GenSan News Online Mag » MBS

Mindanao Bloggers, we’re at the Front Page of Sunstar Soccsksargen!

bariles — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:42:05 +0000

Yes, indeed. The Sunstar Soccsksargen Business Weekly in its issue this week, featured the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit as its front cover story!

They even published two of the batch of pictures Bariles emailed to them. Thanks to Managing Editor Nelson Bagaforo and writer Romer S. Sarmiento (who was at the summit) who made this possible.

Below is a picture of the issue which came out not only here in General Santos City but all throughout South Central Mindanao. Please click on it for a larger view so that you can recognize the faces of the bloggers in the pictures at the front page.

To clearly read what’s on the article, just CLICK HERE.

MBS2 featured in ABS-CBN’s Magandang Umaga Socsksargen

bariles — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:54:24 +0000

I still have a hangover of last weekend’s 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit that I couldn’t write a more detailed assessment of what transpired starting from the time my fellow bloggers started arriving in GenSan on the afternoon of October 24th till the time when the few remaining ones from Davao left on Monday afternoon, October 27th.

Oh well, I will just leave you guys to do the writing first, the links of which I will publish here anytime today.

For the moment, here is the video file of the short feature which our Official Media Partner ABS-CBN Socsksargen, part of its Regional Network Group did on the MBS2.

This clip was aired this morning, October 29, 2008 over their morning program, “Magandang Umaga Socsksargen” hosted by DJ Joey C and Ms. GenSan 2006 Rhean Hazel Hacosta.

It contains the 15-seconder TV ad which ran for a month at their regional stations in GenSan, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga. It also features a greeting from GenSan City Mayor Jun Acharon.

Voice over was done by DJ Mario Valentino Baladjay, of GenSan’s #1 radio station MOR 92.7 (For Life).

Look for Bariles behind the scenes and count the many number of times he was caught in the background, kunyari busy. Hehehe!

Enjoy, Mindanaons!

A million thanks to you, Mindanao Bloggers!

bariles — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:02:28 +0000

To all those who joined the 2nd Mindanao Blogger’s Summit which wrapped up yesterday, Sunday, October 26, 2008 in GenSan, and helped make it a major mega-success, Bariles would like to say DAGHANG SALAMAT KANINYONG TANAN!

And yes, for giving Bariles a STANDING OVATION, an additional million and a half thank you’s once more.

He is very, very touched and still on cloud nine!

And now (drum roll please!), presenting the official delegates of the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit: (click on each name for their blog or personal website)

And by the way, do not forget to leave the URL of your post about the MBS2 here. I love you all, Mindanao Bloggers!

FELLOW MINDANAOANS, LET US FLOOD THE BLOGOSPHERE WITH OUR POSTS ON THE 2ND MINDANAO BLOGGERS SUMMIT!!!

Mabuhay ang GenSan! Mabuhay ang Soccsksargen! Mabuhay ang Mindanao!!!

Mabuhay ang Mindanao Bloggers!!!!

Globe Prepaid Visibility for only P2,500 at MBS2!

bariles — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:53:30 +0000

Thanks to the kind assistance of Mr. Paul Espinosa, Globe Telecom‘s Sales and Services Manager of their GenSan Business Center at KCC Mall, GLOBE agreed to support the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit which will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center.

Aside from providing wi-fi connection at the venue, they will also be introducing their latest product which is their answer to Smart Communications’ Smart BRO Prepaid.

This is their Globe Prepaid Visibility which allows you to surf the web wherever there is a Globe signal via GPRS, EDGE and 3G/HSDPA. (click on the poster for a larger view)

The Prepaid package includes one Visibility USB Modem and 1 SIM. It is pre-loaded with Free P30 load, good for 6 internet sessions (1 session = 15 minutes) equivalent to 1.5 hours of continuous internet time.

But here’s more.

If you buy the Globe Prepaid Visibility during the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit, you will get EXTRA 20 INTERNET SESSIONS (equivalent to 300 minutes of internet time)!

Plus they will be distributing free stuff for all the registered participants and raffling off some items!

Now, isn’t that great news for us bloggers???

Globe’s mobile internet access connections include GPRS, EDGE, 3G and HSDPA (with speed of up to 1.4mbps). Free hours are applicable to browsing within the Philippines only.

Mobile Internet rate in excess of the free hours is charged at P5 for 15 minutes.

The SIM has Call, Text, Value-Added Services and charged based on standard Prepaid rates.

It can be reloaded at all Globe Business Centers and Autoload Max Retailers or using Share-A-Load or GCash.

The Globe Prepaid Visibility is also available at all Globe Gensan Business Center.

Sunstar and Business World feature MBS2

bariles — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 03:10:56 +0000

Yes! You read it right!

Both the print and online editions of today’s issues of the Sunstar Daily and Business World Daily featured the 2nd Mindanao Business Summit!

The Sunstar article penned by Gensan-based Edwin Espejo is entitled, “Mindanao Bloggers to convene in GenSan for two-day summit”. Edwin, who is my unofficial writing mentor has a blog, Edwin Espejo Portal. Both his daughters are also bloggers.

Another blogger, Bong Sarmiento of Koronadal wrote the Business World article, “Bloggers’ Summit to help improve Mindanao image”. Bong, one of the best news and feature writers in these parts, also blogs in the self-titled, “Bong S. Sarmiento – Journalist from Mindanao“.

To both Edwin and Bong, Bariles Republic thanks you. See you at the summit.

Click here for the Sunstar Online article.

Click here for the Business World Online article.

Wanted more MBS2 Volunteers from GenSan

bariles — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:33:20 +0000

Everything is all set for the biggest EYEBALL of bloggers in this part of the country, the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit on Saturday, October 25, 2008.

At this point, the Soccsksargen Convenors Collective, the group of bloggers tasked to spearhead the MBS2 is asking for more volunteers who can assist them to do various tasks during the conduct of the summit.

If you’re interested to help out and share your talents and skills on just about anything, and if you are based in GenSan, please drop by the Convenors Meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, October 21, 5:30pm at the GenSan City Hall lobby and look for a pretty lady named Lainy.

A surprise awaits each volunteer! And yes, libre ang Snacks tomorrow.

Promise.

(update) MBS2 E-pass to be emailed this week to qualified bloggers

bariles — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:00:48 +0000

UPDATE! (8:05pm, Saturday, October 18th) Please refer to the email from Kuya Migz. All E-passes will be released starting Monday, October 20. If you have not yet received an email from him, please drop a message here. Sorry for the confusion.

Good news to all those who were accepted as registrants to the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit in Gen. Santos City which is less than two weeks ago from today, Monday, October 13th.

Your E-Pass (almost similar to the smaller DRAFT COPY above) which will gain you entry to the summit venue- Family Country Hotel and Convention Center and make you eligible to receive the SUMMIT KIT will be emailed to your email addresses starting this week and up to Friday, October 17, 2008.

Please print this E-pass and present it together with your valid I.D. to the reception ladies at the convention center.

If you have any private question, please email us at bariles (at) gensantos (dot) com or just leave a note down below.

Bloggers, Book your gensan hotel rooms NOW! (updated)

bariles — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:42:35 +0000

Finally, Bariles Republic is releasing the room rates of some of GenSan hotels and inns for the benefit of the bloggers from out of town who are attending the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit from October 25-26, 2008 and have no place to stay.

Since the summit starts early at 8am on the 25th, we suggest that they come here a day earlier and leave on the afternoon of the 26th. (The whole program will be finalized this week.)

There is another large gathering on the 23rd and 24th and so we suggest that YOU BOOK YOUR GENSAN HOTELS AND ROOMS NOW, either by calling the respective numbers of your choice establishment below or by coursing your booking through us.

PLEASE HURRY. Our reservations have to come in within the week for these GenSan Hotels.

Family Country Hotel and Convention Center -www.familycountryhotel.com

The MBS2 Official Venue and Official GenSan Hotel

Location: Mateo Road, GenSan (walking distance to Gaisano Mall and KCC Mall)

Contact #s: Tel #s: (083) 552-8895 to 97; Fax # (083) 301-0774

Hotel is Wi-Fi equipped

Regular Room - with aircon, toilet & phone

Twin Bed - P 770.00
Triple Bed - P 925.00

Standard Room – with aircon, hot & cold bath, cable tv & phone

Family of 3 – P 1,455.0
Twin Bed – P 1,155.00

De Luxe Room – with aircon, hot & cold batch, bath tub, cable tv, phone, ref & veranda

Family of 4 – P 2,100.00
Twin Bed - P 1,500.00
Matrimonial Room - P 1,400.00
Extra Bed (Pull-out Bed) - P 300.00; Extra Person – P 150.00
Presidential Suite - P 2,150.00

East Asia Royale Hotel: www.eastasiaroyalehotel.com

Location: National Highway, GenSan (across Gaisano) ; Contact: Tel # (083) 553-4119-28

All rates are inclusive of Free Breakfast.

Standard Room - P 1.950.00
Superior Room - P 2,200.00
Deluxe Room - P 2,400.00
Suite - P 3,200.00

Dolores Hotel -www.doloreshotels.com

Location: Santiago Boulevard(near public market), Gen. Santos City (one ride by tricycle to MBS2 venue)

All rooms have welcome drink (bottled water), cable TV, Free Wi-Fi

Contact #s: Tel. #s (083) 552-4139; 302-7128

Single Room - P 495.00
Matrimonial Room – P 595.00
De Luxe Twin Room - P 695.00
Family Suite - P 845.00

Jovinaj Travellers Inn – New GenSan Hotel

Location: Gonzales Subd., Barangay Bula, GenSan (walking distance behind MBS2 Venue)

Contact #s: Tel #s (083) 553-8778; 0926-3869984; All rooms have aircon

Standard Twin Bed - P 850.00
Standard Matrimonial - P 800.00
Standard Single Bed - P 500.00
Standard Double Bed - P 700.00

Hotel Filipino & Restaurant – A 5-storey GenSan Hotel

Location: Santiago Boulevard, GenSan (one ride to MBS2 Venue)

Contact #s: Telfax #s 554-7088; 554-7089; All rooms have aircon and cable tv

Single Bed - P 700.00
Twin Bed - P 950.00
Matrimonial Bed - P 1,000.00
Family Bed Room - P 1,200.00
Triple Bed Room - P 1,200.00; Extra Bed - P 300.00; Extra Person - P 100.00

Sydney Hotel -www.safihotels.com- A GenSan Hotel Downtown

Location: Downtown, Corner Pioneer and Pendatun Avenues, GenSan

Contact #s: Tel #s (083) 552-5479-81/301-9240; Fax # (083) 552-5478; 552-3980

All rates inclusive of FREE Breakfast, have Cable TV

Standard Room (Matrimonial) - P 1,340.00
Standard Room (Twin Bed) - P 1,672.00
Superior Room - P 1,793.00
Executive Room - P 1,995.00; Extra Bed - P 300.00; Extra Person - P 100.00

Jed’s Haven – New GenSan Hotel

Location: Rambutan Street, GenSan – Book thru Bariles Republic.

Twin Bed Room (5 rooms available) - P 545.00

SLEEP INN – GenSan’s NEWEST GENSAN HOTEL OR INN

Location: Chicken Hauz Bldg, Magsaysay Avenue, GenSan – Book thru Bariles Republic.

Twin Bed Room (6 rooms available) - P 500.00

T’BOLI HOTEL= A CLASSIC GENSAN HOTEL

Location: Nat’l. Highway, beside the Yellow Bus Terminal.

Single Room with Single Bed - P 615.00

Double Room with Twin Bed - P 1,130.00

Superior Room with 1 Matrimonial & 1 Single Bed – P 1,530.00

Family Room with 3 Single Beds & 2 Double Deck, 7 persons - P 2,500.00

Superior Room 102 Matrimonial Bed - P 1,130.00

Executives Room - P 1, 130.00

OLD BUILDING:

Single Room with Single Bed - P 525.00

Single Bed with Matrimonial Bed - P 1,130.00

Double Bed with Twin Bed - P 880.00

Extra Bed - P 200.00; All rooms with aircon and cable TV. Wi-fi zone swimming pool area.

BOOK YOUR GENSAN HOTELS AND ROOMS NOW!

The first 50 registrants for the Mindanao Bloggers Summit II

bariles — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 06:58:44 +0000

Immediately after posting the announcement on the start of the Registration Process for interested participants to the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit in GenSan here at Bariles Republic and at the official Mindanao Bloggers blog, I started receiving a barrage of messages informing me that they have complied with the required individual posts already.

Wow! That was fast!

Now, exactly a week after, 50 slots have already been released to the first 50 bloggers who have completed the requirements, while 20 or so have pending applications due to lacking prerequisites. Please be reminded that we only have 100 slots available for the summit.

That would make it around 30 slots remaining with still two weeks to go before the deadline on October 11, 2008.

After the deadline, we will start emailing to you your E-PASSES which will gain you entry to the venue at Family Country Hotel and Convention Center on October 25, 2008.

So if I were you, better write your blog post about joining the MBS2 in Gensan now, and leave us a message below with the URL of your article and we will do our end of contacting you if you have qualified.

Here, ladies and gentlemen are the blog posts of the first set of bloggers who have committed to come to Gensan on October 25-26, 2008 for the biggest bloggers eyeball ever in the island this year- the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit.

Registration closed: WordPress, Blogspot, Multiply, Friendster bloggers, register for MBS2 NOW!

bariles — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:14:03 +0000

UPDATE: (October 6, 2008; 11am) Registration for the 2nd MBS is now officially closed. We will be sending e-tickets via email to the 115 qualified registrants. Congratulations! Check back for more updates.

With still a month and four days to go before the biggest eyeball of Mindanao Bloggers on October 25-26, 2008, we are now opening the registration for those interested to join it.

This is the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit which will be held at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center.

Who are eligible for joining?

Any past or present Mindanao resident, regardless of age or creed, as long as he has a BLOG published in any of the following platforms: WordPress, Blogger, Livejournal, I.ph, Multiply, Friendster, Imeem, or any social networking site with BLOGGING Capabilities.

Is there a registration fee?

There is no registration fee. But we have only 100 slots available.

How does one register?

First you have to copy the code for the “i-am-joining-the-MBS2“ button below and paste it on your sidebar or anywhere appropriate in your blog front page.

CODE UPDATED 10/01/2008
Make sure to Copy and Paste the ff code your blog in HTML MODE
<a href=”http://www.mindanaobloggers.com/2008/09/01/gensan-waits-for-you-at-the-mbs2/” mce_href=”http://www.mindanaobloggers.com/2008/09/01/gensan-waits-for-you-at-the-mbs2/”></a>

Then, you have to WRITE an ARTICLE entitled, “I’M GOING TO GENSAN FOR MBS2” (or any similar title) and say anything on the topic.
Include the names and URL’s of the MBS2 Sponsors and Supporters by copying the SPONSORS CODE below and pasting them on the article.

CODE UPDATED 10/03/2008
Make sure to Copy and Paste the ff code your blog in HTML MODE
 CO-PRESENTERS: <a title=”NOKIA” href=”http://www.nokia.com/” mce_href=”http://www.nokia.com/”>NOKIA (Philippines), Inc.</a> <a title=”GenSan Site” href=”http://www.gensantos.gov.ph/” mce_href=”http://www.gensantos.gov.ph/”>Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.</a> Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio <a title=”ABS-CBN Regional Network Group” href=”http://now.abs-cbn.com/index-tvpreg.aspx” mce_href=”http://now.abs-cbn.com/index-tvpreg.aspx”>ABS-CBN Regional Network Group</a> <a title=”Bariles Republic” href=”http://www.gensantos.com” mce_href=”http://www.gensantos.com” >Bariles Republic</a> GOLD SPONSORS: <a title=”ACLC-Skeptron Ventures, Inc.” href=”http://www.aclcgensan.com” mce_href=”http://www.aclcgensan.com”>ACLC-Skeptron Ventures, Inc.</a> Gregoria Printing Press <a title=”International Container Terminal Services, Inc.” href=http://www.ictsi.com” mce href=http://www.ictsi.com>International Container Terminal Services, Inc.</a> Grab A Crab Restaurant and Coffee Club 101 SILVER SPONSORS: <a title=”Asia United Bank” href=”http://www.aub.com.ph/” mce_href=”http://www.aub.com.ph/”>Asia United Bank</a> <a title=”NoKiAHOST.COM – P5/day Philippines Webhosting” href=”http://www.nokiahost.com” mce_href=”http://www.nokiahost.com”>NoKiAHOST.COM – P5/day Philippines Webhosting</a> <a title=”Family” href=http://www.familycountryhotel.com” mce href=http://www.familycountryhotel.com>Family Country Hotel and Convention Center</a> <a title=”East Asia Royale Hotel” href=”http://www.eastasiaroyalehotel.com” mce_href=”http://www.eastasiaroyalehotel.com”>East Asia Royale Hotel</a> BRONZE SPONSORS: <a title=”GensanSALE.COM – AnyThings for Sale in Gensan” href=”http://www.gensansale.com” mce_href=”http://www.gensansale.com”>GensanSALE.COM – AnyThings for Sale in Gensan</a> <a title=”Blogging from Home Book” href=”http://www.bloggingfromhome.com/” mce_href=”http://www.bloggingfromhome.com/”>Blogging from Home Book</a> <a title=”Pacific Seas Seafood Market” href=”http://www.gensantos.com/2008/04/07/quality-frozen-tuna-get-it-from-pacific-seas-seafood-market/” mce_href=”http://www.gensantos.com/2008/04/07/quality-frozen-tuna-get-it-from-pacific-seas-seafood-market/”> Pacific Seas Seafood Market</a> Shalom-Crest Wizard Academy <a title=”GLEX” href=”http://www.glexice.com/” mce_href=”http://www.glexice.com/”>Generals Logimark Exponent</a> <a title=”Prints and You” href=”http://ronvelasquez.multiply.com/” mce_href=”http://ronvelasquez.multiply.com/”>Prints and You</a> Sta. Cruz Seafood, Inc. Dellosa Design Builders, Inc. Forest Lake San Carlos Rolees Bakery & Cafe

After publishing your article, write a message here together with the complete URL of the blog post.
We will then write to you confirming that you have complied with all the requirements.

If you have been accepted already and is a REGISTERED PARTICIPANT to-be, you are entitled to the following:

Summit Kit
3 Meal Coupons
Sashimi Night Pass
Raffle Ticket
Certificate of Attendance
October 26 Tour Pass
More Freebies!!!

Here are some sample registrants…. please click on their names:

FRIENDSTER SAMPLE – Mylene – A Glimpse of Me
MULTIPLY SAMPLE – Joana Grace Banting – Lapore
Chronicles of Dodong Henry
Pangitser
Know Read, Know Write
Mr. Nice Guy

So to all of you who have a blog or know somebody who blogs, please inform them of this wonderful piece of news which will give them a chance to be at the BIGGEST BLOGGERS EYEBALL in Mindanao this year!

DEADLINE OF REGISTRATION is October 11, 2008 or until the slots for the 100 registrants run out. Only those who fulfill all the requirements can JOIN IN THE RAFFLES during the SASHIMI NIGHT.

So what are you waiting for? REGISTER NOW to be welcomed aboard MBS2!

ABS-CBN Regional Network Group co-presents MBS2!

bariles — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:49:33 +0000

Heart pounding, hands shaking but with a smile plastered on his face, on the afternoon of September 19, 2008, Bariles Republic finally signed the Letter of Agreement designating the ABS-CBN Regional Network Group as a CO-PRESENTER of the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit. Signing in for the Kapamilya station was ABS-CBN GenSan Admin Officer Myra Muñoz-Barrientos, subbing for Station Manager Annie Solon-Gacayan.

Bariles, showing off the signed Letter of Agreement with ABS-CBN RNG Admin Officer Myra Muñoz-Barrientos while behind them are MOR 92.7 dj’s Joey C and Mario Valentino

Standing as witnesses were MOR Deejays Joey Concepcion and Mario Valentino, while Field Reporter Francis Canlas took the photo seen on this post.

The short signing session which was conducted at the office of Ms. Annie at the ABS-CBN Compound in Purok Malakas was later shown the following day, Friday on the local news program, TV Patrol Socsksargen anchored by Dexter Ganibe and will be replayed on Monday morning (September 22nd) at 6:30am during the broadcast of Magandang Umaga Socsksargen.

This partnership is a big boost for the MBS2 since a 15-seconder Advertisement for the summit will be aired at ABS-CBN’s Regional Stations not only in Socsksargen but also in the major cities of Mindanao like Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga! It will commence on September 29 and end on October 24, 2008.

Likewise, since an event of this magnitude gathering bloggers together in what is normally known outside as “The West’s Travel Advisory Favorite” comes far in between, it may be also carried by their ANC News Channel, Studio 23, and TFC.

Haneps! What’s good about teaming up with the world’s largest Filipino-owned media conglomerate is the fact that will it not only boost the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit but also the popularity of blogs and bloggers everywhere.

And of course, my deejay friends at MOR 92.7 (which is now the #1 Radio Station in GenSan, according to the latest Nielsen ratings survey), have been mentioning this event every now and then. Thanks Joey C, Mario Valentino, DJ Cheenee, Papi Churlz, and GenSan’s radio darling Inday Baki!

Lastly, allow me to thank the following people, whom without their help, the MBS2 would not have come this far:

Mr. Jerry Bennett, OIC of the ABS-CBN Regional Network Group
Ms. Annie Gacayan, Station Manager of ABS-CBN RNG Socsksargen
Ms. Myra Muñoz-Barrientos, Admin Officer of ABS-CBN RNG Socsksargen
Ms. Faye Gutierrez, RNG Manila
Ms. Deng Fuentes, RNG Davao
Ms. Myrvic Kapunan, News Chief, ABS-CBN RNG Socsksargen
Mr. Dexter Ganibe, ABS-CBN Socsksargen News Anchor and his field reporters and news team
Mr. German Pablico, ABS-CBN Socsksargen Account Executive

If you want to see the whole September 19 news broadcast, just CLICK HERE. The MBS2 news clip comes out three quarters near the end.

IF YOU WANT TO JOIN THE MBS 2 FOR FREE, JUST LEAVE A NOTE DOWN BELOW AND WE WILL GET BACK TO YOU SHORTLY.

NOKIA Phils. joins 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit

bariles — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:54:25 +0000

To all SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers and non-bloggers…….Hear ye! Hear ye!

Nokia (Philippines), Incorporated is joining the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit as CO-PRESENTER!

In an email to Bariles Republic last week, Nokia Corporate Communications Manager Nikka Singson-Abes confirmed their participation in the biggest gathering of bloggers in this island scheduled on October 25, 2008!

I met Ms. Nikka at the opening of the first Nokia Store in South Central Mindanao at the KCC Mall of GenSan last month. She allowed me to meet and interview their gracious and kind General Manager William Hamilton-Whyte.

Their participation in the MBS2 is clear proof that they are committed more than ever in making their presence felt in these parts of the Philippines and cement their reputation as the country’s #1 cellphone manufacturer. Thanks NOKIA!

That’s one more sponsor, thanks to the Soccsksargen Convenors Collective who is spearheading the hosting of the Summit under the umbrella of the Mindanao Bloggers.

Last year, the 1st MBS was conducted in Davao City, courtesy of The Usual Suspects group of blog guru Oliver Robillo, a co-awardee in the Most Influential Emerging Blogs of 2008.

They are also behind the very first and mega-successful WORDCAMPs in Southeast Asia held the other week in Davao and Manila and are also assisting the GenSan Team in the MBS2.

The MBS2 is an official event of the Gensan E-Business Week and is open to all Mindanaoan bloggers, young and old who have blogs (web logs or web journals) hosted by any of the following web publishing plaftorms and systems and social networking groups with blogging capabilities: WordPress, Blogger (or Blogspot), Live Journal, Multiply, Friendster Blogs, i.ph, among others.

Attendance is FREE OF CHARGE.

FOR INTERESTED PARTICIPANTS, READ ON…

If you want to join in whether as a participant or as a sponsor, please leave a message below and we will email you the requirements for inclusion.

We are targetting not more than 100 bloggers and since this is FREE, please write your intention to join as early as today.

More updates here soon!

The poster above was designed by Ryann Elumba, a Zamboanga-based artist and our Convenvors Collective rep in Zambo Peninsula. Nice no?

GSC hosts Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2 in Oct 2008 (UPDATED)

bariles — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:00:46 +0000

General Santos City, fresh on its bid to become the Convention Capital of Region XII, will be the site of the biggest gathering of bloggers everywhere in the island - the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit or MBS 2, for short.

A temporary MBS 2 semi-poster designed by Sir Ariel Lalisan

This came after the organizers of the 1st Mindanao Bloggers Summit held last September in Davao City led by Blogie Robillo, and his group, The Usual Suspects, felt it was time for the Tuna Capital to take the lead.

I and my small group of Socsksargen Bloggers have been thinking about it ever since Mark Aethen Agana of Koronadal, spearheaded a Blog Seminar last February which gathered almost two hundred participants at the Notre Dame of Marbel University.

The positive response of young people from Socsksargen to that seminar led me and seminar speakers Hecky Miñoza, Bro. Vince Celeste, FMS, Sir Ariel Lalisan, together with Gensan Trade portal owners Job and Liezl Oberio, photobuff Toto Lozano, Website designer Dennis Paul Custorio, and teacher Sandra Bonrusto to go a step higher – host an even bigger event, this time to be held in GenSan.

Some, like Hector however wanted to go big time and apply for the hosting of the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit. Why not?, we all chorused. I then relayed our intent to our friends in Davao.

After a few informal talks and meet-ups with The Usual Suspects, famous kikay blogger & The Usual Suspect Muse, Ria Jose announced to me through a phone call, “We’re giving you the MBS 2. Congratulations!”

Oh God!

Although The Usual Suspects will be behind us in this project, it will be Socskargen’s show all the way. So far, in our email and text exchanges between our small team and that of Blogie’s, here are some details we can share to you…

NAME OF EVENT: The 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit (MBS 2)

THEME: Mindanawan: Paminawon Intawon. Blogging the Mindanao Consciousness

DATE: October 25, 2008, Saturday, during the GenSan E-Business Week of the DTI and the city government.

We are still finalizing a suitable venue for the summit and will seal the deal hopefully this month.

The 1st Mindanao Bloggers Summit in Davao drew more than 150 participants and so to reach that record, we have invited nationally-famous bloggers (along with Mindanao-based personalities) to make up the exciting list of resource speakers.

So far, I have received word from Inquirer columnist and Cable TV’s The Explainer, Manuel L. Quezon III himself that “It would be an honor to attend, please let me know the details.”

Oh my God! Now the ball is really rolling!

And since this is GenSan, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, our culmination activity will be the most-sought after among visitors, the SASHIMI NIGHT!

Now, if those aren’t more than enough reasons to be in GenSan, for the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit on October 25, 2008 I really don’t know what else will be.

If you are a Socsargen-based blogger and would like to volunteer your services to the MBS 2, please leave a message here and indicate your talents and skills. Daghang salamat!

UPDATE (July 30) - We just conducted a Planning Workshop for the MBS 2 Gensan Convenors Group composed of volunteer students and bloggers from the Alabel National High School (students of Sir Ariel Lalisan) and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University. Workshop facilitator was Hecky Miñoza who did a very good job coaxing out from us a lot of good suggestions and plans.

Check out too the blogs of some of our 1st batch of volunteers:

We are still currently looking for more volunteers in time for the 1st GENSAN BLOG SEMINAR this August which will be in preparation of the MBS 2 in October.

The next Gensan Convenors Meeting will be on August 9, 2008 at the City Mayor’s Office of Gensan. Please leave a note here or a PRIVATE MESSAGE at the CONTACT BARILES PAGE somewhere up on the screen if you want to volunteer your services. Leave your contact number please.