When we were invited to join the Karavan ni Kiko, we specifically asked what was expected of us as bloggers. This was not the first time I was invited by their office to attend a prescon or meeting though it’s the first time I said yes. We were there as part of the media entourage that will cover the 3-day trip.
From top left: Kiko Pangilinan Prescon, the BoB Girls at the same prescon, Kiko & Sharon at the tarmac, Rally at Laoag City
I was curious and at the same time excited that blogging is playing a somewhat active role, albeit how small others would think of it, in this year’s election.
We were amongst other giants in mainstream media — ABS CBN, GMA 7, Phil. Daily Inquirer among other scores of local print and broadcast journalist. It was a bit weird whenever one of the photographers or cameramen would ask me which station or TV network we belong and I’d answer “oh, we belong to a new local blog network”. And yes, we were treated like any other rep of a media outfit, getting full access to the personalities (politicians and showbiz alike) and the best seats to take photos and videos.
From top left: Wife Sharon Cuneta, Francis Pangilinan, Bongbong Marcos, Gary Valenciano, son Gabriel Valenciano, daughter Frankie Pangilinan (no KC Concepcion in sight)
This experience was an eye-opener to me as we get to see the news-gatherers in action — the exhausting travels and restless nights with early-morning press briefings, always on their feet and running, rushing meals and sometimes completely skipping it — no bones about it.
So dare I say, I don’t think we’re cut for this? Compared to what these guys are doing day-in and day-out, blogging seems to be a really easy task.
[tags]Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Kiko Pangilinan, Kasama si Kiko Karavan[/tags]
I am so tempted to say “Noted”… but I won’t! hehe