Ironwulf.net is Best Travel Blog for 2008
I remember it was last year, 2007 when this blog was also a finalist in both awards division Philippine Blog Awards and Philippine Web Awards. Though I was happy I was in the finals before, I was a little disappointed when I didn’t bag the main awards. I know being a finalist is an honor in itself and not to mention the exposure (and traffic) it garnered, but I would be a hypocrite not to say that somehow even a bit of a hint, I also wanted to get those recognitions. Not only for the opportunities it can open but also as a self-fulfillment. There is always that tense and uneasy feeling of the unknown when you are part of that final-list. Try as I might not to think about it but it keeps dodging in which can be a bit frustrating.
This year, 2008, I chose not to actively seek any award as I did last year. That’s why when PBA 2 was announced I took it lightly and just try to focus more on my travels and enriching this blog’s content. But when I got a nomination in the mail last August, I was a bit hesitant to accept it but still did so, thinking hey, let’s play around with this and just see where it goes. Win or not, it’s still an opportunity to reach more readers.
So last September 21, 2008, when the 2nd Philippine Blog Awards was held in One Esplanade it was a pleasant surprise to learn that I won the Best Travel Blog Awards. While I was not at the venue, I received some text messages that I got the Award and to add to that, I also won in the raffle for the Nokia N82 Cellphone. It’s really great to hear the news as I really am not expecting to get it anyhow with all the strong contenders with me.
Well that being said and the awards given, my heartfelt thanks goes to the organizers, volunteers and judges of this years Philippine Blog Awards. I know the hard work and strenuous preparation you guys went through just to make this event a reality. Setting it up and pulling off this event is no joke so hats off to you guys.
My sincerest thanks also to the person(s) who nominated for this blog to be included in the list. Had I not received a nomination I really wouldn’t be a part of this. Thank you for believing and the support.
This award goes out to my blog readers and supporters as well for being there and supporting this blog all this time. My friends and travel buddies, my family who allows me to just wander off out of the blue and also to the local Philippine Blogging Community. And most of all to the person up there who seems to have been giving me enormous blessings so far this year.
To end this long pseudo-speech MY DEEPEST GRATITUDE to all. It’s a real inspiration to go on and share all these travel and images to show how amazing the world is.
Many thanks and congratulations to the rest of the winners.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
