Blogging for "Filipina" Advocacy

Multi-awarded blogger Noemi Dado believes that blogs and other user-generated content are the latest tool for communication today and can be an effective tool for advocacy. "Blogs enhance social online networking, where a campaign can be generated exponentially through a limitless number of ways well, limited only by the number of bloggers who are willing to write about it, and then link to each other and generate a buzz. A blog should bring a positive tone and quality that aims to engage bloggers in long term community and change, and only then will it be effective."

Blogs have played an important role to the success of the Filipina Image campaign and contributes to the growing number of Filipina content available online today. Although Noemi admitted that Filipina content is not easy to measure . "What is measurable is the search engine page results (SERPs) of the keyword "Filipina". Based on findings of Philippines and USA Google SERPs, the sites that we wanted to rank has made it to the first page of the SERPs. When we renewed the Uplifting the Filipina Timeless Campaign (the Filipina campaign existed as early as 1998) in August 2007 and renamed it "Reshaping the Filipina Image Online", the first 10 sites showed only dating sites. Two months after, filipinaimages.com already showed in the first 5 sites of Google SERPs in the keyword results of "Filipina"."

Noemi encourages bloggers and even non-bloggers to contribute to the Filipina Campaign. "Even if they have already blogged about the Filipina. We need fresh content all the time. Second, Link to FilipinaImages.com. Turn every mention of the word "Filipina" into a link. Third, If you are a woman of Filipino descent, be proud to be a Filipina. Identify yourself as a Filipina and not just as a "Filipino" or "Filipino woman" on your blog or website. If you don't own a blog or website, encourage those with blogs or websites to join the Filipina campaign."

"We still have a long way to go. Google SERPs in Europe does not show FilipinaImages.com in the first page. Same with MSN and other search engines."

Noemi is one of the speakers in the recent iBlog4: the 4th Philippine Blogging Summit. She shared her insight on how can blogs be used for advocacy such as the Filipina image campaign where she is one of the proponents. Here's her presentation and talk.

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Weight loss competition by Fitness First

Noemi posted an interesting entry in her about a Weight Loss Competition by Fitness First sponsored by Del Monte. This is interesting indeed and hope that she wins. Go girl!

I hope the Biggest Loser TV program will also hit the Philippines soon. I think that this will have a great following and provide regular inspiration too. (I also included getting regular exercise in my 2007 plans.)

Lunch at Myron's

As a freelancer IT professional, I operate a virtual office and always have the opportunity to try out different restaurants, fast food places, canteens, among others. I guess for Filipinos, having a lunch out either for business or catching up is very effective and can be productive too. Since I've been like this for more than a decade now, it has become a natural thing and saw no big deal about it.

However, after listening to Noemi Lardizabal Dado (DigitalFilipino.com Club eyeball last January 5), I decided to give it a shot and share my lunch out experiences.

I guess the best way for me to kick this off is by having lunch at Myron's. I was in the Rockwell area after passing by the Philippine Biotech Venture Summit. The organizer of the event is Maoi Arroyo of Hybridigm Consulting.

When the time came for lunch, I saw Myron's and that signaled that this is the sign I'm waiting for. Coincidentally, Maoi spoke during One Internet Day last September on Buzz Marketing through Blogs and talked about the Myron's blogging buzz. I heard this first from former club member Anton Diaz. As it turns out, the food bloggers play an important role in generating buzz about the places they visit and food they've tried out. Myron's blogging buzz, according to Maoi, helped the restaurant generate a million in revenue on its first month (or two?).

To start, Caesar Salad for two was ordered. Dressing has a strong after taste but filling.

If it is my first time to try a steak restaurant, my default order would be the baby back ribs. If this one passes, then I would be more adventurous to try out the other menu items. I have no complaint about their Grilled Baby Back Ribs with Smokey Mosquite Barbercue Sauce. I think though once you've tried those being served by TGI Fridays, Tony Roma's, Chilis, Bigby's, Tia Maria, Outback, among others, you tend to expect more from it especially on the side dishes that compliments it. (although one can argue that they are not in same category)

The Earl Grey Chocolate Mousse with Candied Orange Peel was very nice. The slightly sweet orange peel added the necessary flavor to make this desert unique.

The whole meal including a glass of fresh mango juice reached nearly P1300. Just another lunch.