UMALOHOKAN: A Battle Cry Against Misinformation, A Beacon for the Future

PRESS RELEASE



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




UMALOHOKAN: A Battle Cry Against Misinformation, A Beacon for the Future




Pasig City, Philippines – April 13, 2025 – In an age where falsehoods spread faster than facts, where social media has become both a tool and a trap, one workshop dares to defy the status quo. The UMALOHOKAN: Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan workshop roared to life as more than just a gathering—it became a movement, a revolution of conscience, and a united front in the fight for truth, sustainability, and empowered citizenship.




What started as a modest initiative to guide influencers, bloggers, vloggers, and content creators toward ethical digital storytelling has now surged into a national rallying cry. As elections loom, climate realities worsen, and the youth stand at the tipping point of history, the UMALOHOKAN Workshop emerged as a crucible of change, fusing media literacy, environmental advocacy, and civic education into one unstoppable force.










“This is not just a workshop. This is an awakening,” declared Ross Flores Del Rosario, visionary founder of both Wazzup Pilipinas and the UMALOHOKAN Workshops. “We are raising a new generation of truth-tellers, eco-defenders, and citizen-leaders who will shape the kind of future we all deserve. The time for passive scrolling is over. It’s time to speak, to act, to rise.”




Held with the enthusiastic participation of the Samahan ng mga Iskolar ng Simbayanan (SIS) and Simbayanan Ni Maria Community Foundation Inc. (SMCFI), the event brought together scholars, social media influencers, and thought leaders in an extraordinary collaboration of minds and hearts. Special thanks go to SIS and SMCFI leaders Rose Marcelino, Xian Guia, and Ma'am Encarnacion Pioquid for their tireless support and commitment to youth empowerment.




The workshop drew powerhouse support from the Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Movement Inc., GPP Kalikasan Muna – Green Party of the Philippines, and JBC Workers Union, with key figures like Engr. Eric Raymundo, Mariella Amagan, and Josephine Cabatuando lending their presence and strength to the mission. From the stunning event visuals by Niel Jose of Green Initiatives to the bold designs by SIS scholars themselves, the creative energy of the movement was palpable in every banner and post, thanks to Nineverses Printing Services c/o Beng Girang.




The line-up of distinguished speakers and partners—among them Vera Files, PPCRV, LENTE Philippines, Ecowaste Coalition, Partners for Affordable & Reliable Energy, BAN Toxics, Alkarock by Gift of Nature, CreatiVoices, and TV5—delivered wisdom and inspiration that lit fires in every participant. Notable names like Ma’am Ellen Tordesillas, Chino Penserga, Atty. Jay Roset, Nic Satur Jr., Antonio Dizon, Eman Balani, Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, John Reczon Calay, and content creators like Gio Almoite, Nestor Lim, Eduard Laya, Jenny Medenilla, and many more raised the bar for civic engagement in the digital age. Special thanks to Mark Anthony Wagan of Tekkie Pinas, Virgilio Cuarto Jr. of Every Tech Ever, Rizza Garingo of I Luv Rizza G, Maria Rona Beltran of Travel and Wellness with Maria, Prince AJ of AJ13VLOG, Tin Gonzalez of TodayPH.




Even those unable to attend in person—like Ronadel Cano Ang, Eric Teodoro, and others like Jayson Noveda of Ecowaste Coalition—extended their support online. Our gratitude also goes to mainstream media allies such as INQUIRER.net, INQ Plus Pilipinas, DWIZ 882, and former Malacañang Press Undersecretary Robert Torres Rivera and co-host Nerlisa Elyza Francisco Rivera, who ensured our call reached every corner of the nation.




Our special acknowledgment to UMALOHOKAN co-founder David D’Angelo, who despite his ongoing senatorial campaign, continues to uplift this movement with his unwavering faith. And none were more surprising and inspiring than Atty. Joey Lina, former Senator and now President of The Manila Hotel, whose off-the-cuff yet powerful message left a lasting impact on every soul in the room.




With dynamic hosting by Vanessa Rose Torres from Pampanga and Filjon Curaming from SIS, and technical support from Vladimir Del Rosario, who livestreamed the five-hour event for a wider online audience, UMALOHOKAN proved that united, we are unstoppable.




Thank you to our sponsors:

All of our speakers, moderators and panelists received the following tokens from Bambuhay, Dimalupig & Gabrielle Food Products Trading ZAVRRUSOVinegar , Bea's Homemade Peanut Butter , Pili Finos and baked goodies from Simbayanan Ni Maria Community Foundation Incorporated - SMCFI and Samahan ng mga Iskolar ng Simbayanan - SIS



The Umalohokan Workshops team would like to thank everyone for showing up to support and share their knowledge and personal motivations



To every attendee, every speaker, every organization, and every quiet hero behind the scenes—thank you. You are part of a growing wave that dares to dream and deliver a better tomorrow.




As Ross Flores Del Rosario declared, “The future will not be handed to us. We must shape it—together.”




Join the movement. Be the voice. Become the UMALOHOKAN.

UMALOHOKAN 2025: When Voices Rose, Truth Roared, and the Future Answered

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.

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.