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It was a much unexpected weekend for me. I wasn’t expecting to go to back to Gensan that November—plane fares have gone up and we weren’t allowed to file a leave since it was a Thanksgiving (the busiest day in the US). However, with our bosses nodding for a vacation and the 13^th month pay coming, I was able to push through with my trip to Gensan to attend Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 (or Sox Blogfest). It was organized by the Manansala brothers, Avel and Orman, together with the rest of Soccsksargen Bloggers of south-central Mindanao which was held on 26^th of November, 2012 at Sun City Suites in the city of General Santos.

Avel Manansala, one of the conveners of Sox Blogfest

Most of the blogging conferences such as in Luzon and in the Visayas tackle about anything in social media, its implications in the society, a tool for business, trending, photography, and just about anything. However, Mindanao has a different advocacy to push on—improve Mindanao’s image from the unfairly tagged “war-torn and poverty-stricken” island into a destination for business and leisure. It is indeed a challenge since it is still an ongoing struggle between conventional stereotypes and new media that fights for fairness—and Sox Blogfest is one of the venues to promote with. Sox Blogfest goes beyond personal blogging—it went into different facets of social media and advocacy, something Mindanao needs. The theme of this year’s Sox Blogfest was, “The Emergence of Blogs and Social Media.” To me, it meant going beyond the conventional uses of these two tools.

Conference Room

Delegates from different parts of Mindanao, even as far away as Iligan, were present on the venue. I was the sole delegate from the Visayas.

Bob Martin and History of Internet in Mindanao

Starting off with Bob Martin’s history of internet in Mindanao, in which we may see him as one of the first prime movers of promoting the whole island on the internet. The American shares the same passion for the island, that he has created several websites, Mindanao Magazine (www.mindanao.com) in particular.

Manolo Quezon on the stage

Following Bob is the undersecretary for Malacañang’s communications group and columnist Manuel “Manolo” Quezon III–talking about how the state of social media influences the Filipino society. The locomotion sets in for the rest of the day.

Jack Madrid of Multiply Philippines

Jack Madrid of Multiply Philippines provided insights on how is online marketing doing in the Philippines, with Multiply as an example of online entrepreneurship.

Mayor Darlene Antonino Custodio of Gensan

One of the guests was Honorable Mayor Darlene Custodio of the host city. She featured how the local government utilizes new technology and social media in their works. In the conference, she was particular about getting all of the public schools online and how it may be used for ease of information flow in this vast city.

The sun was up high and the heat outside was somehow unbearable. People have listened as more speakers, along with that sumptuous lunch (I simply love their eggplant parmigniana, kudos to Sun City!)

Raffy Tima of GMA for Think Before You Click

Raffy Tima of GMA gives an insight on how we as individuals should be responsible for what we post in our social media accounts such as in Twitter, Facebook or others, and its implication to moving the society, influencing or even cyber-bullying—“Think Before You Click!”

Mae Paner aka Juana Change

Perking up the afternoon was Mae Paner, also known as “Juana Change.” She used her talent as a director and theater actress and the power of online video (yes, she is a vlogger, video blogger) in order to move people to change on how the government and the society of this country. Her videos are satirical—comedic yet laced heavily with social issues that affects us all. In the end, she said that “change of the society starts from us individuals.”

Abe Olandres of Yugatech

Abe Olandres of Yugatech comes in as he talks about the latest tech gadgets and trends that may soon affect on how the Philippine society treats social media. This is the technical part of the conference, as Abe explains the trend in the Philippines–the latest that may become effective tools that Pinoys may use and change the society by technology.

US Embassy Depute Atache Cynthia Cook

The US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr., sent a message to the Gensan people through Deputy Atache Cynthia Cook about the works in US Embassy Manila and how it embraced social media as part of communicating to the people (especially to those who are asking about the US Visa).

Aileen Apolo-de Jesus of Google Asia Pacific

Aileen Apolo-De Jesús of Google Asia Pacific introduces Google Plus to this southern city, and its difference that is set from other social media. She also introduced Youtube Philippines.

Flow Galindez of Ang Sa Wari Ko

Wrapping things for this loaded day was Flow Galindez of Ang Sa Wari Ko, a partner for Red Whistle, World Food Programme and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in encouraging every Mindanaoan in partaking to any social-inclined advocacies in aiding their fellow citizens away from poverty and ignorance.

Sox Bloggers and the Speakers

The participants. Sorry po, di magkasya ang lahat

In this year’s Sox Blogfest, social media trends and beyond personal blogging has been the unifying topic for most. As the conference ended, it hopes that it would lead more Mindanaoans to blog not just about themselves, but on how they can help Mindanao overcome its negative tag that has belittled its full potential and better understanding of the three people’s of Mindanao.

Kuya Avel and Orman together with Nanardz, Alexis, Marz, Arzie of Sox Bloggers

To Sox Bloggers and most especially to Kuya Avel and Orman Manansala, congratulations for having a successful, full-house event dedicated to the Mindanaoan cause and for the rest of the nation through new technology!

More photos of Sox Blogfest 2.0, click here.

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To go where no man has gone before...

Traveling has become one of the increasing hobbies of every Filipino nowadays, thanks to cheaper airfare and greater accessibility. Of course, one seeks the adventure, exploring new horizons, cultures, environment and experiencing fun at the same time.

In traveling, there are risks. Read the signs before venturing out into the unknown

For most young viajeros and viajeras, fun and adventure is always entailed with every new destination they get through. And for some people, “fun and adventure” may also mean leisurely “making love to their partners,” or straightly speaking—“have sexual intercourse with someone.” That’s thrill and adrenaline rush rolled into one. Of course, it might get involved with having to “play all the night with that ‘unknown’ someone.” Making love in Boracay or Puerto Galera or anywhere with an unknown partner may just bring you somewhere in the dark, rolling in the deep, and probably would end up as a nightmare instead.

Of course, travelling is also entailed with some risks. In case of emergencies like accidents or getting a disease in a far-away land, you might need some blood coming from blood banks, in order to save your life. However be weary, this might just add up to your agony if not careful.

Make your family safe against the wrath of HIV by being aware of its causes and how to prevent the spread of the virus. Make the future of our kids safer.

The Philippines’ number of HIV infections has grown more than 25% according to a UNAIDS report, mostly within the 20-29 year old range as of 2010. Most of the risk came from unprotected sexual intercourse and still there might be a lot of undocumented cases due to lack of education regarding this disease and even the social stigma that it is associated with. Before we know it, “making love” with your beloved partner may not be such a good idea after all or even travelling isn’t safe as it is–even to those who are innocent. Ignorance has never been this dreadful.

It has to stop! Blow the Red Whistle!

Facing an alarming situation of the spreading epidemic, The Red Whistle campaign aims to educate the people regarding HIV through raising awareness and encouraging communities to act, deliver the message of safe sex, and facilitating ease of access to HIV testing, treatment and support services. The Red Whistle campaign started recently last 18 August 2011 at the BlackBird restaurant in Kamagong Street in Makati City, spearheaded by photographer Niccolo Cosme’s advocacy, together with StarWorld, Take the Test, the bloggers, and other representatives that support the cause.

For us viajeros and viajeras, if we like to enjoy our travels, like as what people say, “Stay safe always!” Take precautions rather than risking it. If making love to a partner or to someone, always use latex (condom yan!); Avoid prohibited drugs and even sharing syringes; And in case that you need blood due to medical reasons, have the donated blood double checked before it can be transfused to your body. Also, it is better to have you or your partner be tested. It is better safe than sorry, right? Finally, educate. Share your knowledge about this, even if you are an HIV negative. These simple ways may just stop the rising epidemic and thus the fun and enjoyment never stops. Simple steps that make the Philippines safer for us travelers to enjoy with.

Read the signs and always be informed!

Let’s travel around the country, let’s travel around the world! Enjoy life and have an adventure, but always make sure to be safe always, whether on traveling or enjoying life itself. This way, we make our country safe not only for our young generation, but for our families, our communities and the whole society as well. Blow the whistle, blow harder! Let’s make the Philippines safer and healthier.

If you would like to be tested, you may call Take the Test Online at 0917-5844878 and 09233780800 or visit them at http://www.facebook.com/takethetest. Information about your test would remain confidential.

For more information about Red Whistle, simply visit its Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/TheRedWhistle

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Its just a few days away (or a week from now) before the most critical decision of the nation unfolds. The Philippine national elections is set on 10th of May, 2010. That’s next Monday already! The fate or the future of the entire Filipino nation rests on the hands of its citizens. The difference is, a lot may be shocked or confused as the polls goes automated. No longer we have to write our candidates in our ballots and be counted manually. However, it posed worries amongst the voters whether they’ll do the right thing in the ballots. This however, should not hinder Juan de la Cruz to vote. In spreading awareness of the importance of participating in the national elections, Krispy Kreme (KK) launched “DOugh YOUR PART.”

Krispy Kreme’s programme promotes participation in this democratic practice by setting up mock elections within the KK café. Choosing your well-loved KK doughnuts and coffee is done through a ballot. Ordering your favourite doughnut is done through the mock ballot by shading the oval corresponding to your order–its like choosing your vote for the next officials of the country–or like an examination back at school. Krispy Kreme Marketing Manager said, “Once they tried the mock ballot, it will urge them to go out and vote.”

To push forward the advocacy of participation, KK Vote 2010 doughnuts will be available from May 8 to 10.

This goes to show that KK does not only cater the satisfaction of the people, but also advocating in a peaceful and well-organised elections and at the same time, the change in the electoral practice is for the betterment of the country and it shouldn’t be feared of. For every Juan, it may only be one day of polls but that decision would shape six years of the foundations of the dynamic Filipino society, and a new chapter that would be written by Juan de la Cruz himself. The future rests in our hands, lets DOugh our part!

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In a bid of raising awareness about HIV and AIDS infection in our country, Project Headshot Clinic together with Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), launched “Move” on December 9, 2009 at Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk in Makati City. Niccolo Cosme, one of the finest photographers in the Philippines, was the one who took the headshots of famous and influential such as Dr. Eric Tayag of DOH, Congresswoman Riza Hontiveros, Wanggo Gallaga, Tim Yap, Kristine Hermosa, Carlos Celdran and so much more.  Joining them also are the ordinary Filipinos who took their stand in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS issue in our country.

In a recent figures released by the Department of Health, there is an average of 64 new cases every month as of 2009, with an average of TWO new cases a day as compared to just ONE new case every three days almost a decade ago!

The alarming rate has caused several cause-oriented groups to move into information dissemination about HIV and the effects to human beings. Most of the Filipinos are neither aware nor they do know it but shun away from talking about it. Hence, it builds a “culture of ignorance” in which it can create myths and false information to the public, thus increasing the risks of more infection amongst the Filipinos. It also creates a social stigma to those who are positive in this syndrome, which made them the “modern day lepers.”

“Move” is just one way in pushing towards access to right information and creating awareness for the Filipino youth on what is HIV/AIDS is and how does it affect our body, mind and even our society. As one of the 7 Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations by 2015, we as Filipinos should start curbing the number or those who are infected by promoting social hygiene, right information of the disease, and perhaps sex education and no-to-drugs programme. With the rise of people being infected by the HIV in the Philippines, don’t we think it is the right time to “move” before everything is too late?

For more information, log on to their website at HeadshotClinic.com and visit UNAIDS.org / UNAIDS blog.

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Manila’s MRT (EDSA Metro Rail Transit/Blue Line) will be rocked from December 6 to December 8 every 2PM as Rock Ed Philippines presents Rock the Riles 2009. 8 MRT stations would join this activity in order to raise and create awareness among the Filipinos of the United Nations’ Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and for commemorating and seeking justice for the “Maguindanao Martyrs.”

MRT Taft Avenue Station - One of the venues for Rock the Riles 2009

The gigs would simultaneously be held at 8 stations of the MRT representing the 8 MDGs of UN. The stages are at:

• Taft Station – Eradication of Poverty and Hunger
• Quezon Avenue – Universal Primary Education
• Shaw Boulevard Station – Gender Equality
• North Station – Child Mortality
• Boni Station – Maternal Health
• Buendia Station – Combat and prevention of AIDS, Malaria and other diseases
• Cubao Station – Sustainable Environment
• Ayala Station – Global Relation

Performing artists would be Up Dharma Down, Sandwich, Paramita, Radioactive Sago Project, The Ambassadors, Cambio, Imago, Noel Cabangon, Paolo Santos and so much more. There is also a cinemafest dedicated to the late Alexis Tiuseco, one of Philippines’ film critic at Quezon Avenue Station. And visual art exhibit at the North Avenue Station.

It’s also a gathering of artists who would dedicate their performances to the slain media men and innocent lives of the recent Maguindanao massacre. RockEd 2009 seek for justice for those who were slain in one of the worst election-related violence in Philippine history. Donations would be accepted and would be given to the grieving families.

So from Sunday to Wednesday afternoons, the MRT and its stations would be filled with music…for achieving the goals for the Filipino and fighting for justice for the slain innocents. Justice we beg! Rock the Riles!

For more information, log on to their website at: http://www.rockedphilippines.org/