Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Hello, dear reader! I’m Ross Flores Del Rosario, the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, and I’m here to take you on a journey like no other. In this blog, we’ll ask the big questions: Why is the Philippines so special? How did it become one of the most vibrant and dynamic countries in Asia? And how does a small, dedicated community of creators like myself manage to make sense of it all?
You see, people have been living in the Philippines for thousands of years. And in that time, we've done some pretty remarkable things — like inventing the sinigang, perfecting the art of karaoke, and of course, creating the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and sour that defines Filipino cuisine. But how did the Philippines get here? How did this diverse archipelago, with over 7,000 islands, become the jewel of Southeast Asia?
To understand that, we have to go back in time, probably as far back as when early humans realized the value of sharing stories around a campfire. Of course, there was no Instagram back then, no TikTok videos to share your food adventures, no travel blogs to tell the world about your island getaway. But those early Filipinos still had stories to tell, passed down through generations like the wind that swept through the coconut trees. And that, my friends, is where Wazzup Pilipinas comes in.
The Rise of Wazzup Pilipinas
You might be wondering, why would a blog called Wazzup Pilipinas even exist? What is it trying to do? What is it all about? These are valid questions, and if you’re anything like me, you probably asked them even before you clicked on this post. Well, let me tell you.
At its core, Wazzup Pilipinas is about giving people a front-row seat to the ever-changing, ever-evolving landscape of the Philippines. It’s about bringing together stories from the local communities, highlighting the people who make this country unique, and providing an authentic perspective of Filipino culture. Wazzup Pilipinas is more than just a blog; it’s a platform that shows the best of what the Philippines has to offer, from the bustling cities of Metro Manila to the pristine beaches of Palawan, and the uncharted territories of small municipalities, which not enough people know about. It’s a place where local stories intersect with global relevance.
It’s not just about writing. It’s about telling the stories that need to be told — the stories about the hardworking Filipino people, the emerging businesses, the environmental initiatives, the quirky festivals, and, of course, the unforgettable travel destinations. If you think Wazzup Pilipinas is just another blog about food or travel, you’re in for a surprise. It’s about culture, about history, and yes, about discovering the truth about the Philippines and the people who live here.
The Filipinos You Didn't Know You Needed to Know
Sure, everyone knows about the famous Filipino personalities — the ones with star-studded careers in film and music, who can belt out songs with the power to shake the heavens. But Wazzup Pilipinas focuses on the unsung heroes, the everyday people who are transforming their communities with a spirit of resilience and creativity. The bloggers, the influencers, the local leaders, the artists — they’re the true lifeblood of this nation.
You might ask, “How do I even begin to find these people?” Well, that’s where I come in. As the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, I’ve had the privilege of traveling the length and breadth of this country — from the bustling streets of Quezon City to the quiet hills of Batanes. Through the lens of Wazzup Pilipinas, we’ve highlighted influencers who’ve taken it upon themselves to shine a light on their hometowns, showcasing their beauty, their culture, and their stories. I’ve even been involved in local influencer tours, like the ones in the municipalities of Rizal, where bloggers and content creators come together to explore new destinations, learn about their heritage, and of course, share it with the world.
And who could forget the unforgettable Biyaheng South Experiential Tour of Cavite? It was like a road trip through history, culture, and food, and I was honored to be one of the influencers on the journey, along with a vibrant group of like-minded individuals. If you haven’t been to Cavite, you’re missing out on some serious historical gems and mouthwatering local dishes. But that’s the beauty of Wazzup Pilipinas — it’s all about unearthing hidden treasures.
The Heart of Filipino Culture: Unfiltered, Unapologetic
Of course, a blog wouldn’t be a blog if it didn’t stir things up once in a while. As I’ve always believed, Wazzup Pilipinas is not just about telling people what they want to hear, but also challenging the status quo, tackling the issues that matter, and offering a fresh perspective. After all, the heart of Filipino culture isn’t just about the good times. It’s about being unfiltered, unapologetic, and speaking truth to power.
That’s why I’m not afraid to tackle some of the bigger issues facing the Philippines. From environmental concerns to the challenges of local governance, I’ve always been an advocate for transparency and accountability. And I’ll keep pushing those conversations forward — whether it’s calling attention to irregularities in local government, or discussing the impact of social media on community engagement. It’s important to ask the tough questions, especially if we want to make sure that the Philippines continues to grow, thrive, and succeed.
A New Chapter for Wazzup Pilipinas
Looking forward, I’ll continue to expand the scope of Wazzup Pilipinas, exploring even more of the Philippines and telling the stories that need to be told. Whether I’m blogging from the comfort of my home in Pasig or traveling across the country (or even internationally, like when I recently visited Singapore and Indonesia to feature the Bintan Lagoon Resort), Wazzup Pilipinas will always strive to offer you the best, the most authentic, and the most engaging content possible.
Because in the end, that’s what it’s all about — showing the world what the Philippines is truly capable of, and giving you, the reader, a chance to see it through my eyes. It’s not just a blog; it’s an invitation to experience the Philippines, one story at a time.
So, join me as we continue this journey together. There’s a lot more to explore, more stories to tell, and more adventures to be had. Welcome to Wazzup Pilipinas — the story of us, told by me.
So, what does it really mean to be Filipino? Is it all about the balut, the fiestas, or the fact that we know how to turn any gathering into a karaoke competition? Of course, it’s all of that — and much more. But to truly understand the essence of being Filipino, we need to ask the deeper questions. Questions like: What makes a country so resilient, even in the face of countless typhoons and challenges? How do we hold on to our sense of identity, even after centuries of colonization? And why do we insist on living life with a smile, even when the traffic is unbearable, and the jeepneys are overcrowded?
In this article, and all the other articles to follow, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the roots of Filipino identity. It’s not just about the food (though the food is definitely worth exploring) or the culture that’s on full display during every Sinulog or Pahiyas Festival. No, it's about the spirit — the bayanihan mentality, the sense of community that makes us stand out on the world stage. But how did this sense of community come to be? And why does it persist, even as we face an increasingly globalized world?
To get to the heart of it, let’s first look at how we live. In the Philippines, everything is a community event. We celebrate everything — birthdays, anniversaries, even random Tuesday afternoons — with friends, family, and a parade of colorful decorations. It’s like we have an innate need to connect, to come together, and to create something that will be remembered for generations. But where does this need to connect come from? Is it rooted in history? Or is it something more fundamental to who we are as people?
When we look at the Philippines’ history, we find that our sense of unity goes way back to the early tribal communities that existed long before the Spanish arrived. These were societies built on cooperation, on shared goals, and on the need to survive in a world that wasn’t always kind. Even today, when the power goes out or the rain pours down, we come together to help one another — no questions asked. But we didn’t always get here overnight, did we? There were centuries of colonization, wars, and struggles. Yet, through it all, the Filipino spirit remained unbroken.
So, let’s break it down: how do we, as Filipinos, continue to define ourselves in this ever-changing world? What makes us different from other nations, and why is it that when we travel abroad, we can spot a fellow Filipino from a mile away? It’s in the way we carry ourselves, the way we engage with the world, and yes, even in the way we say "Mabuhay!"
But don't take my word for it. Let’s dig deeper. Let’s explore the stories of ordinary Filipinos who’ve overcome extraordinary odds, people who embody the heart and soul of what it means to be Filipino. After all, isn’t it through their lives, their work, and their determination that we truly see the power of the Filipino identity in action?
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.
