That's why my days off are sacred to me. As much as possible, I want to spend every minute of my free days with my husband and kids. However, there are times when good opportunities come. It could be a business, personal development, or learning opportunity. Opportunities that are difficult to pass because they only come once a year or maybe never again.
One of those was the BlogEx2016 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City on September 24, 2016.
I learned about the event from a workshop that I attended weeks ago. The organizers, Tag Media and Public Relations and Brand Philosophy, laid out compelling line up of activities--talks by social media influencers and industry leaders, exhibits, networking, entertainment, awarding ceremony for outstanding blogs and bloggers, and raffle draws, that I was (for a time) unable to decide if I should go or not.
On one hand, it is a unique gathering of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and digital marketing experts that only happens once a year. I would certainly learn a lot if I participate; the freebies would just be a bonus. On the other hand, I would lose precious bonding time with my kids.
After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to push through with it. Afterall, as a mother, it is part of my responsibility to keep expanding my knowledge, to continue improving my skills, and to stay abreast with the times so that I can also impart what I know to my children and guide them properly.
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| Myself at the BlogEx2016 |
BlogEx2016 started at 10am. I'm glad I was one of the early birds because I was able to listen to Commisioner Monchito Ibrahim, head of the
Department of Information and Communications Technology (D-ICT). He shared insights on the issue on internet connectivity and the government's plans to alleviate--and ultimately eradicate--the long qeues in different government agencies.
Commisioner Ibrahim said that the government plans to provide free wifi access to all municipalities in the country. Because of the high cost of building infrastructures necessary to make this happen, the government will not build its own. Instead, they will look for a third party capable of delivering the requirements. The government will pay the subscription so that Filipinos will have free internet access. Just as I was starting to wonder if this will happen in my children's lifetime, he announced that, "our commitment to the President is to have 668 municipalities covered by the end of December and the rest by the end of next year." It is certainly something to look forward to. He also said that they are currently bidding the project so there's a possibility that this will actually happen as projected.
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| Commisioner Monchito Ibrahim at BlogEx2016 |
Commisioner Ibrahim also shared that the D-ICT aims to make all government services available on one portal and President Rodrigo Duterte commanded them to accomplish this seemingly impossible task in three years. Should I keep my hopes high? I would like to take the bet.
A short talk on "Dealing with Writer's Block" by Mr. Richard Mamuyac followed. His presentation gave me the push that I needed as I am one of those who often fall into this trap.
Prof. Xiao Chua took the stage with his powerful presentation on love for our country, which got me thinking about whether or not schools today teach our children enough of history so that they, too, would develop deep love for the nation.
Zoomanity's Digital and PR Head, Evy Raquion, shared how they applied branding consistency on the many brands under Zoomanity Group.
Finally, Mr. Dino Guingona of Larawan by Chef D shared tips on effective blogging.
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| Morning Panelists (From Left): Chef D, Prof. Chua, Dr. Marc Laurenze Celis (Moderator), and Ms. Evy Raquion |
An upbeat performance by Mean Jay and Pauline Cueta wrapped the morning session, giving us the time to enjoy lunch provided by the organizers.
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| From Left: Mean Jay and Pauline Cueto |
The afternoon talks were as enriching as the discussions during the morning session. The first speaker was none less than President Rodrigo Duterte's Social Media Director, Mr. Pompee La Viña.
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| Mr. Pompee La Viña at the BlogEx2016 |
He started off with the wisdom of Sun Tzu's advice in the book, "The Art of War." "Now, the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought," he said.
Relating it to then Mayor Duterte's campaign during the Presidential election, he emphasized the importance of doing research and looking at data in creating a winning strategy.
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| Mr. La Viña shared how they planned for Mayor Duterte's social media campaign |
It was inspiring because he was able to turn the table around in favor of Pres. Duterte despite the lack of funding for widescale tri-media campaign.
I was told that there were more exciting talks after Mr. La Viña's presentation. However, as it was getting late and my kids were waiting for me, I had to cut short my attendance.
I regret not being able to finish the event. I'm sure BlogEx2016 was a great success. I'm happy that I attended BlogEx2016. I feel that I grew as a digital marketer, social media communicator, and a mother of two children living in the age of the Internet.
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