Blogging Influence Acknowledged at iBlog5

The strong influence of bloggers in promoting brand and stirring public opinion was acknowledged during the iBlog5: 5^th Philippine Blogging Summit held last May 9, 2009 at the Malcolm Theater, University of the Philippines College of Law in Diliman, Quezon City.

Organized by the UP Internet and Society Program, this yearly event began in 2005 when blogging was still unpopular in the country. The event aims to introduce blogging and analyze the possible contributions of bloggers in stirring public opinion. Furthermore, it gives bloggers fresh ideas on how to earn from blogging.

More than 250 bloggers from all over Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, and other provinces participated during the whole day summit. During the event, popular personalities from the blogging community shared vital tips and advices on the new forms of blogging. Veteran photo bloggers Mr. Fritz Tentativa and Ms. Faith Salazar of Tanggera.com gave a crash course on photography and proper photo blogging. Ms. Kring Elenzano of Flippish.com along with pop culture blogger Mr. Azrael Coladilla explained and demonstrated the concept and principles behind video blogging. Technology blogger Mr. Edwin ‘Ka Edong’ Soriano introduced a new form of blogging using mobile phones. Mr. Bern Espina of Atheista.net and Mr. Juned Sonido of Baratillo net jointly gave their views on the do’s and don’ts of blogging. SEO tutor bloggers Mr. Winston Almendras and video blogger Mr. Coy Caballes shared tips on how to promote a blog and increase its traffic. Atty. JJ Disini discussed t the legal implications of blogging.

Commission on Election – Education and Information Department (COMELEC-EID) Director Mr. James Jimenez shared the history of the COMELEC blog, bagongbotante.ph and how it helped inform the public about the importance of voter’s registration and the schedule for their respective provinces. Afterwards, Ms. Janette Toral, founder of DigitalFilipino.com gave her insights on how bloggers can make or break the candidacy of a presidentiable or anyone running for public office in the coming election.

Ms. Kristine Mandigma, Editorial Director of Philippine Online Chronicles; Mr. Mannix Pabalan, General Manager of AyosDito.ph; Mr. Lazlo Lim, Business Development Head of Yehey.com; Mr. Jayvee Fernandez, co-founder of BlogBank; Mr. Eric Ramirez, Chairman of Nuffnang Philippines, Mr. Fritz Villafuerte, owner of financial blog Ready To Be Rich; and Mr. Anton Diaz, owner of travel blog Our Awesome Planet discloses valuable tips and tricks on how to improve blog revenue.

The 5th Philippine Blogging Summit is sponsored by Smart Communications, Inc., Philippine Online Chronicles, AyosDito.ph, Jollibee , Yehey.com, 611 Connect , with the support of Alfox Comptuter Center, Philippine Realty TV, and Greatwebhost.com.ph