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2009-05-27

My Picks for the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs - (complete list)

It was late last year when I participated in Janette Toral's Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2008. Now, the competition is in its third year, and is made possible by the following sponsors, Absolute Traders, My Brute Cheats, Business Summaries, Fitness Advantage Club, Events and Corporate Video, Events at Work, Dominguez Marketing Communications, Red Mobile, Budget hotel in Makati, Lucio C. Tan Group of Companies, and Blog4Reviews.com.

There are several blogs I would like to recommend but most of them don't qualify because they have been created before May 1, 2008, which is one of the major criteria.

This has made my selection more difficult because I have to go around the blogosphere, read blogs and determine if the criteria are met. I do have blogs which aptly fill out the recommended requirements; for this, I have listed them first.

After going around a bit, I came up with my complete list. Without further ado, here are my Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009:

1. The Struggling Blogger

This blog is owned by Roy dela Cruz, a loving father cum doting mother to his 3 children. I always call him, the "indomitable" blogger because of what he writes and how he writes his articles. There's a certain, wanton angst in his undaunted words. But mind you, he's not only that - he has a sweet side too - he's a poet and a short story writer. Now, can you beat that? A Jekyll and Hide? lol. Just kidding , Roy. I know you've got the bird's eye view of this man. If not, then visit his 13 blogs -yes 13!-( the others are multiply accounts), and you'll surely comprehend the conundrum of this man behind these blogs.

Here are his informative and well written blogs:

I am a witness also, to how his blogs grew slowly but steadily into popular blogs in the blogosphere. He has now an increased readership and is fast becoming a blog to beat; hence this endorsement. Way to go, Roy!

2. Zorlone

Dr. Lorenzo Bernardino known in the blogging world simply as Zorlone is now considered one of the top ranking blogs in the creative writing division of Entrecard.

He says : "I am a specialist in Internal Medicine.
This blog will be dedicated to my other passion, writing. Starting a practice in medicine sure gave me a lot of time to write. While waiting for patients to come, I found myself typing articles for helium and for this blog."

And true enough, he is not only a competent doctor but a superb poet and a short story writer as well. He has already won writing contests sponsored by other blogs and writes for two great sites - Helium and Triond where his articles are excellently ranked .

I have seen how his blog grew from one reader -that's me - to a well read blog in just a matter of months.

His blog is only 4 months old but he has 41 followers to date, and his posts are very well commented on. I have now to wait in line to be able to comment... lol... I could only have one appropriate word for this occurrence - a "Phenomenal" event!

I have no qualms in recommending ZORLONE as one of the Top 10 emerging influential blogs.


3. Writing to Exhale

I chanced upon Jan's blog when I was reading Roy's comments. Jan has this certain jocularity and profoundness rarely seen in writers. I came out laughing - but more informed - from his post: Sex Taught Me All the Things I Need to Know About Blogging.

Sometimes he gets more than a dozen comments in his posts. There is a certain "charisma" that a reader can't ignore.

He writes with flair and aplomb and I admire him for such boldness. The blogosphere needs writers like Jan - not fearful to express their - sometimes - scathing and atypical thoughts.
Informative articles about diverse topics ranging from blog contests to The Lost Art of Being Silly, and many more extraordinary posts are featured in his blog.

His blog deserves a vote for this contest.

To Jan -Kudos to you!

4. LifeLots

IRENE is the author of LIFELOTS, an upcoming blog which inspires and motivates its readers to live life to the fullest.

At her young age (19 yrs), Irene speaks with so much wisdom and a startling conviction about vital topics that only adults are supposed to know of.

She says: "No regrets, just lessons learned..."

With her jovial disposition and unfaltering optimism, she is a blogger worth visiting. Don't just drop and run though, for there is so much wisdom you can glean from her posts.

HERE'S ONE ARTICLE I STRONGLY RECOMMEND FOR YOU TO PONDER ON. It is entitled: Interpret tough experience as an exercise in compassion.
This is only one of the various topics in her inspiring collection.

Hop over her site and peruse her posts and you'll understand what I mean.

Irene, keep holding a torch for those wayward souls who have given in to apathy and indifference. The blogosphere needs you!


5. Father Blogger Dot Com

Angel Cuala is the formidable man behind this blog.

Like most fathers, he writes passionately about his family and how to be a successful family man both emotionally and financially as well.

He has that unfaltering faith in God that makes him meet the challenges that life has to offer. read his post about family : "Battered Wives: Not Just a Problem of Physical Abuse" and "Blogging Tips".

You should visit his blog and learn from his first hand experiences.

He says : "Being a former street child who was raised without a mother, my advocacy now is to help all families to stay together and be happy. This is very far from what I used to do, but this is very close to my heart."

This blogger who has triumphantly hurdled numerous "trials" that life assailed him with, deserves a vote from everyone!

Keep going Angel, we'll always be praying for you.


6. Dear Bloggery

I just had the pleasure of "meeting" Snow from Roy's post and I am delighted to see how lovely she is...lol.... But there is more behind those sparkling eyes, the lady has a lot inside her dura matter .

I visited her blog and she has a lot to offer with regards to being updated with current events, local news and many more interesting stories.

Snow has this to say for herself: "I am currently working in a multinational firm but loves to write about anything under the sun. I also like a lot of stuffs but digs on reading, web surfing, travelling, shopping and writing as my major hobbies."

She is fast gaining friends in the blogging world and is starting to exert some influence which would soon be felt by many bloggers, for sure. Right on, and keep writing Snow!


7. Life of a Teenage Writer

Izzy Daniels is the author of this blog.

"I've picked up a love for writing, and enjoy other activities, such as telling jokes, and break dancing," he says.

His posts like, "5 Things you should learn before starting a blog" and other articles about blogging and writing are worth a read.

They are informative and rich with good insights.

He writes for Triond.com and is into a variety of genre: creative writing - "The Admiration of a Good Friend", novels - "A Letter From Tobias Zeling" and poetry- "Hole" .

If you need help, Izzy is one generous blogger who is willing to spend time just to give a hand to a fellow blogger.

Thanks Izzy, the blogosphere needs more bloggers like you and you deserve a vote for the Ten Most Influential Blogs for 2009!

8. I Love-Hate America

This blog is authored by BING.

She is a highly spirited woman who can be generous and sweet, but who would speak out her mind with candor about issues she feels strongly about.

Her blog is fast emerging into a blog which could serve as the popular "voice" of Filipino immigrants in America.

I copied this verbatim from her "About Me" page: "
Married to an American man whose of Irish and French-Canadian descent, and spends most of my time at home, managing the household, working as administrative support for my husband's musical career, copywriting, blogging and networking online."

Just like what her blog's name indicates, she blogs mainly on topics that deal with the negative and positive aspects of being an immigrant in the the US of A.

Visit her blog to know why she deserves to be voted as one of these influential blogs.

9. Tales From the Mom Side

I consider this list incomplete without a blog that represents the hardworking Moms (HWOMs) out there. One such blog is Tales from the Mom Side.

This blog is authored by Dee who writes about Love and Relationships, Money Matters, Parenting , Reading and Writing, Giveaways, and many more topics that only a mother could expertly discuss.

We watch the same genre of movies : "Mamma Mia, North & South, Pride and Prejudice (BBC Version) The Duchess, The Notebook" ( I cried a river in this movie, did you cry too Dee?)

The lady is not only a doting and loving mother but (I believe)is also a successful career woman. I am certain she deserves a vote from this blog. Good luck, Dee!

10. SEOWRIGHT.COM

This newly created blog is owned by Kevin Paquet, a 17 yr-old student from Davao City. Kevin co-authors Pinoy Teens - which is ranked 11th, nationwide, among thousands of blogs in the Top Pinoy Blogs.
Isn't that quite a feat? (mine is only no. 432...something). To list more of his superb credentials, here's an excerpt from a post written by his blogging buddies:

Start of excerpt:

"...The Digital Filipino Club event when you came home with bright eyes saying “bes, we’re the tenth hottest blogs among the new blogs for 2008“? Or the Mindanao Bloggers Summit, the WordCamps that you have attended in Davao City and Saint Benilde; Manila? Still it seemed to be “nothing” really special to him..."

End of excerpt.

The ultimate award of becoming one of the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs, would be the crowning glory to his blogging career.

I tip my hat off to these young bloggers. Although they still have a long way to go to improve, I could not ignore their unyielding angst to be recognized by other bloggers. This admirable attitude made me vote for him.

Blogs to watch our for ( I would have included them, if I were to vote for two more)

1. Kelvinonian Ideas 2.0

This is owned by Kelvin Servigon. Just like Kevin, Kelvin is a teener who wants to make it big in the blogosphere. He's armed with only his dreams and a persistent desire to fulfill his goals.
He says:

"...I’m just a simple teen guy just like anybody else. I am now studying at Bulacan State University taking up Civil Engineering course. I used to love computers since I was a kid. I know how to use Adobe Photoshop CS3..."

Kelvin, you'll go a long way for sure, even without being voted for the contest.

2. I'm disheartened to know that ELMOT'S blog Ani-mo!!! is not qualified for the Contest. Anyway he still deserves to be featured. Elmot is the proud owner of "Ani-mo".

I also "met" him at Roy's blog. He writes about a variety of articles, and will surely go a long way in this blogging world.


"... this blog is my online alter-ego. I post here my reactions, reflections, joys, triumphs, and frustrations about philippines politics and social issues and blogging. I love to comment on things but I am not the eternal cynic type...," he says this about his blog.

Right on, Elmot!
_______________________________________________________________






44 comments:

Jan said...

Jena, Thanks a lot for including me in your list. Not only that - it's how you describe my writing that gets to me.

I'm very grateful. And tongue-tied. Very much indebted to you, Jena.

Snow said...

Jena - thanks a lot for the nomination. I really really appreciate the support. Kudos to my fellow nominees as they also deserved to be included! ^_^

Roy said...

I thought I got lost... you didn't tell us you had your house renovated lol!

I was surprised because you mentioned 15, I thought you found my secret blogs lol... I was relieved to see they were the multiply accounts ;)

Really, I can feel my ego really blowing up now.

Thank you very much for those kind words.

Jena Isle said...

Hi Jan,

You're welcome. The truth is, I tried to express what I felt about your blog but I still can't seem to be contented with my description. lol.

Hi Snow,

If I can use all my blogs to vote for my nominees , I would. Good luck.

Hi Roy,

Does this theme look better or worst? Give me a feedback. Well, why should you feel relieved ? Are you hiding something hideous? A warped monster perhaps? lol...

Good luck to you guys. I'm rooting for all of you!

Roy said...

hahaha! I know how to hide my skeletons... hehe...

I like the color of your new theme ;)

Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" said...

Out of the blogs you mention here, I am only familiar with Father Blogger.com but agree that this is a great blog and love the posts Angel writes. He's had a very interesting life.

zorlone said...

Jena,

Thank you very much! I have been trying to follow all the productive things I learn in the blogsoshpere. Reaching out to other people, making friends, and keeping in touch with the people behind the posts are extra efforts that become a binding contact among peers in the blogoverse.

A lot of these lessons I learned from you. As my knowledge increased about blogging, I also found more people like you who are willing to lend what they know. Good thing you pointed me to the right right direction. Your maternal instincts were correct.

Again, I would like to thank you.

To my fellow nominees, I am honored to be in the same line up as you. Good luck to all of us.

Zorlone

Cesar Alagar Jr. said...

Please do check-up on The Singing Blogger site full of my cover songs and music/concert reviews! :D

Jena Isle said...

Hi Roy,

Skeletons? Do yo have them in your closer? lol,,just kidding.

Hi Karen,

Angel indeed could write about any topic because of his rich experience in life.

Hi Z,

You're welcome, doc. Congrats for earning the nominations. I'm sure there will be more in the coming days. Good luck!

Hi Cesar,

I'll try to visit your site soon. I will always support a Kababayan.( hwag lang financial...lol)

Jena Isle said...

Roy,

I mean "CLOSET", My keypads are acting up again...

Izzy Daniels said...

I am extremely honored that you would nominate me for such a role. I have been working my way just to try and show people some tips, and it is like you said...I am more than whiling to help someone out, provided I have the time, and people are willing to learn...

Thank you so much once again

Kelvin Servigon said...

Hello, congrats to the nominees, please also consider my photoblog, Kelvinonian Ideas in your list. Thank you very much!

dencios said...

kamusta? napadaan galing sa influential blogger site :)

tumingin ng iba mo pang mga posts at basa-basa kung san san dito sa bahay mo. ang lawak pala ng sakop mo dito sa blogosperyo.

goodluck sa mga napili mo pihadong may sinasabi talaga silang lahat.
salamat!

Jena Isle said...

Hi Izzy,

You're a versatile writer who deserves some recognition. Keep writing!


Hi Kelvin,

I will visit your blog and will try to read some.


Hi Dencios,

Sana manalo silang laht. Salamat sa well wish.

Millionaire Acts said...

Nangangampanya po.... Hehe... But congrst to your nominees...

Jena Isle said...

Hi Millionaire.

What do you need it for you're already a millionaire...lol...

I'll visit your site soon, but I have already four in mind before, you visited; anyway there's no harm in visiting. lol

Dee said...

Hi, Jena. First of all, I would like to congratulate the six lucky blogs that you have nominated. I already frequent some of those on the list and I will take a peek at the others.

In case you haven't made up your mind yet as to who the remaining nominees will be, I would like to invite you to visit my blog at TalesFromTheMomSide.com. I started blogging last January 2009 about parenting and being a mom. I dearly hope that you'll find my blog worthy to be part of your list of Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs.

angel said...

Jena,

I am really very happy to know that there's someone like you who believe in my work. I understand there are also other fellow blogger who voted for me on their blogs.

Anyway, just like I mentioned to Roy that I am not sure when I will be back online regularly but still, I really want to thank you for all the support all these times.

GOD BLESS!

Cody said...

Awesome! I'm in your blogroll. Thanks, ma'am Jena.

Kevin Paquet said...

YAY, ate it's getting hot in here. Great blogs that you have included in your list and good luck to everyone :)

zorlone said...

wow the list is complete. Wishing everyone the best of luck!

bingkee said...

Hi Jen, thanks so much for including my blog in your top choice. I feel so elated. Although I really don't think I am deserving. The nominated blogs are so great capturing a lot of readers and fans.

P.S. I went to your other blog, Gewgaw Writings , but I could not find it there so it took me so long to come here and thank you.

Dee said...

Hi Jena! Thank you so much for nominating me! I am so grateful, more than words can express. :)

Oh, I love, love The Notebook! Yes, I cried too! And I watched it so many times, and every time I do, I would rewind some of my favorite scenes. And what made it so memorable for me was the fact that when I watched it, I really had no clue as to what it was about except that it's romance. So when I came to the ending part, I was so blown away; it was some sort of an "ah" moment for me. Really beautiful. And I love it so much that I bought the book afterward. Oh, and I remember that I watched it alone (Luc doesn't like romance films) one late night and I was so moved by the story that I still had the euphoria the next morning; I couldn't stop talking about it. Poor Luc had to endure listening to me the entire morning babble about how I love the movie. :D

Sorry, if my comment is so long. I get that way when I talk about something I love.

Thanks again, Jena! :)

Jena Isle said...

Hi Angel,

Good luck with the nomination. You'll always be a blogger at heart. God bless.

Jena Isle said...

Kevin,

It seems I have posted more than 10. I apologize, I'll include you next year na lang. All the best.

Jena Isle said...

Hi Luke,

I'm a fan of Star Wars, and you're a Jedi, so you're very much welcome/d to my blog.

Hi Kevin,

Welcome to my blog. You're already one of my voted blogs.

Hello Z,

Yes, I finally have my complete list. Good luck.

Hello Bing,

I was wondering if you have seen your nomination because you haven't dropped by. lol...You deserve a vote. Good luck.

Hi Dee,

I'm glad we enjoyed the same movies. I have watched notebook 5 times too and I always cry...cry is a mild word, I literally wailed through-out the movie. It's a heart-wrenching and heart warming story.

The ending scene in which they held hands and died together was the clincher scene for me...lol...the dam broke and released a torrent of tears.

Good luck with the contest. I am rooting for all of you guys.

All the best.

cebloger said...

4 of them are in my list too. may they win in this years' edition. we'll all witness the awarding ceremony.

Kelvin Servigon said...

Thnaks for mentioning my blog, I'm so honored, even I didn't made it to your top 10, I'm still very very happy... Thanks again!!! :D

Irene said...

Hello po,

Thanks po for nominating my blog in the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2009. Even though I don't think the blog is influential, maybe emerging, hehe. Or just being in your top pick is an honor already.

Thank you so much! :)

Jena Isle said...

Hi Ceblogger,

That means we read the same blogs. Let's pray for them to win.

Hi Kelvin,

You're welcome. If you're still qualified next year , I'll vote for you.

Hi Irene,

Your blog is not the "popular" blog, as defined by common people. I consider your blog influential because your words of wisdom, are the true sources of wisdom of a truly influential blogger. Keep writing.

Doctor Dude said...

Hi Jena!

Congratulations on your list of nominees!
When you have the time, feel free to visit my vlog and may be you can consider it in future events, like this writing project.

Thank you very much and great job!

Reyjr said...

Thanks for the visit and the add, and for visiting my Bio page. Haha! :p

I will definitely consider your suggestions in my 5 remaining slots. :D I really like how you explained why you liked each one. Makes it more sincere. :)

Jena Isle said...

Hi Doctor Dude,

Sure I will, Doc Z is into creative writing, and you're into factual posts? Thanks for the visit.

Jena Isle said...

Hi Reyjr,

Yes, I truly read these blogs that's why. And they're amazing blogs in their respective niches.

I would appreciate it a lot if you'll include any of them. Thanks.

I'll surely visit your blog now and then.

Better Than Coffee said...

kulang pa ako ng apat sa list ko. ilang araaw na akong naghahanap pero di ko pa rin maakita ang hinahanap ko. huhu. malapit na ang deadline.

love,
nobe

www.deariago.com
www.iamnobe.wordpress.com

Jena Isle said...

Hi Nobe,

I hope you'll be able to select yours soon. My list could help you out.

Dragonblogger said...

It's funny, I have been blogging for just around a year now, and see everyone in this article in a blogging sphere of online friendship. I sometimes touch on each of you on twitter, or in WOOF contest, but haven't been directly working with any of you through my blogs. I hope to start doing that soon.

Jena Isle said...

Hi Justin,

Yes, isn't that amazing? We develop online friendships which could be lasting and true. Thanks for the visit. Hope to "see" more of you in our Jedi blogs ...lol...you're very much welcome to the Jedi circle.

ikogsakanding said...

Good Luck sa lahat ng mga nominee....



Blogfornoob Dot Com

Chi said...

hi! I was intrigued by your blogs so i decided to comment :-). I like your site.

Jena Isle said...

Blogsnoob

Thanks , Indeed, they should win.


Hi Chi,

Welcome to my blog. All the best.

Janette Toral said...

Hi Jena. This is to mark your entry as complete and included you in the raffle. See you this Saturday ha?

zorlone said...

I came back...

0806200911001104

Sleek and savvy, Queen Amidala.
no other legacy has endured your saga.

A universe bows to each of your commands,
awaiting impatiently to meet your demands.

A fair and virtuous law, you portrayed in galaxies,
not a tyrant's vile rule of piracy and injustice.

Mother of the universe, unflinching to a challenge,
this war may be over, but the battle lies before us.

Z

L. Venkata Subramaniam said...

A very interesting and diverse collection here.