It’s that time of the year again! The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2008 is now ongoing and I have finally come up with my final list of blogs which I believe are both, well, emerging and influential. Last year, I nominated only 8 blogs as I was kinda new in the blogging community and didn’t really follow a lot of blogs.

Oh what a difference a year makes! Thanks to my online and offline whoring of my blog, I have gotten to quadruple the number of blogs on my feed reader. I have also learned a lot from my experiences — getting invited to events and launches, meeting new bloggers, reading new stuff about blogging, and a whole lot more. I have also put up new blogs apart from my pre-existing LiveJournal, Multiply and Baklaako.com. I came up with Gay Events Philippines - a blog that rounds up all gay-oriented and gay-related events from all over the Philippines. I also started Ernie’s own travel blog (which at this time is on temporary hiatus due to technical issues) since he tagged along with me in all my adventures in and around the country. I also put up my own food blog, Eat Your Hearts Out! — a food blog for non-food experts. And just recently, the gossip blog about bloggers: DaWho! Also, I am currently in the planning and building stages in putting up a group blog of sorts for me and my chica friends about fashion, beauty, movies, music, entertainment, lifestyle, clubbing, and so much more! Oh and yeah, the ambitious Baklang AJ is also currently setting up his own tech, beauty, fashion and shopping, career, and events blogs (tig-iisa yan ha, so good luck na lang sa akin!) No, I am not nominating all of these, nor am I pitching them to you for nomination (if the pitch works, I won’t blame you. lol).

So let’s get on with my nominees for this years Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2008 (In no particular order):

1. You Got Tech - this group blog about techie stuff for non-techies is just wonderful! It really is very educational, specially for non-techies like myself!
2. VisitSagada.com - the group blog of what is now beginning to be called as The Sagada Boys (Jeff, Benj , Fritz, Angel and Gareth). This blog not only gives people tips on traveling to Sagada, it actually also promotes local tourism. San ka pa makakahanap niyan diba? Mga poging tour guides!
3. Sino Sila: Bloggers’ DaWho - Okay, I said I will not nominate all of my new blogs, I will nominate just one. I believe that this blog is starting to emerge as an influential blog in the sense that people talk about it (online and offline), bloggers get to exercise circumspection (not that they need it) through it, and gossip is hot!
4. The Dan & Rye Podcasts, Video Edition - Dan and Rye are two Filipino gay men based in HongKong who started a podcast that became a cult hit not only among gay men but all men and women of all persuasions. They have already completed two seasons last year and decided to change their medium. their podcasts used to be hosted on a podcast site but they have just opened a new season, in a blog of their own, and this time, in video format! Pink Power!
5. BadingAko.com - this blog focuses on the daily lifestyle of a gay student showcasing the ups and downs, and the on-going fight for acceptance for the LBGT community not only in Dagupan but also the whole of the Philippines. He wants to denounce discrimination and believes in the power of truth. Yes, if you I am BaklaAko, Remcyl is BadingAko! Remcyl actually asked me prior to buying his domain if he could use it. Since I don’t really have the copyright to all the kabadingan in the world, I told him that if the domain is available, he could very well buy it and use it. Pink Power again!
6. Zanorte Pride - this blog is the official site of the LGBT Alliance in Zamboanga del Norte. It is very heartwarming to see that through the Internet, many gay men have found a place to express themselves and be free from discrimination. What is fascinating about this blog is that it brings together gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and the transgendered from their province. Pink Power pa!
7. Danton Remoto 2010 - Danton Remoto is the only person I know who has been very vocal about his Senatorial bid in 2010, as early as now. Danton’s blog talks about politics and society in general in a way that does not make his readers feel as if they’re reading too heavy stuff. Danton’s blog shows his sincerity with his platforms and how he plans to make a difference in governance. Pink Power Ever!
8. The Bakla Review - I’ve never seen a blog that has reviews written so well you’d cum in an instant! Kidding aside, this blog reviews anything and everything gay: films, books, DVDs/VCDs, theater, music, and a whole lot more! If you’re a gay man or someone interested in gay entertainment, this blog is a must-subscribe on your feed readers! Pink, Pink, Pink and Away!
9. Back in the Closet: PinoyPoz on being HIV Positive in the Philippines - This blog chronicles the life of a Filipino man who decided to voluntarily have himself tested for HIV. Two weeks before he turned 30, he found out that he was HIV positive. Why did I nominate this blog? Because it is influential. It can definitely help inform a lot of people about HIV - from acquiring it, to preventing it, to living a life with HIV. The blogger aims to share his story, provide support to those who have HIV, and educate those who are too afraid to know about HIV.
10. Discreet Manila is discreet gay guy’s look into the various venues, outlets, activities in and around Metro Manila that people like him can check out. This includes a look at gay-oriented venues, blue film reviews, tips and stories in discreet cruising, and discussion about various issues facing the discreet gay person. Pink Discreetness at its finest!

The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs is writing project of identifying new and emerging blogs that are making an impact to its readers in 2008.