baratillo @ cubao : www.baratillo.net

And that is what I think the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs in 2008 would be in my mind. They are the diamonds in the rough.

Have you ever seen an uncut diamond? Its no much really and yet like any of its relative like the emerald, ruby or the jade it is often unassuming at first but given time and effort one can clearly see how it can bedazzle the eye.

My choice of blogs that are the diamonds in the rough so to speak. There are limits to this list. And the main limit is me. My apologies if you think any other blog should have been included. I probably have not stumbled upon it. You know blogging is sometimes like prospecting - a bit of science, a bit of voodoo and a bit of serendipity. Anyway here is the list.

THE GROUP BLOGS

1. VisitSagada.com: A niche group blog that focuses on Sagada. It gives you several practical tips and also shares the experiences of the bloggers who have been captivated by the beauty of the place to the point of Ad Naseum but entertaining Ad Naseum not online but up front. And I think this makes these boys Sagada Evangelists.

2. YouGotTech: Five or more individuals trying to bring tech sans the techesse and minus the fan boy attitude via video.Its quirky, entertaining, informative and fun.

3. FilipinoVoices: At long last a blog that brings together the different voices from the Philippine Blogging Community. This blog aint a chorus rather it is a cacophony of sounds coming from the blog jungle. Different and colorful. This is what makes it interesting.

THE FOOD BLOGS

4. Food Blog for Hungry Bachelors

The food companion for single men. Includes what, were and the how of cooking for bachelors by bachelors or those who would want to be bachelors.

5. Pass the Sauce: Cosmetic evangelist, cook and chef-in-training. Plus She is a techie. Her food blog fives you latest place she eats; the latest thing she cooks, and the latest thing her SC ate. Be entertained and learn something about the fine and fun art of eating and cooking.

6. Pinoy Life At Large: Its hard no to miss Arpee. And he seems to be everyhwere today. From the latest food tour and event. Along with Noreen the couple are a pair of genuine gourmets trotting about.

THE PERSONAL:ITS PERSONAL

7. Fritzified.com: How can you not enjoy the ramblings and the musings of Fritz. From discussing the fine things in life to social and Philosophicals. Fritizified.com is a virtual cornucopia of ideas. Time spent there is not boring.

8. SamJuan: This tells it all:

.. mga kwento ni samjuan, sino man, tungkol kanino man, kahit saan, kahit kailan, salamat walang anuman …

Minsan ba at minsan magkaparehong pananaw sa atin. Isinulat ng isang Kababatan na nasa Estados Unidos. Ito po ay isang blog na Ka-aya-ayang basahin. Hindi sayang ang oras.

BLOGS THAT ARE SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN

A gossip and commentary blog -

9.Bloggers Da Who: Its content talk about bloggers and at the same time provides entertainment to the Philippine Blogging Community. Highlights the good, the bad and the ugly side of Filipino bloggers. Entertains and sheds light to certain bad habits of certain bloggers who will remain anonymous - hence the name Da Who.

A tech and personal blog -

10. Technogra.ph: This blog’s beat is the Philippine technology scene. Covers commentary, news, Reviews, event coverage, and other related developments. It even has a glossary (Grammar Nazi perhaps?). Whatever.Despite its tech advocacy the blog does meander a bit. But it is ok - because it keeps thing lively.

So there. My list. Note there are some blogs that I am part of and there are some blogs that are written by friends but despite me being there or being their friend (at least I think I am) … it does not diminish the fact that they are diamonds in the rough.