Defining 2006, Online & Off
By The Parodist | February 2, 2007
I’ve been thinking for the past couple of days and I realised something significant. Last year was the year that solidified my blogger persona.
2006 was the year I celebrated my first year as a problogger (though technically the official date is January 2007 but I’ve been blogging pro for the entire 2006!).
I celebrated my fashion blog’s 1st year anniversary, same with my blogging as “The Parodist”.
Brings me to the next important thing, I moved from a wordpress.com hosted blog to my own domain.
Then before the year ended, I was presented with the opportunity to be a corporate blogger (check out the press release) — a rare opportunity for business bloggers in this country, in particular.
However, with all these things that happened, I value the bloggers I met that year the most. These are the people that made blogging a whole lot interesting and meaningful.
Get to know them the way I did, er, sort of.
Abe Olandres. Meeting him can be best described this way — it’s an acquired taste. LOL. I already told him what my initial impressions were when I first tried talking to him. Good thing I trusted the guy who vouched for Abe, so, I would try hanging out with him again and I did. Now, I would’ve kicked myself if I listened to the voices in my head. Pah. He’s one of the people I’m glad I met. Abe with his admirable dreams backed up with efforts that can put ants to shame. One of the bloggers I can now call a friend.
Gail Dela Cruz-Villanueva. After a few meet ups but failed to actually talk, we finally had the chance to mingle at one of the coffee get togethers set up outside the *big* EBs. She’s one of the people who fueled the rumors! Weh. But I know she only means well and yea, the shabu-shabu that made me spend an hour eating helped redeem you! LOL.
Luis Cruz. If it weren’t for this guy, I wouldn’t have lusted for a Canon DSLR. Luis (I opted to call by that name) let me use his 350D on that same night I met him. I think I got to use his camera first before I learned his real name — er, I forget. Gah. Meeting Luis, rekindled my interest in Photography (and actually taking it to the next level) and Flickr. Hehe.
Gloria Gamat. Like Abe, I had pegged Glo wrong. I thought she was intimidating, well, judging from the photos I’ve seen of her anyway. Hehe. But seeing her smile the way she did melted the fear I had of a possible rejection. Glo’s uber-friendly! I loved the fact that I’ve found a Super Dry fan in her and the idea that we can last all night just talking. Can’t wait to more get togethers — in Bicol even! Heehee.
Markku Seguerra. Gah. I hate this guy’s guts! JUST KIDDING. It’s a real hoot talking to Markku. Armed with wisecracks and seemingly serious and yet… not. Heh. He inspires my writing in Dating Dames — he’s a great fodder for tips on what NOT to look for in a guy! Kidding! Kidding! I say, let him down two bottles of beer and you’ll get a philosophical Markku. Hehe. No, seriously, he’s a great guy to hang out with.
You’ll have access to the sought-after video scandal!He’s a real character.
Bimbo Isidro. That first meeting was notable since he’s warm and funny. His over-all personality created a comfortable atmosphere when he’s present in a gimmick. I always look forward to get togethers with him in it. Like Markku, he’s fun to be around! I can’t wait to see his Vespa.
Melissa Atienza-Petri. Twas a real treat to meet AnP in person. I’ve only heard stories of her from my sister and the bloggers who knew her. Can you imagine how I must have felt meeting her for the first time in her home? Gah. But she was very warm and accommodating. She’s sooo nice and supportive, seemingly like a big sister of some sort. She’s kind enough to help out as I explore options to further my “career” in blogging. I also admire her desire to contribute in acts to better our country. I’m looking forward to her coming back to Manila!
Connie Veneracion. How can you describe the Connie experience?! LOL. Jagermeister! Honestly, I’m quite surprised with how she’s so candid and straight-forward, all done without fear or remorse. She’s strong-willed and a real ass-kicking blogger (yea, not just kick-ass!) Meeting her in person, it suddenly clicked on why she’s the “sassy” lawyer. LOL. Being around Connie is addictive. If you want to hang out with her make sure to read the map, otherwise, you’ll get lost like we did. Pffft. Hahaha.
Did I forget anyone? Oh, yes… how could I? (I’m such a meanie, aren’t I? LOL.)
Rico Mossesgeld. I’d like to narrate all the things I’ve kept in my head about meeting Rico. But I really don’t want to bore you. I’ll do my best to tone down the mushy stuff. Why? Oh, you already know why. Pah. Rico is my hang out buddy online (YM, Skype, Blogs) and off. On the onset, he didn’t mind keeping me company whenever I wanted and needed to get out of the house. From that first time we hung out with just the two of us (I wonder if he remembers), we’d go out for beer, coffee and WiFi or hold iced tea drinking sessions while hanging out at my friend’s lawn, I knew I had found a good friend in him. Rico is one guy I’m glad I’ve met. He makes me see the positive side when I’m being negative about things. He supports my decisions and understands my faults. He tolerates my mood swings. He makes me laugh out loud! (Yea, that’s a big deal for me!) I always have fun when I hang out with him. Rico helps me see the world in a different light. He inspires me. Having Rico around made blogging more special. What can I say? I got lucky. LOL.
P.S. I have Jayvee Fernandez to thank. I met this guy back in 2005 and discovered just how small our world is. I didn’t think it can get anymore smaller than it already was but it did. Had he not invited me to go to the Blogger meet at Italianni’s, I wouldn’t have met all these people — My 2006 wouldn’t have turned out the way it did. So, thanks.
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Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Press Mentions, The Rambler |
February 2nd, 2007 at 12:19 pm
am really honored to make this list sasha. believe me, meeting you (and gettign to know you) is really great. yeah I look forward to more meet-ups.
me, intimidating? ha ha. i’m actually shy than most people would like to think. ahhh, energizer nga ako, kahit magdamagang chika, puede. ha ha. miss you.
February 2nd, 2007 at 5:20 pm
aww shucks. i’m flattered
thanks rin sash.
oh, by the way… twas markku who started the rumor. well… on your blog at least. not sure who started it offline, him or me?
if i was, i want full credit! 
February 2nd, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Gloria: Yea, I realised what a bundle of laugh you can be when I met you! More Q&As on love and, er, *almost* marriages on the next meet up? LOL.
Gail: No worries, Gail. I’m not quite sure who started it but you and Markku are two of the people who teased and prodded alright! I’ll leave it to you guys to fight over who’d get the credit. LOL.
February 3rd, 2007 at 2:49 am
Wow! I never knew I was such a positive influence on your life. I really hope that never changes. Yes, I remember our first few days together, when we both had all the time in the world, and sipping coffee/ice tea/beer into the early hours was the norm. It’s funny how both of us are really busy nowadays!
At least our offices are close to each other.
And don’t forget, inspiration, getting lucky, and being glad you’ve met someone usually goes two ways.
February 4th, 2007 at 5:16 am
makahanap nga ng magandang pasalubong! hehehe
thanks, Sasha!!! I am also looking forward to another meeting with you.
February 5th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Rico: Now you know!
Good to know you feel the same way! 
Hehehe. More chismisan with Glo when you get here. Ha! Plus Jayvee can update on the *status* of things with him and *aherm* LOL 
AnP: The *spiked* chocolates are good enough pasalubong for me!
February 8th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Ang sweet naman ng entry na to, and I’m honored to be on the list!
Hahaha.
Pero sana lang matulungan naman ako ng dating blog mo kahit minsan lang. Hehehe.
February 8th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Markku: Aw, really? Glad you think so. I did appreaciate getting the chance to meet you — I’m looking forward to more “thoughtful and philosophical” conversations with you. Hehe. BTW, I can always pimp you over at Dating Dames, ya’know. Just say when!
February 9th, 2007 at 2:17 am
Thoughtful and philosophical? Hehehe. Sa Saturday. Hahaha. Pimp me at a dating weblog? Hmm… Hahaha.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:51 am
Markku: Fine. I’m taking it back! Heh.
YES. I’d do it — you want me to? LOL.
February 12th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Hey hey hey, you still remember me!! hehe.
I hope to see all of you guys soon, been really busy with work the past few months.
Basta when schedule permits, we’ll set up a get together in Balay ni Juan in Bo. Kapitolyo in Pasig, malapit ke Markku. Mura beer, sagot ko mga 3 round hehe.
Thanks Sasha for including me, makes me realize how connecting with people offline is so much fun….specially after a couple of bottles of San Mig Light hehe
February 13th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Bimbo: Hey stranger! Of course, I remember! You’re one of the nicest and down-to-earth blogger/person I’ve ever met! Woot! Libreng beer! NICE! (see I told ‘ya!
) No worries po! Meeting people like you makes me feel that not all people you meet online are total arses. Cheers, mate! 
February 14th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Am I to blame / thank for you buying a 400D? You should get me a lens or a flash then. That, or a CF card. Wishful thinking, right?
I’m touched that I’m on this list, really. Here’s to more shooting, blogging, and for you and Rico, lots and lots of teasing.
hehehe…
March 9th, 2007 at 11:30 am
Luis: Oh noes! No blame. A lil thankful but no freebies just yet.
You’re cool and uber-talented behind the camera! Puh-leeez. Limit it to that. No more teasing.