Blogging is not as easy as it looks. You have to work hard in producing good content, constantly promoting that content on different social media and of course, building reputation and relationship towards different brands. And the best way to start a relationship with brands would be an event that caters to both parties - the businesses and the bloggers: We're very glad there's Blogapalooza!
What is Blogapalooza?
According to their website:
Blogapalooza started in 2011 with an annual Blogapalooza event that run for a day. It was an invite only event that only Bloggers and Businesses can attend. The rule was simple, Businesses present their products / services and build relationships with the Bloggers, while Bloggers get to see what’s new and network with Businesses to make deals happen.
The idea came about as there are too many blogger events each day, it would be hard for a Business to prepare an event and invite bloggers to their event (effort-wise, cost-wise, attendance-wise). So when we pool together the most interesting products and services and invite Bloggers, it saves them time and money (transportation, etc.) and gets them access to numerous Businesses. While Businesses enjoy high attendance rates of Bloggers and a very good number to tap.
I have heard great stories from other bloggers about their experience which made me excited to become a part of this year's event. It was my first time to attend and you know how first time's always memorable? Yep, it was hell of a memorable experience for me! If you already follow me in my social media accounts, I'm pretty sure you already know why.
The Blogapalooza 2015 was held yesterday, October 25, 2015 in One Esplanade, SM Central Business Park, Seaside corner Bay Boulevard, Pasay City. I was suppose to be there early but because I was sick for a couple of days already, I arrived there at around 1PM.
Brands that Caught my Attention
These are the brands whose booth, product or service caught my interest.
1. Chips Delight
Who would miss this very colorful and seasons booth of Chips Delight near the entrance? They had free tastes of their new variants and gave away a resealable pack of Chips Delight Chocolate Chip Brittle Brownie. I honestly didn't know they had other great variants because I only see the usual or classic Chips Delight Chocolate Chip Cookies in the stores near us. Hopefully, in my next visit to the grocery store, I would find the other flavors presented in the booth too. It would be a nice trick or treat gift too! Click here to check their other variants.
2. Sosro Fruit Tea
Sorso Fruit Tea booth will be hard to miss too because it's next to Chips Delight and was also one of the booths that had so many visitors because of their caricature activity. Bloggers had to sign up to get their press kits. After doing so, bloggers were told to go to their Battle Wall where we had to choose which battle really concerns us. Whatever we choose will be the theme of our caricature. I wanted to aim for lovelife but I was too shy. Haha! I'm kidding. I aimed for traffic because it's always what stresses me out. However, I wasn't able to get my caricature because of the long line. I commend those caricaturists for doing all those drawings for hours!
I first wondered how the battle wall relates to the drink until it was explained by the person who assisted me (sorry, I forgot his name!). You can know more about their campaign here. It was a very interesting campaign for a beverage. I also love the fact that they gave bottles to bloggers to actually try the product. I really loved their Apple flavor. A more detailed review about them soon.
3. Flawless
Even before Maxene Magalona came, the Flawless booth was (and as always, even on other events) packed with people. They usually have this mini golf game which is really fun and finally, after the many events of trying this, I made the ball shoot in a hole on my first try! Yay!
Before heading to the booth, Maxene had a short talk about why she chose to be Flawless (#IChooseFlawless). She even shared the product or service she loves from Flawless. Before she went down the stage, she also shared some blogger tips.
With all honesty, I was only able to try Flawless back when I was in college. I had a very terrible back acne that it really dragged my confidence down. I went to Flawless and they magically fixed my concern after a few sessions. I'm not the kikay kind so I don't always go on beauty/derma clinics such as Flawless but if there's another skin concern I have to solve, Flawless will be my top of mind brand because of the satisfying experience I had before.
4. HotelQuickly
Because I am constantly looking for cheap accommodations for my travels or staycation, this tarpaulin easily caught my attention. I never heard of HotelQuickly so I really took the time to know more about it through their gorgeous Marketing and PR Manager, Nicolai Bautista. I thought it would be just the same as the other booking sites we all know of but I found out this is the best application for last minute bookings!
I still have to try them out. Hopefully, by next month, I can tell you more about them. It would be good recommending a good service to people and earning from those recommendations too!
5. The Diff
I saw different people gathered here, doodling which made me curious what The Diff was about. And when I went to their front booth, I saw cool phone cases and awesome books on the table. They customize phone cases on their website and they also have awesome design collections which will really wow you!
"The Diff is a lifestyle brand based in Manila, Philippines that believes in the importance of self-expression for each individual personality." as stated in their Facebook page.
6. Outbreak Manila
The booth was simple but these zombies will really creep the hell outta you! Haha! Outbreak Manila is not new to me but I just love the game they had in their booth. It gives us an idea what to expect on the upcoming #OutbreakManila event. It will surely be another fun event to enjoy with friends. You can visit their Facebook page or website for more details.
7. I Am Cardboard
This was another interesting product to try. On your first glance, you'd think what's so special from this cardboard, right? So seeing people try it on their booth was pretty intriguing. After trying it out myself, I learned that this product gives us access to Virtual Reality. It was a really fun experience!
I wasn't able to buy one but Ate Lee did. So we (Cyrene and I) were able to take a photo and closer look on the product. I need to make a separate post for the review of this product soon too.
8. Food Panda
Save the best for last...
Of course, the FoodPanda's booth! They have freebies and games in their booth.
If you have installed FoodPanda app in your phone, you will need to simply show them and you will choose from any of the following freebies: either a fan, a pen, or a pin. I chose the fan because it will be something I would use almost every day and I believe would be the best item to promote the brand.
If you leave your details or leave your business card, you will get a FoodPanda voucher too! Yay!
These were the prizes (below) for their game wherein bloggers will play charades and they have to guess the brands or restaurants which was described in their flash cards. It was a good way to bring awareness to their potential customers about the brands they work with.
I wanted to win the t-shirt because I'm always hungry. Haha! But it's okay... I may have missed winning the shirt, I didn't miss winning something greater.
Weeks before the event, one of the organizers have emailed the attendees about a blog contest FoodPanda was hosting. I made an entry and I was very blessed to have won it! I won their iPad Mini Wifi! It made this event more memorable for me!
Not only that, the FoodPanda team told me they are already working to bring their service to Cavite! Yay! I'm so excited for that! It will surely make the delivery service better for Caviteños.
My Blogapalooza Experience
I did enjoy this event not just because I won a prize. I love meeting new people. The same way, I love discovering new products to try and talk about.
I do have a couple of suggestions for the improvement of the next Blogapalooza which I will direct to the organizers instead. #ResponsibleMedia
Though this event did not exceed my expectation, it still turned out to be a memorable experience for me: I met new people, discovered new products, won an amazing prize and enjoyed the day with the people I have been with in other events also.
I'm already looking forward the next one! Hehe.
Let's connect and be friends!
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