The First Filipino ReaderCon

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Yes! Yes, it is. Yes, we're finally going to do it.

Filipino Readers Make it Social! The First Filipino ReaderCon is finally going to happen on Sept. 14, from 1-6 PM at SMX Mall of Asia. We are going to be one of the special events during the Manila International Book Fair, which actually starts on that day.

About 19 months ago, I declared what I believed about Filipino readers. Then, nearly a year ago, in a post about the local Future of the Book conference, I mentioned how some local publishers didn't seem to be aware of the level of activity of the reading public. But the germ of the ReaderCon idea finally took form during the first Manila International Literary Festival last year, when Tarie and I were imagining what our ideal conference would be, since we felt that literary festivals and book conferences could do with more reader involvement. And that was when we said that we should have a readers' convention.

The time seems ripe for it, after all. Around the same time last year, the Filipino Book Bloggers first met as a group. Even way before that, several book clubs had already been put up and enjoying an active status. And finally, when we posed the idea of a ReaderCon early this year, people's responses were enthusiastic.

So, through the generous efforts of the local reading community and the generous contributions of our friends, we're having our ReaderCon. The objectives and the program are below:

Filipino Readers Make It Social!
The 1st Filipino Reader Conference

Objectives:
  1. to provide support, instruction, and social time for book club members and book bloggers
  2. to celebrate readers and reading in the Philippines
  3. to promote a closer connection between readers and writers and/or publishers

Programme:
1:00 – 1:20 PM - Registration
1:20 – 1:30 PM - Welcome Remarks

1:30 – 2:00 PM - Keynote Speech: No Line on the Horizon: The Merging of Readers and Writers through Social Media
Speaker: Carljoe Javier

2:00 – 3:30 PM  - Panel Discussion: Putting up and Running a Book Club – for the fun of it!
Panelists:
Facilitator: Peter Sandico

3:30 – 4:00 PM - Snacks

4:00 – 5:30 PM - Panel Discussion: The Why and How of Book Blogging
Panelists:
Facilitator: Honey de Peralta (Coffeespoons)

5:30 – 6:00 PM - Socials


By the way, we'd like to thank the generosity of our co-presenter, Vibal Publishing House, Inc.; of our major sponsors, Primetrade Asia, Flipside Digital Content, and Scholastic Philippines; and of our raffle sponsor, OMF Literature. Without them, our ReaderCon would probably remain a dream. 



The Philippines is an archipelago, so we know a lot of book bloggers, book club members, and readers in general won't be able to make it to the venue. However, there are many ways that people can participate. We've set up a Twitter account where we'll make announcements, talk to people, and do live tweets during the ReaderCon. 

You can also check out the conference website for general information and announcements. Right now, we have a weekly meme going on. Filipino readers of any persuasion can join the meme or read the others' entries. It's one way to get to know who the other readers are out there. You might even find your reading soulmate. If you haven't, that is.

If you're on Facebook, you can also check out announcements or start a discussion in our Event page. And book bloggers can join the Filipino Book Bloggers group on Facebook, if you haven't already.

So, if you're a Filipino reader of any persuasion or want to be, I hope that you do come for the ReaderCon. Registration is a measly P50, but you will be fed well and, more importantly, you will gain great friends. If you can't make it there, you can still make great friends by engaging in discussions in any or all of the sites where there are Filipino readers. And if you're the type that doesn't want to engage in discussions, then at least you know that others are there.

Finally, you could also help spread the word about the Filipino ReaderCon. Just go to the conference website and grab any of the badges there and link to the site. Help us spread the word about the vibrant Filipino reading public.

Comments

Patrick said…
It was nice reading how this was conceived from the beginning with all the plans, discussions and meetings done to make it a reality. I "may" not be able to come due to life's other demands but I know this event will be a success. I just know it.
August 14, 2011 at 3:17 AM
Chachic said…
I love what you said about finding your reading soulmate because I thought about that too! I just haven't mentioned it in any of the ReaderCon posts. :P
August 14, 2011 at 1:01 PM
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