Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The landscape of content creation is shifting, and in the Philippines, a quiet revolution is underway. It's a movement born not out of a desire for viral fame, but from a deeper, more fundamental need: truth, integrity, and ethical responsibility in the digital age. This is the story of Umalohokan, a movement redefining what it means to be an influencer and content creator in the 21st century.
The Spark: A Vision for Ethical Influence
The seeds of the Umalohokan movement were sown by Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas. Del Rosario envisioned a community of creators who were more than just entertainers; they were modern-day "town criers," or umalohokan—individuals who used their voices to inform, educate, and advocate for their communities.
This vision was formally articulated at the very first Umalohokan event, held on February 25, 2023, at the Regus Coworking Offices in Times Plaza, Manila. This inaugural gathering was a small, focused session where early pioneers met to define the core values and mission of the movement.
Following this initial success, a second workshop was quickly organized and held on March 25, 2023, at Manila Coworking in the Port Area, Manila 00. This workshop offered free training on essential topics like laws and ethics, personal branding, mobile photography, and vlogging techniques, further solidifying the Umalohokan commitment to practical skill-building and ethical practices.
Scaling Up: From Coworking to the World Stage
The Umalohokan movement quickly gained traction, and its reach expanded beyond the confines of intimate workshops. The demand for more comprehensive training and community engagement led to the creation of Umalohokan Fest, a large-scale event designed to celebrate and empower creators on a bigger stage.
The inaugural Umalohokan Fest was held in December 2023 at the prestigious World Trade Center Metro Manila. This landmark event brought together thousands of creators, industry experts, and brands for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration. The success of the first fest led to a second successful iteration at the same venue in December 2024. These large-scale events showcased the immense potential of the movement, proving that a focus on ethical content creation could resonate with a massive audience.
Reaching the Grassroots: The Umalohokan Roadshow
While the large-scale fests provided a platform for broad engagement, the movement remained committed to reaching creators at the grassroots level. On April 13, 2025, the Umalohokan Roadshow made a significant stop at the Simbayanan ni Maria Community Foundation in New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City.
This event featured prominent speakers like a personality development coach and some advocates for truth, alongside the core Wazzup Pilipinas team. The Taguig workshop emphasized the intersection of content creation and community advocacy, focusing on issues like combating fake news, promoting media literacy, and fostering environmental awareness.
The New Frontier: Bridging the Gap with the Public Sector
As we move into 2026, the Umalohokan movement is entering its most ambitious chapter yet: institutional integration. Recognizing the movement's impact on media literacy and digital storytelling, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)—the government’s primary information arm—has officially reached out to Wazzup Pilipinas to collaborate.
In a landmark proposal, the PIA has requested a two-day Mobile Journalism Workshop for 60 selected information officers in Region V (Bicol), scheduled for March 9-12, 2026.
This partnership marks a critical "stretch" for the Umalohokan workshops. It transitions the movement from empowering independent influencers to training the very government personnel responsible for delivering national news. By bringing Umalohokan’s signature blend of technical mobile vlogging and ethical "town crier" philosophy to the PIA, Wazzup Pilipinas is helping ensure that government information is not only accurate but also engaging, modern, and accessible to the digital-first Filipino public.
The Future of Umalohokan: A Movement in Motion
The history of the Umalohokan movement is a testament to the power of a shared vision. From its humble beginnings at Times Plaza to its expansive presence at the World Trade Center, and now to its strategic partnership with the Philippine Information Agency, the movement has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and lead.
The future holds even greater promise. With plans for specialized courses in digital security, mentorship programs, and a dedicated platform for creator collaboration, Umalohokan is more than just a series of events—it is a call to action. By prioritizing truth and community, Umalohokan is paving the way for a new era of digital storytelling that is truly relevant, impactful, and enduring.

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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