Without a question, social media has made the phenomenon of perpetual exposure far more common. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok may also propel people to levels of celebrity they would never have achieved otherwise.
The rise of smartphone culture has significantly impacted how celebrities are treated, as well as how people acquire access to the wide platform of fame. They have become “influencers” in their niche or community. Some would resort to the short-term strategy of a “click-baiting” scheme and “for the views” sake of content. While some use their social influence for sparking change and inspiring their followers through their content.
In the second part of this article, the content creators made on this list (from nano to macro influencers and in no particular order) somehow achieved a different kind of online fame not only because of their content but also how they created an impact in the region.
James Montaño photography by James Michael Montaño
James Michael Montaño is one of the influential photographers in Soccsksargen. He started his career as a graphic artist and later on became a destination wedding and portrait photographer.
Montaño likes to create cinematic photos with his clients. He calls it a "version of love—a fusion of a couple’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas. His eyes help translate it into visually stunning photographs.
He loves to share it on his digital platforms. Some of it went viral and inspired other photographers and his followers.
Cliff the Star by Cliff Corsit
Aside from being an entertaining event host, Cliff Corsit extends his positive vibes on his social media platforms, particularly on Facebook and TikTok.
He started posting content on Facebook mainly to spread happiness. He enjoys the whole process of content creation – from conceptualizing ideas, filming, and editing to posting them. He is overjoyed on receiving positive reactions from his audience.
It eventually evolved into supporting local MSMEs in GenSan and its neighboring towns. Corsit is involved in the creative process of promoting local entrepreneurs and their businesses. He uses his online influence to inspire his followers.
Batang Polomolok by Steven Rae Bañares
Steven Rae Bañares’ Batang Polomolok Facebook page started as a simple “pitik” page. He did not expect that it would grow and gain a massive following.
Ba̱ares' love for photography allowed him to share it through his page. It serves as his platform for sharing relevant content about Polomolok Рfrom its people, culture, local businesses, LGU programs, and even their tourist destinations.
Currently, Bañares works in the tourism office of LGU Polomolok.
The Almighty Bro by Benjohn Tribiana
From GenSan TV to South Barkada, Benjohn Tribiana has experimented with different content formats. He collaborated with various regional online influencers. With his closest GenSan pals, he established an online program called "Advice by Bro" on TikTok. The majority of their discussions focused on character development and empowerment.
Later, the online show evolved into The Almighty Bro, which focused on "empowering males and protecting women," with the tagline, “In whatever it is that you’re feeling right now, there’s always a brother beside you.”
Tribiana and his team do not just create content for the sake of having it go viral. They make sure that the content they produce can resonate with everyone.
The Almighty Bro (formerly Advise by Bro) was named one of TikTok's 2021 Rising Creators.
Niño Solis Films by Niño Solis
Niño Solis is one of the top choices for wedding videography in the region. Solis's influence cannot be denied as he inspires various creative artists in the wedding and events industry.
Solis and his team share their output primarily on their Facebook page. Some of it went viral and gained significant reactions from their followers.
Solis uses social media not just to promote their services but also to share relevant stories from the region – especially the stories of their clients.
OrganiKian Urban Farm by Kian Castaneda
Kian Castaneda was a former firefighter in Qatar turned full-time agriprenuer. He became an urban gardening advocate specializing in hydroponics.
Castaneda’s OrganiKian Urban Farm serves as a go-to place for those who wanted a farm life experience in the middle of the city. Their vision is to promote and sustain a healthy community by growing natural food and caring for nature within the urban environment.
Castaneda uses social media, particularly Facebook, on promoting not only their organically grown food but also their agricultural engagements in their community.
OrganiKian Urban Farm is also a learning site for agriculture accredited by the Agricultural Training Institute Region 12. Castaneda is a certified trainer/instructor for hydroponics agriculture.
ChooxTV by Edgar Dumali
Edgar Dumali rose to prominence through his Facebook live streams. He had no idea that his "online game addiction" would help him achieve his life goals. He became an instant internet celebrity because of his humble beginnings.
Dumali confessed in a feature on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho that his wife nearly left him because he became so preoccupied with online games that he neglected his obligations as a father. His wife recalled him waking up late in the afternoon and immediately starting playing video games. He was determined to set his priorities straight after acknowledging his flaws and prioritizing his family. He now uses his streaming profits to provide a decent living for his family.
He also recommended his fellow gamers and streamers minimize their online activity to make more time for other pursuits.
In 2019, he was signed as a talent under the home-grown gaming community Rumble Royale. Other talents from the same agency include popular celebrity streamers like Myrtle Sarrosa, Megan Young, and Eruption.
Dumali's earnings from gaming have enabled him to purchase his family's dream home in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. He shared his blessings with those affected by calamities and the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to streaming, he was even able to raise funds in a series of charity streams called Stars for a Cause.
Aside from his streaming, he began uploading vlogs about his personal life. Fans may see him outside of his Mobile Legends streams, and they can even see snippets of his wife and children.
ChooksTV currently has 13 million Facebook followers and 6.48 YouTube subscribers.
Kuerdas by Jayson “Onyok” Ugbaniel and the band
Among the bands that have existed in the region, Kuerdas continues to stay relevant by producing and performing music that caters to different generations. For twenty years, the band has become an icon in the local music scene and is known for its reggae music.
On their Facebook page, they share their performances and covers, as well as their gig schedule. The power of social media allowed them to promote their music and reintroduce themselves to a new audience.
Read the feature story:
BUGSAY TA, BAY!: KUERDAS GENSAN’S JOURNEY IN THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE 
WanderLagaw by Jayson Bacaling
Jayson Bacaling started as a simple lone traveler who likes to visit various destinations in the region. WanderLagaw gained traction when the community lockdown was gradually lifted. Most of the people in the region had desires to go somewhere just to ease the “lockdown boredom”.
During this time, there were many emerging destinations opened, especially those in the “nature-adventure” category. Bacaling took the chance to visit these emerging sites as a form of therapy for his followers. Up until now, Bacaling continues to promote local destinations, MSMEs, and events in region 12.
Bacaling also uses his platform to conduct community outreach and donation drive for those affected by natural calamities. For instance, in 2022, he helped organize a donation drive activity for the people who were affected by the intense flash flood in Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao. They received almost PhP 100,000 (both in kind and cash).
Bacaling is a social worker and works at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 12.
GenSan News Online by Avel Manansala
Avel Manansala remains an influential content creator in the region. He is known by his online nickname “Bariles.” Manansala’s GenSan News Online still gives the latest updates about GenSan – from news and events to the promotion of local businesses. He somehow became a go-to person if you would like to know more about GenSan or SOX in general.
Currently, he spends his time working in the sectors of communications and media, as well as a consultant on online and offline marketing. He is a self-taught Internet Presence Strategist who promotes the use of Google Map Maker in Mindanao.
Manansala is one of the co-founders of SOX Bloggers and the current Vice President for Social Media of the GenSan City Hall press corps.
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