The Evolution of Language: New Words Shaping 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Language is a living entity, constantly evolving to reflect societal changes, technological advancements, and cultural trends. In 2025, several new words have emerged, capturing the essence of contemporary life and pop culture. Let's explore these terms, their origins, and how they seamlessly integrate into our daily conversations.

1. Brat

Traditionally, "brat" referred to a mischievous child. However, in recent years, it has been redefined to embody confidence, independence, and a hedonistic attitude. This transformation is largely attributed to pop singer Charli XCX's album "Brat," which influenced cultural trends, social media, and fashion, leading to the "brat summer" aesthetic.

In a sentence:

"Taylor Swift's latest music video exudes brat energy—bold, unapologetic, and fiercely independent."

2. Brain Rot

Selected as the Word of the Year by Oxford University Press, "brain rot" describes the perceived deterioration of mental faculties due to consuming trivial online content. The term saw a resurgence among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, encapsulating concerns over the effects of virtual life and social media.

In a sentence:

"After binge-watching reality TV shows all weekend, I could feel the brain rot setting in."

3. Demure

Historically meaning modest or reserved, "demure" experienced a cultural revival in 2024. Its newfound popularity is credited to TikTok creator Jools Lebron, whose phrase “very demure, very mindful” became a viral mantra for handling situations with poise. This led to a 1,200% surge in usage, with Dictionary.com naming it the Word of the Year.

In a sentence:

"At the awards ceremony, the actress's demure demeanor stood out amidst the flamboyant crowd."

4. Delulu

A colloquial contraction of "delusional," "delulu" is used to describe someone who holds unrealistic beliefs or expectations, often in a humorous or light-hearted context. It gained popularity on social media platforms, particularly within fan communities, highlighting exaggerated fantasies.

In a sentence:

"Thinking that the celebrity liked your comment? That's a bit delulu, but we all have our moments."

5. Boogsh

A modern take on "bongga," this term describes something extravagant or over-the-top, perfect for those fabulous moments. 

In a sentence:

"Ang boogsh ng concert ni Sarah Geronimo kagabi—sobrang daming special effects!"

6. Estetik

Used to describe someone or something as attractive or beautiful, capturing the essence of aesthetic appeal. 

In a sentence:

"Ang ganda ng feed mo sa Instagram, sobrang estetik!"

7. Dogshow

This term refers to making jokes or poking fun at someone or something, a light-hearted way to engage in playful banter. 

In a sentence:

"Huwag masyadong dogshow kay Juan, baka mapikon siya."

8. Dasurv

A Filipinized version of "deserve," this term recognizes when someone merits praise, recognition, or good fortune. 

In a sentence:

"Grabe, dasurv mo talaga ang promotion na 'to sa trabaho!"

9. Lavarn

Derived from the Filipino word "laban," this expression is used to cheer up or encourage someone, a supportive way to lift spirits. 

In a sentence:

"Kaya mo 'yan, bes! Lavarn lang nang lavarn!"

10. Omsim

A reversed form of "mismo," used to affirm or agree with someone, similar to saying "exactly" or "that's right." 

In a sentence:

"Omsim! Yan din ang naisip ko tungkol sa plano natin."

11. Awit

A contraction of "aw, sakit," used to express empathy or a sense of pity towards someone's unfortunate experience. 

In a sentence:

"Na-flat yung gulong ko sa daan kanina."

"Awit, bro. Buti na lang may spare tire ka."

12. Sana All

A phrase expressing a wish to experience or have what someone else does, akin to saying "I hope everyone (including myself) experiences that." 

In a sentence:

"Nagbakasyon sila sa Europe ngayong summer. Sana all!"

These terms illustrate the dynamic nature of language, reflecting societal shifts and the influence of pop culture. As we continue through 2025, it's fascinating to observe how these words become integral to our conversations, bridging traditional expressions with contemporary contexts.

Empowering Truth: GMA Masterclass, Umalohokan Workshops, and the Fight for Ethical Content Creation

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As the 2025 Philippine midterm elections approach, the battle against misinformation and the call for responsible digital citizenship have intensified. Recognizing this urgent need, organizations and initiatives have stepped up to promote responsible voting and truthful content creation. Among them are the "GMA Masterclass: Eleksyon 2025 Dapat Totoo Series" and the Umalohokan Influencers and Content Creators Workshops, including their Year-End Meet-ups and Christmas Parties, organized by Wazzup Pilipinas, Ganda Negosyo, and Red Cloud Interactive.

Together, these efforts foster a culture of accountability, authenticity, and truthfulness—qualities vital in combating fake news and shaping a more informed society.

GMA Masterclass: Promoting Truthful Reporting and Responsible Voting

From January 22 to 25, 2025, GMA Regional TV and Synergy, in partnership with GMA Integrated News, rolled out the "GMA Masterclass: Eleksyon 2025 Dapat Totoo Series" across Mindanao. The masterclass visited key universities:

Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, General Santos City (January 22)

Holy Cross of Davao College, Davao City (January 23)

Liceo De Cagayan University, Cagayan de Oro City (January 24)

Central Mindanao University, Bukidnon (January 25)

Through a dynamic mix of lectures and discussions, industry experts like Tina Panganiban-Perez (Senior Reporter, GMA Integrated News), Lou Albano (Managing Editor, GMA News Online), Theodore Ortiz (Assistant Manager, GMA Integrated News Social Media), and Martin Antonio (GMA Synergy Sportscaster) engaged students on topics ranging from media literacy to the dangers of fake news.

The masterclass emphasized the critical role of young voters in ensuring fair elections. Participants were urged to verify information, analyze sources, and understand the detrimental effects of misinformation.

Oliver Victor Amoroso, Senior Vice President of GMA Integrated News and Synergy, underscored the importance of these sessions:

"Truth should be at the core of every election. Through this masterclass, we’re not just empowering voters but also building a generation that values integrity and responsible decision-making."

The Umalohokan Initiative: Advocating for Ethical Content Creation

Complementing the GMA Masterclass is the Umalohokan Influencers and Content Creators Workshops, a groundbreaking initiative that brings together social media influencers, bloggers, and creators to promote authenticity and responsibility in digital storytelling.

Organized by Wazzup Pilipinas, Ganda Negosyo, and Red Cloud Interactive, the workshops aim to inspire creators to:

✔ Refrain from posting scripted or manipulated content

✔ Fact-check before sharing information

✔ Prioritize authenticity over sensationalism

✔ Use their platforms to encourage truth and accountability

These workshops are deeply rooted in the spirit of the Umalohokan, the town criers of ancient Philippine society who were trusted to deliver truthful news. The initiative mirrors this historical role, advocating for transparent and credible content creation in today’s digital era.

Year-End Meet-ups and Christmas Parties: A Celebration of Integrity

Beyond workshops, Umalohokan’s Year-End Meet-ups and Christmas Parties serve as both a celebration of achievements and a reaffirmation of their mission. Organized by the same trailblazing groups—Wazzup Pilipinas, Ganda Negosyo, and Red Cloud Interactive—these gatherings unite creators in a shared commitment to ethical storytelling.

These events are more than just social gatherings; they’re opportunities to:

Reflect on the role of influencers in shaping public opinion

Collaborate on strategies to counter misinformation

Build a supportive community of creators united by integrity

The gatherings have become a powerful reminder that content creation isn’t just about engagement metrics—it’s about making a positive impact on society.

Fostering a Culture of Truth and Accountability

Both the GMA Masterclass and the Umalohokan Workshops emphasize a crucial point: misinformation is not just a problem—it’s a threat to democracy and society. Whether it’s voters being misled during elections or audiences consuming manipulated content, the consequences are far-reaching.

Mary Ann Maslog Convicted in P24-Million Textbook Scam: Justice Finally Served After Decades of Deception

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In a landmark decision, the Sandiganbayan has convicted Mary Ann Maslog, a key figure in the infamous 1998 textbook procurement scandal, of graft. Maslog was sentenced to ten years in prison for her role in orchestrating a scheme that defrauded the government of ₱24 million—a case that has haunted the Philippine education system for over two decades.

This long-awaited conviction not only closes one of the country's most notorious graft cases but also exposes the elaborate methods Maslog employed to evade justice for years, including fleeing the country, assuming false identities, and even faking her own death.

The 1998 Textbook Scam: A Financial and Educational Blow

The scandal erupted in 1998 when a government contract for textbooks and supplementary materials was awarded to Esteem Enterprises, represented by Maslog. Investigations revealed that the Sub-Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) used to approve the contract were fraudulent. This fraudulent transaction, executed in collaboration with former Department of Education (DepEd) officials Emilia de la Aranas and Ernesto Guiang, not only resulted in massive financial losses but also left Filipino students with substandard educational materials.

Maslog’s co-conspirators, Aranas and Guiang, were convicted in 2020, each receiving sentences of up to ten years. However, Maslog’s case was dismissed at the time due to a forged death certificate submitted to the court—a deception that added another layer to her elaborate attempts at escaping accountability.

A Fugitive’s Web of Deception

Mary Ann Maslog’s evasion of justice is as dramatic as it is troubling. After fleeing to the United States, she operated under multiple aliases, including "Mary Ann Evans Smith" and "Mary Ann Tupa Maslog-Smith." Her criminal activities extended beyond Philippine borders; in 2010, she was convicted in the U.S. for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme targeting immigrants seeking student visas, earning her a six-year prison sentence.

Upon her release, Maslog returned to the Philippines under a new alias, "Dr. Jesica Sese Francisco," and resumed fraudulent activities, including posing as a supplier of water systems and medical supplies in the Bangsamoro region. In 2019, her lawyers presented a death certificate to the Sandiganbayan, leading to the dismissal of her graft case. This brazen act of deceit further delayed justice until her arrest in September 2024.

The Turning Point: Arrest and Trial

Maslog’s re-arrest was the result of meticulous efforts by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). She was apprehended in September 2024, and fingerprint analysis confirmed her true identity. Her repeated petitions for bail were denied by the Sandiganbayan due to her history of evasion and use of multiple aliases.

During the trial, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including the fraudulent documents that facilitated the textbook procurement and testimonies from witnesses involved in the investigation. On January 28, 2025, the Sandiganbayan found Maslog guilty, putting an end to her decades-long evasion of accountability.

Broader Implications: Corruption in Education

The 1998 textbook scam is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public procurement processes, especially in sectors as critical as education. The misallocation of funds not only drained government resources but also deprived Filipino students of quality learning materials—highlighting the far-reaching consequences of corruption.

Maslog’s conviction sends a strong message that justice, though delayed, can still be achieved. It underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and vigilance in government transactions to prevent similar scandals in the future.

Conclusion: Justice Served, Lessons Learned

The case of Mary Ann Maslog is a testament to the resilience of the Philippine justice system. Despite the challenges posed by her extensive efforts to avoid prosecution, authorities succeeded in bringing her to justice. Her conviction, alongside those of her co-conspirators, closes a dark chapter in the country’s history of corruption.

As the education sector rebuilds from past failures, the government must ensure stricter oversight and reforms to safeguard public funds and protect the interests of Filipino students. The fight against corruption is far from over, but the resolution of this case serves as a powerful reminder that no one is above the law.