Vlogging in the Philippines: Relatability, Tourism, and Digital Innovation
The Ong Fam vlog, led by Geo Ong and his family, has gained significant popularity in the Philippines. Their content ranges from daily life experiences to travel adventures and meet-and-greet events. Their content is often filled with humor and light-hearted moments, providing a source of entertainment that appeals to a wide audience.
Relatability and the Challenge of Success
But the question remains: Is their content still relatable to ordinary and poor people in the Philippines? As someone who has been watching their vlogs since the start of the pandemic, I sometimes feel a disconnect. While I appreciate their authenticity and family values, their growing lifestyle and access to more resources can make it hard for viewers like me to relate. This is especially true for those of us from poorer backgrounds who cannot reach that certain lifestyle.
Over time, the content of the Ong Fam vlog has evolved. While they still share everyday moments, there is an increasing focus on travel and events that might not be accessible to ordinary people. This shift can make it harder for some viewers to see themselves in the Ong Fam’s shoes. For many poor Filipinos, daily life is a struggle to make ends meet. Watching content that showcases a more comfortable lifestyle can sometimes feel out of reach and less relatable.
It’s important for viewers to relate to the vlogs they watch because it makes them feel connected and understood. When viewers see content that reflects their own experiences and feelings, they enjoy it more and feel a stronger bond with the vlogger. The Ong Fam faces the challenge of balancing their content to remain relatable while also sharing their growth and success. By focusing on simple joys, engaging with their fans and community, and giving back, the Ong Fam can continue to connect with a wide audience and remain a beloved part of Filipino online culture.
International Perspectives and #WakeUpInPH
As a tourist destination, the Philippines sees millions of tourists every year. In a unique year, some tourists found themselves stranded as the government ordered a quarantine to curb the spread of COVID-19. In an interesting turn of events, some foreign tourists chose to stay in the country, even sharing their experiences — and some kind words about Filipinos — with the rest of the world. Stranded tourists continue to share the beauty of the Philippines in vlogs, which the Department of Tourism (DOT) highlights in #WakeUpInPH.
For instance, Chris and Carol are travelers from Brazil who moved to El Nido, Palawan. Chris noted that "Filipinos, in general, are just positive people, and that’s helping a lot." Austrian travel vloggers Mike and Nelly also traveled to Siargao where they knew some people. They observed that "The Filipino generosity never ceases to surprise me." Furthermore, an English family—Jmayel, Sacha, and daughter Story—stayed in Siargao, describing their experience as being safe and sheltered on what can only be described as a paradise.
Corporate Vlogging and Professional Solutions
In the Philippines, where nearly 87 million Filipinos are actively using social media, 97% of whom are avid viewers of videos, vlogs have become an indispensable digital marketing strategy for brand promotion and business growth. Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc. is thrilled to dive into this digital wave with the launch of “Ka-PC Jun’s Vlog,” spearheaded by visionary Chairman, Jun Evangelista. Vlogs offer a dynamic way to connect and engage with audiences, providing a personal touch that goes beyond traditional marketing techniques.
As the world of content creation continues to evolve, the vlogging industry has become more competitive and tastefully experimental. To support this, Sony Philippines unveils “Total Vlogging Solutions”— an array of the newest and most innovative vlogging line-up covering cameras and accessories with the RX0 II as its flagship product. Sony Philippines aims to be the top-of-mind vlogging partner for professional and aspiring creators through more versatile shooting grips.
Vlogging Contributors and Their Focus
- Ong Fam: Daily life experiences, family values, and simple joys.
- Chris and Carol (Jumping Places): Highlighting Filipino positivity and the beauty of Palawan.
- Mike and Nelly (Making It Happen): Showcasing Filipino hospitality and generosity in Siargao.
- Ka-PC Jun’s Vlog: Leadership principles, product innovations, and community building.
- Sony Philippines: Empowering creators with high-quality "Total Vlogging Solutions."
