7 Reasons Why It Is Definitely More Fun to Blog in the Philippines

May 2 is the official World Bloggers' Day. Spread the word!

I am a blogger. I am Filipino. And I’m proud to be called a Filipino blogger. Want to know why? I’ll give you 7 reasons:

We live in a democracy.

Though there are a lot of people these days who are trying to censor blogs and all types of media in the country, we still have a lot of freedom compared to journalists and bloggers in other countries such as China and the Middle East.

It supports families.

Blogging is able to feed families and usher a more comfortable way of living without having one  strapped to an 8-5 job. I can hardly count with my fingers the friends who are having the time of their lives through blogging.

We get to express ourselves.

I believe blogging has somehow changed Filipinos’ personality and sociability. They become more open and aware. They are slowly conquering their nerves and sharing their thoughts even in the most sensitive issues such as politics and religion. We’re finding our own definitive voice and place in the world.

We harness the power of blogging for empowerment.

When DOT’s It’s More Fun in the Philippines campaign rolled out, the world immediately took notice, thanks to the social media and blogging warriors. We cope with the sorrow and pain brought about by a long list of catastrophes  through programs like One for Iligan, as well as words of encouragement and whispers of prayer through blogging and social media brigades. We sent the message to the world, “We need help!” and it reached thousands.

When blogs published the alleged Photoshop photos of DPWH officials, it wasn’t really to mock them but to call attention and initiate change.

We have great teams!

Blogging is no longer just a hobby or a fad. It’s a passion shared by hundreds–professionals, students, moms, dads, PWDs, you name it. And to make sure everyone achieves growth and embraces it more tightly, groups such as Cebu Bloggers Society, Iligan Bloggers Society, and Manila Bloggers Society came about.

We link the country to the world. 

World Bloggers Day brings together various bloggers and social media enthusiasts not only in the Philippines but also in other key cities and countries around the globe, such as New York, Singapore, Australia, Nepal, and Pakistan.

I became a better person.

Blogging has changed me in leaps and bounds. I gained new friends, learned to make myself open to criticism, and understood the importance of accountability. I discovered I don’t have to be a superhero, a politician, or a bigwig to be heard and influence people to be more proactive, take a stand, or learn more about himself and his environment.

Today is the official World Bloggers’ Day, and I celebrate it by making every one of you know I’m certainly lucky and blessed to be blogging right here in my homeland.

This year’s World Bloggers’ Day is sponsored by Diamond Suites Hotel and Tatt Awards by Globe.