The Cebu Blogging Community Rendezvous

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"!

I was one of the early birds and here I am with my pretty table-mates! From left to right: That's me, Rea of Blissful Snapshots, Jhanis of The Vanilla Housewife, Christy of Talk About Cebu and Janine of Lime and Life!

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)