GeeMizOne Stop Travel Blog

I was supposed to write a pre-event article for the 3^rd CBSi Anniversary but I was not able to finish it because as a new member I barely know anyone and I only have a little knowledge of the organizations past events and achievements (in short I don’t know what to write). Thanks to the Cebu Bloggers forum and the CBSi Facebook account that serves a portal for me to get familiar with some faces and few names. So now I have just written my post-event article and my experience with them.

Why Join CBSi?

I have been blogging for years already and have learn about the organization for quiet sometime, but I did not join the group for the reason that my blog is not in line with the vision of the organization which is to promote and give pride to Cebu. One more thing I myself is not a Cebuano.

It was February of 2010 when my hubby gave one of the most precious gift I have ever received my own domain (I was using blogspot before). I get really excited and I blogged and blogged and even had my list of what to write. It was in the month of October when hubby told me to join CBSi, I just nodded. Later that night I searched for the CBSi site but did not sent an application. It was then at November when I get back at the site after I have seen a link from a friends wall in FB.

I have received an invitation mail for meet up from the CBSi president Vernon Go, He gave me the place and the date for the meet up but sadly I was not able to come due to some fortuitous event. Thank God Vernon is so nice that he gave me another date for the meet up and it was December 26, 2010 at Ayala.

Instantly at the meet up I gain new friends; Mark, Ronnel and Jervie. Vernon has discussed everything about what we should know about CBSi and warmly welcome us to the group.

Among the reasons why I join the group is that I want to get involved in the community. I believe one of the things to make this country prosper is to participate in every activity that involves helping others. Being with CBSi means being with active, positive, open and artistic minded individuals that in one way or another will help me grow. I also hope that with the skills I have I can help the group achieve their goals and continue with their mission. This way, we the CBSi will be good examples to others and let them follow our deeds. By then we are not just promoting and giving pride to Cebu but with everyone in the country doing what we are doing will give pride to our nation as well. Another thing is that writing has been my passion (I really wanted to be a journalist).

Virtual Encounter

It was January 24, 2011 when I received my mail from Michelle welcoming us new and asking us for our desired login names for the group’s official forum and it was at the dawn of January 28, 2011 when I started interacting at the forum (just a little introduction and a hi at the introduction thread).

CBSi at 3

I was really wondering when I could meet the people behind those amazing blogs I have been visiting and of course who would not want to meet the people behind CBSi. The chance came when a new thread was open for discussion about the upcoming celebration of CBSi’s 3^rd year and I instantly said this is my chance and no one can ruin it.

The CBSi 3^rd Anniversary was held on February 19,2011 at PAGCOR, Casino Filipino Parkmall Satellite Branch Mandaue Cebu City. I have been to Parkmall but not in the Casino side, thanks to Mark Razonable for giving me the directions towards the events location and also for fetching me at the entrance of the venue. Upon reaching the hall for the celebration I saw familiar faces (I am not good in remembering names but I can say I am a master of recognizing faces of every person I saw.) like Agnes who entertained me for the registration and gave me the CBSi bracelet giveaway. There is also Mikyu who said “hi” even she is busy preparing for the success of the event. I was happy that Mark Monta one of CBSi founder introduced himself, I say that even with the achievements he has garnered he still remains to be humble. I went with Vince the official photographer of the event to have my ID picture. Mark Razonable is the only person in CBSi which I can say I am close too so he reintroduce to me with other fellow new member Ronel.

A bit shy, I settled myself near with Ronel and in the same table there is Vernon busy preparing for his opening message. I am glad that the people where accommodating because some members has introduced themselves to me when the program has not yet started. There was Sir Bjorn (pronounce as Byorn) who looks timid yet talkative; Sir Ruben Licera whom I sense is a good mentor and Angili whom I see very jolly.

The program has started and was hosted by the very entertaining Atty. Ethyl and also the coolest lawyer I have ever known. The president gave an opening message then Rabsin sang a beautiful song, sadly I was not able to ask him the title of the song (what’ the use of FB though), everybody was given a time to introduce themselves and here are a few whom I remember; the couple Blaire and Zyra (who is the he? *it’s Blaire), AJ (his, she voice would just make me smile), Ken (interested with the pronunciation of his last name “Taarup” pronounce as t-o-rup *am I right?), Dr. Boboy (I wish to talk to him, he seems to be a person full of wisdom), Orville (he has the same last name with a close friend way back elementary years and was not able to ask him if they where related *hahahaha), X (I found the name of his domain “obnoxious” intriguing), Bryan (the treasurer), Sinjin (love the meaning of the name “God is gracious”),Rodel (the spammer), Miong (the new dad), Milafel (I found lemonsito domain name cute), Kevin (One of the founder of CBS and a politician, the president to be of the Philippines), Francis (the chef) and lastly Jaysee (the cautious J)I am asking for an apology for those whom I have not mention will surely get to know you as the days come. We also get to play Blogger Henyo, sadly me and my partner Ruben Rallos needs more practice to win the game. We ate the food prepared for us then were serenade by Mikyu and Rabsin. The last part was an inspiring message by founder Mark Montana. Before everybody bade their goodbyes who would not want a picture2x. A group picture was being taken.

CBSi @ 3 Group picture. Original photo from Vince Delicano

Until now there is no enough room for the happiness that my new family has brought in to me. All I wish is that this family will be together always and will remain unshaken even with an intensity 100 earthquake. Of course everybody would like to say thank you to Mr. Renato Z. Osmeña, Jr. Casino Filipino Parkmall Satellite Branch manager and his staff for the good service and also Holister, Inc. for the overall set-up of the venue.

“Together we stand and if we fall, together we stand again” by: Geemiz

Meet geemiz

Geezelle Maningo - A Cebu based travel blogger and the other half of GeeMiz Travel blog. She has been traveling around the Philippines and Asia since 2010 with her husband. A casual trekker/hiker since 2017 and has been blogging since 2008. A digital marketer during workdays and a bookworm on lazy days - she co-founded Cebu Book Club.

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