April 18, 2007 - That was the first day I launched my very first video blog at CokskiBlue which then resided at http://cokskiblue.blogspot.com. I still remember my very unusual layout where my blog “banner” invaded almost half of the screen. With that first look, you’d see that I was trying to do something different - not exactly good on the eyes - but different.

That first vlog spawned unexpected reactions from the first (say, 4?) viewers. Whaddayaknow. They actually liked it. And apparently, the idea - blogging using video as a medium, was relatively new to the Philippine Blogging Community, which back then I didn’t know actually existed. Of course, YouTube already had HappySlip, Komikero, TouchBlue and other great Pinoy video bloggers. But I am very grateful to have found an audience who tuned in week after week, with no high expectations of what I should be doing. They just watched. And had gone with the ride.

It was an overwhelming experience. It was the first time I’ve become very addicted going online. Thanks to Benj for his commendation and for introducing my craft to his many readers. Thank you very much Gibbs Cadiz for letting me have great opportunities and amazing experiences through theater among other things. Thank you to these first guys who took notice - Imman and Rens, who were very nice to feature me on their blogs. To my first chat and inuman pals - Shari, Kevin, LA, Jhed, Jed, Aaron, Irvin, Dan, Alan, Yna, Cars, Karla, Ron, and Jeff, thanks for giving me your warm welcomes on my first blogger night out (and YM conference). To Dyu and Lois, many thanks for the hosting, domain and the patience in regularly updating me about technical schedules and problems. To Pareng Ederic Eder and Brod. Jon Magat, salamat sa suporta sa proyekto na inilunsad ko at sa pakikinig sa ibang hinaing ko sa buhay . To Juned, Karla, and Jake - thanks for the unending support and advice. To my photo and video blogger friends - Poyt, Kring, Rick, Joe, Fritz, and AJ, you guys are among the most fun people I’ve met. Thanks to my iBlog4 partner, Aileen Apolo for adopting me to the You Got Tech family and always cheering me up on Twitter :P. Thank you very much Ms. Janette Toral for opening up good opportunities for me to showcase my craft. And of course, many thanks to those who enjoyed, cried, laughed, hated, got annoyed, but still watched videos on this blog. You guys are amazing!

There’s no question that now, this is one of my biggest passions. Videomaking gives me a certain sense of fulfillment. And being able to influence bloggers even just a little bit in trying it out is such a huge blessing for me. Now, I’m all pumped up for another fun and crazy year of CokskiBlue!

PS

Let me share my Manila Bulletin Blog-o-Rama interview by Ms. Annalyn Jusay last March 18, 2008 with additional exclusive answers which did not make it to print:

Philip Marco “Coy” Caballes is one of the few who have established their niche in video blogging in the country; a pioneer of this niche, in fact.

This 22-year old Computer Science student from UP Diliman has always been fascinated with writing scripts and directing plays ever since he was small and so found blogging with videos a perfect opportunity to showcase his talent.

“I’ve always pictured my life as one big movie production , divided into chapters. From the very beginning, I was already fascinated with the art of film making and storytelling. Simply put, I started blogging because I’m very fond of telling a story.” Let’s get to know more about him in the following interview:

Q. Why did you embark on a video blog and not an ordinary blog? Can you enlighten us on your videos you’re proud about?

A. Since I started blogging, I think I created AND abandoned a total of 5 blogs already. I just could not maintain and update them properly. And unlike many bloggers, it takes a lot of time and effort for me to compose a single post. I like writing but I usually became impatient on doing it resulting to numerous unfinished drafts in my blog dashboard.

I also loved the idea of doing something different. So for each blog that I came up with, I made sure I had a unique concept that I could work with. After my 21st birthday in 2006, that was the time I discovered HappySlip. YouTube was relatively new back then and I already started doing music videos and learning basic video editing tricks on my own using Microsoft Movie Maker.

After downloading and watching a bunch of videos of HappySlip and other YouTube vloggers, something hit me. This is perfect,” I thought. I can actually do this! With all the concepts and ideas I can play with, even the sky is not a limit. So on April 18, 2007, I launched my first vlog - an introduction of CokskiBlue and what it’s all about. I am very proud of that first video. I remember making my parents’ bedroom my first set ever for my first “photo shoot”.

It was complete with lights and everything. I only used pictures and voiceover for my videos but it turned out pretty good. One of my favorites is my two-parter vlog Baguio experience. After I watched it, I just knew I was meant to do this.

I’m also proud of the videos I made for my family on Mother’s Day and my Dad’s birthday. I also made one for my brother, Jet, on how we enjoy music together. It’s always fun including your loved ones in something you love to do.

Q. From your experience, what are the things one needs to know and do before going into video blogging?

A. For starters, knowledge on how to operate a video editing software will be very useful. Learn the basics first - Microsoft Movie Maker or iMovie. You don’t even need a camera to start. Practice by making a simple music video or slideshow using your personal pictures. It’s fun to learn. Especially after seeing the end product. After you edit your first video, the next ones whould be alot easier.

But remember, video editing is not exactly a requirement for video blogging. Some vloggers directly upload their videos online (in YouTube, Revver, etc.). The rawness of these unedited ones actually come out more interesting sometimes.

One more thing aspiring vloggers can do is to explore YouTube - watch your favorite videos, comment, and upload your own. It’s the best video sharing site to start on because of its volume and diversity in content.

To be honest, before I started video blogging, I didn’t know exactly what to do. Not many Filipinos vlogged back then so I didn’t know what to expect. All I had was this vision - the need to put my imagination to reality. Basically, it all boils down to passion. And everything will follow.

Q. Care to share precious tips to newbies out there on video blogging?

A. The first tip I can share to newbies is that ‘Limit the time of your video blogs. 5 and 15 are the magic numbers.’ Don’t upload vlogs that are more than 5 minutes in length and catch the viewer’s attention on the first 15 seconds of your video. You should remember that vlogs are very different from (Audio) podcasts (which may run for 30 minutes or more in an episode) because videos require a greater load of attention from your audience. Make it short but jampacked with audio-visual goodness.

Another tip is that ‘Music (or the absence of it) can make your video 10 times more watchable’. Choosing the right music is not an easy task. But if you develop that special ear for establishing the right “feel” for your video, then you’re on your way to making really amazing vlogs.

ADDITIONAL EXCLUSIVE ANSWERS

1. Please tell us the story about how and why you started to blog.

Simply put, I started blogging because I’m very fond of telling a story. I remember when I was in Grade school, I used to write mini-novels and draw ugly illustrations - featuring my classmates as the lead characters fighting monsters and “tyanaks”. By the age of 8, I wrote my first full-length script (it was “Kababalaghan sa Paaralan”, I think) and sent it to a horror TV show in a local Station (RPN 9). It could’ve been my “big break” if the show wasn’t canceled. Hehe. In high school, most of the time, I’ll take the duty of directing plays and presentations in class. I do have a wild imagination but lately, I became more into recounting and writing about interesting experiences I’ve had over the years. I started blogging around 2004 in Tabulas.com. It was a personal blog - stories about my college life as a sophomore in UP. I was from the MIRC generation, so basically, I was a chatroom addict. So when that kinda fizzled out, I needed a venue to pour out my daily ramblings. That’s part of the reason why I decided to start.

2) The highlights of your video blogging life in the past year?

My first year of video blogging had lots of cloud 9 moments. The first was winning 3rd place on Digital Filipino’s Top 10 Most Influential Emerging Blogs of 2007. Apparently, I was one of the first guys to introduce video blogging to the mainstream Philippine Blogging Community and I received really great feedback for it. Another highlight of my year was when my video on the Malu Fernandez OFW issue appeared on National TV, particularly on ABS-CBN News Channel’s Media on Focus. It was a surreal experience hearing my voice on TV. Even my parents couldn’t believe it. Of course, one of the things I really treasure the past year is the experience of meeting my long-time idol and inspiration, Christine Gambito of HappySlip. Meeting her was already an honor but being able to interview and do a video with her was a blessing I will always be grateful for.

3) Who do you look up to among the bloggers, and why?

I actually look up to Gibbs Cadiz the most. He is one of the most respectable and talented bloggers today in the community and you can see in his work that he’s really knowledgable and passionate about his niche on Theater, Arts and Literature. He just started video blogging and he had been able to share what goes on behind the theater curtains through his videos.

4) What do you think is the future of video blogging in the Philippines? Do you see it being embraced by the mainstream bloggers soon?

I do feel that there’s a bright future ahead for video blogging in the Philippines. It’s an art that’s waiting to be explored. Filipinos by nature are very creative so I can only imagine what’s in store for us on the next vlog productions. The number of mainstream bloggers trying this out is fast increasing and new pinoy vlogs are being launched in the blogosphere as we speak. I think that more bloggers will follow this fun trend. Who wouldn’t want to star in their own show or movie, right? 2008 will be an exciting year for the Philippine Vlogosphere.

5) After your video blog, what now? What do you hope to be in the future? Do you still see yourself blogging five years from now?

Five years from now? I see myself working on mainstream media - TV or Film. I just know it. Haha. As long as I have something to vlog about and as long as the world give new things to explore, I will continue video blogging. The idea of creating something beautiful out of my treasured memories and experiences never gets old for me.  And because of that passion to create, I know my work will not only tell a story but will also show who I am.

6) Your plans for your video blog.

My graduation and my vlog’s first anniversary is coming this April so something big MIGHT come up. Just expect more vlogger collaborations, more vlogging contests and of course, more fun and exciting episodes for everyone!