Iareseriouscat

We were approached by GMA News to talk about an unfavorable review we did 2 years ago. According to the person we were talking to, they wanted to have an article about the big bad blogger issue. They wanted to conduct an interview because they supposedly already had the side of the establishment we reviewed and so they wanted our side. We declined.

We declined simply because we already said what we had to say in that blog post. In the 2 years that has transpired, we have moved past that and it has been inspirational to see that our experiences in Manila and in the Philippines have been overrwhelmingly positive. It just seems counterproductive to put focus on a post that was written 2 years ago.

GETTING THINGS OUT OF THE WAY

We pay for our meals/products in 99% of our reviews. We have had a couple of free meals but we were NOT PAID to write or to take a favorable or unfavorable angle. We have had complete freedom to write whatever we want in 100% of our posts.

Integrity is central to our blog. We write completely from experience — no more, no less. We stand by our reviews and we stand by our thoughts & opinions. We even keep rude corrections on the comments sections because we want to make this blog as much a conversation and a community as a one-way portal.

Yes, we have monetized our blog BUT only through advertisements from valid advertising channels (i.e. Google Adsense, Nuffnang, Smowtion). We have gotten rid of some that don’t generate revenue for us such as infolinks. We do not partner with any 3rd party (e.g. PR) who would dictate our content.

Our net income for this blog is negative. Our earnings cannot cover all our lunches and dinners for the sake of this blog (not to mention the fuel consumed).

WHY WE DO THIS

Simply because it’s fun. It’s fun getting to know new people, trying out new food, experiencing new adventures, and rediscovering why this city and this country is something worth staying for.

WHY DO WE DO UNFAVORABLE REVIEWS

One of the aims that we hope this blog accomplishes is the improvement of the general foodie and business landscape in the metro and in the country. We have to call out the bad as much as the good so establishments can learn what not to do as well as what to do. If I were a reader, I would definitely appreciate it if the article I’m reading told me both the good and the bad — that’s what we try to do with ManilaReviews.com

WHAT DO WE THINK OF BLOGGERS WHO GET PAID FOR THEIR POSTS

That is their business model and that is their blog. What they want to do with that space is up to them.

WHO’S THE BIG BAD BLOGGER

I have no idea.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this disclosure. Let’s move on. :-)

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9 Responses

  2. Leah

    Filipino consumers have been complacent for a long time. And it is a breather that we are now learning. I guess some just can't take criticism constructively.

    Reply
    • @ejarbo

      I agree completely. The Philippine market is wising up. They can't trick us anymore with lemons!

      I believe the blogosphere is a powerful tool to accelerate that process!

      Reply
  3. Liezl

    Visiting via Pinoy Bloggers group. You’re right, an honest review should not only highlight the good points but also reveal the area of opportunities. Keep sharing your opinions! It’s your review and I find it helpful.

    Reply

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