Twestival Manila 2011

Tweet?

Last March 21, 2011 Twitter celebrated its 5th year anniversary since the first tweet posted by Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter. Belated happy anniversary, Twitter!

According to TweetStartDate.com I've been tweeting for 2 years, 320 days, 23 hours, 41 minutes, 58 seconds since May 5, 2008. When I first joined Twitter I could still receive SMS notifications from Twitter for new tweets and replies on my account. I was pretty addicted for a while. I'd receive SMS notifications throughout the day on what my Twitter friends' updates and I could post tweets via SMS as well. Eventually they removed the SMS notification feature for the Philippines and it was like I was suddenly disconnected.

Twitter offers a social networking and microblogging service for users. Posts or "tweets" are limited to 140 characters, hence the term "microblogging". I mainly tweet to be updated with my friends, who I rarely see or hang out with. I also follow several news network Twitter accounts to be updated on current events. I use Seesmic web for tweeting on a PC or a laptop because I like the interface while I use Plume for tweeting on my Nexus One.

This morning I read this entry on divasoria's blog, where I found out about Twestival Manila 2011. Here's some background information on Twestival.

What is Twestival?

A Twestival (or Twitter-Festival) is a single day, global movement which uses the power of social media to organize offline events that mobilize communities in support of a local cause. Twestival was born out of the idea that if communities were able to collaborate on an international scale, but working from a local level, it could have a spectacular impact.

Since 2009, over 200 cities have participated in Twestival, raising close to $1.2 million for important causes like clean water and education. Twestival Local events are coordinated 100% by volunteers and 100% of the funds raised through ticket sales and donations go directly to support charitable projects.

Twestival Local

This year Twestival is going 'Local' in cities around the world on Thursday 24 March 2011. Events for Twestival Local will raise funds and awareness for local nonprofits that organizers identify for having an incredible impact within their own community.

The events can be as big or small as the city wants to make it. We have had Twestivals in a local pub, a bowling alley, a trapeze studio, and even a giant yacht, all thanks to the generosity of local donors and sponsors who come forward to support the volunteer efforts. It is about using your time, talent and resources to come together on one night to make a difference. Think global, act local.

So, tomorrow, March 24, 2011, will be the first time that Twestival will be held here in Manila. I'm really interested in the event, but I'm still unsure if I want to attend. For those interested here are some details:

Dear kababayan,

You are invited to a special event, @TwestivalMNL, on March 24, 8:00 pm at Le Bistro Vert, Valero St. near the corner of H.V. dela Costa St. in Makati City, Metro Manila.

This is special because it will be our first time to hold a Twestival in the Philippines. We will be among many cities in the world which will have events on March 24 to "tweet, meet and give" to a good cause.

Proceeds of the event will be for the benefit of JeepneED, an organization which aims to build specially-designed e-learning jeepneys to rural high schools. For more info on Twestival Manila 2011, please visit (http://manila.twestival.com/).