The winners had been announced, the trophies handed out and thank you‘s said. The Philippine Blog Awards definitely marks a milestone in grassroots media and journalism. The situation is not very far from what the Philippine Web Awards almost a decade ago– the main difference is the community is driving the initiative.
Some points I have in mind:
- How was the awards night? It’s a good start, but still has some rough edges which can be polished in time. I’d recommend getting an events management to handle the events proper, since the event was able to attract sponsors. The program was herky-jerky at moments.
- Would the event attracted more people if it allowed smart-casual attire?
- It would be nice idea to have the government and public sector invloved in this practice. (e.g. Government blogs, NGO’s, etc.). It breaks the impression that blogging is an elitist practice.
- How about opening the event to non-bloggers or allowing the finalists to bring more guests?
- It would be nice to have a blogger perform during the event, even if it’s a song number. THAT would be blog-worthy. (I can already imagine the post title: Abe sings “My Way.”)
I was also busy attending to the Adobe User Group – Philippines members who were in attendance, thus not being able to meet more people than I hoped. I finally met Noel Perlas, who incidentally won the raffle for the Adobe software. I also met RG Cruz, who wore a dashing coat, of ABS-CBN.
People not at the event hopefully can appreciate the festivities with pictures (via Flickr Sets) taken by these notable bloggers:
- Shari of Misteryosa
- Karla of Rocker’s World
- Juned of Baratillo
- Anton of Our Awesome Planet
- Toni Girl of Wifely Steps
- Erwin of Cyber BaguioBoy
Finally, props to the people working behind the scenes of the event, from Apple and Liz at the registration; Tina, Mae, LA, Jomar, Shari, Joni and a whole lot of others (I apologize if I dont’ catch your name) doing the field work; Sasha and Aileen for hosting; and of course to Abe, Gail and Jayvee for organizing the event.
Update: Mea culpa Joni! If there are others I failed to mention, please do holler. 
