A majority of stories had a very good plot and the facts/points were well laid down sequentially but from a general perspective, more than 75% had the same plot meaning that most bloggers were not creative and simply copied the “plan” laid down by their predecessors. I think this explains why the first few posts took a long time to come by while the later ones followed almost abruptly.
About half the entries, though with a good storyline, were not well laid down and would take an average reader about three reads to fully understand what the authors meant. Stories of this nature are not interesting and one would hardly want to read to the end. As a judge, I had no choice. I just had to read without any prejudice.
Keeping aside a few “typos”, grammatically, most of the entries were poorly written. This can be attributed to the fact that most of the contestants use English as a second language (are not native English speakers). However, this can’t be considered since it is assumed that every contestant knew exactly what he/she was bargaining for.
Despite clear instructions, some contestants still submitted entries without any photos or illustrations of any form. Though not every story needs a photo, at least some other forms of illustrations and emoticons make a plus. The majority of entries had illustrations but a few of those illustrations were not very related to the content of the entries.
Overall, I would say this contest was quite a success. Though the turnout was below my expectation, I appreciate every contestant, even the ones that performed poorly. Prove me wrong, but I can’t stop saying some contestants are better than their entries. Maybe some were not interested in the prizes at all.
As a judge, I would personally say the judging procedure wasn’t a walk in a park.
First and foremost, the mechanics of the contest permitted too much freedom and the contestants were therefore open to write just “anything” they wanted to. Though judgement tags were provided, it was a bit difficult for me to set a general standard for the rating of entries.
Secondly, I knew some of the contestants and therefore had to fight very hard against being partial. This inner struggle made me very strict and surprisingly almost stricter on the contestants I knew but with success, I didn’t let that happen.
Thirdly, I was facing a hard time here as a result of the outages. I didn’t want to rush over the entries and provide inaccurate judgements, so I took my time and limited myself to a few entries to judge a day.
It is with regrets, that I remind everyone of the disqualification of one contestant. It was a hard time for us taking that decision but we had to do everything just, to keep the integrity of the contest intact.
With a broad sincere smile, I thank all sponsors, contestants, voters, fellow judges and Ate Ellaine for making this big event very special. I hereby extend a handshake to all lucky winners while encouraging those who didn’t make it not to feel downgraded but rather take this as a challenge to perform better in the future.
General Santos Time
yeah English is my second languange.
ka-hadlok ani imong judge sis oi! lol mangurog man sad ta! maka-nose-bleed! lol
Leyn thanks. The judges is a skillful critics. Sir/Mam, Thanks for reviewing our entry.
Hmmm…leyn..hehehe e correct lang akong english…murag mali…hahahha. tama si sis recel maka nosebleed…
Katakot ng second judge, super strict!
ayos! galing ng judge! hahaha! sapul ako! but i’m still glad i’m part of the contest. like i’ve said, te ellaine, you will always have my full support! hehehe… Congratz sa mananalo!!!
Hahaha a terror judge like a terror professor in college. Buti nalang sponsor lang ako waah!
Lainy yung link naku bah hehehe. Teka segi ko yawit wala paman diay taka ma add hehehe sa joy-dob.com.
Oh, I think it is high time i studied some Filipino. I can’t even get what you guys are saying. Oh! I got an idea. I will translate it on Google
or ask Ate Ellaine 
Thank you for the great blog contest. It was an attempt that I would have not even dreamed of undertaking. It was just so tempting and it really must be very difficult to organize such a grand celebration. Thank you.
That’s a matter-of-fact way of summarizing the contest. he he he! Thank you Sir/Madam judge for being strict. By being so, we were all in equal footing. Whatever happens from this contest, I would just want to say that the experience is a blessing. My circle has grown in the blogosphere.
Lainy, Happy Blogoversary! Cheers!
Z
I can appreciate anyone that is strict, but fair with judging a contest despite knowing some of the contestants.
Just like picking a professional athlete for an MVP award or All-Star selection, it is always a subjective argument with voting or judging. Everyone will have the reasons for picking one or another no differently than someone liking one entry over another in a contest such as this. That said, I certainly understand this judge’s way here.
Nonetheless, the judging of a contest while we’re all friends(meaning sponsors and contestants) isn’t about being friends in the end which is why some tough decisions throughout had to be made.
I salute the judges for what they’ve done as well with this contest. I’m glad to see it is being received well here, too!:)
Sis, after reading your second judge’s comment about the contest I am beginning to regret that I joined the contest.. LOL!!
Well, at least all the contestants tried their hardest despite the fact that english is our second language. 
albeit, it is not an excuse, still not all are good in the english department di ba.
WOW!
I am very proud of you Uncle Che.
Is this really you? I could not believe it when Lainy told me (just a few minutes ago) that you were one of the judges and all your identities were hidden until this moment. I laughed out loud telling Ate Ellaine that you can never judge correctly. I told her you are too emotional, and knowing some of the participants will even make things worse. Ha ha ha. I guess I am really wrong about that because Lainy thinks u did very well.
Yep, the judges are aware of that. Most of the contestants actually use English only as a second language…
But to quote the second judge:
“… It can’t be considered since it is assumed that every contestant knew exactly what he/she was bargaining for.”
Hahaha! Nosebleed jud diay. Sis???
Haha! Dili ko mag-correct oi! Dili man ko judge, wahehehehe!
No doubt, magaling talaga, Bang! Pero mabait yan, hehe!
Hahaha! Terror ba ang dating, Joy?
Hala! Namroblema jud ko Joy. Di ko kabalo unsaon pag-add sa link, Gosh! I feel so dumb! Don’t worry, I will ask Dickie how to do it…
Oh! I am sorry Uncle Che! We were too impolite. I volunteer to do the translations….
I thank you for choosing to join, Mys. It was a pleasure organizing a contest of this magnitude…
Hahaha! Sis, you might want to retract once the winners are declared, hehehe!
Oh yeah! I commend all the contestants for choosing to join. This endeavor wound’t have been possible without your unfailing support. Let us not be too sensitive with the judges’ comments. These should serve as a challenge and there is always room for improvement.
See you tonight!
Na-add ko na Joy. I hope I was added in your, too…