It was still fresh in my mind when @indayclara conducted an orientation in our school about Hive Blogging. After that, I made my introduction post and then became a member of this platform last October 24, 2022. Time flies so fast with all your support I am already seven months on this journey and owe this to all of you my dear Hive friends and of course the help and guidance of @indayclara. I also learned many things from Hive. I met new friends not only in my country but all over the world. I just hope that someday I could meet them in person. They were not only on the online platform but had the chance to meet and greet them in person. Thus when @indayclara sent us messages to have a meet-up dated last May 21, 2023, I answered with a big yes. I noted that I will be coming or joining the meet-up.
The Plan
The meet-up was carefully organized by @indayclara and with the help of @callmesmile. With regards to our get-together lunch and snacks, @indayclara suggested having pledges. Without hesitation, we were glad to note our pledges. These were simple but came from the bottom of our hearts. The shared portion of our blessings was our way of commending hive.
These were our pledges:
We agreed to have a uniform during the meet-up. Then we decided to have a black color for our T-shirt. It was @callmesmile who chose the designs. For the venue, the first plan was at Goopio Beach Resort, but eventually changed to Halfmoon Beach Resort. The more excited we were on the day of our meet-up when @indayclara informed us that Sr @ybanezkim26 will join in our meet-up. We knew that he was one of the @OCD onboarder and curators and had built a higher reputation on HIVE. We love to meet people like him since, for sure, he can also impart additional learnings and tips on HIVE Blogging.
The Venue
Located in Poblacion, San Remigio, Cebu is Halfmoon Beach Resort. Since it is in my hometown and our house is just in an adjacent barangay, It took only a few minutes of my travel. This beach resort is one of the most visited by beachgoers in town because of its affordable and spacious cottages and complete amenities. So the venue fits our meet-up.
Arrival
Together with @naymhapz, we were the last who arrived. I still cooked Lumpia Shanghai, or others call it Spring Roll and Shrimp with pineapple at home in favor of @naymhapz. When we were at the venue, @indayclara greeted and welcomed us wholeheartedly. I'm happy with her warm welcome. It made us comfortable and felt a sense of belongingness.
At the cottages, I saw Sr @ybanezkim26. Even if he was not officially introduced to us, I know it was him. I felt guilty because he was our guest but then he was preparing a fresh salad for everyone. For sure he loved what he was doing too. Then I saw some HIVE Bloggers in the grilling section. They were grilling fish and pork as they were all enjoying themselves talking and laughing as they shared some thoughts and experiences. Since I was late, and the grilled fish and pork were almost finished, I returned to the cottages. While waiting, @indayclara interviewed us about what we like about HIVE or why we love HIVE. We were amazed by the interview since she told us to speak in English in front of the camera and you know, we were not used to it. Hahaha. We were not an artist and not prepared but we must answer it. That makes our meet-up extraordinary for me.
The Moment
After knowing each other, we started our program. It started with a prayer by @callmesmile followed by welcome remarks and a statement of purpose by @indayclara. After which was the orientation about onboarding, and the giving of some tips on hive blogging and onboarding by Sr @ybanezkim26. We learned many things from him, therefore we were truly blessed by his presence. After the orientation, were the pictorials. Then a get-together Lunch followed. We were all satisfied and had a full stomach. When done eating, the banana boat journey begins. They rode the banana boat and had a quick swim at the midway of their travel. As they arrived back on the shores, I saw the joy and peculiar experiences riding on their faces.
Before going home, we all shared the food left. It was @indayclara who did it for us. She was very prepared for the bring house since she has plastic bags prepared. We all had our share. Our meet-up was extraordinary. The memories we shared will not be forgotten. It was our first meet up but were looking forward to the next meet-up to come or the Christmas party soon. So, my dear hive friends, I hope you can also join us. Thankful to @indayclara for leading this unforgettable event. Forever grateful to Sr @ybanezkim26 for spending his time for us. I hope this will not be the first and the last but the beginning of a stronger relationship of being friends and family as well.
Thank you for sparing time to read and support my blog. God bless everyone and more power to all of us.
Note: Some pictures were shared with us by @indayclara.