Are you a blogger who rarely gets to finish a blog post on time because of your bad habit of setting things aside for later?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It usually takes me hours just to finish a single blog post, sometimes even days. Procrastination is the habit I’ve been trying to break for months now.

Thank God I finally stumbled upon a solution that works. It’s a tool aptly named Dr. Wicked’s Write or Die.

Write or Die is a web application that encourages writing by punishing the tendency to avoid writing. Start typing in the box. As long as you keep typing, you’re fine, but once you stop typing, you have a grace period of a certain number of seconds and then there are consequences.

Dr. Wicked said that the reason why he made this application is because he believes that “a tangible consequence is more effective than an intangible reward”. Consequences comes in different flavors:

• There’s the Gentle mode where a popup window would gently remind you to start typing again
• There’s the Normal mode, where an unpleasant sound (a really unpleasant sound) will play continuously until you go back typing again
• In the Kamikaze mode, your work will unwrite itself little by little until you go back to work
• And finally, the electric shock mode… I can’t provide a description for this, I’m too scared to try it out.

I have tried this application and it really works for me. As proof, I managed to finish this blog post in just 31 minutes using the said application. Yeah, baby!

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lab.drwicked.com

You can check out “Write or Die” here. Don’t forget to read the details and instructions on how to use the application. Hope this tool helps.

Say goodbye to Procrastination! Happy Blogging!

The winners for the Digital Filipino Web Awards has just been announced yesterday, November 5 2008, over at the recognition ceremony held at Taste Asia, Mall of Asia.

The awards aims to advocate the use of the internet and e-commerce for business development, through the identification promotion, and highlighting of the best e-Commerce practices from various websites in the Philippines.

The winners found under the 34 categories were selected through a panel of judges taking into consideration criterias such as search engine readiness, content/organization, structure and navigation, design and functionality, technical performance, and interactivity.

Here is the list of winners of each category:

Congratulations to the winners and Happy blogging!

Ratified.org, one of the leading blog ranking sites in the Philippine blogosphere, has just recently released the list of the Philippines Top 100 Blogs of 2008. The said list contains the top blogs that has had the most growth during the year of 2008 based on their Ratified statistics.

Here is the top 100 list:

There are two parts in this report. The first one focused on the top fifty blogs where we have established some base data at the start of this year. We wrote to the bloggers that made it to the first part of the list for further information, asking them to share the story behind their growth, and be featured here. Here are some of them.

1. Jehzlau Concepts (http://www.jehzlau-concepts.com)
2. Selaplana (http://www.selaplana.com)
3. Pinoy R.N (http://filipinonurse.blogspot.com)
4. Gio’s WeBlog (http://www.isulongseophil.com)
5. Yugatech (http://www.yugatech.com/blog)
6. Macuha (http://www.macuha.com)
7. Our Awesome Planet (http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com)
8. EntrePinoys Atbp. (http://www.mixph.com)
9. PinoyBlogoSphere (http://www.pinoyblogosphere.com)
10. Ellen Tordesillas (http://www.ellentordesillas.com)
11. Blog ni Inday (http://www.blogniinday.com)
12. Make Money Online with a 13 Year Old (http://www.carlocab.com)
13. The Filipino Entrepreneur (http://www.thefilipinoentrepreneur.com)
14. Tech At Hand (http://www.techathand.net)
15. Philippine Travel Blog (http://www.pinoytravelblog.com)
16. Julia Aquino (http://julia-aquino.blogspot.com)
17. PinoyBlogero (http://www.pinoyblogero.com)
18. Bakla Ako, May Reklamo? (http://www.baklaako.com)
19. FruityOaty (http://www.fruityoaty.com)
20. 5ThirthyOne (http://www.5thirtyone.com)
21. Naruto Shippuuden Fan (http://narutoshippuuden.selaplana.com)
22. Vista Pinas (http://www.vistapinas.com)
23. Touched By An Angel (http://www.aboutmyrecovery.com)
24. Bryan Boy (http://www.bryanboy.com)
25. Alleba Blog (http://www.alleba.com/blog)
26. Evil Woobie (http://www.evilwoobie.com)
27. Maiylah’s Snippets (http://www.lifesnippets.net)
28. Shutter Box Philippines (http://shutter.box.com.ph)
29. Kubiertos (http://www.kubiertos.com/blog)
30. Aja Lapus (http://www.ajalapus.com)
31. JoanJoyce (http://www.joanjoyce.com/blog)
32. Ederic@cyberspace (http://ederic.tinig.com)
33. Mindanao Bloggers (http://www.mindanaobloggers.com)
34. The D Spot (http://dine.racoma.com.ph)
35. TaintedSong v10 (http://www.taintedsong.com)
36. Tops 2 Bottoms (http://www.tops2bottoms.com)
37. Mar Roxas for President 2010 Blog (http://marroxas2010.blogspot.com)
38. Jozzua (http://www.jozzua.com)
39. BlogComics (http://www.blogcomics.net)
40. Captain’s Log (http://jepoy.bengero.com)
41. An Apple a Day (http://aileenapolo.blogspot.com)
42. Me.Find.Home (http://www.mefindhome.org)
43. Motorcycle Philippines (http://www.motorcyclephilippines.com)
44. Belolats (http://www.belolats.com)
45. NiervaDotCom (http://www.nierva.com)
46. Manuel L. Quezon III (http://www.quezon.ph)
47. Influential Blogger (http://www.influentialblogger.net)
48. Sasha-Says (http://www.sasha-says.com)
49. Mom Exchange (http://mom.exchange.ph)
50. BatangYagit (http://www.batangyagit.com)

The second set are top fifty blogs where we did not have base data at the start of the year (such as their Feedburner API was only activated during the year) but their current rank and growth is worth commending. They are:

1. OFW Life Blog
2. Starmometer
3. Ultimate Pinoy Hunks
4. Silkenhut’s World
5. ChiQ Montes - Wordpress Theme Designer
6. Cellphone9
7. Sacha Chua
8. Make Money Online
9. gL3nnX.net ramblings
10. Pinoy Teens Online
11. Pinoy Rickey
12. Pinoy Food
13. Mukamo Philippines
14. Europe String
15. Bariles Republic
16. Overseas Pinoy Cooking
17. Make Money Online | Get More Traffic at Manuel Viloria.com
18. Filipina Images
19. Standard Web Standards
20. Hulag
21. Filipina Soul
22. Reyna Elena
23. Music Picks
24. Technograph
25. Ready To Be Rich
26. DITZ-REVOLUTION.NET
27. On The Wings Of My Dream
28. Skirmisher
29. Ironwulf.net Ver 6: En Route - Philippines Travel Photography
30. Gaining Genius from the Global Goldmine
31. McBilly.com
32. Dulce Negosyante
33. The Man Blog
34. Bloggista.com | Ramblings of a Newbie Blogger
35. Shopping Finds
36. Picture Clusters
37. Philippine Freebies Promos Contests
38. Iloilo Views
39. LightChasers Photography
40. Mimi and Karl
41. Just Wandering
42. Build that Geek
43. Davao Delicious
44. Migs Mobile Network
45. The Journal of The Jester-in-Exile
46. Pusang Maganda
47. keyboard monologues
48. Can of Thoughts
49. Reminiscence of my Adventures
50. When Silence Speaks

If you haven’t entered your blog yet, enter now and be Ratified.

Congrats to the Top 100 blogs and Happy blogging!

When I first heard about the new TV show on GMA called “Ka-Blog”, I almost jumped to my feet.

“Ka-Blog? Wow. Is that a new TV show about blogging?”

The thought of such a show was enough to get me excited. Finally, people are slowly starting to realize how big blogging here in the Philippines has become.

Much to my disappointment, I later found out that the show Ka-Blog  was in no way related to blogging. It was actually a magazine type show that features everything about adolescent life.

I think it would’ve been cool if the show turned out to be a show about blogging. Imagine a show where tips and tricks about blogging and earning money are given out every episode. You could get the latest news and happenings in the Pinoy blogosphere. Different bloggers are featured every week! Yeah, kinda like the same things I do here.

Not only will this kind of show be a big help to bloggers, it might also catch the interest of non-bloggers and make our community grow even more.

The Search for a Blogging TV Show

Now we all know that blogging has already been featured on the local media countless of times. Show segments bits at most but not a whole show dedicated to blogging.

Fueled by curiosity, I tried checking out if there are any shows on other countries that focus on blogging. I was actually surprised to found out that there were none. If there were any, It probably lacked the presence within the blogging community.

Though, it is interesting to note that there was a local show that features blogging as a part of their story. I’m talking about Going Public, a pseudo reality show following the life of a person who found out he was being “Blogged” and later became famous because of it. Too bad it isn’t being aired anymore.

A Hint to the TV People

With the way blogging is rapidly growing, and with more people trying it out, I still wonder why there still isn’t a TV show about blogging. I mean, I don’t think that there would be a problem about viewership (2.3 Million Bloggers and growing). Plus, I think it would be a show that would also have great support from the community.

Don’t get me wrong. Not that there really is any need for a blogging TV show. I just think it would be cool. It would’ve been the bridge between the new and traditional media that I know would greatly benefit and expand both worlds.

Host? No. Sorry. I’m camera shy.

What do you guys think? Do you think there is a need for a TV show about blogging? Why do you think there isn’t any yet? Share your thoughts! Click here!

Here’s the halloween party event that we’ve all been waiting for! It’s the Clear Black Night Halloween Party/Dance event!

What: Clear Black Night, a Halloween Dance Event
When: October 31, 2008, Friday, 7:00 p.m. (to super sawa!)
Where: Taste Asia (beside SM Hypermarket, Mall of Asia)
Attire: Come in Sexy Black (no need to for costumes!)
What to expect: Just be in party mode and get a chance to win instant prizes! Everything’s going to be Fun! Fun! Fun!

For those interested, you could register here.

Aww… I was kind of hoping for a costume party. Haha. No, please, don’t stare at me like that. I know It’s kind of childish, but hey, wouldn’t it be fun to see other bloggers in costumes? Lols.

See you guys there!

[via An Apple a Day]

image property of Lagalog

Last October 9, 2008, I got the chance to be interviewed on Mornings@ANC along with fellow bloggers, Juned Sunido and Ferdinand Decena. The topic was focused on the recently concluded Philippine Blog Awards. We talked about the PBA, it’s history, the winners, the event itself, and it’s effect on the future of both the blogging community and the Philippines.

Thank God I managed to pull through the whole ordeal (I was so nervous before the show that I couldn’t stay put).

Here are the videos of the interview, many thanks to Cokskiblue.

Philippine Blog Awards on ANC from Coy Caballes on Vimeo.

 
The Philippine Blog Awards on ANC 2 from Coy Caballes on Vimeo.

Here is also a report on ABS-CBN News regarding the interview. Pinoys bid for bigger piece of blogging pie

Happy Blogging!

It’s been raining blog events the past few weeks! Now, it’s Pantene’s turn to shower bloggers with a new one on October 17, 2008, Friday. There will be food, games, cocktails, music, a photo wall, and fab fotos!

Details of the event

What: Pantene Bloggers Event
When: October 17, 2008, Friday, 7:00 pm onwards.
Where: Taste Asia, Mall of Asia (beside SM Hypermarket)
Why: Because it would be a fun event…. And it’s free!
How to join: Just register here. Check out the guest list here.

Tune in to Mornings@ANC this coming Thursday morning, 9am to 11am, for there would be an interview with bloggers regarding the recently concluded 2008 Philippine Blog Awards.

Aside from myself, Gail dela Cruz, one of the founders of PBA 2008 and blogger behind Kutitots.com, will also be there. There are others, but I don’t know who they are yet.

The topic would revolve around the said awards (it’s history, its purpose, mechanics, etc.) and would also feature the winning blogs.

This kind of media exposure would be a great way to convince the many viewers of ANC to check out and try blogging. By showing that an award giving body that recognizes the finest blogs in the Philippines exists, I am hoping that it could get people to take the world of blogging more seriously.

I hope I won’t black out while I’m on air. I’m actually a little nervous of the whole thing. Haha.

Mornings@ANC airs daily from 9am-11am, anchored by Ron Cruz, Marieton Pacheco, TJ Manotoc and Ginger Conejero. 

Happy Blogging!

Hungry for more blogger meetup events? Team RP and Flippyknows has just cooked something up for bloggers which they call the ”Philippine Blogger’s Night”

Blogger’s night is an on-site socialization for all former bloggers, bloggers, and aspiring bloggers to share tips and trick on how to create and develop a blog and how to use it as a tool to advocate your cause for social change.

The program includes a free workshop for bloggers followed by an open jam with open mic session featuring Paul Zialcita, Miko Pepito, Nityalila, Jeff Pagaduan, and more!

Don’t forget to bring your laptops or any internet abled gadgets for there is free Wi-fi onsite.

Event Details

When: October 10, 2008 Friday, 8PM onwards
Where: My Little Art Place, 222 Wilson St. Greenhills San Juan City
Why: Because is free and you’ll get to meet other bloggers!

REGISTER: You can register and reserve a slot here.

Happy Blogging!

[via Wordpress Philippines]

If you have any blogging events that you want to announce to the Pinoy blogging community, leave me a message using my contact page or send me an email at pinoyblogero@gmail.com and I’ll post the announcement here.

Recent researches show that more and more Filipino youth are losing interest in studying with every passing year. Because of this, teachers and professors are coming up with unique methods in dealing and teaching their students to make school a unique and interesting experience. Sir Martin Perez is one of them.

Martin Benedict Perez is a social studies teacher at the Philippine Science High School. He is also the blogger behind AkoMismo, where he talks about education, technology, and the state of over-all human society. He started out with his blog as an avenue for his thoughts and writings but later found out that he could use blogging as an aid in teaching and bonding with his students.

And so, he took his love for blogging and shared it with the rest of the class.

1. Tell us a little more about yourself

I am currently a social studies teacher at the Philippine Science High School, and I have my eyes set at a career in development and public policy – that is influencing how decisions are made to help the less fortunate, manage social change, and improve the country.

When I’m not busy trying to change the world, I love playing racket sports such as tennis and badminton. I like long drives, listening to music during those long drives, and finding a nice place to rest and relax after those long drives. I’m a voracious reader. I love reading non-fiction books and gawking at comic books. It is my dream to one day write about my life as a teacher, decision maker, and Filipino, after the end of one long drive.

2. How and where did you learn of blogging?

My first blog was a Livejournal blog which began in 2004, but I’ve been writing on the Internet even before that. I was a writer before I was a blogger, and it is that which sustains me until this day.

3. How exactly do you use blogs in your teaching?

I use my blog to connect with my students in three levels. First level is to use the blog to publish announcements, requirements and presentation. The blog is an online repository of the material we use in class. Second level is to use the blog to explore and discuss issues about the lessons we take up. Since we don’t have the time to explore everything completely, the blog is there for me to hold informal discussions with links to online resources. And third level is to use the blog to connect with my students. Students are generally interested in knowing more about their teacher and seeing their human side. I get to do that through the blog and together, we form new levels of trust and understanding.

4. How has blogging helped you in your profession?

The blog has helped me connect better with my students because of the three reasons I stated in number three.

5. How about the students, what do they get from blogging?

I encourage my students to blog. Blogging teaches them to express themselves, moderate ideas, and generate material that other people would pay attention to. I’ve seen students use blogs similar to my three levels: they post announcements, discuss lessons and even argue about issues and personal matters. The blog is a great exercise in understanding the responsibility that comes with free speech in a democracy.

6. What are the initial reactions of your students and your colleagues regarding the use of your blogs in your teaching?

The initial reaction is that it is “high tech” and innovative. Later on, they realize that the blog is just another way for us to do what we do even better. I encourage my fellow teachers to blog as well and connect with their students. 

7. If blogging really is a good tool for alternative learning, then why aren’t all teachers using it?

There are many issues. First is that blogging is a technology that has to be learned. It requires an investment of time and willingness to learn, and not every teacher (especially the more seasoned ones) may be able or willing to make. Second is that it is a technology that requires constant access to technology on both the part of the teacher and the student. Access to technology and the Internet remains an issue among many of our schools, teachers and students. Blogging can only completely thrive and mature as a teaching tool when access to it is guaranteed. And third is that not all teachers may find a blog necessary or comfortable. I always advise teachers that before they begin a blog, they have to be sure that they need it. Moreover, teachers must be willing to commit to it for it to be effective. A post every month does not make an effective blog. They must also be able to generate content for it to be valuable; students will benefit with regular online updates, but they can benefit more when the blog is peppered with content that enriches the material and their relationship with their teacher. 

8. How can blogging affect the future of education here in the Philippines?

Blogging is a tool; its effectiveness is relative only to the effectiveness of the person who uses it. My three major issues in #7 can also be read as the three major reasons for why blogging won’t change the landscape of Philippine education in the near to medium-term. For the technology to truly make a difference, we must focus on nurturing our teachers and our educational facilities first, and that requires us to focus on the present instead of the future. 

9. Has there been a time when a student of yours blogged something about or against you?

I get mentioned in blogs, yes, but rarely as a major topic or headline. Only once was I written about – when the student didn’t receive me as her teacher, and that was a high point for me. For sure, I have not seen a post written against me, because I get all complaints personally, through notes passed in class or in my blog comment boxes. Instead I discover that students like it better when I am the one who writes about them. 

10. What is the best thing that blogging has given you?

Blogging has given me a sense of scale and proportion. It taught me that my words and works can reach many people who I can affect in ways I never imagined. But at the same time, I was taught how to present myself in ways for others to understand me and discover exactly what I’m made of.

—-

Visit his blog over at AkoMismo!

Thank you to Sir Martin for the interview. Happy blogging!