My wife, Tina and I came home a few of hours ago from the 2009 Philippine Blog Awards held at PETA theater in Quezon City. It was my first time to attend such bloggers’ event and it was thrilling because my blog is one of the finalists in Best Family and Living Blog category.
Check out this blog’s name on the 2009 PBA souvenir’s list of finalists…
This is my first year to be nominated and was luckier to made it to the finals as well. Being one of the finalists is already a great pleasure and winning as they say, is just icing on the cake 
We came in too early, around 4:30PM because the call time on the invite via email was 5 in the afternoon. We brought along few kilos of children’s clothes to give in to the organizers’ request for the victims of typhoon Ondoy that hit the Metro few weeks ago.
My wife and I were surprised that the event was disorganized 
The booths at lobby weren’t ready yet until past 5PM. In fact, there was no person to receive the pledges as I was expecting to be given at least a receipt or something.
Good thing that while we were on the queue at the registration area, my wife and I met SIDNEY SNOECK of MY SARISARI STORE, a photoblog I truly admire. I, for one was so honored to finally meet him; as I’ve told him personally, I am one his followers. I so like his works of capturing the best of Filipino culture and traditions. Wouldn’t you be so proud of being a Pinoy that a Belgian ace-photographer-blogger like him exerts so much passion and dedication of putting Filipino colors in his photo-series? Sidney, your award for BEST FOREIGN BLOG is well-deserved. BRAVO!
I would also like to congratulate DENNIS VILLEGAS for winning multiple awards inlcuding one of the Top Ten Best Post of the year! Cheers, Dennis! (I was the one who bumped into you and said sorry as I exit the door of the theater. I was in a hurry to go home and was a bit struck with your presence so didn’t bother to introduce myself. Sorry. But there’s always a next time). Again, I am a fan!
It’s always humbling to receive comments from these award-winning bloggers! Thank you for frequenting my site.
As for my part, I was hoping to win of course, who wouldn’t?
But I lost…. and honestly, it felt OK. Why? Because the “jeepney-designed” trophy and a new Nokia phone for the category I was competing were won by one of the bloggers who used to comment on my posts- Mommy Pehpot of MAKE OR BREAK! Applause, applause! Congratulations!
Everyone at the lobby was treated to a cocktail and dinner served by Josiah’s catering. The spread was not bad at all. There were also free-flowing drinks to enjoy. Thank you PBA!
The event could’ve been more special if there were no flaws or at least, less hassles in the flow of the program. Man, the show started soooo late than scheduled! I’m sorry but the presenters apparently did not rehearsed. It’s ironic because the stage itself is built for professional thespians of PETA who are known for great discipline. Thanks for the witty humor of the host, RJ Ledesma that saved the night.
We didn’t finish the event because my wife still has to go on an early morning shift at the Operating Room the following day.
As we came home from the event, our 5-year-old son Gabby told me the most rewarding statement a parent can possibly receive…
Tatay-doc : Gabby, hindi nanalo si Daddy…
Gabby : OK lang po ‘yun Daddy, share ko naman sa inyo ni Mommy iyong trophy ko (referring to his 3rd placer trophy from his declamation contest last February)
With those sweetest words, I felt my blogging was gladly recognized by our son, to whom this site is heartily dedicated.
To my friends-on-line, my readers, my blog-buddies, THANK YOU!
Your frequent visits and comments here never fail to put the widest smile on my face.
Your comments in all of my posts about my family- from dining to our little adventures in life and things in between are more than enough reasons than a trophy to ENJOY blogosphere.
Maraming Salamat po for following BEYOND TOXICITY. I never thought blogging and gaining virtual friends could be this so much FUN!
Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH!
UPDATED : Here’s a clip shown at the PBA awards night that made me smile up to my ears
BTW, my wife was happy to bring home complimentary copies of magazines from SUMMIT MEDIA booth at the lobby.
Thanks, PBA! Till next year and beyond…
OPINION COUNTS…