Pig out for street foods

The Actual outside Area.. Street Side Food!!!

it was a noisy night @ AMZ resto bar but we went out to eat after a loud music from my brothers gig. it was all head banging and getting loud with the music but this toppings ROCK my World. Me, my Brother and Cousins went to this place near UCLM (Somewhere in Mandaue). Its only P21.oo and damn it was good!!!!

Our Guest blogger for this month: Monica Lopez went to Jose Maria's

I am not usually a big fan of Mexican food. Aside from the fact that I shudder to think about the price range, I am usually worried about my stomach. But in the end, I love food so I figured, I’d rather not deprive myself.

Jose Maria’s is located in The Gallery which can be found in Mabolo. I love the place because you can instantly feel the Mexican vibe because everywhere you turn, there are Mexican objects staring at you in the face. I also like the fact that there place is quaint and peaceful.

What was exceptional about the restaurant is the fact that they let you try on their sombreros. It was fun being photographed wearing the sombreros. You should never leave Jose Maria’s without trying on the sombrero! It’s comical and definitely brings you close to the restaurant.

I am especially in love with their pork chops! Sure, it’s a Mexican Restaurant so they can spice up any good old meat and make it Mexican. I am happy that I was able to enjoy their meal at the same time, able to save up a fortune! Their meals are pretty much below 300+. Some are below 200+ like the pork chops!

If you’re looking for a cool place that hasa Mexican vibe to it, Check out Jose Maria’s!!!

Chillaxers meets Leylander

1. What pushed you to make a photo blog about Cebu? Why Cebu?
When I started my photo blog, there were very few blogs about Cebu. And photo blogs about Cebu were almost unheard of. I wanted people from other parts of the country and the world to know how wonderful Cebu is. So, I started compiling photos of Cebu from various sites and placed them in one blog. A few weeks after starting this initial project, I was able to buy a digital camera. And slowly but surely, I began replacing the photos I 'borrowed' with my very own photos. I decided to blog about Cebu because I felt that I could help promote the place through it. Also, since I am a pure-bred Cebuano, I knew that I would be able to share first-hand information with regards to the things I post in my blog.

2. What are the things that you consider in making your photo blog post?
When making a post, I usually consider the number of materials available. Since I want readers to have an in-depth knowledge of the places I feature, my goal is usually to include at least ten photos in one post. This way, readers would be able to have an intimate connection with the place even though they've never actually been there. By posting a lot of photos of a particular place, readers get the feeling that they have experienced it personally.

3. Do you have set of standards for the photo blog post?
Usually, if I feel that my photos are not nice (too dark or too bright) I usually go back to the place to take new and better photos. As much as I want to highlight the beauty of the place, I feel that presenting nice photos would also help me achieve these goals. Also, after posting the actual entry, I re-read it to make sure that the items I have presented are indeed truthful and factual. Sometimes, when I am uninspired in making a new post, I let a set of photos lay idle for a couple of days until I am in the mood to post again. I believe that making posts when you are not in the mood can greatly affect the over-all impact of a post.

4. Are you the sole owner of the photo blog? If yes, how do you manage to maintain alone? If no, who are the people behind the my Cebu photo blog?
Yes. I am the sole owner of My Cebu Photo Blog. I feel that maintaining a blog is much easier if you do things on your own. You have control of your own schedule and you do not have to rely on others for materials needed to make a post. Since I have a day job, I usually plan weekend trips during the workweek. I go out and shoot during weekends with friends and family. Sometimes, I travel alone.

5. Do you have a time frame for blog posting?
I usually make it a point to make one new post every week. Sometimes, when I get to visit multiple places or do various post-worthy activities in one weekend, I try to post them in one week.

6. How to be an effective blogger?
To be an effective blogger, I believe that you simply have to be true to yourself. It is also important to be original and unique. If you are real and transparent, your readers will feel it. From there, it is fate that decides. Many will not like your style. But surely, many people will also enjoy your ways. Also, it is important to be relevant when making posts. Inject your personal opinions every now and then. But don't make them final and direct. Make these opinions open for scrutiny and questions to encourage interaction and activity. Through this, you will earn loyal and regular visitors.

7. As a blogger, what can you advise to the amateur bloggers to be responsible and effective?
The most important thing to remember when blogging is to blog not because you can earn from it but because you have something to share to the world. Blogging for income has become quite common nowadays. However, only a handful of these income-generating blogs have quality content. Provide quality content first before you entertain the idea of making money out of blogging.

Our group decided to interview Leylander, the owner of myphototblogcebu.blogspot.com. We gathered questions for him that would guide us on how to be an effective blogger. Through his answers we realized that making a blog we must have a heart and passion on what we are doing.

Check out Leylanders cool photo Blog: http://mycebuphotoblog.wordpress.com/

Blogging Effectively:

People interested in blogging need to keep a check on their word usage. A controversial comment is likely to spark violence among the community. Below are some tips to ensure that the blog is free from any controversy.

1. Always think of the reader before writing. Follow the WIIFM principle that stands for “What’s In It For Me?” The written content has to arouse interest in the minds of readers.

2. It is good to proofread the content for any grammatical errors and typos. Blogging is all about publishing content. Hence, the writer has to make sure the content is error-free and appealing.

3. The content has to be valuable and worth reading. It is advisable for beginners to share articles of other people or review any book, before blog writing.

4. Follow the KISS theory, which means Keep It Short and Simple. Online readers do not have enough time to read the overall content, even if it sounds interesting. Hence, stick to the main idea behind blogging. Publication of short posts is good as compared to lengthy articles.

5. Make content live that serves the readers’ areas of interest. This does not mean that the blogger has to be a born writer. Assume it a live conversation, wherein people have gathered to share their ideas over a certain topic. Stick to the five Ws- who, why, what, where and when.

6. Make others familiar regarding what is happening around the world. Post comments on routine lives of celebrities and famous personalities. This builds a rapport and attracts more people to the blog.

7. Put forward your ideas in a clear manner. Avoid jargon or double speak. Do not repeat ideas. The reader has to get a clear picture of what the writer is trying to convey. As such, have a straightforward approach in writing.

8. Blogging has to be with respect to people of all age groups. In addition, it is beneficial to include ideas that generate rapid interest among readers.

9. Headline of the content has to be clear and in a bold statement. Avoid misleading the readers. The writer may use specific key words. Frequent key word usage helps to stick to the purpose of the blog and appeals to search blogs. This increases the chances of ranking on the blog.

Source: http://www.bloggertalk.com/blogging-tips/nine-steps-to-becoming-an-effective-blogger/