Annalyn S. Jusay (now blogging at www.annalyn.net)
This blog's color theme is black and white, which is in complete contrast to the colorful Philippine festivals, sceneries and ruminations on local culture that the author Enrico Dee often writes about. Rightly so, Dee chose the domain name Byahilo if only to illustrate his passion for gallivanting around the country's more than 7000 islands. He also loves photography and that is why the site's dark design is interspersed with pictures of the country's sights and people. The blog's navigation keys confuses one at first because there are separate cursors for accessing the main content and the various add-ons. But what it lacks for in certain aspects, it certainly makes up for in terms of enthusiasm which blogger Dee has lots of. Despite the fact that he blogged only in November of last year, he has already entered Byahilo in the Philippine Blog Awards and the Philippine Web Awards. Byahilo was also chosen last September as the Pinoy Blog of the Week and now, this. Welcome to the musings of a call center agent:
Q. Please tell us something about yourself.
A. I am 26 years old. I was born and raised in Bacolod City. I studied Computer Science in University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City. I currently work as a Technical Support Representative in SYKES Asia. During my free time, I try to learn the basics of photography. I also love to travel. I especially love to go to the beaches, and various festivals of the country. My favorite place? Boracay, and Guimaras. I consider Masskara, Dinagyang and Sinulog as my favorite festivals.
Q. How did you start to blog? How many blogs do you maintain?
A. After my Masskara festival trip to Bacolod last year, I have been scouting for a good place where I can post my photos, and add some messages too. I have been jumping from one photo-hosting service to another, but I was still dissatisfied, until I discovered the beauty of the blogs through my officamate, and friend Aimee. Currently, I only maintain the Byahilo blog.
Q. Why the title Byahilo? Other details of your blog such as the Content Management System you're using, who designed it and the usual subjects of your posts.
A. Why Byahilo? The title is a combination of two Filipino words, "Byahe" and "Hilo". Byahilo, literally means "Travel Seasickness". The title was originally used by Pfizer to market their anti-seasickness pill, Bonamine.
My blog is being hosted by Blogger. The skin, I downloaded it from a website providing blog skins. My blog usually contains photographs of my day-to-day experiences. I myself take the photographs and upload them to a photo-hosting service site Photobucket.
My usual subjects? Festivals, people, buildings, and sceneries. Through my blog, I can tell the world, that the Philippines is an interesting country. A country full of vibrant festivals and sceneries.
Q. What is the best thing that blogging has brought you since you
started? How has blogging contributed to your personal development, if any?
A. I have been to various places to do photoshoot! I always bring with me my two cameras anywhere I go. I have learned a lot about the diversity of our culture. Kahit iba-iba man ang pananalita natin, Filipino pa rin tayong lahat. I have also met new friends through blogging. There are also time I get to receive a lot of e-mail inquiries about various Philippine festivals, and I answer all of these e-mails.
Q. Do you abide by a certain blogging philosophy?
A. Kung ano gusto kong isulat, isusulat ko. I don't let anybody control the contents of what I am writing. If there are cases when i post an article or a photo from another website, I always make sure that proper credits are given to the author.
Q. Your online/blogging habits.
A. I always make sure that I have a post at least once a week. I always do bloghopping regularly. when I do bloghopping, I always make sure that I leave a message in the tag board.
Q. Future plans for your blog.
A. I am currently cooking some plans for the blog. I plan to do a change in layout hopefully by yearend. I am also planning to create a logo for my blog.
Q. What do you think are the qualities of a good blogger.
A. Dapat orignal. Hindi nakikisabay sa uso. He/she must update his/her blog regularly. Otherwise, lalangawin lang ang blog nya pag walang updates.
Q. Which do you think is more important: design or content?
A. I believe that content is more important. Although, mas nauuna laging nakaka-agaw attention ang design, but its still the content that counts. Having blog with a flashy layout, but does not contain anything is useless.
Q. Do you think blogging is here to stay?
A. Definitely. Even large corporations are trying to shift their websites into a blog format. If diary is the old-fashioned way to keep track of your activities, thoughts, and experiences, Blogging is the "IN" thing.
(For comments and inquiries, please email annalyn.jusay@gmail.com )
