Wazzup Pilipinas Presents: "Usapang Social: The New Media Congress"

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Wazzup Pilipinas, the Philippines' pioneering online media platform, is set to launch "Usapang Social: The New Media Congress", a groundbreaking event tailored for the digital age. This congress will redefine the traditional media forum by focusing on the power and influence of social media personalities, online content creators, and digital storytellers rather than mainstream media professionals.

The event will bring together the country’s most influential social media personalities, viral content creators, vloggers, bloggers, and digital marketing experts to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in online media. The congress aims to equip aspiring digital content creators—from students to freelancers—with insights into monetization, ethical storytelling, brand collaborations, and audience engagement in today's ever-evolving digital landscape.

What Makes "Usapang Social" Unique?

Unlike traditional media congresses, "Usapang Social" is designed to be more engaging, interactive, and relatable to modern audiences. Sessions will feature:

✔ Live social media interactions – Attendees can participate in real-time discussions via Twitter Spaces, TikTok Lives, and Facebook Q&As.

✔ Influencer-led masterclasses – Learn from top digital creators who have successfully built their brands.

✔ Content Creation Challenges – A competition where participants can showcase their storytelling skills and viral potential.

✔ Ethics & Responsibility Panels – Discussions on responsible digital influence, fact-checking, and the fight against misinformation.

A Global-Ready Filipino Brand

The name "Usapang Social" plays on Filipino conversational culture ("Usapang" meaning "talks" or "discussion") and the double meaning of "Social"—both as a nod to social media and its Filipino slang meaning, which refers to something trendy, elite, or aspirational. This ensures that while it resonates deeply with local audiences, it remains relatable and understandable globally.

This first-of-its-kind congress reflects the vision of Wazzup Pilipinas founder Ross Flores Del Rosario, who aims to position the platform as the leading hub for credible and influential digital storytelling in the Philippines.

For more updates on "Usapang Social: The New Media Congress", follow @WazzupPilipinas on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Leila de Lima, Erin Tañada, and Teddy Baguilat: The Power Trio Behind ML Party-list—With Nadine Lustre’s Endorsement

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The 2025 elections are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent history, and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list is at the center of the action. Leading this movement are three veteran public servants: Leila de Lima, Erin Tañada, and Teddy Baguilat—each bringing a strong track record of advocacy, governance, and public service.

Adding even more excitement to their campaign is showbiz superstar Nadine Lustre, who has thrown her full support behind ML Party-list. With De Lima and Tañada opting for the party-list system instead of running individually, and Baguilat shifting his focus from local to national representation, this strategy is turning heads.

Why Leila de Lima Chose ML Party-list Instead of the Senate

For years, Leila de Lima has been one of the most controversial yet respected figures in Philippine politics. A staunch human rights advocate, she was jailed for nearly seven years on drug-related charges that she has always insisted were politically motivated. After her acquittal in 2023, many expected her to run for the Senate again—but she made a bold decision instead: joining ML Party-list.

Her reason? A more strategic way to push for reforms and have a realistic chance of winning.

"My pragmatic side tells me na medyo mahihirapan sa Senado (that I might have a hard time in the Senate)," she admitted.

By joining ML Party-list, De Lima hopes to rebuild the Liberal Party’s influence in Congress while continuing her fight for justice, human rights, and good governance.

Teddy Baguilat: From Indigenous Rights to National Representation

Teddy Baguilat is no stranger to public service. A former Ifugao Representative, he has spent decades championing indigenous peoples’ rights, environmental conservation, and good governance. His advocacy has earned him both praise and opposition, especially from powerful interests who see his policies as a threat.

After running for the Senate in 2022 and falling short, Baguilat is now taking a new approach—securing a congressional seat through ML Party-list.

"The fight for indigenous peoples' rights, climate action, and social justice is not over. We need voices in Congress who will stand for the marginalized," he said.

By joining ML Party-list, Baguilat brings his expertise on indigenous and environmental issues into the national conversation, ensuring that underrepresented communities have a seat at the table.

The Full Lineup of ML Party-list Nominees

ML Party-list isn’t just about De Lima, Tañada, and Baguilat. The group has assembled a diverse and experienced set of nominees, each bringing a unique perspective on governance, activism, and public service:

Leila de Lima – Former senator and human rights advocate.

Teddy Baguilat – Former Ifugao Representative, champion for indigenous peoples' rights and environmental conservation.

Erin Tañada – Veteran lawmaker and human rights advocate, aiming to rebuild the Liberal Party’s congressional presence.

Rowena Amon – Community organizer with a focus on women's rights and grassroots empowerment.

Filomena Cinco – Educator and advocate for accessible, quality education.

Hernani Panganiban – Healthcare professional pushing for improved public health services.

Earl John Bilog – Youth leader promoting civic engagement and political awareness among young Filipinos.

Juliana Riparip – Entrepreneur supporting small businesses and sustainable economic development.

Winnifredo Lati – Agriculturalist advocating for farmers' welfare and agricultural advancements.

Frine Cristina Sanchez – Lawyer committed to legal reforms and justice for marginalized communities.

With this dynamic mix of veteran lawmakers, grassroots activists, educators, health advocates, youth leaders, and entrepreneurs, ML Party-list presents itself as a strong alternative to traditional political groups.

Why Erin Tañada is Betting on the Party-list System

For Erin Tañada, joining ML Party-list isn’t just about securing a congressional seat—it’s about reviving the Liberal Party’s influence in Congress.

Over the years, LP has struggled to stay relevant, especially after being targeted by disinformation campaigns. Instead of taking the traditional route, Tañada saw the party-list system as a more effective way to reconnect with the people, especially the marginalized sectors that the party has long championed.

"We are bringing back true representation to the party-list system," he said, emphasizing that many existing party-list groups do not genuinely serve the communities they claim to represent.

Nadine Lustre’s Endorsement Shocks the Political World

In a surprising turn of events, Nadine Lustre, one of the biggest names in Philippine entertainment, publicly endorsed ML Party-list and Leila de Lima.

On February 20, 2025, Lustre made her stance clear:

"I've always been vocal about the things I believe in. This is one of them. We need leaders who will stand up for the people, and I believe in ML Party-list."

Her endorsement has shaken up both the political and entertainment worlds. While many celebrities choose to stay silent on political issues, Lustre has always been outspoken—from environmental advocacy to mental health awareness. By backing ML Party-list, she is now mobilizing a new generation of young, engaged voters.

A New Direction for the Party-list System?

Both De Lima and Tañada acknowledge that the party-list system has been exploited by political dynasties and business interests. Instead of rejecting it, they see it as a way to restore its original purpose—giving genuine representation to marginalized sectors.

By choosing this path, ML Party-list is betting on a strong coalition of experienced leaders, grassroots advocates, and youth mobilization. Their success in the elections will determine whether this bold and unconventional strategy will reshape Congress.

Will This Strategy Pay Off?

With Leila de Lima’s resilience, Erin Tañada’s political experience, Teddy Baguilat’s advocacy, and Nadine Lustre’s influence, ML Party-list is one of the most talked-about groups in the 2025 elections.

As election day nears, the country is watching: Will ML Party-list redefine how representation in Congress works?

Reviving the Past, Inspiring the Future: A New Chapter Along Manila’s Storied Riverfront

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took center stage on Thursday to inaugurate Phase 3 of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project—a bold stride in the long-overdue renaissance of Manila’s historic riverfront. Amid cheers echoing through Plaza Mexico, Riverside Drive in Intramuros, the ceremony was more than a ribbon-cutting; it was a declaration that the Pasig River, once the lifeblood of Manila, is being reborn.

The River That Remembers

For decades, the Pasig River has been both muse and mirror to the Filipino spirit. Once celebrated in the pages of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo as a vibrant artery of commerce and culture, the river later became a symbol of urban neglect and environmental decay. Yet, as President Marcos Jr. reminded the gathered crowd, the essence of the Pasig is not lost—it merely awaits revival. The current phase of the PBBM Project, designed to breathe new life into Plaza Mexico, Maestranza, and Fort Santiago, reflects a broader ambition: to restore not only a waterway but a piece of the nation’s collective memory.

A Vision in Concrete and Green

Phase 3, often hailed as the West Showcase Area, represents the convergence of history and modernity. By closing the once-divided Plaza Mexico road, officials have reclaimed 2,000 square meters of urban space—a canvas for open-air amphitheaters, landscaped gardens, and pedestrian walkways that invite both leisure and reflection. The project’s blueprint extends a gentle hand to Fort Santiago, where a renewed moat view and enhanced lighting promise to transform the ancient fortress into a beacon of cultural pride.

As detailed in the official launch by the Inter-Agency Council for Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), chaired by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Department of Tourism, and the Intramuros Administration, among others. This rare display of inter-agency unity underscores a national commitment to preserve heritage while forging pathways to progress.

The Voices of Renewal

In his address, President Marcos Jr. captured the essence of the moment with a blend of candor and aspiration. “Our mission is simple, but it is difficult: to bring back the river to its pristine state and make it a vibrant waterway once again for life, for culture, and for mobility,” he declared. His words, echoing across the open spaces of the newly inaugurated area, were not mere platitudes—they were a call to collective action.

Equally compelling was the presence of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, whose lifelong passion for history and culture has long been evident. As a part-time criminal law professor with a deep appreciation for the arts, she has championed cultural preservation with an unwavering resolve. Her involvement in the PBBM Project is a testament to the belief that urban renewal need not come at the cost of heritage, but rather, can serve as a bridge between the past and the future.

A Social Media Sensation

In an unexpected nod to contemporary culture, the President observed with amusement that the newly unveiled Esplanade had quickly become a social media darling among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Young Manila residents are already using the scenic backdrop for Instagram stories and TikTok videos—a modern ritual that, in its own way, honors the timeless beauty of the Pasig. This fusion of historical reverence and digital-age storytelling encapsulates the project’s dual aim: to celebrate heritage while engaging a generation poised to shape the country’s tomorrow.

A Symphony of Urban Renewal

Beyond its aesthetic and cultural appeal, the PBBM Project is emblematic of a more ambitious urban renewal strategy. For too long, Manila’s historic core has suffered under the weight of modern congestion and environmental challenges. The revitalization of the Pasig River is not merely about beautification; it is about reimagining urban spaces as communal sanctuaries where commerce, culture, and civic life harmoniously converge.

Critically, this phase of development is part of a continuum that began with earlier inaugurations—the initial 500-meter Esplanade behind the Manila Central Post Office and its subsequent expansion towards Plaza Mexico. With Phase 3 now connecting Fort Santiago to the existing Esplanade, the project creates a pedestrian-friendly heritage corridor that offers more than just a route for daily commutes. It is a pathway for reflection, community gatherings, and even spontaneous proposals in a setting that is both romantic and steeped in history.

Bridging Divides, Building Futures

Maria Ressa once wrote about the importance of remembering history while daring to reimagine it. In that spirit, the PBBM Project does more than resurrect old facades—it reclaims spaces that once defined the collective identity of a nation. In the interplay between restored brickwork and modern urban design, there is an implicit challenge to the forces that have long fragmented Manila’s public spaces. Here, history is not a static relic; it is an active participant in the dialogue between past and present.

The significance of this project extends beyond its immediate physical transformation. It represents a renewed civic commitment—a belief that public spaces can serve as living laboratories for democracy, art, and culture. As community members stroll along the revitalized walkways, attend events in the amphitheater, or simply pause to admire the carefully curated landscaping, they become part of a larger narrative. This narrative is one of unity and progress, where the scars of neglect give way to the promise of a vibrant, inclusive future.

The Road Ahead

While the launch of Phase 3 has been met with widespread acclaim and media attention—from detailed reports by DHSUD and GOVPH to enthusiastic coverage by the Inquirer and tribune.net—challenges remain. Restoring the Pasig River is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands sustained effort, transparent governance, and an unyielding commitment to environmental stewardship. Yet, if today’s celebration is any indication, the journey ahead is illuminated by a collective determination to honor the past while crafting a more resilient future.

In the end, the revitalization of the Pasig River is not just a governmental project—it is a shared dream. A dream that every Filipino, young or old, can walk beside a river that once carried the hopes of generations past, and now, once again, carries the promise of tomorrow.

As dusk settles over Manila and the newly lit pathways along the river shimmer with reflected history, one cannot help but feel that, finally, the heartbeat of the city is returning—a steady, hopeful pulse that calls out: Mabuhay ang Ilog Pasig!