Spiderye's Best Moments in 2008

Finally, I got the time and energy to start blogging again. Before moving forward to my insights, tutorials, news and what not on multimedia, and animation, graphics and technology for 2009, let me take you to my best moments in past year.

2008 was the most fruitful year for me. I was recognized in the national scene for blogging and animation, conducted numerous seminars and trainings, featured in a local daily several time, served as resource person in a MagTV Chavacano episode, designed print materials for various organizations, moved to a another University for a teaching position and many more.

I have continue giving trainings in 2008. I have been doing this for the past 6 years. The past year was focused on multimedia and animation. The National Computer Center recruited me to train IT personnel from different Local Government Units in Mindanao. I also conducted Summer workshops for the Ateneo's Gallery of the Peninsula and the Archipelago. This also gave an opportunity for several of my students to serve as resource speaker as I assigned them to some topics that I believed they can already handle. Partnership with the Southern City Colleges was also created to provide trainings on multimedia in Zamboanga.

2008 was a good year for my freelance works. I was able to get big breaks from major companies and events such as Petron and the Mindanao Bloggers Summit. Olympio Commercial Inc. in Zamboanga City also contracted me for their video editing jobs. My group and I also covered many of the activities during last year's Hermosa Festival. We also introduced doodle art during the Tiange Tiange in Catribo Complex. Most of the works that I've done can be seen on my Multiply space.

I couldn't believe with the recognitions that I received during the past year. I got nominated in the Philippine Blog Awards and was able to get in as finalist in 3 categories and 4 (Best Technology Blog, Best Techonology Blog Single Post and Blogger's Choice Award). Altough I did not win any award, being lined up with popular bloggers in the country is already a great honor. Last year, I was featured in local dailies and TV show. I was a little shy, but I realized that they were good opportunities for me.



Before 2008 ended, I was given an opportunity to talk in BPO Summit Philippines, which is the gathering for the country's BPO sectors. I discussed about the Industry- Academe Learning Experience of Ateneo de Zamboanga Univerty's Multimedia and Animation program which I started in 2005. It was nerve-racking experience, but once I started talking all the hesitations disappeared. I was very happy when one participant said that it was refreshing to see a new face in the animation track as I was a first-time speaker in the activities of the Animation Council of the Philippines.

The best thing that happened to me in 2008 is my transfer to my alma mater (WMSU). I finally decided to apply for a teaching position there. Instantly, I felt at home with my new school. It was great to meet new sets of students who are very eager to learn. I was again energized to teach and move on with my teaching career.

In spite of the other negative experiences, 2008 was generally a succeful year. I am looking forward to 2009 for more opportunities and success. :)