iblog4 Philippine Blogging Summit

I woke up at 8am yesterday, April 26, 2008, and I just got to hurry up because I dont want to miss the iblog4- Philippine Blogging Summit held at the Malcolm Theater of the UP College of Law in Diliman. I arrived half past 9am, too bad I missed the first part of the event which was about starting a blog by Charo Nuguid. I was very timid upon entering the Malcolm theater because I didnt want to draw the participant's attention to my late arrival. Good thing Brian Gorell's video was playing on the screen and everyone was listening attentively. For everyone who doesnt know who Brian is, I suggest you start catching up on his blogs. He talked about how to create/maintain a blog, amidst a creek in his farm (darn mosquitos!). Juan Carlo Licudine, a student, gave his insights on professional blogging. Currently, problogging is not really recognized as a profession because it's a relatively new career that people pursue. It's one of the issues that has been bothering me. I know a few people who actually earn a decent amount in blogging, for a new blogger, like me, the idea of earning money in the comfort of your home is really enticing but like any business venture, nothing is certain. Personally, what really matters is that you enjoy what you do and everything else follows, right? One of the most interesting part of the event for me was the photo blogging talk by Juned Sonido. Photography has always intrigued me. I want to take up a photo class soon when I have the time (and the money) Photography's expensive so for now I'll just practice with my sony point and shoot cam.., hehehe. Hopefully I'll be able to put up my own photo blog in the future, just like Ambo, whom I got the chance to meet in the event together with Fitz and Gabriel. The event also showcased how Jonas Diego has benefited from blogging by presenting his comics on the web. Perhaps my favorite part of the blogging summit was Coy Caballes and Aileen Apolo's talk on vlogging and podcasting. I thought it was very creative and unique of them to present their lecture in a video blog. I have been frequenting Coy's blogs since he did that interview of Happyslip with Gibbs Cadiz. Vlogging, particularly the video editing part, is now a big interest for me and I would want to learn more about it. I've always thought of blogging about things, events, places or people that interest me. That's why I thought I would stay away from politics..., hehehe. But after hearing the opinions of Manuel L. Quezon III, Luz Rimban and Janette Toral about vigilance in the 2010 elections, I feel that as a Filipino, I have a responsibility to my country and become a force that could help reshape the country's political system. I'll definitely check out their blogs often so I could help in my own small way. I know I dont need to be a lawyer like Atty. JJ Disini to do my part. Same thing that Noemi Lardizabal Dado and Ria Jose did with their advocacies. They have started their own cause and now they are reaping the sweet success of their advocacies. Great Job Guys! I salute you!!! Congratulations to the organizers of iblog4!!! Hope to see you again on iblog5. Thanks guys!