I used to live inside a shell. Call me an oyster or a snail, whichever suits your imagination. I would however prefer the former given its ability to make pearls. Plus, my
bestie is deathly afraid of snails and so the word escargot was considered a taboo while brine solutions are life savers. I'm a self professed introvert and I used to feel anxiety build up whenever I had to go some place where I knew no one. Although I was never acutely shy given that I frequented joining several clubs and participating in plays when I was still studying, there was a certain unease when it came to falling short at meaningful engagements and fun conversations with people. I guess just like any other person, being a wallflower scared me. But that was a thing of the past and then came the fateful day when I accidentally stumbled upon the
Cebu Blogging Community's Facebook Group on my sidebar. I clicked the "join button", applied and the rest was history. You might call it chance but I consider it fate.
Although I could still consider myself an introvert, the anxiety beast has fled and part of the credit goes to blogging, my blogger chums and Tipsy, the pink goo and one half of the
Googly Gooeys, who told me that she suffered from the same anxiety too and as I quote her
"Actually, any blogging event or a gathering of Instagrammers is technically an introvert's event. Well, that's just my theory because upon close analysis, I think all those who enjoy sharing stuff online are people who have noisy minds or are socially-evolved geeks and nerds—myself included." Thus, it was a total no-brainer as to why I got all excited and hyped for the Ultimate Cebu Blogging Community Meetup held at the
Diamond Suites and Residences earlier this month!
I've already met a few of these amazing bloggers during the launch of the
Flawless Skin Protect Mist but this rendezvous truly lived up to it's name. The room was brimming with happy faces and the activities lined up were not only fun but informative as well. We tackled a discussion about the community rules and regulations, shared blogging techniques and experiences and listened to a presentation on Bloggers and Social Responsibility by Ms. Eleanor Valeros and the introduction of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) by Ms. Rachelle Nessia. Ice breakers in the form of raffles and "getting to know you" activities were also present and of course there was a mighty pool party at the end with sumptuous food and delectable wine! Delve into my photo diary below with the usual accompanying side comments from my "noisy mind"!
The Diamond Suites Team gave us a really warm welcome and pampered us throughout the whole event!
Here's a groufie shot of Janine, Jewel of the 2014 Best Cebu Photo Blog
Jewel Clicks and me! *cue Powerpuff Girls opening sequence*
Jeph and Mae Ann were awarded as the bloggers of the quarter!
The entire
Cebu Blogging Community also signed the
Manifesto on Public Accountability. The internet should be a place of camaraderie, respect and happiness not otherwise.
They served a whole buffet of food and drinks but because I was busy eating, toasting wine and chit-chatting the night away, I didn't manage to capture enough food snaps. Oopsies.
We were also treated to a whole round of serenading from this guy and his guitar.
What a treat! Cheers to more of these in the future! *clink*
Special thanks to the official sponsors and partners to this year's Cebu Blogging Community Ultimate Meetup:
The Diamond Suites and Residences,
Flawless Face and Body Clinic,
Cebu Teambuilding Services,
Cebu Domain and the
Philippine Information Agency!
PS: Have you met any bloggers from your city? How did it go? If not, I highly suggest that you do. You'll find a lot of kindred spirits in them. If you feel anxious, don't worry. A simple "hi" and "hello" does wonders. Take a chance.
(Photography by Anne Macachor, Janine Anongos and Cebu Blogging Community Leads)
30 comments:
What cute pictures! That's awesome that you opened yourself up to a new experience and had such a great time! I'd love to find a blog meetup near me :)
xo Kiki
https://colormekiki.wordpress.com/
We need something like this in out city..great post!
http://fridaynightstyle.com/
sounds like a great meeting! I wouldn't mind joining some blogger meeting myself. Lovely photos and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it and are not feeling nervous anymore about attending public meetings in the future! http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
Gosh I badly want to meet you, ate Janine, and ate Jewel so much! I couldn't apply pa here because I recently switched to WordPress and my posts are still few. I might try one of these days. You guys are so pretty!!! Wish I could definitely meet you and the rest of the legendary bloggers at CBC! I was once a member but I guess they kicked me out for being inactive - I didn't notice it until after all the school works :( haha. But I know I'll meet you guys someday. Cheers to all of you! :)
Mimi | http://thefoxyheroine.com/
Yay! See you again soon Anne! :*
Yes it is. Thank you Kiki!
Indeed. It is amazing. You can start small. Maybe call up a few of the bloggers you know from your city and then who knows what might come next right?
Thanks Ivana! When I decided to step out of that shell years ago, it started something beautiful and life changing. It was one of the best things I've ever done for myself. :)
Hi Mimi! From what I know, there was a re-organization that happened for the group so the old members had to re-apply again within a given time frame to remain. It happened since there were members that were posting unnecessary and unrelated stuff which was not really in tune with the objective of promoting bloggers, social responsibility and camaraderie. There were also new rules and regulations. Maybe you missed that post? Apply again. :) The leads are really accommodating and friendly so do message them.
Looks like a great event.
I'm happy for the successful event.
XO
Check my new post.
The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin
Wow!! It is a great event Anne!! :D Lovely post!! <3 I wish I could attend such kinda event too!! :)
nikitapalei.blogspot.in
aaaaaaawwwwhhhhhh.
this looks so fun!
i haven't been invited to any community meetups ever,
but i sure hope that I will be a part of one soon.
:)
❤ Ms. Kei
Thanks Zarrah!
Thanks Nikita! :) You can organize one with some of the local bloggers in your area. Maybe chitchat over sweets and coffee?
Soon! :) Thanks Kei!
Ah ang saya naman! :) I wanna meet more bloggers too (and hopefully meet some of you guys when I go to Cebu! Haha!)
www.jhanzey.net
Oooh I want to meet you when I go to Manila Jhanzey! Haha.
Yeah!! I will try to organize so. :D Thank you so much Anne!! :) You are the best!!
Love
XOXO
I'm in love with these pics!
Alice Cerea,
BABYWHATSUP.COM
Looks like a really cool event. I like the little accountability manifesto; it's so important. All that buffet food looks yummy.
:] // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
This look so fun, lovely photos.
http://sophialastyles.blogspot.co.uk/
Yey, kudos to the early birds!!!! Hehehehe :) Blogging is more fun when shared with a community. Can't wait for the next meetup!
Ah that looks like you had such a nice time! While there are a lot of bloggers here in Chicago, I don't think there has been a formal meetup like this--that is really nice that you all do that! Also, great practice for getting out of your shell :) (but of course, there is nothing wrong with being an introvert!) Great photos!
<(') hoda | joojoo azad
You're always welcome Nikita! :)
Thanks!
Thanks Alice!
Thanks Carmen! Yes the manifesto is a popular favorite. The food was indeed yummy!
Thanks Sophia!
I believe you were the earliest bird Rea. Haha! Likewise, I am excited. :)
Thanks Hoda! It is indeed amazing to meet people who share the same passions. You don't meet a lot of bloggers on a daily basis. It's great to have events like this to finally meet the amazing people behind the blogs!
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