This 22-year old Computer Science student from UP Diliman has always been fascinated with writing scripts and directing plays ever since he was small and so found blogging with videos a perfect opportunity to showcase his talent.

"I’ve always pictured my life as one big movie production , divided into chapters. From the very beginning, I was already fascinated with the art of film making and storytelling. Simply put, I started blogging because I’m very fond of telling a story." Let’s get to know more about him in the following interview:

Q. Why did you embark on a video blog and not an ordinary blog? Can you enlighten us on your videos you’re proud about?

A. Since I started blogging, I think I created AND abandoned a total of 5 blogs already. I just could not maintain and update them properly. And unlike many bloggers, it takes a lot of time and effort for me to compose a single post. I like writing but I usually became impatient on doing it resulting to numerous unfinished drafts in my blog dashboard.

I also loved the idea of doing something different. So for each blog that I came up with, I made sure I had a unique concept that I could work with. After my 21st birthday in 2006, that was the time I discovered HappySlip. YouTube was relatively new back then and I already started doing music videos and learning basic video editing tricks on my own using Microsoft Movie Maker.

After downloading and watching a bunch of videos of HappySlip and other YouTube vloggers, something hit me. This is perfect," I thought. I can actually do this! With all the concepts and ideas I can play with, even the sky is not a limit. So on April 18, 2007, I launched my first vlog - an introduction of CokskiBlue and what it’s all about. I am very proud of that first video. I remember making my parents’ bedroom my first set ever for my first "photo shoot".

It was complete with lights and everything. I only used pictures and voiceover for my videos but it turned out pretty good. One of my favorites is my two-parter vlog Baguio experience. After I watched it, I just knew I was meant to do this.

I’m also proud of the videos I made for my family on Mother’s Day and my Dad’s birthday. I also made one for my brother, Jet, on how we enjoy music together. It’s always fun including your loved ones in something you love to do.

Q. From your experience, what are the things one needs to know and do before going into video blogging?

A. For starters, knowledge on how to operate a video editing software will be very useful. Learn the basics first - Microsoft Movie Maker or iMovie. You don’t even need a camera to start. Practice by making a simple music video or slideshow using your personal pictures. It’s fun to learn. Especially after seeing the end product. After you edit your first video, the next ones whould be alot easier.

But remember, video editing is not exactly a requirement for video blogging. Some vloggers directly upload their videos online (in YouTube, Revver, etc.). The rawness of these unedited ones actually come out more interesting sometimes.

One more thing aspiring vloggers can do is to explore YouTube - watch your favorite videos, comment, and upload your own. It’s the best video sharing site to start on because of its volume and diversity in content.

To be honest, before I started video blogging, I didn’t know exactly what to do. Not many Filipinos vlogged back then so I didn’t know what to expect. All I had was this vision - the need to put my imagination to reality. Basically, it all boils down to passion. And everything will follow.

Q. Care to share precious tips to newbies out there on video blogging?

A. The first tip I can share to newbies is that ‘Limit the time of your video blogs. 5 and 15 are the magic numbers.’ Don’t upload vlogs that are more than 5 minutes in length and catch the viewer’s attention on the first 15 seconds of your video. You should remember that vlogs are very different from (Audio) podcasts (which may run for 30 minutes or more in an episode) because videos require a greater load of attention from your audience. Make it short but jampacked with audio-visual goodness.

Another tip is that ‘Music (or the absence of it) can make your video 10 times more watchable’. Choosing the right music is not an easy task. But if you develop that special ear for establishing the right "feel" for your video, then you’re on your way to making really amazing vlogs.

Q. What have been the highlights of your video blogging in the past year?

A. My first year of video blogging had lots of cloud 9 moments. The first was winning 3rd place on Digital Filipino’s Top 10 Most Influential Emerging Blogs of 2007.

Apparently, I was one of the first guys to introduce video blogging to the mainstream Philippine Blogging Community and I received really great feedback for it.