Blogapalooza: Odds and Ends

Last Saturday afternoon at the Fully Booked store,  Bonifacio High Street, I met up with some of my runner-blogger friends to attend the first ever blogapalooza, a by invitation-only event for selected Pinoy bloggers to interact with the business community who are promoting their products and services through the medium of blogging.

Not since the yearly iblog summit have I seen so many bloggers under one roof and it was nice to interact with them more loosely and in one very friendly atmosphere. One thing to be expected when these businesses promote their goods and services is being given samples of their products.

The products presented were wide and varied. I’m talking hotel rooms for 50% off, Phiten accessories, personal care products, a week’s worth of free pass in a fitness health club and as many Gift Certificates in restaurants and spas as you can have.

Here’s what I managed to get:

Bagfull of sample products

There were interesting odds and ends that gave color to this event and it was such a marathon gathering, listening to the different presentations of sponsors and it took me a long while to get all the info processed and sorted but in all, it was a worthwhile endeavor. There was very little or none that i can remember on sports and running apparel so I wish they’d invite these companies to present next time;-)

Here are some of the highlights which I found very interesting:

Part of the crowd at the event as more people were standing at the back. That's DJ Vince Golangco on stage, one of the main organizers of the event

That's a photo printer, worn as a back pack. The guy tugging it takes a picture of you and the print comes out of that machine in a few seconds. Real cool, huh? Here's their site: http://kameraman.ph/

From that machine comes this picture of Carinz, Amanda and myself

No, we're not being shot at. That's Lazerxtreme's state of the art tag game system that's great for team games. You can visit their site at http://www.lazerxtreme.com.ph

That's blogger Earth Rullan showing us how to eat hot dogs no matter what size it is. That's from Size Matters Sausages Burgers along Tomas Morato. You can check their website here. http://www.munchpunch.com. Earth, thanks for giving me a slice of that Doggie you ate.:-)

It was my favorite part of the event! A Polecat member showing her wares! Her group, the Polecats Manila offers pole dance class and if you're interested i have 1 complimentary pole dance session, good for 1 day. You can check them out at: http://www.polecatsmanila.com

Great looking gluteus maximus!

They wrote all our blog names on a board. Nice!

In a nutshell, the Blogapalooza event was a huge success! I met some amazing people, and saw and old friend way back from our days in Hongkong! I have to give a shout out to DJ Vince Golangco for doing a wonderful job in organizing this event and on top of the swags that i got, we even got to hitch a ride on that plushy China-made van, Chana that took us from the Fort to Ayala Avenue on my way to another meeting in Makati.

Till the next Blogapalooza..See you all!

Blogging: WTF Are They Talking About?

Adsense! SEO! Adsense! SEO! Adsense! SEO!

These are probably the two most common used terms during the 6th Philippine Blogging Summit ((iblog) held last April 16 and 17 at the Malcolm Theater of the UP College of Law in UP Diliman. It was my 2nd time to attend this summit, having endured the 5th summit last year at the same venue when this blog “Jazzrunner” was barely five months old.

Participants at the 6th iBlog Summit

Bloggers of all persuasions

A year and a half of blogging later i’m still groping about blogging’s idiosyncracies and i’m just beginning to understand its potential commercial value, not that i intend to earn money exclusively from it (wouldn’t be bad to do so, though), but the many possibilities that your blog could achieve like creating traffic so more people would come visit and still, maybe, just maybe earning from it, would be a bonus, for a start.

The most tricky part though is putting value into your blog that would get the attention of advertizers and that would attract traffic of readers. So now, they preach about SEO or Search engine optimization.  It’s the process of improving the volume or quality of traffic to a web site or blog from search engines via “natural” or un-paid search results, the theory being that the earlier (or higher) a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine.

Adsense! Didn’t add up to any sense (pun intended) when i first heard it, but it’s actually a product of Google wherein it’s a free program that enables website publishers, blogs including, to display relevant Google ads and earn from valid clicks and impressions. I’ve tried to apply with this program at Google but i’ve learned, through Jinoe, that having a wordpress blog, ads are not allowed here! Ha, so much for my ambition!

The summit itself is a valuable tool for bloggers especially the newbies who want to learn more about the different types of blogging. The program of the two-day seminar is as follows:

Day 1 (April 16, 2010)

9:00 – 9:15 Opening Ceremonies (National Anthem, Welcome Remarks by JJ Disini)

9:15 – 9:35 Blogging for Business: Tapping Bloggers to Generate Buzz (Janette Toral)
9:50 to 10:10 Advertising in Blogs (Abe Olandres)

10:25 – 10:50 BREAK

10:50 – 11:10 SPONSOR talk (Ivy Jean Vibar)
11:25 – 11:45 SEO & Blogging to Promote Your Business (Francis Gary Viray)

12:00 – 1:30 LUNCH / NETWORKING

1:30 – 1:50 Measuring Blog Buzz (Carlo Ople)
2:05 – 2:25 Legal Concerns in Blogging for Business (Emerson Bañez)

2:40 – 3:00 BREAK

3:00 – 3:20 Blogger and Advertiser: What is the Win-Win Relationship? (Diana Paterno)
3:35 – 3:50 Online Attraction Marketing (Manuel Viloria)

4:05 RAFFLE and GROUP PICTURE

Day 2 (April 17, 2010)

8:45 Opening Ceremonies (National Anthem & Welcome)
9:00 – 9:20 Blogging 101 (Hannah Villasis)
9:35 – 9:55 Video Blogging 101 (Vince Golangco)
10:10 – 10:30 Photo Blogging 101 (Juned Sonido)

10:45 – 11:00 BREAK

11:00 – 11:20 Blog Policies (Emerson Bañez)

11:35 – 11:55 Blog on Mobile (Racquel R. Cagurangan)

12:10 – 1:20 LUNCH & NETWORKING

1:20 – 1:30 Performance (UP Concert Chorus)

1:30 – 2:15 Political, Online Commentary, Social Media, & Election Blogging 2010 (Marck Ronald Rimorin and Noemi Dado)
2:30 – 2:50 Launching Successful Blog Contests (Jinoe Gavan)

3:05 – 3:20 BREAK

3:20 – 3:40 Impact of Blogging to the Community (Joseph Gonzales)
3:55 – 4:15 SEO: A Must for Making Money Online (Marhgil Macuha)

4:30 RAFFLE, iBlog Video Contest Winner Announcement, & GROUP PHOTO

Emcees: Flowell Galindez and Atty. Michelle Dy (UP-ISP)

The second day was intended for those who have just started to create a blog and the topics discussed on that day were worth attending. Our very own JINOE GAVAN (takbo.ph) was also there on the 2nd day to discuss a very interesting topic, “Launching Successful Blog Contests.” He discussed why run a blog contest, how to conduct them, where to get your prizes, etc. It was a nice overview on the mechanics of running blog contests.

Jinoe Gavan discussing blog contests

Running bloggers all

I would have to buy a dot com for my wordpress blog if i want to have ads on it. At any rate, ads or none, i’m just happy to continue promoting running and pursue in sharing my experiences in this sport. This is what i aimed at for this blog in the first place, anyway. Hope i made sense!

Till next topic!

Coach Jim Saret’s Dare To Be Fit

It was one of the grandest Bloggers/Press launch i ever attended as Del Monte’s Fit ‘n Right launched its newest campaign, Dare to be Fit ‘N Right in Taste Asia Restaurant at the SM Mall of Asia. The launch featured noted sports scientist and coach Jim Saret who gave lectures on Fast Intense Training (FIT), a workout strategy that is touted as the most effective way to burn fat. The FIT workout was demonstrated by fast bursts of intensive exercise that enables one to burn at least 400 calories in a span of only four minutes.

Co-blogger and Takbo.ph runner Rodel ( argonaut ) was hand-picked by Coach Jim to be one of the demonstrators of the FIT workout and gamely showed his wares for all the audience to see first hand the four-minute workout that makes you burn at least 400 calories and continues to burn even when you’re done with the workout!

Coach Jim went further by saying that you don’t have to be a gym buff to enjoy the workout and doesn’t require much space and equipment. It’s scientific, very visual, designed for non-athletes, with measurable results and it’s easy!

Corollary to this, Del Monte Fit ‘N Right also launched its Dare to be Fit ‘n Right Run on November 22 in SM Mall of Asia. The 3K/5K/10K Men and Women Open will benefit the victims of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng, among others, through the SM Foundation.

Details on their press release are as follows together with some pictures taken during the press launch:

Running is arguably one of the most popular sport these days. Every week, marathons and fun runs are organized with thousands of loyal runners joining. Some do it for the run-induced high, some for charity, others for a social cause they support but ultimately runners do it because it’s fun and a good total body workout!

Del Monte Fit ‘N Right continues its commitment in promoting a healthy lifestyle with the Dare to be Fit ‘n Right Fun Run on November 22 in SM Mall of Asia. Whether you are a regular runner who’s out to improve your PR (that’s Personal Record) or just wanting to join the running trend for a healthier you, Fit ‘n Right has something for you with its 3K/5K/10K Men and Women Open divisions. Official race call time is at 4 am in front of SM MOA Music Hall.

Who says you can’t have fun while shedding off those unwanted fats and extra calories?For a registration fee of P300, runners can get their race packet with the Dare to Fit ‘n Right Fun Run singlet, race bib, Fit ‘N Right products,etc. Registration can be in the offices of Del Monte Philippines at the Bonifacio High Street, Taguig or race organizer CEMG at 3A Vernida I Bldg., Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City or Dare to be Fit ‘n Right Fun Run registration booths in SM Hypermarket in Mall of Asia, Sucat, Pasig, and North EDSA or in Fitness First branches on November 16.

Winners will receive cash and gifts from Del Monte Fit ‘n Right and its sponsors. The Dare to be Fit ‘N Right Fun Run is for the benefit of the victims of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng through the SM Foundation.Look out for event posters and flyers or visit the Fit ‘n Right Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/FitnRight.The Dare to be Fit ‘n Right is co-presented by SM.Dare to be fit and right with Del Monte Fit ‘N Right!

Bloggers busy doing their thing

Jinoe and Que of Takbo.ph

Over-all view of the bloggers' meet

Coach Jim Saret on his lecture on the 4-minute fitness test

Rodel (Argonaut) strains neck to get that perfect work-out

Sprinting for the finish line!

Que, El Kyoshi, Jinoe, Event Organizer, Marianne Tapales, JazzRunner, Rodel

Contents of loot bags each of us took home

Blogging For Bloggers

More than 200 bloggers from all over the country converged last Saturday, May 09, 2009 at the Malcolm Theater, U.P. College of Law in Diliman, Quezon City for the 5th Philippine Blogging Summit organized by the Philippine Internet and Society Program. I was curious what the summit was about as i frequently saw the banner ads displayed prominently at different display boards inside the U.P. campus during my daily runs. While registration was already closed on-line, i was told just to come early as a late registrant before the program starts but they would not guarantee free food and freebies. Good thing i saw one of the organizers of the event, IT guru and co-Runnex member Atty. J.J. Disini who was only too glad to accept my late registration that assured me of food stubs and freebies. Thanks J.J.!

The program started rather late. When i entered the auditorium at about past 9am, bloggers were asked to come to the front and give a short introduction of themselves and their blogs. It was my first time to attend a bloggers meet so i really didn’t know what to expect. It was of interest meeting bloggers coming from a wide spectrum of interests such as in business, commentary, culture and arts, entertainment/show business, food, travel, fashion & lifestyle, sports and many others.

There was a wide array of very intersting topics including legal implications of blogging such as libel and copyright infringement, Blog Marketing and Advertising, and the No-nos of Blogging. Newbies like me were also given the heads-up on mobile blogging. Did you know that you can actually blog in real time or send a video stream into your blog that can be watched “live” by users by just using your cellphone? Cool, huh?

The best blogs of 2008 were shown very briefly from different categories including that of Jaymie’s (http://thebullrunner.com/ ).  I didn’t get to meet any of my co-bloggers from the running community so it might interest you guys to check-out their program of events:

Morning session:

• 9:00 – 9:15 Invocation, National Anthem, Welcoming Remarks
• 9:20 – 9:40 Blogging 101 (Micaela Rodriguez & AJ Matela)
• 9:45 – 10:05 Photo Blogging 101 (Faith Salazar and Fritz Tentativa)
• 10:10 – 10:25 Break
• 10:30 to 10:50 Video Blogging 101 (Azrael Coladilla and Kring Elenzano)
• 10:55 – 11:15 Mobile Blogging 101 (Edwin “Ka Edong” Soriano)
• 11:20 – 11:40 Do’s and Don’ts of Blogging 101 (Benj Espina and Juned Sonido)
• 11:45 – 12:05 Blog Promotion & Traffic Generation Strategies 101 (Winston Almendras and Coy Caballes)
• 12:10 – 1:00 Lunch break

Afternoon session:

• 1:00 – 1:20 Legal issues in Blogging (Atty. JJ Disini)
• 1:30 – 2:15 Preparing Bloggers for the 2010 Elections
  - COMELEC on Blogging & Bloggers (Dir. James Jimenez, COMELEC-EID Director)
  - Citizen Journalism for the 2010 Elections (Oliver Robillo, NAMFREL Chairman – Davao City)
  - The Bloggers Election Handbook project release (Janette Toral)
• 2:30 – 3:30 Blog Advertising Situation in the Philippines (Mannix Pabalan – AyosDito, Kristine Mandigma – Philippine Online Chronicles, Laszlo Lim, Business Development Head – Yehey, Jayvee Fernandez and Eric Ramirez)
• 4:00 – 4:15 Break
• 4:15 – 4:45 Blogging to the Next Level (Fitz Villafuerte
  and Anton Diaz)
• 4:55 Raffle & Group picture taking
• 7:00PM onwards, after-event party at Katips

Didn’t get to go to their party at Katips in Katipunan Avenue but overall, it was a truly an enlightening and educational experience. I only wish that the program should have started earlier as the time given each speaker was limited, leaving very little opportunity for questions to be asked and clarified.

Nevertheless, congratulations to the organizers of iblog5!

Audience in attendance

Photo from the sexynomad. Thanks!