Wazzup Pilipinas
In a media landscape often drowned out by noise, ego, and misinformation, the rare breed of personable yet hard-hitting journalists continues to shine — not just for their quick wit and courage to ask the uncomfortable questions, but for something increasingly scarce: integrity.
These are the storytellers who carry a grounded sharpness in their tone — forged from years of chasing truth — and a warmth in their conversations that is unfiltered, honest, and utterly disarming. Their craft is more than a profession; it is an instinct, a calling.
Among them is Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, whose journey from sketching comic book characters as a schoolboy to covering the nation’s most volatile political and social developments is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
From Classroom Artist to Campus Journalist
“I’ve always been a journalist at heart,” Del Rosario says.
His love affair with storytelling began in high school at Pateros Catholic School, where he joined the school paper — not as a writer at first, but as its artist. This passion for illustration had been with him since elementary days, when he would draw his own comic books on the back pages of used reports, complete with original stories and dialogues.
Soon, his creative output found another home: the church paper of the Presbyterian Church of Pasig, where his aunt encouraged him to contribute. By the time he entered Mapua University (then Mapua Institute of Technology) to take up Electronics and Communications Engineering, Del Rosario’s curiosity and knack for communication were already deeply embedded — even if his course had little to do with journalism.
The Unexpected Shift to Storytelling
After graduation, Del Rosario navigated a series of jobs and business ventures, including running a gaming shop and internet café. He began contributing articles to a computer enthusiasts’ magazine by TipidPC, where his style began to sharpen. His work ethic was guided by personal standards for quality, ethics, and moral values — and when those standards weren’t met, he had no qualms about moving on.
Social media soon became his arena. While still running his business, he landed a junior writer role for an online portal. Within six months, he was promoted to senior writer. Event invitations flooded in, and organizers often asked him to bring other bloggers along. Seeing the potential, he founded Wazzup Pilipinas, his own online portal.
Awards, recognitions, and international blogging invitations followed. From that point on, he knew his path was set: “I am destined to have an online presence.”
From Lifestyle Coverage to Advocacy Journalism
At first, Wazzup Pilipinas focused on lifestyle, events, food, and travel. But over time, Del Rosario expanded into covering political issues, governance, environmental advocacy, and human rights. This evolution brought partnerships with government agencies, collaborations with mainstream media, and stints in radio, online shows, and even a newspaper editorial team.
“I always tell new bloggers today that they have to build their core,” he says. “Blogging is a state of mind. If you don’t have a deep understanding of its purpose, you won’t last. You’ll quit after a few years.”
The Pandemic Pause — and a Reinvention
Like many in the industry, Del Rosario faced a slowdown when the pandemic struck. “I was also infected by COVID, though asymptomatic,” he recalls. “We were even sent back from a resort we had checked into after they learned I was positive.”
Event coverage stalled. Opportunities dried up. But once restrictions lifted, the digital landscape had changed dramatically — short vertical videos, livestreams, and reels were now dominating.
Rather than resist, Del Rosario adapted. He embraced new platforms and formats, ensuring Wazzup Pilipinas remained relevant in an era where “everyone can be a content creator.”
Stepping into Environmental Leadership
In 2025, Del Rosario became External Vice President of the Green Party of the Philippines and a Trustee of the Bayanihan Para Sa Kalikasan Movement. His advocacy work now runs parallel to his journalism, reinforcing his belief that media has the power — and responsibility — to influence meaningful change.
The Road Ahead
From a cramped room in a Pasig BLISS unit to national recognition, Ross Del Rosario’s journey has been neither easy nor glamorous. But it is grounded in persistence, adaptability, and integrity — the same values that drew him to journalism in the first place.
The future of Wazzup Pilipinas is still being written. More collaborations, partnerships, and sponsorships are on the horizon. And as long as there are stories to tell, Ross Del Rosario — the journalist, the advocate, the relentless truth-seeker — will be there to tell them.
Because for him, this isn’t just a career. It’s a calling.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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