Interesting SOX Content Creators You Need to Follow (part 3)

 

With social media algorithms now dictating the content flow of our feeds, it is no surprise that some posts go viral almost instantly. While some creators manage to maintain their popularity, others are quickly overshadowed by newcomers or more innovative content creators.

Keeping up with the latest trends and new social media influencers can be challenging. The fast-paced nature of social media often leads to digital fatigue or the “umay” factor. However, some content creators have successfully leveraged these platforms to their advantage.

In the third part of this article, the content creators listed (ranging from nano to macro influencers and in no particular order) have achieved a unique kind of online fame that sets them apart from other digital creators.

The StoryHouse (Arki Cariño)

Launched in 2017, Arki Cariño created 'The StoryHouse' to harness the power of storytelling and amplify inspiring narratives through social media. She believes that these stories, showcasing personal triumphs and struggles, can serve as valuable lessons, drawing inspiration from individuals' resilience and growth.

Arki covers a range of topics, including the rights of Overseas Filipinos Workers (OFWs), the importance of mental health, and education. She invites people from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences, which she then uploads as video interviews on her Facebook page.

Thailand Girl/TG (Jeren Jude Nebit Bacas)

Jeren Jude Nebit Bacas, popularly known as “Thailand Girl” or TG, rose to fame for her hilarious clips of daily life in Thailand. He is now based in Davao and Sultan Kudarat, where he creates local content to help promote the Soccsksargen region.

Aside from his “buyayaw” antics with his thick Ilonggo accent, he loves to promote Sultan Kudarat province. He has been invited to numerous events in Sultan Kudarat and other parts of the region. TG creates funny content from these events and shares it on his page. TG is from the Municipality of Lebak.

Sweetnotes Music (Jeffrey S. Bactong Jr. and Charlotte Mae P. Bactong)

The husband-and-wife team of Jeffrey S. Bactong Jr. and Charlotte Mae P. Bactong, collectively known as Sweetnotes, has recently become a social media sensation. Although they have been performing for quite some time, their Facebook Live performance in Gensan in October 2021 went viral. They were pleasantly surprised to discover that people loved listening to their songs and enjoyed their entertainment.

Some of their cover versions of popular songs have gone viral, earning millions of views on YouTube. Their distinctive takes on Roel Cortez’s “Iniibig Kita” (17M views), Tommy Shaw’s “Count on You” (10M views), Dennis DeYoung’s “Desert Moon,” Glenn Frey’s “Lover’s Moon” (8.8M views), and Air Supply’s “Keeping The Love Alive” (8.1M views) are particularly popular.

With their success, Jeffrey and Charlotte have been able to take their show on the road, performing all over the country. Everywhere they go, they draw large crowds, as seen in their videos.

The pair’s Facebook page currently has about 4.3 million followers, while their YouTube channel boasts at least 1.26 million subscribers.

Vintage Guy (Ric Sherwin Verzosa)

Ric Sherwin Verzosa’s journey into content creation began with a childhood passion for making videos, which he eagerly uploaded to YouTube. Little did he know, these early clips were the seeds of a future career. As he grew older, he shifted his focus to photography, creating stunning visuals and naming his page Vintage Dream Photography. However, life threw a curveball when he lost his Instagram and Facebook accounts, along with five years of hard work.

Determined to bounce back, Ric rekindled his love for vlogging and was pleasantly surprised to find an audience that appreciated his work both behind and in front of the camera. Embracing his dual passions, he adopted the screen name “Vintage Guy,” a nod to his photography roots and his childhood catchphrase, “What’s up, guyz?”

What drives Ric today is the realization of his childhood dream—to be himself and get paid for it. Once seen as impractical, this dream has now become his reality. Ric is fully embracing the present moment, exploring life’s opportunities, and sharing his journey with the world. His story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the joy of pursuing one’s passions.

TRUEpang JAMES (James Templonuevo Tapado)

Initially, James just wanted to have fun, starting with barkada vines as part of TRUEpang URAGON—a group of out-of-school youth from Centrala (Surallah) who are Bicolanos. During the pandemic, the group focused on comedy vlogs. As things gradually returned to normal, some members got busy with work or went back to school. That's when he decided to go solo as "TRUEpang James," covering local barangay basketball leagues as a photographer, which quickly gained popularity on social media.

Additionally, he shared his talents with the men in uniform, volunteering for three years as a combat photographer/videographer with the Special Forces of the Philippine Army.

James' content evolved, and he now produces travel vlogs. He loves to travel and promotes different destinations and events in the Soccsksargen region and throughout the Philippines. He collaborates with other content creators, the Department of Tourism, and local governments to showcase the best sites, food, and events.

Yen Ancuna

Yen Ancuna’s passion for speaking and filming naturally led her to become a content creator. She began vlogging on YouTube in 2016, initially as a way to document memories. As content creation evolved, Yen adapted to new platforms, continuing to promote the vibrant SOX region.

In 2021, she launched her TikTok account, but it wasn’t until 2022 that she truly dedicated herself to content creation. Her first viral video featured an impromptu speech, capturing her raw emotions.

Feeling disconnected and left behind as the only one in her friend group to stay in GenSan for college, Yen felt stuck and as though she was missing out. However, she soon realized that it wasn’t about the city itself, but about what one makes of it. This epiphany inspired her to bloom where she was planted.

From that moment on, Yen began sharing various aspects of life in GenSan and the SOX region. Her platform opened up numerous opportunities and side quests, ranging from GenSan adventures and her marketing management journey to her love for make-up and newfound body confidence.

Betina Briones (Marynoll B. Cabacos)

Betina's vlogging journey began during her time as a segment producer for the morning show "Magandang Umaga Southcentral Mindanao" on ABS-CBN GenSan. Her background in writing and producing stories significantly shaped her vlogging style and fueled her passion for content creation. Initially, she struggled with consistency in her vlogs. However, with renewed enthusiasm, she has become an active presence on social media, sharing captivating stories from the region.

What sets Betina apart from other content creators is her journalism background. She meticulously researches, writes, and edits her stories herself. While her husband assists with filming, Betina ensures that every detail is fact-checked. Her content is infused with storytelling elements reminiscent of documentary films. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality content in an engaging and educational manner.

Travel with JOY (Denmark Fernandez Bulan & Consolacion Joy Sustento-Bulan)

Denmark Fernandez Bulan and Consolacion Joy Sustento-Bulan run a Multimedia Production business. Most of their projects take them out of town, primarily to various tourist destinations in Region 12. The couple decided to share their travels and experiences through a Facebook page, believing that their content helps promote the region.

Denmark created the page in 2019 with the purpose of sharing their journeys, spreading positivity through inspirational quotes and Bible verses, and cherishing their memories together. The name “Travel with JOY” not only refers to Denmark’s wife, Joy, but also stands for “Jesus Over You.” This signifies that wherever they go, the couple brings God’s light with them, inspiring those around them and touching lives through their testimony.

 

Marifosque Family Vlog

The Marifosque family’s passion for travel inspired them to venture into content creation. The family, consisting of husband Mark Alon, wife Suzette, and their children Mark Wave and Mark Alon Jr., chose to celebrate birthdays with travel adventures instead of traditional parties. This unique approach led them to create a page to share their travel experiences.

Despite their first Facebook page, “Marifosque Family,” being unpublished by Meta in September 2023, the family remained undeterred. They continued to pursue their love for travel and share engaging content from the region.

Today, the Marifosque Family Vlog boasts 64,000 followers, with several of their reels going viral. Their dedication to showcasing the best of the region has endeared them to their audience, making them beloved content creators.

Skin Care by Shy/Shycross Leary Bueno

During the pandemic, TikTok played a significant role for those who were extremely bored. This led him to start filming himself doing skincare routines, as many teenagers were dealing with insecurities about acne and pimple marks at that time.

Because of this, many brands and people loved his content, which marked the beginning of his journey on TikTok. He started his Facebook account last year to expand his followers, and fortunately, God gave him the chance to share his stories. He is grateful because God used him as an instrument to help others who need it.

BionicMan (Jeoff Bode)

Jeoff launched his page in 2020 to share his passion for racing. His goal is to inspire and educate his followers by sharing his insights and experiences. He focuses on car racing, particularly Drag Diesel, and car modifications for enhanced performance. Jeoff’s content quickly became a hit, making him easily recognizable whenever he’s out in public.