5 Things I Learned From NAPBAS 2011

I’m well aware that this post is two months late but please understand that what I’m about to share is not only limited to things that happened during this event. As some of you may know, I was invited to be one of the bloggers who represented the Philippines at the Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards 2011 (aka NAPBAS) last Dec 16-18 in Malaysia. It was fun, it was crazy but above all else, it was quite life-changing.

Sorry, I do not mean to sound like a drama queen but I never really thought I would learn so much and would have so many realizations during that trip. Hence, I share with you… the 5 important things I that learned from NAPBAS.

1. Bloggers are a force to be reckoned with.

There was a time when people did not take us, bloggers seriously. To be quite honest, many people still don’t but at least, we have already gained some kind of leverage especially in the world of online media and advertising. I was so honored to be in the same group and room as some of the most prominent bloggers in the country and in Asia. I mean, c’mon! Yugatech, Kenny Sia, Xiaxue (among many many others)! These people have literally changed the landscape of the digital world!

With the Filipino power bloggers!

Many of these self-publishers are now even more influential than other traditional media companies and agencies. I guess because we are “real people” with faces and lives that we share to the public, readers tend to listen and believe… I’m not really sure though (but don’t get me started on bloggers who not only NOT write their own content but even feel entitled to receive freebies and become pseudo-celebs as well). Bottom line is, whether you like it or not, bloggers are steadily gaining power. Like a boss.

2. You can earn bajillions of money through blogging

I was so shocked to learn how much some of those people are making! In a freakin’ month! But just like with multi-level marketing aka “pyramiding”, not because some people have made money from it does it mean you will automatically get to lie down on a bed of cold cash just by starting a wordpress blog and writing about your dog. It does not work that way, honey. You need the right mix of quality content, proper SEO, a whole lot of dedication, even a spunky personality/good looks (so you can be a brand ambassador), and of course, luck.

Lots of money from blogging. They can haz eet!

I was so inspired and motivated to take this blogging thing to a new level (naks!) and hopefully by the end of this year, I can make half of what they are making. AJAFIGHTINGBITCHES!!!

3. It’s all about the heart and the passion (and a bit of controversy too)!

In the Philippines alone, there are more or less 5 million blogs and in effect, millions of bloggers. However, only a handful get recognized or earn from this thing. While I was in the ballroom, surrounded by the best of the best in the region, it dawned on me that the most effective and popular bloggers are those who write (or do videos/post photos) with their all of their hearts and those who blog with a burning passion. Those who have soldiered on from the very beginning even though they were laughed at, scrutinized or not appreciated when they were starting out.

With my girls, Jenni and Trixie inside the train~ ^^ Photo by Jayvee Fernandez.

That’s why I say, be true to your self and ALWAYS have the “heart”. People can see through what we write or share online. I have seen it happen. The moment their followers realize that they don’t have the heart anymore, they channel their inner ADHD and find another blog to follow. But yeah, a bit of controversy does help too, apparently.

4. Bloggers are the new rock stars.

When I was in college and the indie film-making scene started gaining recognition, people said that filmmakers were the new rock stars. Well, well, well… I know it’s kind of a heavy statement but it seems like bloggers (or online personalities for that matter – including Youtube vloggers hello nigahiga and Jenna Marbles) are the new rock stars now! People take photos of them and WITH them, they have their own fan base, they have tours and meet-and-greets and get VIP treatment! You cannot blame them though. They have become celebrities in their own right and they’ve earned it!

Summer girls! The Pinay reps are totally hot. YES THAT INCLUDES ME LOLZ.

5. Blogging. More fun in the Philippines!

That night, Philippines took home 4 out of the 13 awards. Best Geek Blog, Best Travel Blog, Best Lifestyle Blog and Hidden Gem. Though I was not nominated (therefore did not win), I was soooo proud to be part of the bongga and unkabogable Philippine team! I wanted to cry when they all won (especially when Jenni Epperson won harharhar) but WTF that would make me look so lame and pathetic, right? More than the fact the the Filipinos seemed to be the group that laughed and smiled the most and mingled with other people more, during the 2nd day after-party, THE PINOYS ROCKED THE DANCE FLOOR!!! The party would’ve been dull and blah if not for our group who started getting drunk partying like there was no tomorrow! Then everyone else started dancing, too! The bloggers from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China and even Japan joined in the “celebration”! Indeed, one of the most fun nights I’ve had recently…

All in all, it was an amazing experience. Top it off with the fact that Jenni Epperson was my room mate and I looooved her to bits! We got to bond in those short three days and I really personally learned a lot from her! So much wisdom and fierceness! And bitch, please, BEST LIFESTYLE BLOGGER IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION WUUUUTTTT!!!!

Four awards… and you know eeet~

I’d like to thank Nuffnang from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity not only to represent the Philippine blogosphere but also for the chance to hangout with the awesome Pinoy power bloggers. The hotel was lovely, the food was terrific and the experience? Unforgettable. Thank you for making us feel worthy and special.

Hopefully next time I’d get to take home one of those trophies too and I will work harder for that goal! Let’s claim it, yes? (Though I do not fit in any category, to be honest hahaha)!!! I had a great time hangin’ out with you, NAPBAS Philippine Team! Can’t wait to see you all again~

Oh and I’m saving the best for last… HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NUFFNANG!!! ^___^

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