The Davao Digital Influencers, Davao City’s leading organization for bloggers, vloggers, and social media influencers, celebrated its first anniversary last July 29, 2017 at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites, Davao City.
I was not able to take much photos during the event since I was either munching on some food or having fun. However, a few nights later, I made something out of my LEGOs and LEGO Minifigures on the anniversary.
Anyway, Davao City’s top bloggers, vloggers, and social media influencers gathered for a night filled with food, fun, prizes, and surprises.
The DDI, which is only the blog organization in Mindanao to be registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), was founded on July 30, 2016. Since then the group has grown with a strong membership of over 60 bloggers, video bloggers, microbloggers, and new media practitioners.
“Our vision to make it formal is to help the local community in promoting tourism, socio-cultural agenda, and local MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) in Davao City,” said DDI President Glen Santillan (Escape Manila).
“It has been a year since we founded DDI. Tonight will be a beginning again of another great year ahead of us. Carry on our organization’s mantra that is to be positive and responsible influencers amidst this toxic and fast paced social media world and any digital media you are engaged into,” said Verna Luga (Woman Elan Vital), DDI Vice President for External Affairs.
For her part, Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, in a message to the members of DDI delivered by Davao City Public Information Officer Jefry Tupas, underscored the important role digital infuencers play in shaping and influencing public opinion.
“Your community has been expanding its horizons and in the process reaching and influencing more people within and outside Davao City,” she said.
The mayor added, “It (social media) helps shape public opinion and is valuable instrument for education. It is a faithful friend when efficiently managed but a dangerous foe when mishandled; thus your campaign for the responsible use of social media is greatly appreciated.”
Duterte-Carpio also said the community’s support for the local business through its features and photographs give novice entrepreneurs a leg up in the competition and fosters growth and progress.
Meanwhile, Davao City Councilor Joanne M. Bonguyan-Quilos said, “May you continue to be good influencers of the netizens and may you grow as an organization helping in the improvement of the community.”
Bonguyan-Quilos also inducted the new members, which includes me, to the organization.
No one left the venue without a smile on their face as they enjoyed the great food and delicious desserts from Lachi’s and Cecils. For a dessert lover, Lachi’s Creme Brulee Cake was definitely a favorite of mine. Captain Cold also grabbed some while others were partying.
With a room full of smartphone and camera wielding members everyone is bound to get a great photo. Batman in robes was also there to capture the fun and crazy moments.
Fun familiar games, like charades and a trivia game, were also conducted to keep the fun going.
It was a fun anniversary for all of us and as my former college professor would say, “The best is yet to come.”
DDI would like to thank the following sponsors for their love and support:
Platinum: Smart Communications, Inc., AirAsia, FWD Life Philippines
Gold: PLDT Home
Silver: Jolly Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Bronze: Abreeza Ayala Mall
Benefactors: Lachi’s Sans Rival Atbp., Cecil’s Snack Inn & Restaurant, Seda Abreeza Hotel, Marco Polo Davao, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Davao, M Magazine.
