As much I want to start this post with something as “controversial” as that, I cannot, as I am no Manolo Quezon.

Anyway, I had attended the first Bloggers’ Kapihan. Held at Philippine Science High School last Saturday, old, new, and potential new bloggers converged to listen to three of well-known Pinoy bloggers.

So, there I was at the gates, told the guards that I was there for the Kapihan, and the lady guard asked my name. My name is not on the list, despite raising my hand here. I was hoping back then that it was not a foreboding of things to come. The guard then asked if I had an invitation. This puzzled me, as I had no invitation. Only got to read this important announcement today. The lady guard just asked me to sign my name.

Then I thought I was late. Arriving at the AVR, I was surprised that the program had not started yet. It was already past 2PM. I sat myself at the back, but when I realized Mam Noemi Dado was seating in front, I had gathered all strength and sat beside her. Yes, ganun kakapal mukha ko.

At the same row, I got to meet Mong Palatino, one of the BK Crew. Saw very unfamiliar faces, though there were familiar ones, which was a comfort. Aside from Mam Noemi, I also got to talk with The Jester-in-Exile; both Mam Noemi and I were surprised to see him, him being detained by the UP College of Law for hitting the Sigma Rho too hard on several blog posts for his law studies.

Mong opened the hostilities, este the program:

Victor Villanueva was the first to speak. To be honest, his talk had the most impact for me, and I am reserving a separate, serious post about it. Basically, his assertion is simple: if you have posted something, expect people to react and be ready to defend what you have said.

Next was the Yuga himself. Here is the master at work:

And lastly, Manuel L. Quezon III:

During the coffee-and-donuts time, me and AJ and Ederic were watching The Jester-in-Exile and Benj exchanging words regarding Cris Mendez. I think The Jester won this round.

And around this time, very typical of him, came Joyfulchicken. He got two donuts and a cup of coffee; I only got a donut, and nothing to drink. He was actually eyeing those cakes and cookies, no luck for him.

Afterwards, Joyfulchicken, Tiffany, and I went to Starbucks in Katipunan to join The Jester, the Yuga, and the Filipino Librarian. When we were ordering, Joyfulchicken announce that it was his treat. I was surprised, since it was so uncharacteristic of him. Well, when he got some Starbucks gift certificates from his wallet, my surprise was gone. =P (Thanks for the vanilla frapp and the ride, Josh!)

(Image stolen from the Filipino Librarian)

Glad to have finally shook hands with Bikoy, Yuga, and MLQ3. It was actually embarassing: during the open forum, I was seated at the back together with Joyfulchicken and Tiffany when MLQ3 approached us and shook my hand.

Jove Francisco brought his crew to cover the event. Was not able to shake hands with him and thank him for the TV airtime.

And, Shari got to have her picture taken together with MLQ3. Lucky girl she is.

Anyway, more blog posts about the Bloggers’ Kapihan:

* Bakla Goes to the Bloggers’ Kapihan
* Chilling with Bloggers
* Bloggers’ Kapihan
* Bloggers’ Kapihan
* Bloggers’ Kapihan
* But.. why?
* Change of heart
* Deviations
* Bloggers’ Kapihan + Post-Event @Giligan’s Trinoma
* (Untitled)
* The First Bloggers’ Kapihan Series at the Philippine Science High School in Quezon City!

And all roundup for this event can be found here: Post-BK Blog Entries.