The Top 10 OFW Bloggers 2010 of PEBA

Congratulations for this year’s winners of the TOP 10 Most Outstanding OFW Blogger Awards of the PEBA (Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards).

For the 3rd year in a row, Bariles helped judged the the best OFW Bloggers among the finalists who made it to the Top 20.

Here then are the Top 10 Most Outstanding OFW Bloggers (Bloggers Category and their Blog Entries:

1. Animus of Kuwait
2. Gremliness of Dubai, UAE
3. Kayni’s Corner Cafe of USA
4. Baul in Noel, Saudi Arabia
5. Soy Negrense! of Saudi Arabia
6. Journey of a Prodigal Daughter, Macau
7. Gumamela sa Paraiso, Taiwan
8. Deconstructing Dubai of Dubai
9. The Journey of My Life of Saudi Arabia, and Stay At  Home Blessings of  Saudi Arabia
10. Batang Gala, of Canada

By the way, a priest from Davao won the top plum as the Most Outstanding Blogs by Region (OFW Supporter Category) – Felmar’s Missionary Journey.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Bariles, who was himself an OFW in Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea from 2001 to 2004 , had once again experienced a gamut of emotions while reading the 20 blog entries and checking out the blogs of the finalists.  Some made him shed a tear or two, a good number made him more optimistic about our country, and  a few made him want to join up a revolutionary movement due to the inability of the government to be more aggressive in improving the plight of the OFW.

For inviting him to be part of this noble efforts, Bariles would have to thank Mr. Kenji Solis, an OFW Blogger from South Cotabato who was the brains and the heart of the PEBA  and who at the very start, gave the OFW’s a chance to be at the centerstage of the blogosphere.

Mabuhay ka Kenji!  And mabuhay ang PEBA!!

Here is a brief history of the PEBA, from their official website…

Founded by Mr. Jebee Kenji Solis, the organizer of KABLOGS, a bloggerand an OFW based in Saudi Arabia; PEBA was launchedon July 1, 2008 to recognize the growing popularity of blogging among Filipinoexpatriates and Overseas Filipino Workers(OFWs).

Being an OFW blogger himself, Mr. Thoughtskoto (as he is known in the blogging world) witnessed how expatriates and OFW’s artistically narrate their sob stories, trials, opinions about their host countries, work experiences, families; and their thoughts and musings on Philippine politics and other issues  in their blogs. Thus, recognizing their efforts was a fitting a tribute.

He later tapped the support of some bloggers to be his partner in the project. Pete Rahon, an OFW based in South Korea; Lionel Gonzaga, an OFW in Dubai; and Nereus Jethro Abad, an OFW based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; became the founding members of PEBA,Inc.

Owing to the success ofthe 2008 Top10, PEBA 2009 was launched more visibly this time. Almost simultaneously, around 50 blogs posted the announcements of PEBA 2009’s launch. Support came from as far as Canada, USA, Australia, Middle East, Europe, South East Asia,and even the Philippines.  Hundreds of “SUPPORT PEBA” banners were likewise displayed online by several prominent bloggers.

Some of the biggest brandnames (i.e., Nokia, Smart Telecommunications and Western Union) sponsored to stage the event. Other other policy institutions, social media giants and hotels (i.e., The Ople Policy Center, Friendster Philippines, and Traders Hotel byShangri-la) and various Internet marketing entities pushed PEBA to even greater success.

PEBA was instantly featured in ABS-CBN and Manila Bulletin, as well as countless other online news and blog sites; newsprint and radio stations.

PEBA became a legal entityin the Philippines through the efforts of Lepiten & Bojos Law Office and became the official legal partner from then on.

For the winners of the other categories, please click this—> PEBA Awardees 2010.