Beyond the Fanfare: The Grit and Glam of Filipino Entertainment Blogging


15 years ago, I decided to become a blogger.At the time, I really wanted to own my own website. So I can keep a notebook and create a wall of topics I’m interested in. It was quite fuzzy. I don’t know anyone, and I am not sure how it works. All I know is that I want to share stories and my own experiences. I want to start a conversation. And the rest is history.

In the complex weave of Philippine media, entertainment bloggers hold a distinct position. We are more than just chroniclers of celebrity gossip and trendy hashtags; we are cultural interpreters, tastemakers, and, in certain cases, gatekeepers navigating the ever-changing world of Philippine pop culture. Here I am below during my John Lloyd Cruz exclusive, he was checking my interview questions and laughing with my way of knowing things LOL.

I recall walking to entertainment events and getting those looks from the print media, which made me wonder about our basic existence. It was a turbulent ride and an uncomfortable place to be. Because some of our peers believe we are taking away their very existence, being an entertainment blogger in the Philippines entails wearing multiple hats, each needing a combination of passion, resilience, and a thorough understanding of the Filipino psyche. I remember singing along with Sarah Geronimo and struggling the need to cover and record things at it happens.

Living in the Spotlight’s Shadow: Unlike traditional journalists, entertainment bloggers frequently work on the fringes of the business. We pursue exclusives, attend press conferences, and interview celebrities, but frequently lack the same institutional support or access. This requires resourcefulness and innovation. But special thanks to ABS-CBN for paving the way for us all a decade ago. They were the ones who treated us equally, recognize our presence as part of the community we enjoy now. ABS-CBN News even featured us during those times.

Building relationships, cultivating sources, and mastering the art of online storytelling are all vital tools for competing for scoops and capturing their audience’s attention. I think that’s how I stayed. We managed to build a community and relationships so we could be our own support system. Years ago, Sarah Jessica Parker visited Manila and we waited for hours to be grant an interview but ended up just having a photo op. Not complaining at all.

This is when I got friends with my heroes, celebrities that I adore and look up to. It was where people saw the elegance in our appearances at gatherings. It is where people witness the good life and its benefits. That is, at least, what they believe.

Beyond the Clicks: Being an entertainment blogger isn’t always glamorous. Long hours, tight deadlines, and the ongoing need to stay current can be overwhelming. Being the editor, promoter, and photographer for The Rod Magaru Show is difficult as a one-man team. Furthermore, trolls and hatred can lurk around every turn, necessitating a thick skin and relentless dedication. However, the rewards are just as great. The thrill of starting conversations, influencing ideas, and even contributing to the evolution of pop culture itself drives their passion.

I believe there is a terrific approach to looking at it as an entertainment blogger in the Philippines. Celebrity worship and politics are intertwined like the bright threads of a baro’t saya. We have an easy, forgiving, thirsty public because Filipinos admire their idols, from heartthrob actors like Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz to superstar singers like Lea Salonga, Kathryn Bernardo, and Sarah Geronimo. This adulation can convert into votes, propelling superstars like Manny Pacquiao, the boxing legend turned senator, and Vilma Santos, the “Star for All Seasons,” who became a congressman, to positions of power.

This phenomenon is not purely superficial. Celebrities are viewed as relatable personalities by Filipinos because they symbolize goals and challenges that ordinary people face. Their achievement is felt strongly, and their opinions have influence, particularly on social concerns. However, detractors warn of the dangers of “popularity politics,” in which charisma can trump qualifications and expertise. Below is an iBlog symposium made for bloggers, I was one of the hosts and moderator. It was a fun experience.

However, being a blogger sometimes need more labor than others. Sometimes we were not adequately reimbursed for our efforts. But blogging life continues.

In summary, being an entertainment blogger in the Philippines requires you to be a storyteller, an advocate, and a cultural navigator. It is a journey driven by enthusiasm, resilience, and, ultimately, a love for the stories, people, and vivid tapestry of Filipino entertainment that connects us all.

This is only a look into the life of an entertainment blogger in the Philippines. Each person’s experience is unique, formed by their specific interests, specialties, and techniques. But one thing remains constant: their dedication to informing, entertaining, and enriching their audience’s lives, one blog post, tweet, or clever comment at a time.

This year, I am celebrating my 15th year. And I am glad I’m still here. Celebrate with me!

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