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.
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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