UMALOHOKAN 2025: Igniting a Movement for Truth, Environment, and the Future

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a digital era teetering on the edge of chaos, where misinformation spreads like wildfire and social media is often weaponized for division, one event dared to stand as a bulwark against the storm: UMALOHOKAN Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan.

Held on April 13, 2025, this groundbreaking workshop was not merely a gathering—it was an awakening. A coalition of truth-seekers, changemakers, and eco-warriors converged to rally for three pillars essential to our nation’s survival: knowledge, environment, and the future.

From passionate student scholars to seasoned media practitioners, from grassroots environmental advocates to social media giants—the voices that rose at UMALOHOKAN 2025 shook the status quo. It wasn’t just about talking. It was about reclaiming narratives, empowering the youth, and demanding accountability from both content creators and consumers alike.

The Call to Conscience in a World of Noise

Born from a vision to cultivate truth and action in the social media sphere, the UMALOHOKAN movement now serves as an urgent crusade. With elections fast approaching and the climate crisis worsening, the stakes are high. But so is our resolve.

This workshop challenged everyone in attendance—bloggers, vloggers, influencers, and even reel-makers—to rise above the algorithm. It demanded that we wield our platforms not for vanity but for virtue. It was a call not to follow trends, but to set them.

Voices That Stirred the Soul

The event was graced by some of the most credible voices in media and advocacy. Former Senator Joey Lina, now President of The Manila Hotel, delivered an unscripted yet deeply moving speech that resonated with everyone present—his words, a living testament to the power of integrity in public service.

Equally powerful were the insights from our distinguished panelists and moderators: Vera Files’ Ellen Tordesillas, PPCRV’s Chino Penserga, LENTE Philippines' Atty. Jay Roset, Partners for Affordable & Reliable Energy's Nic Satur Jr., Alkarock Gift of Nature's Eman Balani, BAN Toxics' Antonio Dizon, Creativoices' Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, News5's John Reczon Calay and our lineup.of social media personalities. Each speaker unpacked the urgency of combating fake news, embracing green energy, and participating meaningfully in civic life.

The Power of Collective Action

The heartbeat of the event was its participants: the Samahan ng mga Iskolar ng Simbayanan (SIS) youth scholars from Simbayanan Ni Maria Community Foundation Inc. (SMCFI), led by Rose Marcelino, Xian Guia, and Ma’am Encarnacion Pioquid. Their curiosity, courage, and commitment to learning were inspiring to behold.

Behind the scenes, an entire ecosystem of advocates helped make the event possible. From Engineer Eric Raymundo, Mariella Amagan, and the Bayanihan Para Sa Kalikasan Movement Inc. and Green Party of the Philippines (GPP Kalikasan Muna), to JBC Workers Union’s Josephine Cabatuando and Green Initiatives’ Niel Jose—whose promotional graphics captured the event’s soul—this was truly a collaborative triumph.

Special shout-out goes to Nineverses Printing Services c/o Beng Girang, and the SIS youth who proudly designed their own banner versions—a symbol of their ownership of the cause.

Echoes Across Platforms

The event’s reach stretched far beyond the four walls of the venue, thanks to livestreaming by Vladimir Del Rosario, the founder's youngest brother. Social media buzzed with posts, vlogs, and shoutouts from personalities like Maria Rona Beltran, Mark Anthony Wagan, Prince AJ, Rizza Garingo, Virgilio RV Cuarto, and Jayson Biadog—proving that the message had struck a chord.

From traditional media partners like INQUIRER.net, INQ Plus Pilipinas, and DWIZ 882's Ngayon Na, hosted by former Malacañang Press Undersecretary Robert Torres Rivera and Nerlisa Elyza Francisco Rivera, to the powerful digital voices of Eduard Laya ofKuya Ed PH, Jenny Medenilla, The Transport Queen and Biyahe ni Bunting, Gio Almoite of Kalikas, and Nestor Lim of News Media Nest—the impact was amplified exponentially.

And of course, heartfelt gratitude to David D’Angelo, Umalohokan co-founder and now senatorial candidate, who supported the initiative despite his packed campaign trail.

More Than a Workshop: A Blueprint for the Future

With the lively hosting of Vannessa Rose Torres (who traveled from Pampanga!) and Filjon Curaming of SIS, the event radiated youth energy, creativity, and resilience.

But UMALOHOKAN 2025 was more than an event. It was a seed. Planted in minds ready to awaken. A challenge issued to those who dare to speak, post, share, and amplify the truth.

Because this isn't just about content creation—it’s about nation-building.

What's Next?

“Uy, next ba ay Umalohokan Para sa Kabutihan, Karunungan at Kalinangan?” someone quipped. The answer? Perhaps. Because kalinangan—whether as hybridity or cultivation—reflects our mission: to nurture, challenge, and elevate the Filipino spirit.

We move forward, guided not by likes or follows, but by the purpose of building a better world. This is our pakikibaka—our resistance against ignorance, apathy, and injustice.

To All Who Answered the Call…

Thank you. For your voice. For your presence. For believing that truth, sustainability, and informed citizenship matter.

UMALOHOKAN lives on—not just as a workshop but as a revolution in progress.

Because tomorrow depends on the choices we make today.

INTRODUCTION at UMALOHOKAN: ATTY. JOEY LINA

INTRODUCTION: ATTY. JOEY LINA

Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be inspired by a man whose life story reads like a stirring novel of patriotism, leadership, and unwavering public service.

A child of the people, a fighter for freedom, and a true servant-leader—Atty. Jose “Joey” Lina, Jr. stands as a towering figure whose legacy spans government, business, media, and advocacy. From the turbulent streets of student activism to the hallowed halls of the Philippine Senate, from the grassroots of local governance to the global stages of law and diplomacy, Joey Lina has dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, truth, and national transformation.

A former youth leader, editor, debater, and human rights lawyer—Joey Lina rose through the ranks to become the youngest senator under the 1987 Constitution, crafting over 35 landmark laws that continue to protect and uplift millions of Filipinos. Among them, the Urban Development and Housing Act, widely known as the Lina Law, remains a beacon of hope for the urban poor.

He is the former Governor of Laguna, under whose visionary leadership the province soared to the top in economic development. He also became Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, where he championed local autonomy and led the fight against illegal drugs as Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board.

But Joey Lina’s brilliance did not end in public office. As President of The Manila Hotel, he ushered in a new era of excellence in hospitality. As a columnist, professor, and media host, he continues to educate and inspire. As a preacher and a tenor, he sings not only with his voice but with his soul—raising funds for causes close to his heart, especially those that touch the lives of children and the marginalized.

A true renaissance man, his life is a symphony of purpose—a blend of intellect, compassion, courage, and faith. And tonight, we are privileged to hear from a man whose words are more than just wisdom—they are a call to action, a call to conscience, a call to country.

Let us welcome, with utmost respect and admiration, former Senator, Governor, DILG Secretary, and now a guiding voice for our nation’s future—ATTY. JOEY LINA!

WELCOME REMARKS 2: Umalohokan Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan

WELCOME REMARKS

Umalohokan Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan

April 13, 2025

Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat!

Let me start by asking you: Bakit ka nandito ngayon?

Anong paniniwala, anong layunin, o anong pangarap ang nagdala sa’yo sa workshop na ito?

Are you here because you believe in the power of truth?

Because you care about our environment?

Or maybe because you want to be part of a future that’s worth fighting for?

If you answered yes to even one of those—then you are exactly where you need to be.pp ppl p

Welcome to Umalohokan Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan—isang pagtitipon para sa mga katulad mong handang magsalita, makinig, at kumilos. Pero teka—kilala mo ba kung sino ang mga Umalohokan?

Sila ang sinaunang tagapagbalita—ang mga boses ng bayan. Hindi sila takot magsabi ng totoo. Hindi sila natutulog sa mga isyung may kinalaman sa kinabukasan ng kanilang komunidad.

So now I ask you:

Handa ka na bang maging Umalohokan ng makabagong panahon?

Handa ka na bang gamitin ang boses mo para sa tama, para sa totoo, at para sa kinabukasan?

This workshop isn’t just about sharing knowledge.

It’s about asking the hard questions:

Ano ang papel ko sa pagtatanggol ng kalikasan?

Paano ko lalabanan ang disimpormasyon?

Paano ko mabibigyang saysay ang aking kwento para sa kapakanan ng nakararami?

Throughout this day, I hope you ask yourself:

"Am I listening just to understand, or am I preparing to make a difference?"

Let’s be honest—mahirap ang laban. Pero sa totoo lang, sino pa ba ang aasahan kung hindi tayo?

So let’s rise—with courage, with compassion, and with conviction.

Magtanong. Makinig. Magbahagi.

Because sometimes, asking the right question is the beginning of real change.

Are you ready?

Then let the voices of today become the movement of tomorrow.

Welcome, mga kapwa Umalohokan.

Let’s make this day powerful, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Maraming salamat, at mabuhay tayong lahat!