Looks like 2007 is a groundbreaking year for local bloggers as more of them (us!) are attending events previously exclusively reserved for the traditional media or the press.

Don’t know if it’s an advantage for me since am both a mainstream writer and a blogger. I have to admit though that it feels surreal being accustomed to formal press conferences all these years, and then seeing my fellow bloggers invade the scene little by little. I know that some bloggers have made a stand and feel icky about accepting a free lunch from rah-rah publicists. Still, it appears that we will not be able to resist an invite or two, especially if it’s laid out on a buffet table filled with sinful chocolate goodies :P What is clear is that bloggers are now on the “media directory” of certain PRs. The question of whether bloggers should keep an open mind, or stick to their independence is a contentious issue that’s subject to much debate.

In the meantime, this writer and a few probloggers had the lunch organized by web service provider Aryty to attend. Aryty (pronounced the same as “all righty”) is a service that lets residents of the US and Canada send e-load to mobile phone users in the Philippines via text or the internet. More about this in an MB article soon.

Anyway, had to take some pictures of the event as I normally don’t see laptop-toting, WiFi induced peeps in formal presscons.

There’s Mike Villar and his brand-new white Mac.



Mike Villar



Also, Jayvee Fernandez and his black Mac.



jayvee fernandez



Award-winning WordPress designer Gail de la Cruz-Villanueva, Aryty CEO Nils Johnson and Jayvee check out the Aryty website.



gail, nils johnson, jayvee



Me, Mike and Gail.



me, mike, gail



Special thanks to the lovely Karla Maquiling of PinoyCentric.com for facilitating my attendance. I would have loved to devour the buffet at the Circles Event Cafe of Shang-ri La but I was in a fish mode that day. The good thing about a $20 lunch which you don’t have to pay from your own pocket is that you CAN afford not to eat it all … if at all :P

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Posted in Blogosphere |