(L-R) Francis, Ronald, Buhay Qatar and The Pope
(Seated L-R) Francis, Ronald and Buhay Qatar
(Standing L-R) Rose, The Pope and Gerald
It's been a cold Thursday evening with wind blowing outside the Starbucks Cafe but the pleasant smiles and cordiality has brought warmth as I rub elbows with 5 best Global Filipino bloggers in Doha.
It was full of excitement and a rare opportunity to meet the real people behind the virtual walls whom I googled and admire their talents in creative writings in the blogosphere as I shake hands with Gerald Baluyot of The EXPAT, Buhay Qatar of Barangay Buhay Qatar, Ronald Mallari of POEMS on LIFE and LOVE and QUOTES, Francis Morilao of Unnamed Psalmist & Mga Kathang Isip ni Kiko and Ms. Rose Marie Armenta of Rainbow Box .
The conversation begins innocently on how long each has been blogging, subjects and blog affiliations. Freebies courtesy of Kiko were awarded to me and Buhay Qatar as "Early Birds".
More good conversation went on as we ordered our cup of cocoa cappuccino, as Buhay Qatar and Ronald share their expertise, strategies and success on monetizing blogs. Buhay Qatar was regarded as one of the pioneer in Qatar blogging who have helped and introduced Kiko and Ronald into the blogsphere.
Kiko and Ronald, both respected bloggers on literary arts shares their real life experience in preparing poem compositions. Rose whose beauty and charm captivates the group as she provides tips for creative writing on fiction short stories for 'emo' and love story subjects. Gerald, the youngest in our pears has shown great enthusiasm on photo and technology blogs.
More subjects were explored particularly on role of PEBA in blogsphere, The Kablogs Journal (TKJ), the ongoing Bethany project, PEBA organizational structure, financial sustainability through effective fund raising projects and the much awaited PEBA 2011 event.
The issue on National Bloggers Association was discussed in brief and it was highlighted that the freedom of expressions of individual bloggers should never be restricted by any blogging organization.
Unfortunately the coffee shop doesn't have a wi-fi facility as we 're unable to provide live news feeds from our mobile phones and laptop to reach our PEBA blogging friends who are anxiously waiting from Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Philippines.
So many blogging experiences were shared individually and collectively and it was a fruitful encounter. As the night grew deep and nobody wants to take a second cup of coffee, we called it a night. We said good-byes at 10:30 pm, Buhay Qatar left 30 minutes early, followed by Gerald. Ronald remains in the cafe as he awaits some friends. while me and Kiko separate ways after ensuring that Rose was safely boarded on the taxi cab.
I reached home by 11 pm, started my PC and posting messages in FB wall and guess what, I am not alone, Gerald begin posting our event photos while me, Kiko and Rose continue our “chit-chat” online - THE BLOGGING ADDICTS.
i must say, i learned a lot that night.ü thank u po at sa uulitin! It was a pleasure meeting all of you!ü
ReplyDelete@ rainbow box
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed a learning experience and thank you for organizing the event. Sayang maikli lang ang oras, perhaps next time we can do it sa bahay as suggested by Ronald so we can have foods and an internet connection for the event.
I seldom go out of my blogging cave which is my room but when it comes to people with great substance I can't let the opportunity pass.
ReplyDeletePope every time I read your posts it reminds me that there are lots of things I need to know in writing articles. I admire your techniques in writing. Poetry has been my comfort zone, I write articles but compared to yours mine are "amateurist".
When I got home I looked up for Rose's blog and the famous "post" she published and wow! You and Kiko were right. Rose has the "Thing" for fiction-writing.
Just don't forget to notify me on the next EB..
"5 best Global Filipino bloggers in Doha" from The Pope himself, thank you for this wonderful introduction, looking forward for that next event...
ReplyDeleteakala ko nagkamali ako when i read the EB experience title in your post kuya hehehe.. never thought id be reading this kind of blog post from u hahaha..
ReplyDeleteglad u guys had fun...
more EB's to come..
wow!!! finally nag-eb! galing! pag uwi nyo dito eb din tayo ha. :)
ReplyDeletewow! i was out Thursday night and had an EB too with another Dubai blogger. We spent 3 hrs together... unfortunately, wala kaming photos! i think pareho lng kaming hindi mahilig magpapicture :)
ReplyDeletewell, it's really a good feeling when the one you interact with everyday will show up and personally will gonna say "hey, it's me!"
A Qatar EB experience, then sana a Middle East wide :-)
ReplyDeleteNice seeing you po all together ...
That's sooo cool.
ReplyDeleteAnd I wonder when will the Kuwaiti guys come out of their shells so we can have an EB too? Sa liit ng Kuwait, hindi pa kami magkita-kita. ☺
haay naku EB? kelan kaya ako makakasama?!!
ReplyDeletekakainggit naman, sana meron din dito sa US, hayy sana maka EB ko rin kayo Pope hehehe....papa autograph sana ko e ;-)
ReplyDeleteyou are a winner, have a gift for you :)
ReplyDelete