Wazzup Pilipinas!?
On April 13, 2025, in the beating heart of Taguig City, something extraordinary unfolded. It was more than a forum. More than a gathering. It was a blaze of intellect, passion, and purpose that refused to be dimmed. It was UMALOHOKAN Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan—and it roared to life like a storm fueled by urgency, truth, and unshakable hope.
From the very beginning, the air inside the venue was electric. Not just with anticipation—but with intention. Every corner pulsed with purpose as the nation’s brightest truth-seekers, change-makers, and green warriors took the stage, not merely to speak, but to stir. They delivered not just knowledge, but thunderous messages that shook hearts, ignited minds, and shattered the silence of indifference.
The youth scholars in attendance were no passive audience. They were active participants—absorbing, questioning, challenging, rising. With each exchange, they shed the role of mere listeners and stepped fully into their calling as the next generation of leaders, stewards, and storytellers.
At the center of this unforgettable convergence stood a pantheon of modern-day heroes:
Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, the VoiceMaster and champion of empowering communication;
Ellen Tordesillas of Vera Files, a fierce truth-teller who embodies journalistic integrity;
Bro. Chino Penserga of PPCRV, a steadfast guardian of clean and honest elections;
Atty. Jay Roset of LENTE Philippines, a defender of democratic processes;
David D’Angelo, Green Party crusader and passionate climate advocate;
and Ross Flores Del Rosario of Wazzup Pilipinas, whose unwavering voice continues to speak truth to power.
Together, they formed a coalition of conscience—beacons lighting the way through a world too often clouded by misinformation, apathy, and inaction.
Two powerhouse panel discussions became the heartbeats of the event, each one throbbing with urgency and inspiration.
The first panel, guided by the razor-sharp mind of moderator Gio Almoite of Kalikas, tackled the powerful, perilous terrain of media influence. Industry stalwarts Jenny Medannila of The Transport Queen, Eduard Laya of Kuya Ed PH, Nestor Lim of News Media Nest, and John Reczon Calay of TV5 held nothing back. They peeled back the layers of modern journalism, social responsibility, and the dangerous dance between influence and accountability with unapologetic candor.
The second panel lit a fire under the conversation on green governance and environmental sustainability. In a time of climate urgency, Antonio Dizon of BAN Toxics, Engr. Eric Raymundo of Bayanihan Para Sa Kalikasan Movement, Eman Balani of Gift of Nature, and Nic Satur Jr. of Partners for Affordable & Reliable Energy joined forces. Their voices thundered with conviction, painting a vivid, necessary vision of the sustainable future we must not only dream of—but fight for.
And then, the room stood still. Not for silence, but for a presence so profound it transcended words. When Atty. Joey Lina—former Senator, DILG Secretary, and Laguna Governor, now President of The Manila Hotel—stepped forward, it was not to deliver a scripted speech. It was to bare his soul. His unscripted, impassioned message wasn’t heard. It was felt—a surge of wisdom and raw truth that cut through the noise and left every listener transformed. It was a masterclass in authenticity, delivered with the gravity of a man who has lived, served, and never stopped believing.
Haha! My colleagues went all out—every single token we prepared, including the generous giveaways from our amazing sponsors, found its way into the hands of our delighted attendees! Everyone brought something home, and those who joined the fun—whether by asking a question, giving an answer, or diving into our contests—scored even more! It was a triumph.
With heartfelt gratitude and resounding pride, we extend our sincerest appreciation to all the passionate souls who brought Umalohokan Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan to life. Your unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and unbreakable spirit have transformed a vision into a reality that echoes with purpose and impact.
To our brilliant scholars—your diligence and perseverance were the beating heart of this endeavor. Special thanks to the phenomenal leaders at the helm, Ms. Rose Marcelino and Mr. Xian Guia—you have not only led with excellence but also proved the power and promise of our youth. Your leadership is a beacon, and we are immensely proud of you. May your next chapters bring you to even greater heights, steering programs not just within your circles, but across districts and cities.
Our deepest thanks to Ms. Encarnacion B. Pioquid for her gracious approval and unwavering support of the collaboration with the Umalohokan founders. Your guidance, even during weekends and on Palm Sunday, reflects a rare kind of commitment—one that uplifts and inspires.
And to my gifted contributing writers—Miles Carlo Alimangohan, Renz Delim, and Jenylyn Dangel—thank you for saying yes to this journey. Without your words, this story would have remained untold, and this event might have never come to be.
May this be just the beginning. Here's to more collaborations, more milestones, and more stories that shape minds and move hearts.
Wishing everyone a blessed and meaningful Holy Week!
What happened at UMALOHOKAN 2025 wasn’t just a conference. It was a reckoning. A revival. A renaissance of values too often forgotten—truth, transparency, integrity, environmental justice, and the irreplaceable power of informed, passionate youth.
It was a gathering where stories became sparks, advocacy became action, and inspiration turned into movement. A fusion of voices for truth, justice, and the planet. And as the event came to a close, what lingered wasn’t just the memory of applause, but the undeniable realization that this was a turning point.
UMALOHOKAN has spoken—not with whispers, but with a roar that will echo through the chambers of media, government, and grassroots advocacy. And the future? It has heard us. Loud and clear.
Because on that unforgettable day in Taguig, we didn’t just speak for knowledge, nature, and the next generation—we ignited them.
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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