Info Overload at Visayas Blogging Summit 2011!

Photo by James Toga

Wheels down at Cebu City as bloggers from all over the country gathered for a day’s worth of intellectual enhancement. Spearheaded by the Cebu Bloggers Society Inc., the Visayas Blogging Summit 2011 was held at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall 1 on November 26.

With the theme “Blogging and Beyond,” VBS is the grandest assembly for the bloggers this year. Cebu Bloggers President Kevin Ray Chua welcomed the attendees, which was mostly composed of students.

Another reason why VBS is a must-see event is the interesting line-up of speakers.

First stop is CAMMA 2011 Awardee Vernon Joseph Go, who mainly focused his discussion on personal blogging and how to get steady with blogging. Cebu Blog Camp Founder Evanjohnn (it’s not typo, his name has double “n”) Mendoza talked about the various niches and how can a blogger find his niche in the vast blogosphere. Tony Bennett shared his professional blogging experiences and offered his marketing training course for free. Journalist Max Limpag discussed tips on “How to Improve Blogging Skills.” He said, “Blogging is a skill you require through constant practice.”

By the way, Miss Earth beauties dropped by the event – a delight to see esp. for the boys.

(And we’re not even halfway the program yet, talked about information overload!)

Virtual CEO and Keynote Speaker Chris Ducker (who got Chris Tucker’s humor) amused the crowd with his funny antics. He talked about ways on how to monetize one’s blog and how to get serious online. He emphasized, “Bloggers should always keep creating awesome content.”

The use of social media has become phenomenal as many companies prefer this platform to sell their brands.  Social media and blogging are powerful marketing and sales tools, which is why it’s necessary to learn its effective use.

Social Media Expert Joanne Apat shared the “Basics of Using Social Media for Business.” Globe Social Media Manager Coy Caballes discussed “Tips for a Successful Social Media Campaign.” According to him, one must be clear with their campaign objective, and “Choose one [pertaining to social media platform] that can make the campaign effective.” GeiserMaclang co-founder Brad Geiser shared his knowledge on online content; he also reiterated that “Bloggers are valuable in business.”

The influence of blogging can ignite an advocacy, a campaign or a revolution – which is why bloggers must be wary of his social media responsibility.

Internet Marketing Queen and Mother of E-Commerce Law Janette Toral gave a breakdown on one’s social media responsibility. Forums, public betrayal, misinterpretation and crossing the line were among the social media issues one must battle. For her, online behavior can make or break one’s career. She said, “Your stories and actions are recorded online. What kind of an influencer are you going to be?” Meanwhile, Kabataan Party List House Representative Mong Palatino divulged on the “Role of Social Media for Change.”

ABS-CBN Managing Director Gina Lopez also graced the event. She invigorated the crowd during her “Yes to Life – No to Mining in Palawan” campaign. (She’s the real Miss Earth in her own right). It pumped up the bloggers (including yours truly) to support her cause. (Visit http://no2mininginpalawan.com/ to show your support).

(Of course, I will dedicate a separate article for the “No to Mining in Palawan.” Thanks for the inspiration Miss Lopez).

It was an overwhelming experience – an information overload!

Kudos to the organizers!

Yes, this is something to write about!