I just got back from a focus group discussion with Senator Mar Roxas together with selected bloggers at Annabel’s Restaurant, along Tomas Morato, Quezon City.
Thanks to Waukster for inviting me. Yuga, MLQ3, Touched By An Angel was also there. I also met in person Toots Ople, the daughter of the late Senator Blas Ople.
Though my drivers license was confiscated by San Juan Police for entering a one way zone en route to the meeting, the meet-up was fun. We are able to pick the brains of one of the high profile Senators of the republic, also known as Mr. Palengke.
It was an opportunity to meet up close and personal one of the possible contenders for the Presidential elections on 2010. Though Sen. Roxas denied he has announced his intention to run, his gestures manifest his desire to gun for the top post. The first time I heard him speak live is at one of the general assemblies of People Management Association of the Philppines (PMAP) where he is the resource person. Back then, he was the head of Dept. of Trade and Industry. I thought he was sharp…

Indeed he is… he showed his mastery on wide variety of subject as he answered our query on e-vat & income tax, leadership, blogging, etc. He even gamely answered the question on who would he like to have a drinking session with among the 3 fiction characters of the movie “The Dark Knight”: 2 face, Joker or Batman. His staff also presented their future projects on the web. The virtual EDSA rally for the suspension of e-vat on fuel and the creation of the personal blog of Sen. Mar Roxas.
Again, the occasion also became a great off line bonding time with high profile Filipino bloggers.
Here is the complete list of bloggers who participated:
Susan “Toots” Ople
Noemi Dado
Lester Cavestany
Jester
Arbet Bernardo
Marck Rimorin
Juned Sunido
Abe Olandres
Paolo Florenda
Ding Gagelonia
Gail Villanueva
Marc Villanueva
Ellen Tordesillas
Manolo Quezon
Ricky Carandang
Carlo Ople
More Blog Entries and Pics on these blogs:
Touched by an Angel
Carlo Ople
Marocharim Experiment
At Midfield
Mar Roxas
AWB Holdings
Kutitots
Jester In Exile
The Manila Blog Times


photos courtesy of Noime
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Leet’s last blog post..The City
Thanks for joining us in the event Sonnie! Hope you guys enjoyed.
Carlo Ople’s last blog post..Special Food Trip Episode: 30 Inch Gigantic Pizza!
Hello, I’m also a Filipino blogger, can I join your circle? Your blog is very organized. I like it. All the best.
Jena Isle’s last blog post..CHAPTER 13 – UMMA AYAM SINSANA (WHERE ARE YOU NOW?)
Great post, sir. Sorry I missed giving you my business card. Have updated my post o n the encounter with Senator Mar at FilipinoVoices.com and At Midfield. See you next time, po. Best regards.
Ding Gagelonia’s last blog post..An Encounter With Mar Roxas
@ Carlo– you’re welcome
@Ding– looking forward to meeting you again, as well.
@Jena– sure you can