How I stumbled upon Philippine Bloggers Association

November 2010, in a BCB meeting with CBSi Founder, Mark Monta and Cebuana Blogger, Agnes Jimenez, we integrated the formation of Philippine Bloggers Association, a proposed blogging org that will gather “bloggers” in the Philippines, assimilating blogging communities that have already been founded, organized and religiously functioned.

Somehow, I was thrilled with the idea for it could be the force to bind bloggers from all over the Philippines. However, the feasibility of forming it is nil. Support from other bloggers is still warranted and I understand that there are other bloggers whose priorities are not in line with this proposed association of bloggers.

Perhaps, the best thing to do would be to educate the bloggers the importance and the advantages and somehow integrate the cons that could imperil the association. Weighing different angles of the spectrum is greatly relevant as this would be a determining factor for an association such as the proposed Philippine Bloggers Association to be viable and become sustainable in the long run.

Propelling PBA was halted for we still needed time to render its viability. Instead, we planned for an event that would make it an impetus for bloggers in the Philippines to join and be as one with other bloggers in the international bloggging communities. That’s where we wanted bloggers to be participative. And that’s why I and the organizing group of CBSi want to have World Bloggers’ Day.

Now come February 2010, I opened my inbox and there the bold Philippine Bloggers Association interview with Janette Toral and Tonyo Cruz was hyper-linked. I watched and listened and somehow agreed with the interviewee. I told my colleagues about this. As to reactions, that is not really a concern to talk about, but the astonishment was imprinted and that I couldn’t blame.

I still remember my comment below the interview video of Janette Toral with Tonyo Cruz at DigitalFilipino social networking site and I suggested for the creation of PBA before the World Bloggers’ Day event. It was a reaction, and I would rather consider it an act of impulse.

After the three comments before mine, now there are different reactions: some are against it, while others suggested what to integrate.

It’s a balancing act, really. It has become more interesting than I initially thought. It sparked various reactions, arguments and “my takes” in the form of blog posts. It raised a level in which bloggers should tread or yet, be left behind. But no, I don’t mean it to demean other bloggers that if they won’t to show their reactions, they are not anymore involved. Being silent despite the noise is still an act of free speech. And perhaps, with this issue in the blogosphere, we have the silent majority who are waiting for those who make the noise to do the first move.

The manifesto distributed by Tonyo Cruz, is where the escalating issue ignites. I only knew of it during the CBSi meeting.

I read Ria Jose’s blog post, stipulating her reaction. And then at Janitor Al’s blog, which was only created by an anonymous blogger who doesn’t want to be known yet has left much controversy in the blogosphere. However, though credibility is in question, I admit to accord with him when it comes putting the manifesto in wiki and not just something to be distributed secretively. The whole Philippine blogosphere may have concern on this manifesto. However, with the initial method of distribution, it would leave other bloggers wondering for the creation of this association as selective. (And now I think, it is selective given the stipulation that this association is for those who want to volunteer).

Jayvee’s view on this matter is somewhat subtle. It has started a ruckus to me than what Janitor Al’s statements did. Perhaps, because Jayvee has a name in Philippine blogosphere and what he ranted could cause more responses. His inclusion of this statement:

“Despite the Janitor being anonymous, the points raised make it look like the organization is being founded by rookies who are more interested in lobbying and the bureaucracy.”

…makes it known that he really has the authority in blogging. That could provoke some to think that he is against it but there’s a but…(figure it out)

His suggestion:

Why can’t you just ask individual bloggers to become members of IMMAP or PICS? We have too many organizations! The fact that we’re trying to form more of these groups makes it more apparent that IMMAP isn’t working. What about Digital Filipino? Why can’t you just open up membership to more bloggers? (Why aren’t they joining?)

It’s like saying why don’t you join Manila Bloggers Network? Simple, because I am a Cebuano and that there are requirements that make me unqualified to join. Or that,” do I really need it? I already know about entrepreneurship, accounting, management and the Internet has free information where can one learn the methods technically. Will I spend thousands to build connections? Why not on Facebook?”

On my three years of blogging, I still consider myself in the middle of being a rookie and problogger. I never considered myself to be a mediocre though, but one thing I learned being in the social media is that being humble and sincere matters a lot.

Now, what to do with Philippine Bloggers Association?

There is already a planned meeting for this creation sometime in March. If you want to know about this, go to Mr. Tonyo Cruz’ blog.

And yes, I agree with some bloggers that the manifesto has flaws. Perhaps, the 10 arguments of Mr. Danilo Arao are the best testaments for the creation of the  Philippine/National Bloggers Association.

But I definitely like this suggestion from newmedia.com.ph

“More than representation and politics, I want an association that promotes development of bloggers. I will fully support, join, and speak for any group that primarily just wants to help bloggers become better bloggers or invites non-bloggers to be bloggers. Blogging has radically changed my life for the better and I feel like this blessing is something that should be shared! My dream? An association that’s main purpose is to care, support, and just help bloggers become better bloggers.

Imagine how many bloggers will appreciate free knowledge sharing on Search Engine Optimization, improving Google Adsense revenues, different forms of money-making tools, content generation, writing training in English and Filipino, personal branding (for career leveraging and selling), e-commerce opportunities, and ramping up traffic? We can even include other online money making ventures like freelancing (via o-desk, etc). Reading is not enough though. It would be great to have some form of mentorship programs, meet-ups, and conferences.”

I like how he mentioned it out of passion to help other bloggers who want to have directions in the blogosphere. Although, there is Cebu Blog Camp where lectures are given freely, a one-day event is not enough to help newbie bloggers get out from the estranged blogging positions.

Probably, the World Bloggers’ Day can be a gauge to the oneness of the Philippine blogosphere. It can be a determining factor of our preparedness for a Philippine Bloggers Association. I hope though that many bloggers who spearhead the creation a National

Bloggers Association will join World Bloggers Day 2011. It will somehow enforce them to assess their sincerity in having a unified or an alliance of bloggers association in the country.

There are still more to come, issues to escalate and voices through blog posting to be raised for the creation of NBA or PBA, somewhat.

And I highly think that the Philippine blogosphere is a prism with too many colors when light, as symbolized by an issue, is refracted and passed through. With this issue, it gives the zealous the chance to display their convictions and the skeptics the reason to ponder, scorn and rant.