Live in the Philippines

Live in the Philippines helps expats with visas, moving and other services regarding the Philippines.

A little surprise

Expats / by

I got a little surprise on this past Saturday evening.  Feyma and I were watching a movie on TV with the kids.  While watching, Feyma was also playing with her laptop, surfing the Internet a bit.  Suddenly, she told me… “you won an award!”  “What,” I said… “what kind of award?”  She went on to tell me that I had won the “Globe Digital Tribe” award.  Hmm… I never heard of it, what is it, and how did I win it?

Well, as it turns out, she was right, I indeed was one of the winners of the Globe Digital Tribe award, which was given out by Globe Telecom, at the Philippine Blog Awards over the weekend in Cagayan de Oro City.  The Philippine Blog Awards actually held three different award ceremonies over the past month or so, one for Luzon, one for the Visayas, and this past weekend’s event for Mindanao.  I was actually one of the judges for some of the Mindanao awards.

Well, when I found out that I had won this Globe Digital Tribe award, I was really surprised, and for several reasons:

  1. I didn’t know that I was even being considered for any award.
  2. I was unaware of being nominated for any award.
  3. I didn’t think that foreigners were eligible for such awards, based on some of what I have read in past years.

To be honest, I am still not 100% certain what this Digital Tribe award is given for.  From doing some reading on the Internet, it seems to me that it is given to people who have had some kind of impact on digital advancement, or fostering understanding or participation in digital activities in their region.  Globe Digital Tribe awards were given for each of the three regions – Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, and I was one of the winners!

I suppose that I will be hearing more about this in coming days, at least to get a better understanding of exactly what it entails.  I will say, though, that I am happy to have been recognized, and to have my efforts recognized as having made a contribution in the Mindanao Region.  It is flattering, and was fully unexpected.

The thing that I find most rewarding about this is that there is recognition for foreigners who try to contribute to the society here.  In the past, I have often felt somewhat “left out” or looked down upon because I was not a Filipino.  There have been blog awards in the past where it was specifically said that “foreigners are not eligible,” and Filipinos (even though not living in the Philippines) took prizes for their blogs, but foreigners who live here (not just me, but other foreigners whom I felt were deserving) in the Philippines were not considered to be eligible for the awards.  That always kind of felt bad to me, and I am so happy to see that foreigners are now being recognized, and accepted as part of the community.

Even though, as I said, I sort of felt “left out,” I never really cared much about the award itself, but only the ability for foreigners to be made part of the community, for the contributions of foreigners to be considered “of value” to the Philippines and her people.  So, even though an award is not what I ever asked, or desired, I do feel proud to have some recognition from a Philippine organization for my efforts to advance the digital lifestyle of the country, or at least the part of the country where I live.

I will say, too, that the readers of this site deserve recognition as well, because LiP would not be what it is today without reader participation on the site.  There are not very many blogs (even the very popular ones) that can garner 50 comments for each post, or even up to 250 on certain posts.  Because of the willingness of LiP readers to participate in interaction with the writers, LiP is special, and unlike probably more than 90% of other blogs on the Internet today.  I would also like to recognize the other writers on the site, both writers that are writing now, and those who have contributed their articles over the past 3 years.  Without having multiple viewpoints, through an array of writers, LiP would be only one-dimensional, and that is simply not as interesting as what we have today.

So, thanks to Globe Telecom, The Philippine Blog Awards, LiP Writers and LiP Readers (as well as those who participate on my other Blog sites – particularly Mindanao Magazine) for their contribution!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Congratulations, Bob, for a well-deserved recognition. I am a fairly new reader of LiP, and I am still catching up on the articles that have been published in the past. I am looking at them one by one and reading readers' comments as well. I find that there is a tremendous amount of information here to be learned about the Philippines, not just for expats living there but for Filipinos in diaspora as well, be it culture, geography, history or current events. I am spending more time each day reading the Archives, and regret that I have not stumbled into LiP years earlier. Again, thanks to you, Bob, to all the staff writers, past and present, and to the worldwide audience who have contributed, and continue to contribute, their useful insights of varying color. It's the diversity of opinions and insights that makes LiP a very informative internet site for me. Heck, I no longer have to consult Wikipedia if I need information about the Philippines. LOL

  5. Hi bob,

    Congratulation Bob!. Don't feel that you are "left out", as you said yourself there are not many sites about the Philippine made by foreigners, it is only a matter of time to recognize you and a matter of time for the Filipino community to visit and read your blogs, your site is far more different from other site i have been to, the contents are well balanced no sugar coating about the country, perhaps that is one of the main reason why your site was recognize.

  17. WOW! That is great Bob. Takes a lot of hard work from a lot of different people to make LIP what it is. I really enjoy my time reading and some times replying to some of the stories. I have learned so much about the Philippines here. Thanks again Bob and congrats! Well done.

  19. Congratulations Bob!

    About time that you get recognized for your efforts in promoting Mindanao and bridging Mindanaoans all over the globe since 1995 when Davao and GenSan first got wired to the Net.

    The blogging community wouldn't be where it is now if it weren't for trailblazers like you, pare!

    Mabuhay ka! Mabuhay ang Mindanao!

    From your fellow Digital Tribe Awardee from GenSan!

  20. Yep…congratulations as well Bob. You've got something very unique here and it's great that it's being recognized by a Filipino organization. I know it's a labor of love, but it's nice to be noticed and appreciated all the same.

  21. Maayong buntag, bariles. Salamat kaayo sa imong komentaryo. Congrats also, you got not only the Globe Digital Tribe, but I think two other awards too, right? You deserve it, I know you work hard on your site! I guess only people like me, you and others who have great and active sites can realize just how much work it is, because it is really a big effort!

    I hope that you get many more awards to come!

  22. Hi rc – Yep, it's mostly a labor of love. I have been able to work things to where I earn a fair amount of money from the site as well, which is good for me, but I went for almost 3 years before the payoff started becoming enough to justify the work! Thank you for the thought, and for your comment.

  29. Even Bob's choice of the name of the website itself, using the active verb, "live", as in, "Live in the Philippines," instead of the passive verb, "living", as in, "Living in the Philippines" is a psychological masterpiece on Bob's part. The subliminal message behind the name of the website is, of course, to encourage people to live in the Philippines. At first, I thought the name of the website sounded awkward, but then it dawned on me that it was a deliberate manipulation of people's perception designed to evoke a favorable response to the command, GO LIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES! Come again? LOL

  31. Well deserve Bob. Congratulation! Your recognition and name
    "Mindanao Bob" will be known forever.

  33. Hi rc – Me too! I couldn't live on what the site earns, but over the past 3 or 4 months I have been able to significantly increase the return from the site! Hopefully more improvements to come!

  34. Hello Bob,
    I am so glad that you received this award. You very well deserve it. I don't comment on your articles as much as some others do but believe me,I read most of them and have often wondered so many times how does this guy do all of what he does. I most of the time read and enjoy, but not comment that much because I feel like I don't fit in since I don't live there. I read my emails first everyday and then go to the LIP to read what you and others have to say. To read yours and every ones articles gives me a real boost and keeps me pumped up about living in the Philippines.
    After discovering your website around two years ago with the pictures, You Tube, Comments, and etc. I can tell you are a man with a good heart, especially when it comes to family. I have enjoyed you and your education more than you'll ever know. I know that you are a good husband and a good dad and I thank you for all the hard work for people like me that have the dream of living in the Philippines.

    Congratulations,
    Dale

  36. You know, Bob, I've often wondered without uttering the question:

    Is it Live in the Philippines (the active verb "live," as in to reside or to exist)
    or
    is it Live in the Philippines (the adverb "live," as in present in the here and now [e.g., SNL lead in "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!"])?

    Inquiring minds want to know. 😆

  38. Hi Bob,

    You really deserve the award for all your hard work in keeping the world informed about Mindanao, and Davao in particular. I don't see how you keep up! Congatulations from another LiP addict. 🙂

  39. WONDERFUL!!!!
    I am so thrilled for you Bob.
    I am a self professed LiP junkie and check your site twice per day to see if there is anything new. The site is always full of information for us "soon to be expats" and the view points… like the articles are always varied.
    I look forward to hearing about everyones daily life and long for the day that I too will be on Philippine soil.

    WOW what a terrific compliment you have been paid.
    I guess the management of the awards and the judges just realized what we readers of LiP have always have known…..
    Mindanao Bob is a Filipino at heart if not by birth.

    Many Many Many sincere regards
    Tyleen

  40. Hi John – I have a staff who help out with other sites, allowing me to spend more personal time on LiP, since this is where my heart is. But, it does keep my busy!

    Thanks!

  41. Well, while we're having a Bob Love Fest here, we'd like to pile on too. Bob, your site is not only useful, but filled with interesting and polite discourse (unusual on the internet). The award is not only deserved, but overdue.

    Peter adds: I agree with John Reyes' statement on the title "Live in the Philippines" but would like to add another layer of meaning: Live as in "that man really knows how to live" – which I think describes Bob to a T.

  43. Well done Bob, I certainly hope that you never feel that your work is unappreciated!… Best wishes to you and your family.

  45. Bob,

    Congratulations. Besides your blogs, you have been helpful with other bloggers and internet users here with your information. You are the icon we other bloggers look up to.

  48. Bob,

    Who knew back in 1996/1997 when we first started on this 'net thing that you would end up with this kind of recognition and honor?

    Excellent, Bob!!

    Here's to your continued success….CHEERS!!

    Jon

  49. Good work BoB, Now we can have more stories from you, Ha,ha.Always looking to read more things from all of your travels and life from the Island…….Good luck with your sites and will be looking forward to many years to come…..J.C.

  50. Congrats Bob, and congrats to all of us here .. including the readers, because as you have pointed out, _damn_ few online communities anywhere generate both the numbers of comments and the level of involvement in comments.

    It's one thing to get numbers of comments .. I mean mention Angelina's phony lips on a fan site and you'll get hundreds, but the depth of the comments will range from "I love her lips' to 'You're a dork'. Here people write in with real involvement and exchange of opinion/information.

    Like you I am a little disappointed that I often feel a definite cold shoulder from the blogging community here in the Philippines. I don't care for the discriminatory/exclusionary attitude of some folks in this business (OTOH I have some firm Filipino blogging freinds, so it is certainly not the overall mentality), so an award like this means a lot in my book.

    Not only for the obvious economic benefits of upholding and 'advertising' the country if you will, but from the general level of honest respect shown. Virtually any Filipino could utter the old Rodney Dangerfield line. "I can't get no respect" and have it often be true, but here on LiP, even if we point out problems, we do it with honest respect, in a spirt of helpful involvement.

    Now I am curious about who won the award for the other the major areas and what the criteria were. Good on you, Bob.

  51. Hi JonB – I think we actually started out earlier, like 94/95 didn't we? Maybe not… But, yeah, back in those days, who would have known. We've seen some amazing advancements in the past decade and a half, no doubt.

    Thanks, Jon!

  53. Bob, a well deserved award and congratulations are certainly in order. Your blog and those of your fellow contributors are a labor worth praising for presenting a slice of life from the Philippines. Your ability to inform and entertain is a rare gift, and keeps us all coming back for more. Keep up the good work.

  54. Congratulations, Bob!

    I haven't visited the LIP site lately because of our move here in the Caribbean and my recent job – been travelling a lot. Sometimes internet connection can be too slow and hot weather makes you feel lazy – at least even netsurfing. However, LIP is in my bookmarks. When I miss Gensan, I always click the link, even for a minute. 🙂

    I will say – it's about time – for you to be recognized. Your not any different than other Pinoy bloggers. Even better.

    Cheers,
    L

  56. To Paul:

    Ha-ha-ha. That is funny. It's good that you ask, otherwise, you'll be telling friends about – Live (with long "i") In the Philippines. 🙂

  57. Congrats on the award. Even though I may never move to PI, this site gives me alot of insight to the Filipino culture, and how non-Filipinos have adapted to the Filipino culture. It is interesting to see how much life in Hawaii and the Philippines are similar. It is also nice to have Paul's insights about Ilocos Norte, since most of Hawaii's Filipino community are from Ilocos Norte.

  61. Congratulations Bob. I am a daily lurker in your site and this is the first time I posted a message. I always enjoy the articles you have in your site and the exchanges of ideas and opinions are very educational and inspiring at times.

    Yes indeed, you are more "Filipino" than most of us (Sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa). Keep up the work bro. I am a Pinoy and I reside in the southernmost region of Luzon (Bicol). Been to many parts of Mindanao and lived there for a year during my younger years. Best wishes to you, your immediate family and your growing LIP family…

  62. Hello El Moro – Thank you very much for coming out from lurk mode for a quick post! I appreciate hearing from you, and hope you will comment more often!

  63. Congratulations, Bob. The recognition is long overdue. I have always enjoyed reading your articles (since July 2009). You deserve it.

  65. Congrats Bob for all the fine, hard work you do for those that are there and for those that wish they were. You are well-deserving!
    Because of you I have a greater passion for the country that I call home even though I have never lived there, yet.

  66. Congrats Bob. I don't see why not. The blog is very balanced, contentwise. Very informative. You deserve it.

  69. Congradulations Bob, for all of the time and effort you have put into this website you certainly deserve the award and recognition. I have come across some websites that may have certain similarities. From a viewer participation point of view, this one has always topped them all in my opinion. The writers, the comments, forum etc the title of this website really could be two fold :

    Live In The Philippines such as to reside there

    also

    " Live " from the Philippines as this is the liveliest website of its kind I have found.

    Congrats on the Award Bob !

  72. Congratulations Bob! I love this site as it is very unique, informative, and engaging. By the way, I have been telling people about your net magazine but I used the "Live" as in "Live in New York" for LIP. Oh well, it's all good though right? Unsa Bob, maglitson ka para sa selebrasyon? Pwede pud magtumba lang ka og baka unya patindugon lang dayon nimo og dali… CHEERS!!!

  73. Bob,

    All I can say is "congratulations!" I read several blogs during the course of each week, but I have to say that I enjoy reading yours the most! Apparently someone else recognizes your high quality articles as well.

    Scott B