Every year, FaceCebu.Net always supports Best Cebu Blogs Awards (BCBA). On its 9th year, BCBA is proud on how the organization helps the Cebu Blogging scenes to be matured as online societies or as a single Blogger. Good news! This year our beloved BCBA is joined by Megaworld Corporation and PLDT HOME as co-presenters which will provide a vast opportunities for Cebu-based Bloggers to be more productive online and offline. On November 27, a total of 10 best Cebu Bloggers will be revealed as winners with their titles namely Best Cebu Entertainment Blogger, Best Cebu Food Blogger, Best Cebu Personal Blogger, Best Cebu Photo Blogger, Best Cebu Style Blogger, Best Cebu Technology Blogger and Best Cebu Travel Blogger and special recognition on UBER Influencer Award, Best in Creative Writing in a Blog and Mega Cebu Blogger Award, sponsored by Megaworld Corporation.

Best Cebu Blogs Awards 2016 Official Event Poster

"This year's Award's Night is full of excitement and surprises. We have added special Awards and Recognition with the help of our Co-Presenters, Megaworld Corporation, PLDT Home and of course, our ridesharing partner, UBER" says Mark Monta, BCBA Founder and Head. "I was once asked why I founded this award-giving body and my response was, Cebu Bloggers are world-class bloggers. They deserved to be recognized for their crafts. It was hard since I am the founder of Cebu Bloggers Society and people start thinking of bias results. But that's why we asked volunteer Judges from different Organizations in the Philippines to join us to do the evaluation." He added.

Mark Monta, BCBA Founder and Head during his Welcome Remarks on BCBA 2015 Awards Night

The 9th Best Cebu Blogs Awards Night will be held at Level 36 of Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. Here are their Sponsors and Partners:

PLDT HOME

Megaworld Corporation

Official Ridesharing Partner:

Uber Philippines

GOLD SPONSORS







BRONZE SPONSORS

Huawei Philippines

DONOR SPONSORS

Krispy Kreme Philippines

Greenwich  Philippines

Starbucks Philippines

Memoriter Writing Services

JKA Glass Enterprises

Cebu Projectors for Rent

MEDIA PARTNERS

Your trusted Blogging Organization in Cebu

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER:

Alvin Asayas Photography

Social Media: 
Twitter/Instagram : @bcbawards 
Facebook : @bestcebublogs 

CONTACT DETAILS:
Website: www.bestcebublogsawards.com
Email: bestcebublogsawards@gmail.com

Last November 27 to 30, Cebu Bloggers Society, a 7 year old Blogging Organization in Cebu successfully organized two events days before Christmas Month, CBS Talks : Best Blogging Practices and Cebu Food Crawl (CFC). With the support of SMART Communications, CBS got productive in those Four Days and was able to help in promoting Local Restaurants in the Tourism Industry. Do you know why FaceCebu joined CFC?


Here are top reasons why FaceCebu joined the event and at the same time, suggestions to inspire Cebu Bloggers to attend the Second version on August 2016.

1. Get to know Cebu Bloggers Society and its Members

#CebuFoodCrawl participants with Mr. Coy Oliva of #GibbsHotWings! Thanks for having us! #SmartLife

A photo posted by Cebu Bloggers Society (@cebubloggers) on Dec 2, 2015 at 2:52am PST

#CebuFoodCrawl participants at #DolceCasaCebu #SmartLife

A photo posted by Cebu Bloggers Society (@cebubloggers) on Dec 1, 2015 at 2:15am PST

#CebuFoodCrawl participants at #Anzani #SmartLife

A photo posted by Cebu Bloggers Society (@cebubloggers) on Nov 30, 2015 at 2:41am PST

Breakfast at St. Mark Hotel #CebuFoodCrawl #SmartLife

A photo posted by Cebu Bloggers Society (@cebubloggers) on Nov 29, 2015 at 6:07pm PST

Unlike any other organizations, CBS has been passionate to Blogging and to its members' development. The organization was founded by yours truly, Mark Monta on February 14, 2008 thinking I could helped Cebu in promoting its Tourism to the World. And I think, I was successful. The only Blogging Organization in Cebu that most Businesses support and believe. CBS never uses its members for self benefits but of course always seeing the greater good for everyone. If you're new to Blogging, CBS is the right family that you can go and learn more.

Cebu Food Crawl was organized and managed by Cebu Bloggers Society with a special mention to Atty. Ethelbert Ouano of Nindotkaayo.com who headed the event. With the help of more than 20 Cebu-based Bloggers and 3 out of town Bloggers, the event went successful.

Happy! 7 participating food outlets at The Mactan Alfresco served us salivating dishes for lunch!!! #CebuFoodCrawl #SmartLife #SeasonOfSharing #MactanAlfresco

A photo posted by Cebu Bloggers Society (@cebubloggers) on Nov 29, 2015 at 12:41am PST

2. Gain Blogger Friends

With Food Crawler Angel who is a Science Teacher in Sta. Rosa National High School. Proud of you!!! @than.thien #CebuFoodCrawl #CBSForever #SmartLife #FaceCebu #NalusuanIsland #Islandhopping #FaceCebuTravels 📷 by @kingofsinulog

A photo posted by Mark Monta (@mmonta) on Nov 29, 2015 at 10:53pm PST

CFC Participants were not complaintive about the excess eating they were doing. In fact, it was not the eating that bonded the participants, it's the camaraderie and the stories they shared during CFC. Some of the Food Crawlers were not from CBS but they showed support and love to the effort that the organization spent.

3. Taste Cebu's Best with CFC

Spice up your life! Featuring Gibb's Level 2 hot wings! 😉 #CebuFoodCrawl #GibbsHotWings #CebusFirstHotWings #SmartLife #TheLifeaholicsPH #twothumbsup More details soon on www.thelifeaholicsph.wordpress.com

A photo posted by Mae G. (@maeyang13) on Dec 2, 2015 at 4:32am PST

Cebu Food Crawl Team did not choose commercialized Restaurants but the team especially selected Cebu's pride just like the best Hot Wings in town, Gibbs', the best Paella in Cebu, Ipar's and best Seafood Resto, Ocean Garden Restaurant to name a few. Now, who's excited for next year's Cebu Food Crawl?

4. Learn to control your cravings

We all know Gluttony is a sin but that weekend was not an excemption. Yes, we had exceeded the feeding but since we did know that we ate almost hourly, we just tasted a bit of the bests. We learned to control our love to those foods and cravings were satisfied well.

5. Be inspired with Restaurant Owners and Entrepreneurs

Candid moments with Ms Raquel Choa, the chocolate queen! #CebuFoodCrawl #SmartLife #TheChocolateChamber

A photo posted by Cebu Bloggers Society (@cebubloggers) on Nov 28, 2015 at 7:55pm PST

Aside from Foods and friendships over meal, Cebu Food Crawlers were excited and amazed to the Entrepreneurs behind Cebu's Best Restos. For example, The Chocolate Ambassador, Ms. Raquel Choa who started as "Tablea Maker" in a young age and now, she's successful on Cebu's chocolate destinations, Ralfe Gourmet, The Chocolate Chamber (TCC) and Casa de Cacao. Indeed, She's the woman of inspiration and hope.

These are just five of the many reasons why Cebu Bloggers should join Cebu Food Crawl. For details, please follow Cebu Food Crawl at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CebuFoodCrawl/
Twitter: @CebuFoodCrawl
Instagram: @CebuFoodCrawl

February 23, 2013 – A total of Nine Bloggers from Metro Manila and Cebu, which includes FaceCebu.Net Author, came to visit and witness the Flower Festival of Baguio City, The Panagbenga Festival 2013. Aside from the beautiful and accommodating faces who welcomed us during our arrival, Azalea Residences was so kind of preparing the 2 Bedroom type for our unforgettable stay.

Azalea Residence Baguio Front View

FaceCebu.Net Author, Mark M. Monta posing infront Insta Photos Credit : @mmonta

FaceCebu.Net Author at the 8 Lounge Bar of Azalea

FaceCebu.Net Author at the stairs getting ready for dinner

Interior wise, this two bed type offer a blend of simplicity yet comfy enough to help ease  our stress from six to eight hours of Travel which was luckily sponsored by Sun Cellular. Televisions with cable connection were also installed in each of our rooms that brought entertainment while waiting for the time to pass. With contemporary luxury, Azalea Residences Baguio is not being run by an air conditioned system since it’s really cold inside. Chandelier fans centered and controlled the coldness during the day. There’s no mini-bar available but a large refrigerator in the Kitchen and Dining Area. We even made a strawberry vodka c/o LaagCebu.com author during our last night stay. The bathroom is equipped with hot and cold shower with clean bath kit and towels. Unlike other hotels, I saw no cockroach at our room which is a good sign of a clean and well-managed building.

Now, look who's comfortable and ready for sleep

Just got home, I mean in Azalea. Wooots!

Strawberry Vodka

 They provide breakfast buffet during six to ten in the morning. Waiters in their presentable uniform, served the gang even though it is supposed to be a self-service buffet. Different dishes are catered. To name a few, we tasted Baguio Longganisa, Chicken/Pork Adobo, Hotdogs, vegetable salads, wheat bread with strawberry spread, fresh fruits and other courses proudly made from Baguio. Morning drinks for breakfast are also available like fresh milk, hot chocolate, coffee, orange juice and others. Indeed, high class in serving and hospitality, that’s Azalea Residences Baguio!

Day 3 Breakfast for me!

Day 2 Breakfast for meeee!

Should you plan to do a summervacation in Baguio City, FaceCebu.Net recommends Azalea and you may check their contact information below.

Address:      #7 Leonard Wood Loop, 2600 Baguio City
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BaguioAzaleaResidences
Twitter: @azalearesidence
Phone:     0917 861 1641
Email: reservations@azalea.com.ph
Site: http://www.azalea.com.ph

Lastly, we thanks LakbayBaguio.com for the sweet accommodation and organizing this event.

Unlike other people, Facecebu.Net author, Mark M. Monta did not deny the truth that he is 26 years young. On March 2, 2013 (Saturday ), Mark , Founder of Cebu Bloggers Society Inc., will add one more year to his life. He is thankful to all his CBSi friends and family and to other Cebu and Philippine bloggers who are very supportive to his online endeavors and projects.

A Birthday Photoshoot by Melf Temblor of Signed_ Cebu

Now, check this letter from a CBSi blogger friend, Milafel Hope Awe-Dacanay who sent a Birthday Letter to our very own Mark M. Monta.

Dear, Mark,

I can vividly remember the first time I saw you. You were tall and lanky and pretty quiet for my taste. Being an introvert, I immediately felt uneasy. I wasn’t sure anymore if joining Cebu Bloggers Society was the right choice. But thank God, first impressions didn’t have to be always true, and I’m glad I was wrong. You were one of the most accommodating people I’ve ever met. You’ve proven yourself to be such a good friend.

Mark, thank you for always making me feel needed. It always made me feel that I have a purpose and that I have something good to give, especially to the organization. Thank you for believing in the essence of CBS and for trusting its members. I do believe that a huge part of our growth within the organization is mainly because you’ve given all of us self-worth.

Thank you for creating CBS and Cebu Best Blogs Awards. You’ve given me as well as countless other bloggers not only in the province but the rest of the country something to be truly proud of. We matter—hugely—in the community.

Thank you for being such an inspirational leader. Until now, I couldn’t understand how you’re able to report to work, exercise in your favorite gym, meet up with friends, organize and attend blogging events, have those crazy conversations with your mom or sibling, and still have energy for more. You may say it’s all about time management. I’d say you know how to go after those that you’re passionate about—those that you truly love to do.

Most of all, thank you for being an open-minded, honest, accommodating, and sincere friend. You’ve made every person you meet comfortable and special. That’s something only very few people can do.

On your birthday, Mark, I wish for only one thing: that you’ll continue to love life. It’s when you love everything and everyone that matters to you that you are at your best.

Love,
Milafel

Milafel Hope Awe-Dacanay of lemonsito.wordpress.com used to be a Facecebu.net writer of Face of Cebu articles.


Another heart warming message from cebu Bloggers Society Inc Internal Vice President, Bjornson Bernales.

"A geek by heart yet a vain health-conscious lad, those are the words I can describe Mark Monta. He may be known as the founder of the blogging organization in Cebu, and yes, he takes the recognition with pride, but he is down-to-earth.
He is one of the pragmatic persons I know. He can be a dork but when in serious mode, he is a no-nonsense person."

To Mark Monta, Happy 26th Birthday and God Bless you always!

All Photos are owned by Melf Temblor of SIGNED_  Cebu

About SIGNED_ Cebu


For Photoshoot inquiries, see contact Info
Phone:    Melf at 09231790817 & Sam at 09276609407
Email    signed.cebu@yahoo.com 

Before I was drafting this post, I tried to check my yahoomail account in which started it all. It was in yahoogroups which I founded the Cebu Bloggers Society last February 14, 2008. Eleven days after, two blogger friends, Mr. Jerry Gervacio and Kevin Ray Chua joined the not so known online community in Cebu. Days after days, many Cebu Bloggers were encouraged to join with one aim “to promote Cebu through Blogs”  and later on, we did it!

Mark Monta (CBSi Founder under tanom2000 id) founded the organization and then joined by two other Cebu Bloggers Kevin Ray Chua (Kevinray_chua) and Jerry Gervacio ( jggpowershift)

On February 14, 2013, Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. will be celebrating it’s 5th year anniversary. CBSi has always been the “first” in some online activities. Not to mention our very own Bloggers Social Responsibility program, World Bloggers Day every May 2, Visayas Blogging Summit (2011) , among others. CBSI was incorporated as a non-profit organization under the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2010.

In behalf of the organization, I am glad to have Harold’s Hotel and Smart Communication as our partners in this momentous affair with the theme “ACTNow”. This “Appreciation Night” will recognize members and partners who made significant contributions to the premier blogging organization in Cebu and I’m proud to have these 52 CBSi members in our list who are indeed becoming influential not just in social media sites but of course, in their respective niches.

From your founder, Congratulations CBSi, Let’s keep on rocking!

Do you think Corporate affairs in Corporate conferences are so mainstream? What if in your company, you have visitors coming from other countries or continents? Isn't it cool to welcome them with what Cebuanos had at our best? How about holding your Corporate meeting or any activities in beaches? Then, I recommend you to try Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel. 


Aside from their superb cuisine, Costabella Beach Resort trained their Staff and employees what a real Filipino Hospitability really means. Costabella takes great pride in providing an excellent venue for lifestyle and corporate events with our ideal location, first-class facilities, premiere amenities and expansive function halls that can accommodate small to large gatherings. The idyllic coastal scenery and tranquil environment serve as a nice backdrop for social hobnobbing and important meetings. Their function rooms are elegantly appointed and offer a nice view of the gardens outside. Aside from intimate functions, the place also caters to corporate get-togethers and high level meetings with directors, executives and business partners. Truly, it’s the perfect venue to mark an important milestone.


So, As the founder of Cebu Bloggers Society Inc., I personally thanks the people behind Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel for hosting us on July 28, 2012 for our CBSi Membership Meeting and Leisure Moments. Here are some facts About Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel:

Tucked away in the charming island of Mactan in Cebu is the tropical hideaway of Costabella, a luxury beach resort awarded by the Philippine Department of Tourism with the highest resort classification.

An iconic property embraced by white fine sand and shaded by palm trees, Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel is an architectural showcase steeped in history and tradition. Its tastefully-appointed rooms, all 156 of them, beautifully integrate Spanish colonial influences with natural, homegrown materials. Carved stonework, arched doors and charming courtyards are the hallmarks of this timeless place. All accommodations from the modest to luxurious with private balconies offer breathtaking view that is both peaceful and romantic.

As the name suggests, Costabella provides travelers and guests with the perfect setting to admire Mactan’s enchanting coastline. This tropical retreat is truly a dream destination for honeymoons and weddings. In addition to the ballroom, the hotel has the spacious LaTerraza; an outdoor venue ideal for private functions and company picnics as well as seven conference suites for corporate and business meetings.


Contact Information

Buyong, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines
Tel. (6332) 495-1000 , 238-2700
Fax (6332) 238-2705

Sales and Reservations Office: Banilad, Cebu City, Philippines
Tel. (6332) 231-2787 , 231-4244 , 231-3273
Fax (6332) 231-4415

E-mail: rsvn@costabellaresort.com
Website: www.costabellaresort.com

Photos Credit: costabellaresort.com

A seasoned IT professional and passionate digital content creator, Mark Monta, is the founder of the Cebu Bloggers Society—the premier blogging and content creation organization in Cebu. Serving as President during the terms 2008–2009 and 2015–2016, he led numerous initiatives that brought the Cebuano blogging community to the forefront of regional digital influence. In addition, he established the Best Cebu Blogs Awards, the only dedicated recognition body for outstanding bloggers in the region.

An established blogger and social media advocate, he manages multiple platforms, including FaceCebu.net (Entertainment & Lifestyle), CebuFitnessBlog.com (Fitness & Health), and contributes regularly to BestCebuBlogsAwards.com and CebuBloggers.com. His work has earned him recognition in both the blogging and digital marketing industries. His past role as Social Media Manager and Corporate Blogger for Badian Island Resort and Spa further honed his skills in online branding and community engagement.

With over a decade of IT experience, he previously held multiple roles at TMX Philippines Inc., from IT Operations Technician to Help Desk Analyst and, eventually, Web Content Specialist for the UK/EU/PL regions. His skill set includes web content management (Salesforce, Shopify, ZMAGS), systems administration (Active Directory, Oracle, MS Exchange), software troubleshooting, and data reporting. He is also the developer behind projects like the CITE Property Inventory System and Infra Asset Monitoring System.

With Mark Monta and his Timex Philippines IT Department Family

Academically grounded in Information Technology, he was a DOST Scholar and Board Director for DOST SA CEBU, completed his vocational IT studies at CITE, and pursued a Bachelor’s degree at CIT University. Currently, he is following his passion for law and is enrolled in the Juris Doctor program at the University of San Jose–Recoletos. His ability to balance a legal education with a strong IT and content creation background makes him a unique professional in both the tech and digital communication fields.