Contrary to popular belief, introverts love people. I know I do. We just don't socialize that often because it drains us. We need some time to recharge because our energy comes from our time alone. But that isn't the talk of this post, I'm going to share with you some tales about the 6th Steemit Meetup that happened yesterday - through the eyes and mind of an introvert.
The Venue
Dolce Cafe, Cebu City. The 6th Cebu Steemit meetup venue
It was my first time in the Dolce Cafe but it didn't take long for the cafe girl in me to love the place. All the corners were so pretty and it helped that @ybanezkim26 and I came early. While waiting for the other Steemians to arrive, we made the most of our waiting time by taking pictures.
Dolce Cafe interior aka pretty corner 1
Dolce Cafe interior aka pretty corner 2
Dolce Cafe breads, cakes and pastries aka pretty corner 3
The People
Steemians slowly filling the room up
We were greeted by fellow early birds @itinerantph, @mikekenlytungal and @davids-tales. A bit of awkwardness started to creep up from inside me but @itinerantph was so warm with his welcome that it felt like I've already known him for quite a while. Aside from being warm, he was supportive as well. I didn't have that much knowledge about the Steemit leaders in Cebu but I had a feeling that he was one of them. I was lucky that @ybanezkim26 knew a lot about the community. I intended to meet the Steemians in person before I got to know them through their blogs because I wanted to put a face to their names. Because this introvert was feeling a bit social, I wanted to create not only connections online but in real life too!
I and @ybanezkim26 squeezing in some time for a selfie
More Steemians filling up the room
The Lectures and Inputs
@mikekenlytungal sharing to active Steemians fundamental Steemit concepts
@itinerantph sharing to active Steemians his informative inputs about the platform and @iamwhatiamnot listening intently
@mikkenlytungal shared an overview of the Steemit platform's technicalities. He covered the Steemit basics, the Steem currencies and the other ways to earn through D-tube and Utopian. @purepinay shared her insights as well. She encouraged us to interact with other Steemians on their blogs. It was inspiring to know that she always had the Cebuano Steemians' backs. @itinerantph encouraged me to share my personal project with the group and I'm so thankful that he gave me the opportunity to do so.
The Confidence Project is an initiative that is so important to me. It meant so much to me that fellow Steemians showed their support. My friends and I can't wait to have all of you on board with us, you guys!
The Aftermath
Knowing and brushing up our knowledge of the platform was good and all. But for me, the highlight of the meetup was what happened after. The feeling of awkwardness was barely there as strangers turned into familiar faces. We had one too many group pictures and I'm sure you've probably seen them on the Cebuano Steemians' blogs since last night. Allow me to share with you some of the reasons why I considered the aftermath the highlight of the meetup.
A connection made known through Steemit. Meeting @josejirafa for the first time
I came to know @josejirafa through his commenting on my posts. He said that my boyfriend was a senior of his in high school. Our connection was a testament to what @purepinay said that interaction in the comments section can lead to a connection. @ybanezkim26 had a similar experience too. He met a schoolmate of his, @bonjovey, in the meetup too! He said that he even barely knew her then, but Steemit gave them a chance to get to know each other all over again. Though I haven't had the chance to take a picture with her, I met the awesome @tegoshei there too. Her name keeps appearing on my feed and it was so nice to know that we work in the same company.
from L-R: @josejirafa, @ybanezkim26, @honeyletsgo, @thegaillery, @, @maimaimaichan and @jassennessaj
Hearing what made the other Steemians join the platform allowed me to sum their reasons up in these 3 p's - passion, practicality and the people. I've heard of Steemians who are honing their crafts, investing in the cryptocurrency market, living their dream nomadic lives all the while not breaking the bank! There are others who stayed because of the people they've met, people who show support because that's how they want to give back and people like me who want to make the world a little better through our blogs. I got to know @jassennesaj there too, he ticks off all of the three p's by the way.
@bonjovey's house interiors
Remember @bonjovey? She invited us to her house at Jardin de Busay. What started out as a cafe meetup to some place I've never been before turned into a trip to another place I've also never been! This introvert was way out of her comfort zone, but I was having so much fun. I didn't want it to end.
The Steemians dined on chicken and donuts. There's nothing like good food and good stories to unite Cebuanos. @xsasj and @rcarter though foreigners, were quite familiar with the culture I'm sure. These two made the night memorable for me as well. @xsasj was telling me about her life in the Netherlands and how she believes in living her life her way. She shared that she was a bit of an introvert too. @rcarter explained the complexity of the platform's technicalities in a simple way which enlightened me to some extent.
Newly-formed friendship powered by Steemit
This girl, @honeyletsgo, made my night quite memorable as well. She comes off as a bubbly and cheerful girl but don't let her features fool you. She's a talented singer with a heart that life made tough. @ybanezkim26 and I look forward to catching up with this girl really soon.
Karaoke king and queens
@honeyletsgo, @bonjovey, @ybanezkim26 and I marked our territory - the karaoke station! We ended the night singing OPM, ballad, rock, rap and pop songs. It was the first time this year that I laughed as hard as I did.
TLDR
Steemit means so much more to me now than ever. As this community grows, I hope I grow with it too.
Looking forward to more meetups,
@thegaillery
Glad you guys enjoyed to meet up :D
So sad to missed the informative topics that had discussed..
I hope to see you soon in Sinulog event @thegaillery
Love
@micch
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hi @micch! Likewise, I hope to catch you there!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
thats for sure @thagaillery :D
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You know when I am reading this, I can hear a very calm and lucid voice. Every pauses and stops and the rhythm. it's weird. hahaha. I really admire your talent in writing @thegaillery. Your words reflect your personality. Thank you for showing your rapping skills to us. :-D
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It's exactly what I'm doing right now. As I tried to read through her voice and rhythm, I was able to understand her more. Ig-agaw jud ta dzai!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hey girl @honeyletsgo! Haha, thank you for your kind words. I can't wait to hang out with you guys again! @ybanezkim26 and @bonjovey :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nice seeing you in person, @thegaillery!
Sorry if I couldn't talk too much with you guys. Really a shy type but really want to engange. Hahaha!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I get you @rafael.espina! It took a lot of effort on my part to talk to our fellow Steemians too. Hope we can run into each other again next time :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Interesting.. Good work steemians.. I enjoyed this meeting as i am there.. Thanx for sharing and that also good idea for steemins community of any region to manage meetings and stay in contact with each other
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hi @biyanoor! I think that meetups are an excellent way to grow your network and to encourage the community to thrive. Hope you can come in the next one too!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yeah you are right..Thanx for invitation
God bless you all
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wow! You got to meet a whole lot of steemians! Too bad I had to leave early cuz i had to go to s friends birthday 😁
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes @davids-tales, good thing you didn't miss your friend's birthday though. Hope to see you next time as well :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I promise to join you guys next time. It's a missed opportunity for me but seeing how the community has grown, I know there'll be more of this coming. :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You really should @legendarryll! @themanualbot predicts more than 100 attendees next time haha
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It was really nice meeting you, @thegaillery! I really love how you speak, so sweet and calm. Hope to see you again and know you more, gorgeous! ^_^
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You're even more gorgeous, @marysent! I'd love to get to know you more too, can't wait 'til next time :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Awesome for making an effort sharing Steemit to other people.
You will help them change their outlook in life and enjoy Steemit.
And looks like you all had fun! Amazing smiles.
Bless you.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Same to you, @lisaocampo. Hope to catch you in the upcoming meetups 😁
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wow @thegaillery.. that was such a beautiful write-up! I enjoyed reading that :) I lived there in Cebu for 4 years while in college and moved back for another year after I got married. Hope we can visit again in the future :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you for dropping by @jazzybells! Hope you love Cebu as much as we do 💕 I hope you can get to visit in the future, too
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Well done @thegaillery!♥♥♥
Love the photos, good job talaga :) I swear to join meet-ups here in Manila next time! Argghh. haha!:)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you @feye! Yes, that'd be great :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
what a great community steemit is
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I totally agree @ghadaelsawy 👍🏻
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I hope I will experience Meet-ups in the future and other events of Steemians.
Great to see you enjoying and learning from our tenured co-bloggers.
Have a good one
Keep Safe always @thegaillery
Much Love
@gerel
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes @gerel! I think there's an upcoming event this month. I hope you can join 😁
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
So wish i Was be there..
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Don't worry @khelechy! There'll be upcoming meetups this year. Hope you won't miss it 🙂
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
awww this is sad, i hope i was there to see you steemians as well!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Be sure to come in the next meetup, @xackycookie!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
woohooo! Glad to see a cebu-kin going at it on steem! More power to you!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Likewise, @bryocampo! Are you from Cebu too?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Beautifully written @thegaillery! I really want to know more about steemit, and your post (and @ybanezkim26's post as well) made me realize that there is so much more to steemit than just being a social media platform. I hope I can join soon and meet amazing people 😊
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
So lovely to see you here @leanillegrace. Steemit is what we make it out to be. But it surprises me all the time. I'm sure you'll enjoy it here too. Just start and don't ever look back.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nice, I wish I could have been there. Nice cafe too.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@mikej! I wish you were able to come too 🙂
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
That would be so much fun.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wow great writing one..I appreciate to your post..Keep up it dear...
I will wait your new post ..Best of luck...
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you @nnajmull, I hope we won't let you down!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes my friend.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You are really doing a good job in promoting steemit out there.
I hope this would bring a massive development to the platform and add value to people's lives.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you @skymath01! I'm lucky to be a part of @steemph.cebu's community :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
nice!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks @harvz!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It shows that you are an introvert. I share the same sentiments as well. I will need time alone in my thoughts to recover lol. It must have taken a lot of courage to persuade yourself haha.
Glad to meet you, ate Gail!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Surprisingly, I came to the meetup without any resistance from my introverted self @josejirafa! Likewise, I was so glad to have finally meet you. I have one quick question, though. Why is your username @josejirafa?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hahaha. Its from our Spanish class way back in high school. We were asked to pick an animal name paired with a Spanish sounding name. I chose jose from jose rizal and jirafa or giraffe since im the tallest in the group. I would like to believe that it resounds my personality haha. Ever since, it became sort of my "pen name" and I just held on to it haha
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nice! It's clear that you also have a knack for thinking deeply (is that a thing?) haha, @josejirafa! Looking forward to more meaningful conversations with you
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
As for confidence, read the following posts and its comments. Many of the solutions to this aspect is not in world curriculum, it is right here in the nooks and crannies of PH for instance.
https://steemit.com/steemit/@surpassinggoogle/steemit-s-untalented-is-in-beta-participate-freely-because-every-participant-in-this-contest-will-win-something-no-losers
https://steemit.com/smt/@surpassinggoogle/teardrops-token-will-be-among-the-coming-generation-of-smart-media-tokens-and-it-will-reward-proof-of-tears
Let me leave you with those two for a start. Look for its undertone, you will grasp why i left it here.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Oh i understand this word...Thanks for providing your valuable content....
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I'll read them now, @surpassinggoogle, thanks for dropping by!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@surpassinggoogle please check out my entry
https://steemit.com/untalented-adjustments/@adedoyinwealth/amazing-adjustments-how-steemit-has-changed-my-life
Thanks.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
you really put effort into writing this article, great work! I really hope we will have the chance to talk the next time :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Likewise, @m1r1. I hope to see you in the next meetups 💕
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
We also promote these type of meetups.
people are very emotional and it's work too high.
Glad you Guys
.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@khalodshabbir, yep, it's a lot of work alright. But, the pay-off can be high! Hope you can have your own meetups too
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nice meet up. Happy for you guys. My group is also had a meet up but not as big as yours. Mas sosyal venue nyo. :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hi @juwel! I have a feeling that your group will grow bigger in no time!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes we just started here. Most of us are newbie. So still learning here and needs support too.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Will help out in any way I can, @juwel :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It's so overwhelming to know that we have a lot of steemit members from Cebu! HAPPY HAPPY!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes @smb14! The leaders expect it to grow even bigger with time :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I was gonna talk much to you but you seem the type of just wanting to talk to familiar faces HAHAH but there i go, got to know you're introvert ☺ you kinda had my name wrong by the way hihi it's @maimaimaichan 😆 the one you tagged was my first account in which I misplaced the password. By the way, my brother @josejirafa told me few things about you connecting to your bf who's a friend of his so It was nice knowing and meeting you, Gail. I always misspell your name though. Seeyou next time!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hi @maimaimaichan! So sorry to hear about your lost password and your mispelled name as well! I'll be fixing that after I hit reply😁 So you're brother and sister? Wow. I hope we get to chat more next time 🙂Btw, who's this Steemian beside you in the pic? The one wearing white?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hii! I am so glad I got to meet you! We had a good chat together! See you around on steemit and I hope to see you next time!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Likewise, @xsasj!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It was nice meeting you Gail.. <3 Would love to talk with you more about a lot of things! ^_^ See you around! :D
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes @tegoshei! I hope we can chat more in the next meetup :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hoping for that, too! See you then! ^^
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
you are an awesome person! see you around @thegaillery!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Likewise, @mikekenlytungal! Hope to hear more from you next time :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I just missed a lot not being able to join the meet-up! 😭
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
There's an upcoming meetup this Sinulog, @wandergirl!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
That's exciting! Hopefully I could join. Thanks for the tip!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
The meet up was successful and Steemit community is growing bigger . :)
It was nice meeting you again @thegaillery and hope to talk more with you next time. I did not know you are also a teacher . :) <3 Anyway , thanks for sharing your perspectives . :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yeah, it was nice to meet you too, @joancabz! Even nicer was the fact that we're both teachers 😁
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I can imagine the way you tell your story @thegaillery! I could also hear your voice while reading your post. Ugghh I am so happy for you and proud of you! So far from the perspective of how I know you, I can tell that you are really glad you joined this meet up. Hopefully next time I could join, too. :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hahaha! You're the third person to say that @namranna. Do I really sound like my posts? Hahaha! Really hoping that I'll see you next time 😁
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hahahah you are what you write? echos lang hahaha bitaw, madunggan jud nako imong tingog hahaha ayeeeiiii
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hello @steemphcebu I was given the opportunity to read your post @thegaillery because this was resteemed by @surpassinggoogle and it caught my attention. I would love to know also the faces behind their names and to connect with them personally. I hope we can all see each other soon and for that I'm so thrilled.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You have an interesting name @ramaonehalf, inspired from the anime, Ranma? I'm thrilled to meet you in person, too 🙂
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nah I just randomly pick the word "onehalf" ;-) though Rama is my last name @thegaillery
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Naa sad ko sa Cebu ron, I missed it. Sayang kaayu! lezz meet soon please!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes @ellamielle, there's an upcoming meetup this Sinulog I think. The core leaders were talking about it
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit