A Tale from a First-timer
I've never been to any bloggers social gathering before. I never had the courage to join, especially when I know nobody. Last Friday, May 3, 2013, was different. I decided to join Davao Bloggers Acquaintance Party just because. I was apprehensive but at the same time excited. In fact, too excited that I forgot to bring my camera and my phone *facepalm*
The venue was at Krispy Kreme - SM Lanang, but to me it felt like I was in a jungle. Really. I felt like a very little mouse in a jungle full of big unknown creatures. I do not know anybody, except perhaps for the familiar faces I've seen during my usual rounds of blog hops. I was intimidated and too anxious to go anywhere near the big ones, like they're a predator and I'm a prey.
Nobody knows me. But that's probably a good thing. I can just sit there quietly, try to be as small as I can be, and assume that I am invisible to everyone else. And for the win, I didn't have a phone that I can tinker so that I can pretend to look busy. I just sat there and read Krispy Kreme's paper placemats featuring their Mickey Mouse treats even if there's really nothing there to read. Muntanga lang. hahaha =D
It was a perfect fifteen-minute pathetic moment. But I didn't want to be pathetic (yeah, 15 minutes too late). So I flashed a gawky smile to the first stranger in front me and started a small but awkward conversation. Then one stranger after another, they came welcoming me with big, warm, friendly smiles. In a heartbeat, I snapped back into my senses. Hey, I am not in a jungle. I'm in a Davao Blogger's Acquaintance Party! And these creatures here aren't scary after all. Armed with shy His and Hellos, I made my way through the jungle meeting new people.
Yes, I survived.
To cut the story short, I enjoyed the night. I enjoyed their presentation of how Davao Bloggers started, their previous and incoming activities, and their goals. Which makes me want to slap myself for not joining this group ages ago. What have I been missing? Sigh. I am so amazed by their camaraderie. The fellowship they have shown is different. They are a family. The more I see them together, the more that I yearn to be part of it. Which I believe I should be. (Brace yourselves, new member coming! hehe)
I enjoyed the games and of course, the food! It was an awkward start but ended with a blast. A big one at that. And now, I look forward to more blogger gatherings like this.
I'd like to grab this opportunity to thank everyone, especially the officers, behind the Davao Blogger's Acquaintance Party. Thank you for bringing us together. We, especially the newbies, need events like this. A chance to gather, mingle, share and just enjoy the day with our fellow bloggers.I certainly think this is still, after all, a jungle... only filled with crazy but beautiful, friendly, and creative creatures.
And of course, the event wouldn't be a success without our generous sponsors whose support has gone a long way. Your are truly appreciated.
Krispy Kreme
Smart Communications
Ogilvy Public Relations Manila
Crea8tech Solutions
Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc
Sun Cellular
SM Lanang Premier
SM City Davao
Maxima Aquafun Resort
Wayph.com
Yellow Hauz
As you can see, I don't have pictures to share. I just snagged one from a fellow blogger. So the next time I'll join gatherings like this, I'll forget everything but the camera. hehe
I've never been to any bloggers social gathering before. I never had the courage to join, especially when I know nobody. Last Friday, May 3, 2013, was different. I decided to join Davao Bloggers Acquaintance Party just because. I was apprehensive but at the same time excited. In fact, too excited that I forgot to bring my camera and my phone *facepalm*
The venue was at Krispy Kreme - SM Lanang, but to me it felt like I was in a jungle. Really. I felt like a very little mouse in a jungle full of big unknown creatures. I do not know anybody, except perhaps for the familiar faces I've seen during my usual rounds of blog hops. I was intimidated and too anxious to go anywhere near the big ones, like they're a predator and I'm a prey.
Nobody knows me. But that's probably a good thing. I can just sit there quietly, try to be as small as I can be, and assume that I am invisible to everyone else. And for the win, I didn't have a phone that I can tinker so that I can pretend to look busy. I just sat there and read Krispy Kreme's paper placemats featuring their Mickey Mouse treats even if there's really nothing there to read. Muntanga lang. hahaha =D
It was a perfect fifteen-minute pathetic moment. But I didn't want to be pathetic (yeah, 15 minutes too late). So I flashed a gawky smile to the first stranger in front me and started a small but awkward conversation. Then one stranger after another, they came welcoming me with big, warm, friendly smiles. In a heartbeat, I snapped back into my senses. Hey, I am not in a jungle. I'm in a Davao Blogger's Acquaintance Party! And these creatures here aren't scary after all. Armed with shy His and Hellos, I made my way through the jungle meeting new people.
Yes, I survived.
To cut the story short, I enjoyed the night. I enjoyed their presentation of how Davao Bloggers started, their previous and incoming activities, and their goals. Which makes me want to slap myself for not joining this group ages ago. What have I been missing? Sigh. I am so amazed by their camaraderie. The fellowship they have shown is different. They are a family. The more I see them together, the more that I yearn to be part of it. Which I believe I should be. (Brace yourselves, new member coming! hehe)
I enjoyed the games and of course, the food! It was an awkward start but ended with a blast. A big one at that. And now, I look forward to more blogger gatherings like this.
I'd like to grab this opportunity to thank everyone, especially the officers, behind the Davao Blogger's Acquaintance Party. Thank you for bringing us together. We, especially the newbies, need events like this. A chance to gather, mingle, share and just enjoy the day with our fellow bloggers.I certainly think this is still, after all, a jungle... only filled with crazy but beautiful, friendly, and creative creatures.
 |
| The attendees. Me, the girl in yellow green. Photo courtesy of Algene Cutamora. |
Smart Communications
Ogilvy Public Relations Manila
Crea8tech Solutions
Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc
Sun Cellular
SM Lanang Premier
SM City Davao
Maxima Aquafun Resort
Wayph.com
Yellow Hauz
As you can see, I don't have pictures to share. I just snagged one from a fellow blogger. So the next time I'll join gatherings like this, I'll forget everything but the camera. hehe
Welcome to the group Sarah.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to see more of you in the upcoming events!
Thank you! Yes, looking forward to see you guys again. :)
DeleteIt's so nice that you had a good time at your fist bloggers event! :) Your post reminded me too of the first I've attended before. I didn't know anybody and was just tagging along with some bloggers I got to chat with. It ended well (although maybe not as awesome-ly as yours) and I earned new-found blogger friends :D
ReplyDeleteAnyway, when I visit Davao in the near future, I'm hoping to meet some of you ^^
When you visit Davao, don't hesitate to hit me a message. I'd want to meet other bloggers from other places too! :)
DeleteDuring the rare times I go to events where bloggers are invited, I noticed that some "groups" tend to just interact within their members. The nice thing about it though is that there will always be others who are more welcoming of new and unknown bloggers. I think bloggers are generally friendly and one can always learn from talking with them.
ReplyDeleteYes, they're really friendly, whether online or offline. :)
Deletewow cheers to Davao bloggers! Good to know that advertisers are also active on supporting Bloggers in Davao
ReplyDeleteUh-huh. Never even thought that a small (or not so small) gathering like this will be supported by big time sponsors.
DeleteWelcome to our group! :D
ReplyDeleteI also had fun last night and I also brought my sister to the event.
And if there are events posted and you want to join, please, don't hesitate to sign up. It's a chance to meet fellow bloggers and mingle with them.
And don't be shy to talk with us. We're a family and as a family, we should help one another.
Again, welcome to Davao Bloggers Society! :D
Hi there. I didn't recognize you in the event. But next time there'll be gathering like this, I'll definitely approach you guys. thanks!
DeleteWelcome to DB family, Sarah! Hope to see you again in future events. Sign up ka lang if may event announcement sa wall.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yep, will do. I enjoyed the first, I'll definitely enjoy the 2nd, or the 3rd, or the other incoming events. :)
DeleteWelcome to DBS, Sarah :)
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you in person, remember me Sarah G.eheheh
Hi Sarah G! Of course I remember you, you're one of the most friendly person in there. :)
DeleteYour article caught my attention especially the jungle part. I felt that too during my 1st event with DB. But they are friendly and accommodating. Proud DB here! =)
ReplyDeletehttp://oc-craft.blogspot.com
Yeah, I know it will get better in the next events. Thank you :)
DeleteIf it's any consolation to you, Sarah, I left my camera's memory card, and I am a member of the media (your cue to direct your facepalm at me).
ReplyDeleteThe first step is always the hardest, but all you have to do is move forward, and the rest falls into place.
Welcome to the community. :-)
Thank you!
DeleteOh my! hahaha. Now I'm not the only one. :D Now I know why you've been taking pictures with your phone. hahaha :D
Welcome to the DB Family Sarah! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh hai! Thank you! :)
DeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw you at the event, I was really thinking hard if we've already met before because your face is so familiar. Then I stumbled upon one of your posts about your course in college, and there, I remembered we're schoolmates pala. We have the same fate. I, too, did not pursue. Hahah
Welcome to DB! =)
As Told By Julz
Hi Julz,
ReplyDeleteThank you. We're schoolmates pala. I guess I should come to your events more often so that I get to know you guys more. :)
It's not bad for a first timer to join such activity and pretend invisible to others. hahaha. That's actually cool of you. I wish to be able to join blogger gatherings too.
ReplyDelete