Got this heads up from fellow .com.ph blogger and web safety advocate Sonnie Santos and since it’s open to the public, I might was well give it more buzz.

There would be a forum on “The Filipino Blogosphere: Political Expression, Communication, and Participation” on February 26 (Sat), 10:00 AM at the Case Room, G/F National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, where Ms Mary Grace P. Mirandilla-Santos will be presenting the results of her study* on A-List Filipino political bloggers and their readers: motivation, political attitude and modes of political participation.

There will also be a discussion on related topics, such as blogging and the Filipino identity, political expression and communication, and journalism. Other speakers include Dr. Erwin Alampay, Prof. Danilo Arao, Ms. Stephanie Rabia, and Mr. Juned Sunido.

Again this open to the public so for those interested to attend you can get in touch with Ms Mirandilla-Santos via her email: mg[dot]mirandilla[at]gmail[dot]com

I won’t be able to attend because of a theater rehearsal. No kidding. Anyways, for those who would be attending, have a fun and productive forum.

* The Filipino Blogosphere: An Emerging Alternative Venue for Political Participation in the Philippines
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Let me start off the week with a sort of an announcement/invitation for the up coming Bloggers’ Kapihan Event entitled “Blogging Beyond the Basics”

Bloggers’ Kapihan?

Kape or Coffee + Bloggers, oh and donuts of course, and what do you get? A perfect opportunity to flesh out some crucial issues affecting the Pilipino Blogosphere and in part the youth. We know how blogging has grown into something that is chuck-full of potential, power and influence. It’s also no longer just about increasing traffic, making more money and reaching the top slots in the search engines etc. It’s about us bloggers going beyond the basics of blogging and doing something more with our blogs, that involves our readers and fellow bloggers.

Blogging Beyond the Basics

This is the first installment of the Bloggers’ Kapihan series. It will be held at the Advanced Sciences and Technology Building AVR of Philippine Science High School on September 8, 2-5PM. Gracing the event as speakes are Manuel Quezon III of The Daily Dose, Abraham Olandres of Yugatech and Victor Villanueva of Bikoy.net

Joining with us on the event would be Pisay students so there are 60 slots up for grabs for everyone who’d like to attend the event. Just leave a message in the comments form below if you want to attend the forum. We would be more than happy to share coffee and donuts with you.

Kudos to our sponsors!

Much thanks and love to our sponsors, DigitalFilipino.com Club and Pinoy Web Hosting Solutions for supporting this initiative. As always, freebies will be given away by the ever so generous Google and GMAnews.tv. Plus, the BK crew will be giving away domains + webhosting packages at the said forum.

Support Bloggers’ Kapihan

Sponsors are still very much welcomed for those who are interested to support this blogging initiative. It wouldn’t cost you that much and it will give back some awesome benefits. Below are the sponsorship packages you could choose from:

Major Sponsor (Php 3,000)

• Full banner (470×60 or 145×360) on Bloggers Kapihan website for 6 months
• Link to sponsor website for 6 months
• Streamer displayed in the venue
• 3-5 minutes presentation in the forum
• 1 table space

Minor Sponsor (Php 1,500)

• Logo (60×60) on the Bloggers Kapihan website for 6 months
• Link to sponsor website for 6 months
• Mention in the forum

Interested sponsors and donors may send a message at shari@misteryosa.com. We thank you so much already!

So mark your calendars, September 8, 2007 at the Advanced Sciences and Technology Building AVR of Philippine Science High School from 2-5PM. We look forward to seeing you there!

In case you were wondering

Bloggers’ Kapihan is an initiative of some of the country’s most prolific young bloggers. It aims to bring together Filipino bloggers–especially the young ones– to discuss issues and matters that affect the blogosphere and the youth in general.

It also aims to provide a venue for young bloggers to meet up and expand networks inside and outside the blogosphere.

Bloggers’ Kapihan seeks to kick off a regular series of fora and social events for Filipino bloggers.

Bloggers’ Kapihan is also in coordination with Kabataan Party and Tinig.com.

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