This Mindanao blogger received a special invitation not too long ago. The US Embassy Manila folks asked if I wanted to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism in a two-day, all expenses paid eco-tourism workshop in Palawan. As an International Visitor Leadership Program alumnus, I was invited to share my knowledge to outstanding students from various schools in Brooke’s Point, Palawan. Who can say no to that kind of invitation?
So last August 22, 2013, I flew to Manila from Mindanao and then to Puerto Princesa, Palawan – all on the same day. My flight to Manila got delayed for about 3 hours because of Typhoon Maring. The delayed flight was both boon and bane. Boon because I was able to chat with a city mayor-friend of mine (you know, get the inside juicy stuff I can write about in another Mindanao community blog I run) and bane because there was a risk that I could miss my connecting flight to Palawan! But the Lord is good. Despite the delay, I arrived in Manila safely and just in time for a friendly airline staff member to accompany me to the next terminal.
I will share all about my flight (including this chatty, funny pilot!) and the hotels we stayed in in succeeding blog posts. For now, allow me to share a few photos taken during our Brooke’s Point, Palawan event. Check out this welcome marker the school and students made for us!
Four employees from the US Embassy Manila including Jennifer Foltz of the Cultural Affairs Division and one other IVLP alumnus were also present for this Brooke’s Point Environment and Eco-Tourism Training Workshop.
When it was my turn to speak, the students looked really interested and amazed at how useful social media is. I taught them how they can use social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram etc. in order to not only promote Palawan and its tourist spots but to also advocate responsible eco-tourism. I also spoke about the do’s and don’ts when it comes to social media usage. I even taught them the basics of blogging and how they can even start earning online! Some of the students even told me after my talk that the moment they’ll arrive home, they’ll immediately start their own blog! Awesome!
Thank you so much to all the student-participants, the US Embassy Manila and to everyone else who made this Palawan trip fun and full of great learning lessons. Hope to be back soon! 🙂
If you wish to invite Mindanaoan to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism, please feel free to CONTACT ME. Thank you! 🙂
Here are just a few of my previous speaking engagements:
eDemokrasya: Conference on Social Media and Technology for Democracy Promotion (Manila)
Social Media Day 2013 (CDO)
Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 (Cebu)
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
