How Ross Flores Del Rosario Built Wazzup Pilipinas, Advocates for Integrity, and Champions Philippine Tourism!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Ross Flores Del Rosario is a multi-faceted leader and the visionary founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, a groundbreaking platform that has become a leading voice in Philippine news, lifestyle, travel, and culture. His journey from a curious tech enthusiast to a highly respected influencer and community advocate highlights his versatility, integrity, and passion for storytelling.

Born on October 6, Ross's early life was marked by a keen interest in media and communication. He ventured into the world of digital media in 2013 when he founded Wazzup Pilipinas, a platform dedicated to promoting Filipino stories, current events, and local tourism. The blog quickly gained prominence for its diverse content and commitment to delivering credible, timely information, making it a go-to source for business and leisure news across the Philippines.

Over the years, Ross has earned a reputation as a credible voice in both media and community advocacy. His open-book personality and fearlessness in sharing his views on various societal issues, including local governance and national matters, have earned him widespread respect. He consistently calls out irregularities in government and civic institutions, ensuring that his platform remains a voice for accountability and transparency.

Wazzup Pilipinas, under his leadership, has been instrumental in promoting local tourism, not just in major destinations but also in off-the-beaten-path locales. His efforts have led to collaborations with various municipal governments, especially in Rizal province, where he organized Influencers' Tours across municipalities like Rodriguez, Tanay, and Angono, helping put these areas on the tourism map.

Beyond digital media, Ross has established himself as an influential figure in the travel industry. He’s a frequent participant in international media tours, having visited destinations like Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Macau, and Vietnam. His travel stories and reviews have become essential guides for Filipino travelers. His recent family birthday adventure took him to Bintan Lagoon Resort in Indonesia and Singapore, where he was invited to feature the resort as part of his brand’s promotion.

Ross’s recognition goes beyond local achievements. In December 2024, he is set to receive the Most Outstanding Community Blog award from the Vietnam International Achievers Awards in Hanoi. This award is a testament to his commitment to excellence and innovation in blogging.

His dedication to community growth and entrepreneurship is equally notable. Ross has been invited to prestigious forums, including the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 12th Business Opportunities Fair 2024, a recognition of his impact on the Filipino business and media landscape. His passion for photography has also led him to participate in specialized tours, like the SOCCSKSARGEN guided photography tour organized by Jay Jallorina Photography of ChaseTheLight, showcasing his love for creative storytelling through visual art.

Ross's work extends into advocacy for healthier living, which became a personal priority after being diagnosed with diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. His health journey includes careful management of his condition while balancing his busy career. He has been prescribed medication and follows a strict health regimen, which has only strengthened his advocacy for well-being in the fast-paced world of media.

Not only a media magnate, Ross is a loving family man who enjoys taking trips with his family, including recent travels to Cebu and upcoming plans for Geeks on a Beach, an international conference where Wazzup Pilipinas serves as one of the media partners. His personal life and professional career are deeply intertwined with his values of honesty, commitment, and positive influence.

Ross Flores Del Rosario’s legacy is not just about running a successful media platform. It’s about his unwavering dedication to building a credible voice for Filipinos, promoting the Philippines as a prime destination for travel and business, and being a steadfast advocate for integrity in both personal and public spheres. As he continues to expand his influence and partnerships, there’s no doubt that Ross will leave a lasting imprint on the media landscape both locally and globally.

WORK in AUSTRIA goes to Geeks On A Beach in the Philippines

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WORK in AUSTRIA, part of the Austrian Business Agency (ABA), offers free services designed to help skilled workers transition smoothly into their new roles in Austria. Additionally, the Philippines recently opened a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Vienna to provide on-the-ground support for Filipinos already working in Austria or planning to relocate.

WORK in AUSTRIA’s support services include free counseling on living and working in Austria, job search assistance through platforms like the new ‘Talent Hub,’ help with immigration procedures for individuals and their families, and information programs to prepare for the move to Austria.


WORK in AUSTRIA showcases career opportunities and free services for skilled workers at the Geeks On A Beach in the Philippines

WORK in AUSTRIA, a department of the Austrian Business Agency (ABA), will participate in the Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) conference in Cebu, Philippines. The conference will provide detailed information about the career landscape in Austria and showcase the comprehensive range of free services available to skilled workers on their path to employment in Austria.

“Austria offers international skilled workers new perspectives and exciting career opportunities in the heart of Europe. Thanks to its stable economy, high standard of living, and attractive working conditions, Austria is one of the most sought-after labor markets in Europe,” said Raphael Rey Bacolod, Director of Indonesia and Philippines, WORK in AUSTRIA.

Geeks On A Beach is the Philippines’ premier international tech startup conference. It gathers hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and notable figures from the country’s startup ecosystem. This year’s GOAB will occur at JPark Island Resort Hotel in Mactan, Cebu. It is organized by geeksPH in collaboration with the Philippines Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).

Austrian-Philippine Ties

Austria and the Philippines share a long history of collaboration, with more than 30,000 Filipinos already calling Austria home. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2023 between the two nations further solidified this close relationship. The agreement seeks to enhance cooperation in recruiting and supporting vital and skilled workers from the Philippines. The Philippines is the first country to enter such an agreement with Austria.

“Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage, Austria offers numerous incentives for skilled workers. With a robust economy, Austria provides a healthy work-life balance, comprehensive social security, and high-quality healthcare, all within a relatively affordable cost of living,” said Bacolod.

“For Filipino professionals, especially in IT, engineering, healthcare, and nursing sectors, Austria presents a wealth of job opportunities. As Austrian companies strive to combat the country’s growing shortage of skilled workers, they are increasingly looking to the global market to fill key positions,” added the Director of Indonesia and Philippines at WORK in AUSTRIA.

In May 2024, Austria and the Philippines celebrated Philippine-Austrian Friendship Week with events organized by the Philippine Embassy in Austria, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW), the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), and the ABA. These events aimed to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two countries, focusing on skilled labor.

Support on the way to Austria

WORK in AUSTRIA, part of the Austrian Business Agency (ABA), offers free services designed to help skilled workers transition smoothly into their new roles in Austria. Additionally, the Philippines recently opened a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Vienna to provide on-the-ground support for Filipinos already working in Austria or planning to relocate.

WORK in AUSTRIA’s support services include free counseling on living and working in Austria, job search assistance through platforms like the new ‘Talent Hub,’ help with immigration procedures for individuals and their families, and information programs to prepare for the move to Austria.

These efforts are designed to make the transition to living and working in Austria as seamless as possible for international professionals. For more information on living and working in Austria, visit www.workinaustria.com.

About the Austrian Business Agency (ABA)

The Austrian Business Agency (ABA) is a subsidiary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW). It promotes Austria as an attractive destination for international companies, skilled workers, and film producers. Through its three business divisions—INVEST in AUSTRIA, WORK in AUSTRIA, and FILM in AUSTRIA—the ABA provides free advisory services on establishing businesses, accessing the labor market, and producing films in Austria.

For further details, visit: www.aba.gv.at

Mambajao boosts tourism with first emergency response command center already equipped with US Next Generation Advanced 911 technology

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Camiguin Island -- one of the country’s most desired tourist destinations – is taking big steps to make itself safe, resilient and world-class in its emergency response and disaster-preparedness.

Mambajao, the provincial capital, has launched its own next-generation advanced 911 emergency response center that will provide its citizens and tourists the advantages of modern, efficient emergency services related to public safety and disaster preparedness.

The Mambajao local government unit has partnered with NGA 911 the global leader in next-generation emergency response systems which is currently used in the United States to provide advanced solutions that integrate communication technologies to improve emergency services.

Friday, October 18, the third class municipality, put up its cutting edge, first-ever emergency response command center in the friendly island filled with natural wonders of volcanoes, lagoons, lakes, springs, waterfalls, beaches and scenic seascapes.

Mambajao officials led by Mayor Yñigo Jesus (Yggy) Romualdo said they knew there was a need for a centralized, advanced emergency response system that could provide real-time coordination and swift action during disasters to minimize the loss of life and property.

The bustling tourist destination faces a growing demand for responsive and reliable emergency services that will ensure the safety of residents and visitors. This became the key motivation to set up the 911 system capable of quickly addressing medical, fire, police, and rescue emergencies, similar to that used in the USA and Europe.

“The increasing availability of new technology and digital infrastructure inspired us to harness the power of that technology to modernize our emergency services characterized by a more efficient, tech-based system that could offer quicker response times, better resource allocation, and seamless coordination between different agencies,” said Mayor Romualdo.

He noted that existing emergency services were limited or fragmented, so local leaders invested in a next-generation 911 center that could centralize response efforts and

improve service delivery across multiple sectors like healthcare, fire response, and public safety.

“As a top tourist destination, the safety and well-being of visitors is paramount. Having an advanced emergency response center adds to Mambajao's appeal as a safe and secure destination, thus contributing to its economic growth by boosting tourism and investor confidence,” the Mayor added.

He explained that tourism growth in Mambajao made them anticipate an uptick in emergencies – from accidents at popular destinations like beaches, diving spots and hiking trails to health emergency responses brought about by new viruses and other public health crises. Fires and road accidents, especially those that involve public and tourist transportation, made officials consider an integrated response system that could dispatch emergency services more quickly and accurately.

The municipality took cues from national and international cities that have successfully implemented 911 systems. The proven success of these systems in saving lives and managing emergencies more effectively became the driving force behind the decision to develop Mambajao's own center, Mayor Romualdo added.

These motivations reflect a broader vision to position the municipality as a forward-thinking, resilient, and safe community that prioritizes the well-being of its people and visitors.

Mayor Romualdo said his big dream for Mambajao is for it to become “a model of excellence in disaster preparedness and emergency response, where every citizen feels safe and secure, knowing that the community is equipped to handle any crisis. We envision a Mambajao that is not only resilient in the face of natural disasters but also proactive, utilizing cutting-edge technology to predict, prepare for, and mitigate risks before they escalate. A state-of-the-art emergency response center would be the heart of this vision, seamlessly integrating services across medical, fire, police, and rescue departments to provide swift and coordinated action.”

“Every barangay would have trained volunteers, supported by a robust communication network that ensures rapid dissemination of information and resources. Whether it's a typhoon, volcanic activity, a health crisis, or daily emergencies like accidents, Mambajao would be known for its efficiency and readiness to respond. This dream encompasses not just survival but the protection of lives, livelihoods, and the continued growth of the municipality as a safe and thriving community,” Mayor Romualdo said.

Robert Llaguno, Country Head of NGA Philippines promised that when Mambajao’s next generation advanced 911 system becomes operational, all 911 calls to the

Mambajao DRRM Command Center will be fully recorded, with call and call transfer facilities that are seamless. When someone calls 911 the location of that caller becomes immediately known and the search radius is pinpointed with 90% accuracy.

“We are proud and happy to partner with the Mambajao LGU in bringing Next Generation 911 technology of the United States to this island tourist destination. NGA's unique emergency location features, coupled with our IoT capabilities, provides the CDRRMO exceptional situational awareness information that will protect the lives of locals, tourists and responders alike. We are happy to play a role in boosting tourism in this beautiful part of our country,” Llaguno said.