MANILA, Philippines – Blogs owned and maintained by Filipino migrant workers abroad were honored during the 3rd annual international Philippine Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA) held recently in Greenhills, San Juan.

The winners for this year’s Top 10 Outstanding Blogs (OFW Bloggers Category) were: Animus, Kuwait (Top 1); Gremliness, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Top 2); Kayni's Corner Cafe, USA (Top 3); Baul ni Noel, Saudi Arabia (Top 4); ¡Soy Negrense!, Saudi Arabia (Top 5); Journey of a Prodigal Daughter, Macau (Top 6); Gumamela sa Paraiso, Taiwan (Top 7); Deconstructing Dubai, UAE (Top 8); The Journey of my Life,  Saudi Arabia and Stay at Home Blessings, Saudi Arabia (Top 9); and Batang Gala, Canada (Top 10).

OFWs and the representatives of the winners attended the event at the Teatrino, Promenade, Greenhills last December 16. They were treated to an evening of honor and pride. The event was PEBA’s way of helping strengthen OFW families who also contribute to building a better nation.

The late Blas F. Ople’s nephew, Carlo Ople, was invited as the event’s guest keynote speaker.

PEBA said the event highlighted the heroism of modern day heroes by acknowledging their courage while declaring their love and support to their families and their country.

According to the group, blogging is no longer a pastime.

“It has become a driving force to make a statement; a platform to help others realize the importance of telling our stories abroad, a way to communicate our feelings and a channel to create a binding force in helping each other. PEBA is helping the Filipino global community to become smaller and enrich the lives of each Filipino family wherever they are,” PEBA said in a statement.

Winners in other categories are the following:

Top 10 Outstanding Blogs (OFW Supporters Category)

Top 1 - Felmar's Missionary Journey
Top 2 - On This Side of Town
Top 3 - Kayumangging Damdamin  
Top 4 - Tuyong Tinta ng Bolpen
Top 5 - M(.)(.)D Swings
Top 6 - Pinaywriter's Oral Diarrhea 2
Top 7 - Panay Mud Pie
Top 8 - S I Y E T E H A N
Top 9 - Batang Mangyan
Top 10 - Anak ng Tokwa

Outstanding Blogs by Region (OFW Bloggers Category)

Central America and Canada - Kayni's Corner Cafe, USA
Asia and the Pacific - Journey of a Prodigal Daughter, Macau
Middle East and Africa - Animus, Kuwait

Outstanding Blogs by Region (OFW Supporters Category)

Metro Manila - Kayumangging Damdamin, Manila
Luzon - Tuyong Tinta ng Bolpen, Batangas
Visayas - Panay Mud Pie, Iloilo city
Mindanao - Felmar's Missionary Journey, Davao

Most Popular Blog Award

Michael Shades of Blue, KSA
XPROSAIC'S World, Davao

NOKIA's Best Blog Entry Award

A One Less Generation, Deconstructing Dubai, UAE
My Mom's Quasi-orphanage, Pinaywriter's Oral Diarrhea 2, Philippines

Friendster Blog Award

MIZPAH, Kuwait

Most Visible Blog by Metrics Award

The Journey of my Life, KSA
On This Side of Town, Philippines

Most Commented Blog Entry Award

Michael Shades of Blue, Al Khobar, KSA
Kayumangging Damdamin, Philippines

NOKIA Connecting OFW Families' Best Entry Award

"Wala Kasing Celpon si Lola", Mga Kathang Isip ni Kiko, Qatar

Most Commented in Facebook Award

Michael Shades of Blue, Al Khobar, KSA
Mazeplace, Davao, Philippines

Most "LIKED" in Facebook Award

Michael Shades of Blue, Al Khobar, KSA
Mazeplace, Davao, Philippines

Most Commented in Friendster Award

Michael Shades of Blue, Al Khobar, KSA
Felmar's Missionary Journey, Davao, Philippines