Who would have thought that a simple plan in the discord server would turn into an epic first-ever HivePH meetup?

_{First Hive PH Meetup @ Lobo Filipino Tavern | Photo from @indayclara}

Discord has been a hub for different communities here on Hive, allowing Hivers from different places to come together and share common interests. I became an active Discord user, thanks to HivePH. Discord has been my go-to spot virtually for hanging out and bonding with my fellow Hivers. From daily conversations about everything under the sun, supporting each other in Hive and in real life, to Friday night games, we decided to take our virtual connections to the next level.

After months of anticipation, the first-ever HivePH meetup became a reality.

_{Photo from @indayclara}

📝 Planning

I'm not really sure when did the idea of having a meetup occurred, one thing is for sure, we have this collective desire to strengthen the bonds formed in this community. After a lot of friendly banters and brainstorming ideas, we settled on April 29, 2023 as the big day.

We, the staff, took charge, considering all suggestions and logistical aspects. We wanted to cater to as many people as possible, unfortunately, some are just too far away. Maybe someday we can figure out how to teleport them 🤣

We ensured that each of the staff had a vital role to play to make it a success. We did all the planning on the Discord server, with channels dedicated to the whole meetup event. Oops, do you think we're that organized? We're an organized mess at its finest 🤘🏻 That's where the fun is!

✨ Meetup Day

@wittyzell, @adamada, @jude.villarta, @arcgspy, @demotry, and I planned to meet at the Ayala Museum for some pre-meetup bonding. They were already in the area together with @akumagai, @cindee08, @cli4d, @dennnmarc, and @ishwoundedhealer. Then I eventually arrived, fashionably late as I came from another trip. But oh boy, the museum was fully booked that day. That didn't ruin the day, though.

When I reached the destination, I saw Arc waiting for me. When I stepped out of the Grab car, I saw Witty from afar, arms outstretched and ready for a hug. She hugged me and said, 'Ang cute mo C! Ang liit ng mukha mo.' (You're so cute, C! Your face is small.) It was great to see Witty in person, radiating the welcoming vibe despite the heat. Still fresh from Japan! HAHAHA

Ate Cindee was in high spirits! It was a delight to finally meet her in person. And Demo, such a softie! Akumagai called my name and gave a friendly greeting. His vibe was warm and inviting. He was with Adam at that moment. It was only my second time meeting Adam, but it felt as if we had known each other for a long time.

We waited for Ford, Denn, and Ish who were busy exploring the area. Since we still have some time to spare, we decided to stroll to Ayala Triangle where we took some pictures as well.

_{Photo from @wittyzell}

When it was almost time to go to the meetup venue, we split into three groups. Arc, Adam and I took a cab to help Romeskie and Tp with the decorations. Witty, Jude, and Demo went to Demo's place while Cindee, Ish, Denn, and Ford stayed there a little longer.

📍 Arrival and Registration ✍🏻

We flocked to Lobo Filipino Tavern like bees buzzing with excitement. I was greeted by the venue manager with open arms.

_{Ate @lhes at your service! | Photo from @indayclara}

When I entered the room, @lhes was sitting there. For a split second, I thought she's ate Romeskie, who was supposed to handle the registration. Ate Lhes has been my virtual friend since my noisecash days and I'm glad to finally meet her in person. It was a surreal feeling.

I quickly signed the attendance with my username and struggling to come up with a witty one-liner. I settled for my go-to phrase in the Discord server, 'di mo sure'. (you're not sure). It's better than leaving it blank, right? 😅

Then, Lhes gave me a slambook page, courtesy of ate Romeskie's brilliant idea. We had to answer some questions. While waiting for others to arrive, I became the drinks coordinator. I went around asking people what they wanted.

🎤 Program - #General, #LoveRadio, and #Events channel in real life

Yes, there's a program! It was like being in a real-life version of the #General, #LoveRadio, and #Events channels combined. Adam gave his opening remarks, and we were all ears. Followed by the human bingo, prepared by the one and only @wittyzell. Slowly, I felt my competitive spirit awakening 🤣 It was the time to show off my bingo skills honed from countless Friday Night games on Discord. I knew @cindee08 was shaking! HAHAHAHA

I enjoyed answering the human bingo because we get to strike up conversations along the way. Laughter and friendly competition filled the room as we engage in this icebreaker activity. It feels like the #Events channel on Discord, but live! Witty read out the answers to check the winners. To my delight, I was the first to submit the human bingo paper with correct answers 🤘🏻✨ It was a night full of Cs because @indayclara and @cindee08 won, too! Cs reigned that night 👑

_{Karaoke sesh! | Photo from @indayclara}

The event transitioned from icebreaker to karaoke session, where talented members took the floor to showcase their beautiful voices. Hydra bot, who? It was pretty much just like the #LoveRadio channel, but live! I remembered ate Cindee shared some tips on how to get a perfect score in KTVs. I wasn't sure if @tpkidkai knew the secret too, but he nailed it with a perfect score! 👏🏻👏🏻

_{With Mebu, Tp, Denn, Ford, Cindee, Romeskie, Akuma, and Bananzell | Photo from @indayclara}

Then, I took the opportunity to mingle and change seats, hopping from one conversation to another. I had the chance to talk with @maverickinvictus and @kraaaaa, fellow HivePH members whom I hadn't interacted with much before. I can still remember we were talking about eyeglasses because Kraz noticed mine. Their company made the night even more memorable.

The program ended but we wanted to keep the fun going. We decided to continue the night at a nearby KTV place, because why not? 😁 We're there to bond!

Special thanks to our tequila bartender that night @nmore and @sensiblecast! 🤘🏻

The meetup was memorable. The conversations went on from one topic to another, as if we were just having a casual talk on #General channel on Discord.

🤎 Gratitude 🤎

I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed as I looked at the pictures we had that night. All thanks to the effort of the staff (hello team!) and the active participation of the community members who attended.

Special shoutout to these wonderful peeps who sent their love and support, @jonalyn2020 with the crocheted flower keychain and flower clips, @juanvegetarian for the coffee, @tpkidkai for the alcohol spray, @wittyzell for the chopsticks and chocolate, and @romeskie for the beanie 💖

Shoutout to these amazing peeps @ybanezkim26, @kneelyrac, and @hiddenblade! Even though you couldn't join us physically, your support was felt. We missed your physical presence but hey, we'll catch you at the next meetup, okieee? We'll save you a seat 😁 Same goes for all the HivePH members out there!

The positive energy that night was infectious. Did you feel it too? Looking back on the success of the first HivePH meetup, it left us craving for more. The bond we had that night was stronger than any WiFi signal we have when we were having our Friday Night games 😁

The lessons learned and experiences shared during the event served as a foundation for future meetups. Who knows, maybe there will be more HivePH gatherings in the future filled with laughter and friendship.

Here's to the plan that made it out of the Discord server, where Hive blog usernames and profile pictures became tangible ✨ May the friendship continue, both online and offline.