In Harry Potter, the word Legilimency was used as a spell to invade or look into one’s mind. i thought that it was the most apt word to use as the event that i attended last Saturday was something like legilimency, only easier and less sinful.
The Digital Influencers Marketing Summit (#dim2013) was held at Thunderbird Resorts and Casino at Poro Point, San Fernando La Union last Saturday (January 26, 2013). up until the first few speakers had i reached the conclusion that this event was worth the wait, travel and expenses. to be honest, i was excited to be part of the summit as a marketing officer for the company i work for, and as myself – an aspiring blogger – who lacks the motivation to be consistent with posts.
We arrived in La Union at around 4am, checked in at a local hotel (to kill time, as the event starts at 9:00), and found ourselves awestruck with the awesomeness of the venue (more on that on another entry). we also took time to have some photo opportunities while we wait for the event to start.
Photo by Aris Suarez
it was awesome that tension was already lifted at the start of the event as introductions were made – spiels were given – and all of us wait in anticipation as the first speaker took the podium to discuss her blog Journey. i was relating to Vanj Padilla, when she was reiterating how she was not really an expert on blogging and internet tech, but that didn’t stop her from becoming a blogger, and being one of the most prominent in Pangasinan. she kept urging the audience to blog, and not let the lack of internet knowledge be a hindrance in becoming a blogger. She said that we should look for a niche, and try to be an icon of said niche. somewhere along the presentation, she pulled a jennifer lopez, and made a quote (as simple as it may be, but really got to me) “So i Blogged. and Failed. and blogged again. and again.”
I particularly related to the story of sir Vincent Tabor as he told the audience how he started blogging during the “Friendster” days, and evolved as technology grew. he was sharing the times when he was criticized and put down as a blogger. he also said that there will always be competitors and you will always be criticized, so we, as bloggers, should always be prepared to receive some tough love! but in the end, such wont matter if you blog for the right reasons (and not primarily for money)
Juana Change literally changed the mood of the event as she took the microphone and told us her success story in creating viral videos to Tough Love some of our nations issues and concerns. her approach on life made me a fan, and her disposition on being true to one’s self is inspiring. She was really hilarious as there was no end to my laughter when she shared her voyage to being a sensation today. i was particularyl inspired as she went from 300+ lbs to a 250 lbs wonder as well!
Me and Juana change, as she digitally signs our picture!
after lunch, we immediately proceeded to hear a talk about the importance and how-to’s of SEO by Ben Francia. by this time, many of the participants are already on “bibo mode” (including myself) as we broke our silence and tried to clarify and inquire on the importance of SEO application to our blogs/sites, wherein speakers Ben Francia and Tof Salcedo patiently answered and shed light to confused souls (like me). at the end of the presentation, keywords/phrases such as “engage bloggers, use google+, be remarkable” were imprinted on everyone’s being.
by this time of the day, i felt that my personal needs from the summit has reached its peak, but the next speaker made me more attentive as an officer of the company i work for – as he discussed the importance of brand champions and brand management in the social media context! Joma Giron (who btw is a fan of our product! awesome plug sir!) made it a point to highlight the importance of having solid brand influencers and advocates. from this point on, my hat as a marketing officer for the company was put on, but also taking notes that i may use as a personal blogger. he further discusses how all must define the social media plans that they intend to do, and strengthen it by engaging the market.
of course from this point on, i was really expecting to fill my other hat with knowledge that i can use “to make yabang” to my boss the following week! Mannix Pabalan went on to tell companies on how to “make ligaw” (court) bloggers, influencers to help the company out. i particularly liked the “Convince you, Convince me.” By this time i was beginning to understand how to deal with bloggers, influencers, and ambassadors that we have or will have in the future.
seeing as the event saved the best for last, Dr. Nick Fontanilla took the podium to make most of the audience feel like inactive fools as he encourages everyone to surf (because he just did) and try dragonboat! (seriously, i felt so weak and fatter!). but i was more amazed when he was discussing the behavior of consumers, bloggers and the impact of new media to purchases. i wanted to ask something related to Marketing and Politics (gladly i was able to ask it once he ended his talk, and when i got the chance to ambush him outside the room.)
in totality, the Digital Influencer Marketing summit has achieved its goal. it made me more aware of the basic tools, strategies and techniques in online marketing, social media presence, and brand management through the new media. at the end of the day, i was already formulating plans for the company’s social media, and also for my new approach to my personal blog (this blog!) 🙂
i wouldn’t hesitate attending similar events done by Jannete Toral (@digitalfilipino), as the events are what every starting (aspiring) blogger should attend and invest their money, attention, and time at.
(L-R) Vanj Padilla, Vincent Tabor, Juana Change, Ben Francia, Joma Giron, Mannix Pabalan, Nick Fontanilla
Thank you guys for the imparted knowledge!
— Behind Thick Frame Notes
1. Should you wish to look and view the thoughts of the speakers. try following them on their social medias:
Jannete Toral – @digitalfilipino , @jannettetoral
Vanj Padilla – @vanjpadilla
Vincent Tabor – @sirvincentph
Juana Change – @juanachange
Ben Francia – @benfrancia
Tof Salcedo – @TofSalcedo
Joma Giron – @jomattittude
Mannix Pabalan – @mannixbp
2. Venue Location : Thunderbird Resorts at Poro Point, San Fernando La Union. @tbrphilippines
Behind the Thick Framed Glasses 
Thank you so much for joining the event Francis. Glad you learned a lot from it. 🙂
thanks ms janette! will try to attend more if time permits it! 🙂 see you