Padayon! The Unyielding Spirit of Bloga SZN Ender

When you think of resilience, one word comes to mind: “Padayon.” This powerful Visayan term embodies the relentless spirit of the BlogaFam during the tumultuous journey of Bloga SZN Ender. We brought together the best of the best from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, united in purpose and passion, but as fate would have it, life had even greater plans for us. 

What was supposed to be a grand celebration bringing together the best creators from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao turned into an unforgettable story of resilience, unity, and pure Bloga spirit.

Just as our BlogaFam from Visayas and Mindanao were set to travel to Bohol, Bagyong Tino arrived, its winds and rain sweeping through Cebu, where they were supposed to take the ferry. In a heartbeat, plans had to change.

For everyone’s safety, the team quickly decided to let the Visayas and Mindanao creators stay in Cebu until the storm passed and the ferries reopened. Meanwhile, the Luzon creators and another group of the BlogaTeam continued the program remotely, turning “Bahay ni BlogaMomma (Ace Gapuz)” into the heart of the virtual opening. Despite the distance, the connection was still there. The Bloga Magic was alive.

Then came the next challenge, floods swept through Cebu. Electricity and water were cut off. Streets were filled with uncertainty. Yet amid all this, the BlogaTeam worked tirelessly to check on everyone, find solutions, and make sure no one was left behind.

And through it all, the BlogaFam never complained. Not a single one. They laughed, helped each other, and stayed grateful. They made the best of what they had, proving that when passion and community come together, no storm can dim their light.

Finally, the next day came. The pier reopened. The ferry was ready. Everyone waited anxiously in Bohol, hearts pounding in anticipation.

And when the Visayas and Mindanao creators finally arrived, it was like a scene in slow motion.Tears. Laughter. Cheers. Relief.

They walked through the doors of The Bellevue Resort, greeted by warm embraces from the Luzon creators and BlogaTeam. After everything they’d gone through, everyone was finally together. Complete. Safe. Home.

And despite the exhaustion, they still showed up the next day, full of energy, ready to give their all. It was as if the storm never happened.

Because that’s who they are. That’s BlogaFam always bringing the Bloga Magic. 

“I’m very grateful, even if it wasn’t the most ideal season ender. But if there’s one thing I’ll always be thankful for, it’s that my little fantasy finally came true, seeing the BlogaFam all together in one place, just like in a PBB house! The BlogaTeam knows this has always been my dream.

It wasn’t the easiest situation; I know many of you struggled, no water, no electricity, no WiFi. But when I talked to a lot of you yesterday and asked how your experience was, what truly made me happy was hearing you say, ‘We didn’t have anything, but we had each other.’ And that, for me, is what matters most.”

— Ace Gapuz, CEO of Blogapalooza / BlogaMomma

Even if the situation was far from ideal, the Bloga Magic lived on. And it always will. Because the Bloga Magic is in each and every one of you. When you’re all together, the energy is unmatched. Even the people at The Bellevue Resort told us, “Ang saya! It felt like we were part of it, too!”

That’s the beauty of Bloga Magic, it radiates from within and overflows. It touches everyone around us, whether they’re creators, partners, or even strangers who simply witness it.

To our incredible BlogaFam from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, thank you for your strength, your heart, and your endless “padayon” spirit.

Because at the end of the day, challenges may come and go, but the Bloga Magic? It shines brighter than ever.

And of course, our heartfelt thanks to The Bellevue Resort for hosting our BlogaFam, and to Marea, Lamian, Flujo, and Bellemar for keeping everyone nourished and warm throughout the storm.

Special thanks as well to GoPro, Polaroid, and L.A. Dental Essentials for being part of this journey.