Introduction
The meetup was a testament to how Hive created such an amazing connection within this community. We had people from all over the Philippines (Laguna, Manila, Makati, Cavite, Pasig, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, and Bukidnon) and even one from Japan, who came just to hang out and make memories.
We got an incredible mix of positive feedback and things for improvement in the first Hive PH meetup. But wait - what really happened?
Pre Meetup
Honestly, we didn't know how it all started. Whose idea was it to have a meetup in real life anyways? We couldn't blame backtrack who strongly wanted the meetup. As the HivePH community continues to bond on-chain and on Discord, we think we just wanted to see each other outside of our screens and be with everyone, not virtually but physically.
Despite the busy schedule of the staff and with the help of the Angkan Diwata and the rest of the members, the meetup was planned and organized.
Meetup Day
April 29 was so sunny and so hot but we didn't mind the heat when we were seeing the bright faces of everyone. Everyone was so excited. Was there any tension in the air? I don't think so. Everyone was in high spirits as if everyone wasn't tired from traveling from afar just to be there at the venue.
The venue? LOBO Filipino Tavern.
Can you believe the host was late? @wittyzell was fashionably late but when she arrived, the program started. That was also the time almost everyone finished eating so perfect timing?
The program started with the classic Getting To Know You setup since we're all strangers in real life but never online. Everyone took turns in introducing themselves and answering an ice breaker question. Some of the questions were too deep but everyone was such a good sport in answering them.
After that, it was another GTKY session because we love to get to know each other. 😂 This time, it's a human bingo - everyone was up and about to find the one that would fill in the blanks on their papers. It was fun watching everyone talking but still very competitive. Believe it or not, @nmore finished first but because there was a mistake in her paper, @cthings stole the first place that night. @cindee08 and @indayclara also won because like nmore, many got mistakes. We know you're lying and just filling them up guys.
The Singing Battle was up next and at this time, everybody was busy socializing. Some formed groups talking while some were enjoying the drinks and food. At this point, it was free time for all while the karaoke battle was going on. Later on, @tpkidkai got the perfect score in the karaoke battle. We should ask tips from him on how to score big.
Before the clock struck 10 PM, prizes and awards have been presented. @indayclara won the Atat award for being the first to arrive at the venue that day. @kraaaaa was the head turner that night because he was late and went home with the GQ award for being fashionable that night. The people's choice, the Chosen One award went to @wittyzell (di alam ni Witty bakit shuh). The Jollibee award was presented to @cindee08 for being so enthusiastic and energetic.
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The staff who came early to decorate the place had hidden something in the venue. Everybody was actively looking for them and of course, prizes were given to those who have big eyes found them.
Outro
Some of the community members couldn't attend physically in the meetup but we would like to thank them. A big heartfelt thank you goes to all the people who chipped in with souvenirs and prizes. Around of applause to the people behind the scenes. And last but not the least, a massive thanks to everyone who attended the meetup! This meetup won't be a success without you~
The meetup is both a milestone and a sign of community health. When individuals who only knew each other online come together bearing some uncertainty about what to expect. People act different online than when they are in person and having no history of face to face interaction with everyone brings out an interesting experience. Will you still like the person even after they didn’t turn out the way you imagined them to be face to face? Or will they see you the same way as they do online?
Beyond the experience, let’s take a moment to ponder the possibilities. Given during the opening remarks was a line from @adamada:
Look to your left, look to your right, years or months back, would you have imagined yourself meeting the people you’re here with right now if it not for the blockchain or Hive?
Because of Hive and HivePH community, bonds were formed, experiences were made, memories were cherished and new possibilities were opened up.
Sinadya ko hindi e mention yung pera dahil wala yun dito.
We got some feedback from the people who joined the meetup:
The overall reception was positive! There are actual things to work on and we are looking forward to implementing these for future events. Kung may future events. We'd also like to thank everyone who provided feedback for this first meetup!
It was a success because people from different parts of the Philippines + 1 from Japan came just to say hi and make memories. These people took a risk and went out of their way to be with everyone else whom they just met online from a blockchain that gives monetary rewards. For those that didn’t attend the event, iyak dugo.
And because the moment was fleeting, it gave more value to the memories created. We never know when we’ll meet each other again in person. But there is no doubt that bonds were made and it transcended casual relationships found on the blockchain. Only when the moment of parting do we understand how significant their company was to us. Hive and the people from HivePH made the event possible.
