MANILA, Philippines – Blogging has become an empowering outlet for both readers and bloggers alike: to gather information and inspiration then digitally publishing uncensored personal expression (even lucrative income).
However, with all that freedom of speech and web space, only a few get far enough to earn an influential reputation as one of the big players in the World Wide Web. Likewise, it has also become the new war zone from the rise of cyber bullying or “trolling.”
In the Philippines, the multi-awarded and highly respected lifestyle blog WhenInManila.com has set the bar high when it comes to successful digital media. It is also an advocate for #ResponsibleMedia.
Spearheaded by Vince Golangco, the site generates a whopping six million views a month, 50 million impressions per week in all its social media outlets and 1.5 million Facebook fans — and that’s just a snippet of its impressive stats.
Given that countless people are so curious about blogging, who better to ask tips from than Vince, himself?
Bianca Valerio (BV): How did you start WhenInManila.com?
Vince Golangco (VG): WhenInManila.com started just as my hobby as I love writing. Also, it was just my way of sharing stories with my friends from California, where I’m from. I never expected it to grow into what it is today.
BV: What is the biggest misconception about blogging?
VG: The biggest misconception is that it is easy and that everyone can do it. To a certain extent yes, anyone can start a free blog on Wordpress or other sites. But to be an influential and professional blogger or digital marketer, it actually takes a whole lot of time, effort and knowledge.
BV: With the success of your blog, what is the best thing you learned?
VG: As far as digital stuff, I learned that the Internet is an amazing place to build a brand and to build a business. I can’t count how many businesses or people or brands have succeeded because of the power of digital marketing.
On a more general note or life lesson, I learned that the more you help others, the more others also help you succeed.
BV: What advice can you give anyone who wants to be a successful blogger?
VG: Be consistent. Write regularly and consistently. I recommend writing at least once a day. And write about something you are STRONGLY PASSIONATE about. That way, writing daily won’t be difficult.
BV: What do you have to say about media traditionalists who don’t consider blogging as “real news?”
VG: I think to each his own. It is a fair assessment that not all online outlets are legitimate “news” sources. You definitely should not believe everything you see online.
On the other hand, there are legitimate news sources online now that can be a very powerful source of information. Make sure the site you are reading is legit and has a good reputation.
BV: Tell us about the upcoming Blogapalooza (Oct. 25) and how this benefits the blogging industry?
VG: Blogapalooza is the biggest B2B: Business to Blogger marketing and networking event in the Philippines, with over 1,000 bloggers flying in from all over the country.
It started because I got hundreds of e-mails daily from businesses asking about how to market online or how to reach out to bloggers or how to do social media marketing. So we realized there was a need for an event to connect the businesses and bloggers.
Moreover, it is a platform for businesses to promote and launch their new widget (a stand-alone application that displays information and invites the user to act in a number of ways), campaign or service to the thousand bloggers, Instagram celebrities, Facebook power users and even traditional media like TV, radio, newspapers and magazines who come.
BV: How does WhenInManila.com respond to the rampant rise of cyber bullying and irresponsible online journalism?
VG: We do our best to not contribute to that. We try to be neutral with our articles. Also, if we feel like an article might lead to bullying, we blur out faces and hide identities.
(For more information, visit Blogapalooza.ph, When In Manila on Facebook and @WhenInManila on Twitter and Instagram.)