Finally, meet virtual friends, HivePH first meet up.

It was last year, or I am unsure if this year; pardon me for being forgetful when the Hiveph meet-up was planned. When the event/survey was posted on the Discord server, I didn't think twice about clicking INTERESTED. Why not? Hanging out with fellow members since I joined Hive last year has been my pastime. I enjoy talking to everyone to the point I get distracted from work or writing. So, I should not open my discord if I wanted to be productive. Not only that, we talked, but in our free time, mostly on weekends, we spent time talking through voice calls at Love Radio. Yes, you heard it right, and that sometimes ended the next morning around two. What topics? Anything under the sun!

With that, I was thankful that it was pursued, and the date was finally set, April 29, 2023. The day I was looking forward.

The meeting was at six in the evening, but I know we are Filipinos, and we had what we called Filipino Time, so I was not in a rush. Though as early as three in the afternoon, marse @cindee08 was chatting as she was already traveling to Manila. She's been telling me to get up and meet them early, but I felt so sleepy, plus it was hot outside, so I opted to sleep, lol.

Thus, at 5:30 PM, I was already walking to the coastal road to look for a taxi. Oh, just thirty minutes before the time, I was only 15 minutes away from the venue.

At this hour, the sun was about to set, and I captured this wonderful sight while riding in a taxi.

It was my first time going to this area somewhere in Makati, and even the taxi driver wasn't able to find the exact location of Lobo Tavern (the venue). I tried checking in the Google map, but I suck at reading directions. So, instead of roaming around while riding in a taxi, I decided to take a walk. That was also per the suggestion of the driver. The funny thing was, when I asked Google, it said that I was only 2mins walk away from where I was standing, yet I needed clarification about whether to turn right or left! Thankful the Security guard I asked led me the way, and yeah, it was just a few steps away!

Another thing that I needed clarification on was where is the entrance. I was about to go to the second floor, already taking a few steps, when I saw a guy down in the function hall who seemed to be calling me. But I am not sure! However, when I reached the second floor, I saw several already occupied tables. I told myself, ah, this is not the venue and rush going down and walked straight to the function hall. That was the right decision as the venue for the Hiveph meetup. I was early; only @tpkidkai and @romeskie were there when I stepped inside. Both are busy decorating the place.

Though I only had a few conversations with Romeskie as she was busy with her kid, I didn't feel awkward talking to her, especially TP. Then, they asked me if I had seen Claire. I was like, huh? Claire, oh, @indayclara. After a while, I saw her walking inside and found her pretty! She was smiling and showing her dimples and those chinky eyes. Honestly, I find her strict, lol, but I didn't expect she was so cool in person! Opss, before I forget, Romeskie's hair was so cool too, that undercut that I wanted to achieve but couldn't as my hair was not suitable for the hairstyle. TP? I didn't expect that he would be towering over me, Taas mo pala TP!

After a short chitchat, Romeskie asked me if it would be okay if I were a receptionist and be charged in registrations. I happily obliged as I also wanted to extend help for this meetup.

Stikcer for username, short questions to fill up to know them better, attendance sheet, and these cute pens as a giveaway. Thus it was limited only to early comers, and because I was early, I chose the best, lol. I got this sunflower design, and sorry guys, this was the only design, walang kapares!

Denmark and Adam at the registration area.

One by one few people started to come in and got a few conversations until @arcgspy arrived together with a guy. I quickly recognized it was Arc, but the guy she was with introduced himself and extend hands for a handshake. *wait, I wasn't familiar with the name he was saying, so I asked again, who is he? Still, I don't know him! Thus when Romeskie hugged him excitedly, that's the time I realized! Darn, that was @Adamada? I felt tricked! Natulala ako ng very light. Among all users, he is the one I am looking forward to meet, and, I guess, everyone too! He's been anonymous in the blockchain; we only heard his voice. Tssk, we only exchanged a few conversations during the event as we were busy too catching up with others. When I take a vacation in my province and both of us have time, I will drop by Iloilo. Makichismis lng

I had already read a few blogs about our meetup and I was glad to see some photos that we jokely complained in the discord if we feel we don't look good, lol.

It's @sensiblecast wearing a username of @pinkchic..Hehe nice hair, Besh, and it was nice meeting you in person. Thanks for spending your time conversing with me months ago when something came up. Appreciate it!

A group picture with @shwoundedhealer, Denmarc, Clid , and Cindee. Ganda natin dito Marse.

when they will be having a group picture and I wasn't included? lol, I quickly move just to in the photo.

At the KTV where the party was extended. Jude was singing and sitting beside her was Cindee and the tequilla.

Aside from this, there were no photos on my phone as I got busy talking to whoever was sitting near me. (Other photo source: Indayclara)I genuinely enjoyed the event that I forgot to take pictures by looking at those happy faces.. It may be our first meeting in person, but it seemed not! No awkwardness; everyone is enjoying each other's company, cheering those who show their talents in singing. It was like we were in Hiveph discord talking with each other but face to face this time.

I never thought that @wittyzell sings well! We look forward to seeing you in hive open mic, Witty, @ishwoundedhealer, and @jude.villarta.

@bananzell, @cthings, @cli4d, @dennmarc, @nmore, @maverickinvictus, @kraaaaa, @demotry It was nice meeting you all! (I am sorry if I ever forgot someone to mention)

To all @Hiveph staff that facilitates this event, kudos to you guys! I truly enjoyed the event though Jude kept on asking me if I was okay and I was enjoying it. Hehe, yes, I did. Dami ko nga na Marites, char!

Hoping there will be another meetup next year!

Thank you for this hairclip, love it!

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Lead image was edited using Canva
All photos are mine
Footer credit to Sensiblecast