Vlogfest Philippines 2026 has officially launched with a vibrant welcome event at WYP (What’s Your Poison, Araw Hospitality Group) Makati, bringing together international content creators and key tourism stakeholders in a dynamic celebration of storytelling and travel.
Held in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), the event marked the beginning of a high-impact, four-week global digital campaign designed to showcase the Philippines to millions of viewers worldwide.
At the heart of the campaign are six elite international content creators carrying a combined following of over 3.4 million across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Over the coming weeks, they will journey across some of the country’s most iconic destinations, such as Palawan, Boracay, Camiguin, Siargao, Cebu, and Batangas to capture and create immersive stories that reflect the spirit, culture, and warmth of the Filipino people.
Their content shall be posted on Vlogfest website and whoever gets the highest number of votes wins a EUR15,000 (around AU$24,388.50) grand prize.
A unified vision for Philippine tourism
The evening was headlined by Sharlene Zabala-Batin, OIC-assistant secretary of the branding and marketing communications office of the DOT, who underscored the growing importance of authentic digital storytelling in shaping global travel decisions.
“Vlogfest Philippines is more than a competition. It is a celebration of our nation’s soul,” Zabala-Batin said. “By welcoming world-class creators to our shores, we are not only showcasing our landscapes, but inviting the world to experience the genuine warmth and heart of the Filipino people with the hope that they fall in love with the Philippines and keep coming back.”
“The energy at tonight’s launch has been incredible,” Vlogfest director Kathryn Halstead said. “While six outstanding creators will compete for the EUR15,000 prize, the true winner is the global audience who will experience the Philippines through their unique perspectives. We are deeply grateful to the DOT and our local partners for their unwavering support in bringing this vision to life.”
Also in attendance were the competition’s featured creators, (@zeo_graphy, @summy_travel, @nellyslife.co, @dudeabroad_, @chickabroad_, @helloshayne (FB), @lovelew / @angelinaleetravel (YT), @shawnz_2323), together with airline executives, resort owners, and tourism regional directors.
The EUR15,000 prize
Following the launch, creators depart for their assigned destinations, where they begin producing content as part of a four-week global digital campaign. The competition culminates in a 72-hour public voting period from 27 to 30 May, with the Vlogfest Philippines Champion to be announced on 31 May.
