Philippine Blogging: The Digital Revolution Powered by Passion, Purpose, and the People

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a world that never stops spinning—where information is just a click away and stories travel faster than the speed of thought—blogging in the Philippines has emerged as more than just a pastime. It is now a powerful force, a movement, and a voice for millions. From wanderlust-inducing travelogues and mouthwatering food reviews to fashion inspo and fearless commentaries on current events, the local blogging scene is not just alive—it’s blazing with energy, relevance, and heart.

But why Taglish? Why the blend of English and Filipino? Because it’s real. It’s the language of the streets and of homes, of debates and love confessions. It’s how Filipinos express their truths without filter or pretension—and in the blogging world, authenticity is the ultimate currency.

Rising Stars of the Online Galaxy: Meet the Philippine Bloggers Who Matter

These creators don’t just write. They inspire. They inform. They build communities. Here are some of the most respected and influential voices in the Philippine digital landscape:

Wanderlust Unleashed: Travel Bloggers Who Make You Pack Your Bags

Lakwatsero (Angel Juarez) – Want a detailed guide to the hidden gems of the Philippines? Juarez takes you off the beaten path with firsthand accounts and breathtaking images, giving you the feeling you’re right there beside him.

The Poor Traveler (Yoshke Dimen & Vins Carlos) – Think traveling is just for the rich? Think again. These two broke the myth by pioneering budget travel blogging with hacks, itineraries, and brutally honest advice that empower ordinary Filipinos to explore the world.

Pinoy Adventurista (Mervin Antonio) – He’s been to all 81 provinces of the Philippines. Yes, all. Antonio's blog is a treasure trove of experiences that scream "Love your own!"—a love letter to local adventure.

Taste & Lifestyle: The Flavor-Makers of the Filipino Blogosphere

The Pickiest Eater (Richie Zamora) – Food reviews with humor and heart. Richie makes you laugh while making you hungry, especially on YouTube, where his entertaining vlogs capture the joy of every bite.

Table for Three, Please (Frances Ang & Iya Gozum) – For those who dine with elegance and follow the pulse of food trends, this blog is a stylish guide to the ever-evolving culinary scene.

Our Awesome Planet (Anton Diaz) – A titan in food and travel blogging, Diaz’s site is a go-to for Filipino families and travelers searching for unique dining experiences and spectacular events.

Style & Self-Expression: Fashion and Beauty Game-Changers

Tricia Gosingtian – One of the earliest fashion bloggers in the country, Tricia has evolved into a lifestyle and motherhood icon, showing that growth and authenticity never go out of style.

Laureen Uy (Break My Style) – This certified fashion queen collaborates with global brands and keeps her audience inspired with every bold, fashion-forward post.

Camille Co – A designer turned influencer, Camille’s blog is an explosion of color, creativity, and beauty, covering everything from style to skincare to travel.

Digital Dynamos: The Tech Gurus of the Online Age

YugaTech (Abe Olandres) – Widely known as the tech king of the Philippines, YugaTech is the ultimate source for gadget reviews, tech updates, and digital trends.

Pinoy Tech Blog – A collaborative platform that delivers timely and well-researched tech content for the everyday Pinoy.

Jam Online (Jam Ancheta) – A rising name in the digital scene, Jam offers engaging unboxings and relevant tech news that even non-techies can enjoy.

Voices of Advocacy: Political, Social, and Civic Bloggers Who Speak Truth

Wazzup Pilipinas (Ross Flores Del Rosario) – More than a blog, this is a digital revolution. Helmed by Ross Del Rosario, Wazzup Pilipinas bridges communities, government, and advocacy through a multi-awarded platform that blends journalism, storytelling, and civic engagement. Known for championing transparency, sustainability, and tech innovation, Ross has become a beacon of fearless, informed commentary in Philippine media.

Tonyo Cruz – A vocal advocate for progressive values and digital rights, Cruz is a leading figure in civic blogging, unafraid to speak truth to power.

Thinking Pinoy (RJ Nieto) – Love him or challenge him, Nieto is a controversial figure who has sparked national debates and polarized public opinion with his bold takes on politics and governance.

Life, Family, and Womanhood: Real Talk from the Heart

Mommy Fleur – Honest, relatable, and often hilarious, Fleur shares the raw highs and lows of parenting, marriage, and womanhood with a sincerity that comforts and connects.

Topaz Horizon (Frances Amper-Sales) – With eloquent writing on marriage, motherhood, and personal empowerment, Frances is a guiding light for women navigating modern life.

Project Vanity (Liz Lanuzo) – More than just beauty tips, Liz’s blog is about self-care and confidence for the modern Filipina—a blend of glamour and grit.

The Heart of the Digital Renaissance: Ross Flores Del Rosario and Wazzup Pilipinas

Among the luminaries of Philippine blogging, one name continues to shine brightest: Ross Flores Del Rosario—founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, a platform that has become a movement.

From his days as an ICT Officer at the United Nations to his rise as a media visionary, Ross transformed his global expertise into grassroots impact. Wazzup Pilipinas, founded in 2013, evolved from a blog into a powerful voice covering news, culture, tourism, and tech. It’s written in the language of the people—English and Taglish—and it speaks truth to power with unrelenting conviction.

Ross is not just a storyteller. He is a truth-teller. A disruptor. A bridge-builder between communities, students, LGUs, MSMEs, travelers, and government institutions. His media platform has received countless honors:

Most Outstanding Community Blog – Vietnam International Achievers Awards

Best Digital Media Platform – ASEAN Media Excellence Forum

Digital Influencer of the Year – Philippine Social Media Awards

Eco Hero Awardee – Environmental Communications

And numerous recognitions from top universities and institutions across the country.

Wazzup Pilipinas has also forged media partnerships with key organizations like Worldbex Services International, Department of Tourism, Asian Development Bank, and more—testaments to its credibility and unmatched influence.

Ross's Signature Line: “More than just news—Wazzup Pilipinas is a movement for a more informed, empowered, and inspired Philippines.”

And he lives by it. Every word. Every story.

The Future of Blogging in the Philippines: Expanding Voices, Deeper Impact

The Philippine blogging scene is no longer a niche. It is culture. It is activism. It is art. It is real life captured and shared. From motorbiking travel blogger Kara Santos (Travel Up) to fashion-savvy storyteller David Guison, to beauty advocate and bestselling author Ayn Bernos, the new generation of bloggers continues to break boundaries.

In this ever-evolving digital world, blogging gives ordinary people extraordinary power. It proves that you don’t need millions of followers to make a difference. What matters is the message, the authenticity, and the courage to speak.

And as long as voices like Ross Del Rosario and platforms like Wazzup Pilipinas continue to rise, the future of Philippine blogging will not just be bright—it will be brilliant.

“Forthwith” and the Law: Escudero’s Gamble in the Court of Public Opinion

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

It was a phrase reeking with defiance: “forthwith.” In releasing his response to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero embraced the show-cause order as an opportunity — “to prove that … no law has been violated.” 

But in politics—as in law—bold declarations can be both shield and sword. Escudero’s challenge now is to translate rhetorical confidence into legal clarity, in a case where public trust, institutional integrity, and the fine lines of election law all hang in delicate balance.

The Raw Facts: What We Know

Let’s lay out the current public record as cleanly as possible:

Escudero is being asked to explain a ₱30 million campaign donation, made during the 2022 senatorial campaign, from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction & Development, Inc. 

Lubiano himself has admitted providing the donation, and claims it came from his personal funds, not from the corporate coffers. 

The Comelec has issued a show-cause order (SCO) to Escudero, with a hearing scheduled for October 13. 

Separately, Comelec is also asking Lubiano to explain whether his contribution violated Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), the provision that prohibits a person or entity holding government contracts from making campaign contributions to candidates. 

Centerways is among the 15 contractors flagged by President Marcos Jr. for having received roughly 20% of government flood control project contracts. 

The Comelec has itself acknowledged that the legal terrain is murky — in particular, whether a donation from someone who also owns a contracting firm is distinguishable if the donation is claimed to be from “private capacity.” 

Meanwhile, Escudero has been slapped with an ethics complaint over the same issue. 

Critics have flagged anomalies in Lubiano’s financials — among them, a “missing ₱35 million” discrepancy in his company’s audited financial statements for 2022. 

Observers also note that after the donation, Centerways’ government contract awards surged. According to the ethics complaint, before the donation, the company had ~ ₱720 million across 12 contracts; after, it allegedly bagged ~ ₱15.9 billion across many more projects. 

In sum: a massive donation from someone deeply intertwined with government contracting; a defense anchored in the “private capacity” claim; legal questions over how the OEC is to be interpreted; and accusations of financial discrepancies and post-donation windfalls.

The Law (and the Shadows within It)

Section 95, OEC: The Core Prohibition

The linchpin is Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, which states (in key part) that:

“No contribution for purposes of partisan political activity shall be made directly or indirectly by any natural or juridical person who has a contract to supply goods or services to the Government, or to perform construction or other work.”

Thus, prima facie, any contractor (or company playing that role) is prohibited from donating to candidates. The law is categorical in language: “no contribution … made … by any … person who has a contract … to supply … to the Government.”

But — and here’s where legal nuance, precedent (or lack thereof), and interpretation enter — there’s debate over:

How “made by” is to be parsed: If a contractor routes money via a personal account, is that “indirectly” made?

Temporal scope: Must the contractor hold a government contract at the time of donation? Or is any future or past contract sufficient?

Burden of proof: Who must show what? Does the candidate have to prove the donation is from personal funds? Or does Comelec need to prove contractor status and linkage?

Remedies and sanctions: What are the consequences (e.g. disqualification, fines, criminal liability) if the donation is deemed illegal?

In prior statements, the Comelec itself has marked the law as ambiguous: it is “not clear” whether a candidate who received funds from contractors can automatically be held liable, especially in borderline cases. 

So Escudero’s claim that he welcomes the opportunity to prove no violation is in part a reflection of that unsettled legal terrain. 

Other Relevant Laws & Ethical Norms

Republic Act 7166 & synchronized election law: Alongside OEC, campaign spending, finance limits, and reporting requirements are regulated by law. 

Ethics / Code of Conduct: Even if a legal loophole is found, public officials are bound (in theory) to higher standards of integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest or creating the appearance of impropriety.

Transparency Requirements (SOCE, disclosure rules): Candidates are required to disclose contributions and expenditures. Any deviation or misreporting could trigger separate administrative violations.

Graft / Anti-Corruption Laws: If evidence arises of quid pro quo (i.e., the donation was in expectation of favorable treatment), then anti-graft statutes might come into play.

Evaluating the Claims

Let’s return to the key claim: that Escudero’s stand is “own interpretation of the law”—and whether or not that is defensible, or an overreach.

Claim 1: “No law has been violated”

This is a bold, categorical claim. In the legal world, there are very few situations where such absolutism is safe—especially in contested terrain.

Given that the OEC prohibits contributions from contractors directly or indirectly, the burden (in a strict reading) would seem to fall severely on Escudero to show the donation was indeed from personal funds and not effectively a conduit for corporate money.

The admitted fact that Centerways (Lubiano’s company) is a contractor adds weight to the presumption that the donation could run afoul of Section 95.

Furthermore, critics point to possible financial irregularities in Lubiano’s books (e.g. the missing ₱35 million) and the large jump in his contract awards soon after the donation — circumstantial evidence at least, of suspicious timing. 

That said, because Philippine jurisprudence and administrative enforcement on this precise set of facts may be sparse, Escudero might indeed have a fighting chance. But the assertion that no law can possibly have been violated is legally overconfident at best and risky at worst.

Thus: the claim is not definitively false, but it is far from proven. On the balance, it rests on a lean legal argument.

Claim 2: Escudero is simply being “misunderstood” and is open to transparent review

This plays well politically and is rhetorically safer: the posture of cooperation is typically more defensible than obstinacy.

It may also reflect real confidence in fact-based defenses (e.g., audit trails showing personal funds used). If Escudero can trace the cash flow convincingly, he may evade sanctions.

But cooperation doesn’t guarantee immunity: the Comelec has institutional incentives to enforce the law, to maintain public trust, and to signal that even powerful actors are not above scrutiny.

In short: the posture of openness is prudent, but not by itself exculpatory.

Dramatic Stakes: Why This Matters Beyond One Senator

This is not just about Escudero. It’s a fulcrum in a larger war over elite power, electoral integrity, and the credibility of institutions.

Precedent & Deterrence

If the Comelec allows this case to quietly die or to be narrowly excused, it risks sending a signal: large contractors can still bankroll politicians with impunity, so long as they mask it as “personal funds.” That would hollow out the integrity of campaign finance laws.

Public Trust & Moral Authority

In a democracy, governance is not only about legality but legitimacy. Citizens must believe that rules apply even-handedly, that public office is not a means of enrichment, and that “one rule for the elite, another for the masses” is not the de facto norm.

Ethics vs. Legalism

Even if Escudero persuades Comelec that no law was broken, the court of public opinion may judge differently. The moral question looms: should a candidate accept massive donations from someone whose business is deeply entangled with government contracts—regardless of clean legal boundaries?

Broader Context: Flood Control, Contractor Monopolies, and Infrastructure Controversies

The donation in question comes in the shadow of controversies over flood control projects, ghost projects, and a concentration of government contracts among a small set of favored firms. 

When contractors wield large political influence, the risk of capture, favoritism, and corruption multiplies. Politically, this case thus becomes a test—not only of Escudero’s accountability, but of the broader architecture of Philippines’ procurement and electoral systems.

What to Watch for in the Comelec Proceeding (Oct 13 and Beyond)

Documentation of Fund Origins

Can Escudero and Lubiano conclusively trace the ₱30 million as coming from purely personal accounts, with verifiable bank records, tax returns, etc.?

Timing and Contract Awards

Can the sudden rise in Centerways’ contract awards be plausibly disconnected from the donation? The ethics complaint already asserts a strong correlation. 

Interpretation of “Indirect” Contributions

How the Comelec resolves whether routing money through a personal account is still “indirect” corporate contribution will be pivotal.

Burden of Proof & Legal Standards

Who must prove what? Will Comelec require Escudero to meet a high standard of proof, or simply a plausible explanation?

Sanctions

If Comelec finds a violation, what follows? Disqualification? Fines? Referral for criminal investigation? The political cost is also unknown.

Appeals & Judicial Oversight

Whatever Comelec rules will likely be challenged in courts. The Supreme Court or electoral tribunals may eventually weigh in, setting binding precedent.

Final Assessment: Bold Move, Precarious Ground

Sen. Escudero’s defiant embrace of a show-cause order — a posture of transparency masked as challenge — is strategically clever. In a legal system riddled with ambiguities, he may well survive this ordeal. But his sweeping claim, “no law has been violated,” is more a political gambit than a settled legal conclusion.

The Comelec, in turn, faces a delicate task: enforcing the law credibly, deterring abuse, yet respecting procedural fairness. — especially in a context where top officials (Marcos, Duterte) are also under scrutiny for campaign funding from contractors. 

Ethically, even if Escudero’s defense succeeds, the episode underscores the pressing need to tighten campaign finance law, close loopholes, better define “indirect contributions,” and bolster transparency institutions.

In the dramatic theater of Philippine politics, this is a high-stakes trial. The outcome may reshape how power, money, and accountability interact in the years ahead.

Byte the Challenge: InfotechnOlympics 2025 Powers Up for Innovation

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The countdown is on for the biggest tech spectacle of the year at the University of Makati—InfotechnOlympics 2025: “The Technocentric.” Set to unfold on October 13, 2025, the event will turn the Performing Arts Theater, UMak Oval, HPSB rooms, the 11th Floor Cafeteria, and the 10th Floor Computer Laboratories into arenas of innovation, skill, and creativity. Organized by the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) Student Council, this year’s InfotechnOlympics carries the theme “Elevating Minds Centered on Digital Innovation,” a fitting call to students eager to push boundaries in the digital age. Powered by major supporters Taters Enterprises Incorporated, Mogu Mogu Juice Drink Philippines, and Motivo Philippines, with sponsorship from Almalik Shawarma and Koryana Merch PH Novelty Shop, and amplified through media partners WazzupPilipinas.com and IKOT.PH INC., the competition features 12 diverse categories designed to challenge wit, talent, and teamwork—with winners set to proudly represent UMak in the prestigious IT Skills Olympics (ITSO). More than just a contest, InfotechnOlympics 2025 is poised to be a celebration of excellence, collaboration, and the future of technology.

Moving into the highlights, InfotechnOlympics 2025 unfolds as UMak CCIS gathers the brightest minds to showcase their skills in technology, creativity, and problem-solving. This year’s event brings together a powerhouse lineup of categories where students will battle it out and prove their skills.

Participants will compete across a wide range of categories, each highlighting different areas of expertise in the tech field. Students’ academic knowledge will be tested in the Quiz Bee, while the Android Applications category branches into Game Development, Productivity Tools, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Meanwhile, programming contests in Java and .Net C# will showcase versatility in coding, while the systems side takes center stage through Computer Networking. The competition also highlights creativity and technical precision with Digital Electronics and Web Design, while the high-energy E-Sports tournament keeps the crowd on edge with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Call of Duty: Mobile.

What makes this year even more exciting are the fresh and redefined categories. While favorites like the Quiz Bee and E-Sports continue to thrill the crowd, the upgraded challenges in Linux Administration and Python Programming now offer practical, hands-on expertise from participants. Adding even more energy is the arrival of E-Robots and Database Management categories that expand the competitive field, giving students new opportunities to showcase precision, strategy, and technical mastery.

As InfotechnOlympics 2025 approaches, the organizers underscored the importance of the event for the CCIS community. “This year’s InfotechnOlympics is vital for us because it will serve as the selection ground for our representative in the upcoming 14th Skills Olympics,” shared a CCIS Student Council representative. They added that “the primary objectives of InfotechnOlympics are to foster collaboration among students and to provide them with the opportunity to showcase their skills.” In encouraging the participants, the organizers left a message that captures the event’s spirit: “Always strive to innovate and elevate minds for greater success.”

Students are equally eager as the big day draws closer. One participant shared, “I decided to join the InfotechnOlympics because I want to discover both my strong points and my limitations.” Looking ahead to the competition, they added, “I’m joining the Web Design category so I can further enhance my frontend development skills.” While enthusiastic, they also expect to be tested: “I know the event will be challenging since there are many students who are better than me, but I see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.”

Beyond individual experiences, the theme takes center stage this year: “Elevating Minds Centered on Digital Innovation.” At its core, the theme is more than a call to showcase digital talent—it is a challenge to reimagine the future. In an age where technology evolves at lightning speed, students are called not just to keep up but to rise higher. By centering their passion on digital innovation, they become the drivers of progress and the thinkers who bridge today’s problems with tomorrow’s solutions.

The event is also expected to bring together students across IT, Computer Science, and diploma tracks, representing both baccalaureate and non-baccalaureate programs. Faculty members will serve as evaluators, giving feedback and selecting winners—ensuring participants, whether they win or not, gain valuable experience and encouragement to keep striving. Strengthened by its partners and sponsors, InfotechnOlympics 2025 stands as a showcase of unity and innovation for the CCIS community.

Looking back, the InfotechnOlympics has continuously evolved into one of the most awaited CCIS traditions. The first-ever event was held online on April 22–23, 2021, titled “InfoTechnOlympics 2021: Revamping the Pillars of Industry 4.0 in Embracing Adversity as Opportunity.” Since then, the competition has expanded in both size and impact, introducing fresh categories, improving logistics, and attracting higher student participation. Over the years, it has grown into a premier platform that represents the creativity, competitiveness, and collaborative spirit of CCIS.

In closing, InfotechnOlympics 2025 will not just be another event in the CCIS calendar—it will continue the tradition of excellence that has grown since its beginnings. As participants face competitions that test creativity, logic, and technical mastery, they will discover new strengths and unlock greater potential. Culminating in a closing program and awarding ceremony, the event will not only honor outstanding talents but also celebrate the shared journey of the CCIS community. Guided by the mantra “Lead. Elevate. Innovate.” InfotechnOlympics 2025 promises to inspire a new generation of visionaries ready to transform the future of technology.

Written by:

Isabel San Esteban

Shaun Cj Caril

Denise Mae Lucero

Alexandra Macalla

Jamie Rafaela Pagkalinawan

Michelle Ann Sahorda

John Dave Villareal