Social Media and Its Influence in Filipinos

Social Media Networking has already changed how we live and change the world. This article is highlighting the features of the upcoming Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 (www.socialmedia.org.ph) on March 16, 2013 at J Centre Convention Hall, Manda

Cebu, Philippines (prHWY.com) March 11, 2013 - The numbers have been coming in: the Philippines has one of the highest penetrations in social media, preceding Australia and Indonesia. Further, in 2011's 24/7 Wall St report, we ranked first in "The Ten Nations Where Facebook Rules the Internet."

This is not surprising. A report of AGB Nielsen Philippines in 2011 showed that more than 50 percent of the households have high-speed Internet connection and around 24 percent are using their mobile devices to access online.

These facts and figures definitely spell one thing: we simply love the Internet and social media. But the big question is, what are we doing with it?

Social Media Influences and Changes Lives

Perhaps more than these numerical accolades, we have to look at how social media has created a positive impact in many aspects of our lives. Take, for example, the personal journey of Hannah Almira Amora who needed to raise a million pesos for her son, Maven, who was then suffering from a serious heart disorder called Tetralogy of Fallot. Using their main online connection to friends and family, Facebook, they had raised over 1 million pesos in two months' time. Moreover, the Maven's Heart Fund, as it's called today, is helping other children with similar conditions.

In 2011, Typhoon Sendong destroyed Mindanao, killing thousands of men, women, and children, especially in Iligan. More than 3,000 families were forced to stay in only 17 evacuation sites. Support was scarce until Iligan Bloggers Society launched One for Iligan Campaign across various social media websites like Twitter and Facebook. Donations then came in droves that on the first day alone, they had raised more than 100,000 pesos.

The Anti-Cybercrime Law, which majority deemed as unconstitutional since some provisions hinder freedom of expression, eventually met its match when Filipinos rallied against it, turning their Internet profile pictures black or making noise in Twitter.

It Takes Action

"These success stories are inspiring and motivational, but it's also clear that they wouldn't have happened if social media users haven't been proactive," discloses Ruben Licera Jr, president of Cebu Bloggers Society and lead organizer of Social Media Influencers Summit (SMIS) 2013 which will be held on March 16, 2013 at J Centre Convention Hall in Mandaue City, Cebu Philippines.

The summit is co-presented by SMART Communications, Megaworld, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Incorporated and J Centre Mall.

Ruben Licera adds, "The upcoming 2013 Social Media Influencers Summit to, aims to be a venue where influencers and thought-leaders share best practices, discuss issues and concerns, promote ethics and standards, and, highlight each social media users social responsibility."

It will bring advocacies of Vic Marion Madriaga of CDO Bloggers Society, Hannah Almira Amora, and Lisa Marie Mirasol of Iligan Bloggers Society more openly.

Effects and use of social media in other platforms are going to be looked into as well, as such as in politics (by Maria Irene Aserios), Philippine elections (by Kevin Ray Chua) work (by Mary Jane Cabrera of Iloilo Bloggers Society), and business (by Fitz Gerard Villafuerte). Janette Toral, meanwhile, will help over 300 participants answer the big question, "Am I a Social Media Influencer?" while Attorney Ethelbert Ouano will stress every user's rights and corresponding responsibilities. Rappler's CEO Maria Ressa will serve as its keynote speaker.

Social media either builds or destroys--the answer depends on what change you want to see in the country, in the world. Hopefully, you choose the latter.

The event is made possible with the following Co-PresenterS: SMART Communications, Megaworld Corporation, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and J Centre Convention Hall.

Platinum Sponsors: Imperial Palace Waterpark Resorts and Spa (http://www.imperialpalace-cebu.com) and Bluewater Resorts

Gold Sponsors: Local Government of the City of Lapulapu, Sky Cable, Aboitiz Equity Ventures
The Centre Suites

Silver Sponsors: Rappler, Amazing Cebu, Sky Broadband, Harolds Hotel, Cebu Daily News, AboitizLand, AboitizPower, and Visayan Electric Cooperative (VECO).

Bronze: Waps Magic, Pinoy Great Deals, Click Photo Club, 106.7 Home Radio.

Patron: Andy Hotel, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort and Spa, Lenddo, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort and Spa; and, Bluewater Panglao Resort

The Event is made possible with the help of the following organizations: Cebu Auto Blog, Cebu Best Properties, GeiserMaclang NewZilla, The Freeman, 106.7 Home Radio, Cebu Book Club, Google Developers Group Cebu, ABS CBN, PR Works, JY Gonzales Strategic Communications, Third Team Media, Google Business Group , GMA 7, JCI Mandaue, Cebu Blog Camp, Iloilo Bloggers, Sunstar Cebu, Socratis Ramas Creative Designs, Junix Villacorta Web Development, Brenn Almario Video and Graphics
and RLCOMM International

The event is organized by iNewMedia Online Network and Cebu Blogger Society, Inc. Know more about Social Media Influencers Summit by visiting www.socialmedia.org.ph.

The Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 is organized by iNewMedia Online Network with Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS). Proceeds from the event will go to Dr. Narciso Tapia Kidney Transplant Fund, Cebu Bloggers Society, and World Vision. For more information, visit http://summit.socialmedia.org.ph/2013/ or add their Facebook page.

Website URL: www.socialmedia.org.ph

Contact Information:

WRITER:
Milafel Dacanay
Social Media Influencers Summit 2013
E. info@socialmedia.org.ph
M. +63 906 373 2252

LEAD ORGANIZER:
Ruben Licera Jr.
Social Media Influencers Summit 2013
E. ruben@socialmedia.org.ph
M. +63 932 872 5888

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Tag Words: social media summit, social media influencers, smis 2013, philippines, social media

Categories: Society

Press Release Contact
LEAD ORGANIZER:
Ruben Licera Jr.
Social Media Influencers Summit 2013
E. ruben@socialmedia.org.ph
M. +63 932 872 5888

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