bloggers who can be considered pro at this point.

WHAT: AdSense, haha.

Do you currently monetize your blog(s)? How?

Yes, I’m currently working on that, bu I guess my strategies were of no effect to my blog as far as AdSense earnings is concerned.

Anyone generous to help me? hehe.

I’ll gladly appreciate it.

How much money do you usually spend for your blog(s) per month?

Since our pc at home has a prepaid internet connection, the net is waaayyyy slower compared to postpaid ones. So, I always go to net cafes to do my blogging thingies.

Let’s do the math: Internet rates usually ranges from PHP10-PHP15.

My minimum hours blogging is 2 hours and can last staring at the computer monitor for up to 6 hours.

List other blogs that you read on a regular basis.

[no answer supplied --admin]

In about 10 words, convince our readers to subscribe to your blog!

You should, because my blog deserves it, haha.

Would you like to have your blog featured here as well? If you’re from Mindanao or if you write about Mindanao, click here to submit your blog!

Dahan-Dahan Lang

Entertainment News. Celebrity Gossip. Served Hot and Fresh.

Name: Dennis G.
Location: Davao City

When did you start blogging in earnest? Which blog platform did you use 1st?

June 2006. I used blogspot and blogsome hosted blogs back then.

Why do you blog? What/who gave you that 1st push?

At first, it was just for the sheer satisfaction of having your thoughts and feelings expressed online. But then I discovered I like discussing (or bashing) current issues on entertainment, movies, and the like so I gave it a go. Secondly, I blog for money. Yeah, mukhang pera ako. haha

Tell us about this featured blog. Purpose? Target audience?

This blog exist to inform and entertain. Things might get sexy or scandalous along the way but this is what entertainment and celebrity issues really are. We cant separate scandal from celebrity dirt. Those who like to know about the latest in the entertainment world might as well like and appreciate this blog.

How many other blogs do you own?

I have like 15 blogs before including the free-hosted ones. Now, I maintain at least 5.

What “offline” activities do you do to promote your blog(s)?

Well, joining bloggers meetups is one. Honestly, I don’t really do offline promotion that much. Cause when I’m out, I want to focus on doing something else because most of my time is really on blogging (both professional and personal).

What/who inspires you to keep on blogging? How come?

The fun and the money! Blogging has helped me pay my bills and buy stuff for myself so clearly, I don’t want that to stop as much as possible. I enjoy blogging in my selected niche so I think I’ll keep on doing this as long as I can.

Do you currently monetize your blog(s)? How?

Yes. Mainly Adsense. There were direct advertisers too but now they are scarce. I also use TLA, Chitika, and Clicksor. Paid posts once in a while especially if the offer is quite big.

How much money do you usually spend for your blog(s) per month?

I spend at least $45 a month for my blog host. I use a dedicated server to handle the load my blogs give so well kinda pricy.

List other blogs that you read on a regular basis.

I read entertainment blogs both local and international for me to get updated with the latest news. Here are some of them:
http://dlisted.com
http://hollywoodtuna.com
http://pep.ph
http://popoholic.com
http://perezhilton.com
and many others!

In about 10 words, convince our readers to subscribe to your blog!

Want your celebrity news / gossip hot, fresh, sexy? Subscribe now!

Would you like to have your blog featured here as well? If you’re from Mindanao or if you write about Mindanao, click here to submit your blog!

Now, Zamboanga City is seeing her bloggers become more cohesive, through the leadership of Yolynne Medina, Ryann Elumba and Jerome Locson (who went to GenSan to attend the MBS2). They’ve had a few meet-ups already, and hopefully I’ll be able to join in one of their future get-togethers.

Cagayan de Oro City, as well, is back on track. Two years ago, they had an informal group already, but it fell by the wayside after the prominent members left for Manila and Cebu for work. But now, under the care of ChiQ Montes, they’re starting to form a stronger community. They even have their own Ning.com site: CDO Bloggers.

So, MBS3 will be a toss-up between Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro. I shall announce the decision before the year ends.

I hope that more cities and/or provinces in Mindanao will have their own active bloggers’ groups. This will not only help us achieve our goal of projecting the real images of Mindanao onto the world stage, but also create an atmosphere of harmony and cooperation among Mindanaoans.

Monkey Monitor

A Dose of Daily Experience, Captured and Documented

Name: Kristan Franco
Location: General Santos City

When did you start blogging in earnest? Which blog platform did you use 1st?

Last September lang, I was encouraged by myself. Blogger.

Why do you blog? What/who gave you that 1st push?

I love reading my daily experience, my jotted notes and to showcase photography skills and photoshop manipulation. Bloggers around the online world, digdesignz.net, and many more.

Tell us about this featured blog. Purpose? Target audience?

i love my art to be seen. to be criticized and to show the side of mindanawons, the positive side

How many other blogs do you own?

1 only. having a hard time managing multiple blogs

What “offline” activities do you do to promote your blog(s)?

i talk about it. I endorse (literally), and I talk about whats new on my blog so that each will be curious on the topics brought.

What/who inspires you to keep on blogging? How come?

The previous summit held in Gensan, I was encourage by the summit (MBS2), it made me “dedicated”

Do you currently monetize your blog(s)? How?

yes..everyday. i have 3 post a day..or 2 or just one.

How much money do you usually spend for your blog(s) per month?

I don’t spend any, because I have free internet connection

List other blogs that you read on a regular basis.

digdesignz.net
vanillaseven.com
mindanaobloggers.com
gensantos.com

In about 10 words, convince our readers to subscribe to your blog!

Frustrated-Flying Photography (thats what you get)

Would you like to have your blog featured here as well? If you’re from Mindanao or if you write about Mindanao, click here to submit your blog!

When I stood before my fellow bloggers that morning, I felt a swelling of pride and a sense of great fulfilment. MBS1 was a big success because it was the opening salvo. MBS2 turned out to be the affirmation of this fact: the Mindanao Bloggers initiative has become a true community.

Through our efforts as a community, more bloggers are now more aware of their unique role as messengers of peace and truth. Young Mindanaoans and (ahem!) more mature ones alike are all in agreement that there is a responsibility to present Mindanao truthfully and aggressively to the whole world via blogging.

More photos here and here.

In MBS1, it was only a handful of bloggers who carried the torch. Perhaps this was natural, because most of the attendees then were probably still in wait-and-see mode. But with the achievement that was MBS2, more bloggers of Mindanao are firmly on board. Not to mention, a growing number of Metro Manila-based bloggers who support our community. To name a few: Janette Toral, Aileen Apolo, Jay de Jesus, Jayvee Fernandez, and now Pierre Galla, who gave a rousing talk about an observer’s point of view with regards the Mindanao issue.

Aside from the cooler swags and more coordinated movements, what sets MBS2 higher than the previous Summit was the more active involvement of the bloggers. This year, the Summiteers were a lot more participative, and displayed a deeper interest in what the Mindanao Bloggers community was all about. We had a bit more participants, too. And this time, we had a couple of bloggers from Zamboanga, especially Jerome Locson, who was interviewed at length by ABS-CBN. I was also delighted that there was an unexpectedly large number of Dabawenyos who went to General Santos for the event.

Whoever we will appoint to organize MBS3 will be hard pressed to deliver an even better Summit next year! The tour of General Santos that we went through the day after the 2nd Summit was a splendid idea. The bloggers who signed up for the tour went to the fishport, a restaurant overlooking the bay, Manny Pacquiao’s residence, and a tuna store. I’m sure the purpose of the whole tour was to show the visiting bloggers that General Santos is now a progressive city — and I agree!

Many still say that GenSan is still a few years behind Davao City. And yet, there are a number of establishments there that can rival ours. Places like Coffee Club 101 and Grab A Crab can certainly put a lot of restaurants in Davao to shame. Plus, wifi hotspots there are mushrooming all over town, just like here. Many businessmen there are now aware of blogging in particular — and IT in general — as a means to develop their city. Before I and five friends left for Davao, we were invited to have lunch at Sud-an Grill & Restaurant. The owners didn’t want to pass up the chance of getting their place featured by bloggers. The food we were served tasted simply impressive! Check here for one of the reviews.

Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. was with us after the Summit and during the fellowship night. Despite his busy schedule, he made time for our event and was game for some interviews. It is apparent that the good mayor is aware of the power of the blog and what it can do for his town. (Although we now have a few city councilors blogging, I wish Davao City’s local government would be as appreciative of the new media as well.)

At MBS2, I apprised the audience of what we have been up to since the 1st Summit. Highlights of this were the blogging seminars, my participation in Media Nation 5.2, and of course, WordCamp Philippines 2008. There will be more bloggers’ activities in the near future — all for achieving our goal of connecting the world to the reality of Mindanao.

For MBS3, it is necessary that we upgrade the Summit Resolution that we formulated last year. Since we have already begun to realize the original objective, we have to follow through by expanding our view, our reach. Now that we have made waves, it’s time we explored the ocean some more.

My heartfelt greetings to everyone who made their presence felt at MBS2! Three cheers to General Santos City for a very fruitful Summit!!!