They say that in internet years, seventeen is practically a lifetime. If a blog were a person, it would be graduating high school, looking at college applications, and probably feeling a bit of that “existential dread” about what’s next. This May, The Rod Magaru Show officially turns 17. Looking back at where it all started in 2009, I realized that I didn’t just build a website—I built a mirror of my own life.
When I first hit “publish” nearly two decades ago, I was just a guy with a keyboard and a lot of opinions. Back then, the Philippine blogosphere was a tight-knit community of digital diarists. We weren’t worried about algorithms or SEO; we just wanted to tell our stories.
Since then, I’ve watched platforms rise and fall. I’ve seen the “death” of long-form writing predicted every year, only to see my readers return for the deep dives that 60-second clips just can’t capture. Whether it’s a meticulous review of the latest HONOR flagship or a deep-dive into the choreography of SB19 and BINI, I’ve realized that my audience stays for the voice, not just the news.
People often ask me how I’ve stayed relevant for 17 years. The truth? It’s about more than just staying busy; it’s about growing up alongside your platform. Some of the moments that make me the proudest aren’t just the page views:
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Becoming a “Globe of Good” Ambassador: For over a decade, I’ve partnered with Globe to use this platform for something bigger than myself—advocating for sustainability, disaster relief, and social responsibility. It’s the work that keeps me grounded.
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The P-Pop Evolution: I was there when P-pop was just a whisper. Documenting the rise of local talent from their first press conferences to their global world tours has been one of the most rewarding “beats” of my career.
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The Lifestyle Pivot: From the early days of Philippine Blog Awards recognition to traveling across Asia—from the neon lights of Hong Kong to the serenity of Boracay—this blog has been my ticket to see the world. It’s allowed me to review luxury hotels and tech gadgets with a level of honesty that I hope my readers feel.
Why I’m Still Here
I’ve spent 17 years navigating the transition from desktop reading to mobile scrolling. I’ve balanced a career in finance with the “always-on” nature of being a content creator. But at the end of the day, when I sit down to write, it still feels like that conversation between friends we started in 2009. I’m not just a “influencer” or a “public speaker”—I’m a storyteller.
So, here’s to 17 years of rodmagaru.com. It’s been a masterclass in evolution, and if you’ve been reading since day one (or even just since yesterday), thank you for being part of the story.
The best part? I feel like I’m just getting started.
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