_{Information sharing, picture taking, online friends meeting face-to-face - what went on in the 7th Steemit Meetup}

A wise teacher once told me that "Insights set better when they're allowed enough time to bake." It's been two days since the 7th Steemit meetup in Cebu and a lot of people have been posting about what went on with the meetup, and I'm about to do the same. However, it will be on a realization that I've spent a good two days pondering on.

Steemit won't be what it is today without the bright minds that started with an idea. I vaguely remember someone who said that until Steemit was launched, no one thought that another social media platform could rival or even topple over Facebook. Whether or not they wanted to rival the social media giant is debatable, but the fact remains that people should be rewarded for the content they worked so hard on.

The developers surely didn't stop at the idea, they tapped other people bigger than they are. Bigger here means richer, more influential, and possibly, even smarter than they were at that time. The rich could've given them the funding that they needed to further develop their work. The more influential could've spread the news like wildfire. The smarter ones could've figured out the loopholes to the algorithms the initial developers weren't able to solve.

In my opinion, all of these great things achieved by the primary movers would be all for naught, were it not for the existing users - billions of Steemians who believe in the platform and in themselves. That no matter how much people shed doubt on cryptocurrency, on this platform; the prime movers wouldn't be experiencing this great success if not for the Steemians who continue to contribute value to the platform - me, you, all of us.

"We all stand on the shoulders of giants, give them the credit they deserve."

I forgot where I read this passage from, but know that these aren't my words. Also know that I got to this point of my journey because of the people that have helped pave the way for me. I'm here to thank all of the giants who allowed for me to stand on their shoulders.

_{This photo doesn't even account for half of the Steemians that were present}

The Giant 1: Steemph.cebu

It doesn't take a genius to know that it's not easy to gather people coming from different backgrounds and interests in one venue. The 7th Steemit meetup in Marisse Patisserie was the second Cebu meetup that I've attended, and it also doesn't take a list to know that there were more of us this time. Well, I exaggerate, I need to take a look at that list first! The point I'm making here is that one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, outcome that Steemit has brought forth is the formation of communities in real life. While we were all driven by the same desire to make it big on this platform, but the force to connect is so real that it can't be avoided. What's even more impressive is the fact that a lot of passions have been realized here in the community. I was, and still am, in awe of the diversity that Steemit has initiated. Here were some of the passions that were featured in the meetup:

Financial Literacy
spearheaded by @namranna, @smaeunabs, and @jcvertucio

_{This team generously shared their financial knowledge to interested particpants}

Beatbox Community
spearheaded by @jaderpogi

_{The team shared their skills at the start of the event}

Curie Content Making
spearheaded by @ybanezkim26 and a testimonial by yours truly, @thegaillery

_{Kim didn't want for his face to be featured, but I dare say that his greatness deserves to be known}

_{photo is from: @honeyletsgo. I also shared what I know about creating Curie-worthy content}

_{@honeyletsgo got her first Curie post that day!}

Leadership
present core leaders: @jassennessaj, @itinerantph, @tegoshei, @ninyea, @fernwehninja, @themanualbot and @bellatravelph

_{photo from: @honeyetsgo. @jassenessaj speaking about Steemit's technicalities to newbie Steemians}

The Giants 2 & 3: @ybanezkim26 and @legendarryll

I will never get tired of thanking these people who made my joining here on Steemit possible. These two are legends in their own fields. They have made names for themselves here on the platform and I couldn't help but feel proud for them. I feel kind of honored that they believed in me from the very start. I hope I won't let you down.

The Giants 4 & 5: @themanualbot and @babybear

These two are among the very first Steemians here in Cebu. Erika told me that it was hard for them to earn even cents before. Her words were, "Kung maguol mo na gamay ra ang ma-earn sa inyong posts ron, unsa na kaha to amo sauna." To think that Cebuano Steemians now are earning 100x more (assuming they earned SBD 1.00 then) than they were made me think. One reason why this may be happening now is because of the amount of support that we've been given. Roger is one of the strong pillars of the community. He directly communicates with international Steemians to support Cebuanos. These two are grounded on their principles of cooperation and mutualism. Thank you to you both!

_{This isn't a flattering photo of you two, but you two deserve to be featured}

The Noteworthy Giants: Working Steemians

I am beyond lucky to be a part of this core group that supports each other to the best of each of our abilities. May we always bring each other up and treat each other when our wallets are full of SBDs. Shoutout to@wandergirl, @brokemancode, @jsmalila, @honeyletsgo, @jeebee0331, @iamyourshyness, @thisisruby, @xaydtrips, @reewritesthings, @asasikulot, @jocephil, @baijess, @zyrawr, John Alex Adra, Angie Tampus, @faithvarron and @hunterx3.

The Steemians I haven't met yet

Yes, that's right. I'm talking to you. We may have bumped into each other in the meetup or you may have stumbled on one of my posts. Like @ybanezkim26, I won't ask for you to follow me, I will earn the right to be followed by you. With this, I will make it a priority to make quality posts and comments on my blog and yours, respectively. I know that socializing isn't my strongest suit, but I guarantee that once you get to know me and I, you, we may witness a great friendship as it unfolds.

_{Hoping to get to know more of you pretty soon}

Feeling grateful to those who came before me and hopeful for those who came after,
@thegaillery

_{Adieu Marisse Patisserie, where will you take us next, Steemit?}