Last 24 October 2009, during the Philippine Blog Awards – Mindanao Edition in Cagayan de Oro City, the Dabawenyo was recognized as a Globe Digital Tribe Awardee for contributions to the Mindanao blogosphere. This award is an acknowledgment of the recipient’s commitment to, and leadership in, the development of the region’s blogosphere.

I would like to thank Globe for this Award. It’s always gratifying when one’s efforts towards worthwhile goals are given public recognition, because it affords valuable exposure to the endeavor concerned. In this case, the Mindanao Bloggers Community.

I want to express my gratitude to the bloggers of Mindanao, who continue to inspire me to forge on in spite of obstacles along the way. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to my family, friends and colleagues for supporting me all the way.

Bob Martin

Two of my co-recipients to whom I’d like to give special mention are Bob Martin of Mindanao.com and Avel Manansala of GenSan News Online Mag.

Avel Manansala

I first met Bob and Avel (and his brother Orman) online, around 1997, when I joined the old Mindanao-L mailing list, which Bob hosted. This was way before the time of automated mailing lists. Back then, both of them opened my eyes to the possibility of using the Internet for spreading the word about Mindanao. In effect, it was Bob and Avel who planted in my mind the seed which grew into the Mindanao Bloggers Community.