I know I have not been writing as much, so this topic seems to be a big deal, right? What is this new word? Who are these unfluencers? It’s a fairly new word that sprouted last year (2019) attributed to the article by Marisa Meltzer The Cut.  Before we actually dive into the definition, let me take you back in time to my personal story, in the time when this digital world found me.

The Role of Blogging in my Life

We find ourselves spending hours on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok. Social Media has a huge impact on our lives. I admit, 11 years ago when I started this blog, I was at the frontline of those pushing for the importance of Social Media for brands. Looking back, I remember speaking to huge audiences, both corporate and academe, about online content creation. I have encouraged students to start blogging and create their personal brand. I have been involved in guiding brands on how to manage their online presence.

Back then, Social Media Managers do not exist in payrolls. We were hired as freelancers. It was great to be there at the forefront of the rise of Social Media. Fast-forward to 11 years and things have shifted dramatically!

The Glory Days

I advocated for “The Good Life.” This was my mantra when I was blogging. I was a fresh graduate and I wanted to conquer the world! I did not grow up privileged, so traveling was a luxury for my family. Long story short, blogging gave me all that I hoped for when I was young: sponsored trips around the globe, tech partnerships, gadgets and products on my doorstep for review, hosting a TV show, commercials, and being featured in magazines and newspapers.

I was encouraging people to follow their dreams! It happened to me, so it can definitely happen for them. I had to risk my CPA job, dropped that, and explored the digital universe! I did not end up being super-rich financially, but I know in my heart how rich I am in experience!

The Burnout

The contracts, the feeling that I have become fake, the stress, the things happening on my personal life, and the anxiety of having to maintain my social media image took a toll on me. I am not alone in this and I am sure a lot of bloggers felt this as well. I may have not done a better job as some others did in managing the energy to continue. But I found myself going on hiatus from time to time.

FOMO or JOMO?

At first, I kept pushing myself because of the Fear of Missing Out. And then I got sick often, and I am not the type to do so. I am the type of person who gets sick when I’m under intense stress. And so, I had to force myself to slow down. This is where I discovered The Joy of Missing Out! I realized that I can live my life without certain things I thought I needed like going out a lot to parties and events just to stay relevant!

And then, I found myself again. Here I am now, just doing the things I love – staying at home, gaming, cooking, continuously learning, and yes – I’m still dancing!

Social Media Break

There was a time where I didn’t even browse through Instagram or Facebook. It felt great! I had time to do other things like self-improvement and attending workshops and classes again. I had time to learn new things and I enjoyed it!

And… I’m back, but not really!

I would take a peek on my different social media platforms and I’ve seen how things slowly changed! Personally, I was focused on gaming, streaming, and eSports. I was devoid of this growing Tik Tok culture! It looks fun though, people enjoy it and I’m all for it if it makes people happy! I personally don’t see myself doing that though. I think I’m too old for it, maybe, but that’s a different topic. I just think that I don’t have to be on it, just because everyone’s on it. It’s not my platform and I’m not comfortable with it.  I have this thing lately, where I try to take photos and videos without filters. I think that the world is WAY TOO FILTERED! And that’s probably why I don’t like Tik Tok. It’s all filtered, with these face and body slimming filters in real-time. You really don’t know if the one you’re idolizing is the real deal.

Going back to my topic – I browsed through Instagram and I see myself rolling my eyes at some “influencers.” I realized this WAS me too. I’m not hating on them, there are a handful of influencers who are doing it right – who fight and stand for their own truth. The ones that I am cringing on are those who just look like an ad-board to me. I know, and I’m self-aware, that I WAS once like this! And this is probably one of the reasons why all of this got discouraging to me at some point. I was not proud of it anymore.

Let’s talk about Unfluencers, finally!

Okay. The real meat of this blog post are these people called – the unfluencers. Off-topic, I feel like I can make a podcast out of this because I think I have so much to say!

At first glance, I thought that unfluencers are those people exposing influencers. Like they decrown influencers. Or they try not to do the things that influencers do. It is confusing but I really thought they are the ones who shy away from doing influencer-y things. I thought it was who I was becoming. Because right now, you cannot let me promote something I absolutely don’t believe in. I avoid promoting something that is not relevant to me, but I was freelancing before and I rely on the money I get from promoting brands – so there were times where I would spread the word like fire, even if it does not mean that much to me. Again, I’m telling you this is why I felt horrible back then.

Don’t get me wrong, promoting the things I love, and getting paid for it – IS STILL THE DREAM! An example is having Philippine Airlines as my blog partner for years! I love getting invited to their events and of course joining familiarization trips to other countries. I still continue to blog and document my trips with them even if they did not sponsor it because I love traveling!

Again, back to the topic.

No one has defined with utmost certainty what an unfluencer is.

According to Marisa Meltzer in her article here, this is how she defines it.

“The person who makes me want to do the opposite of whatever she’s doing and throw out whatever I already own that she has posted about”.

Can you relate to Marisa? I know I can.

Why are people annoyed at unfluencers?

I don’t really know, so if you have your own opinion about this, I would love to hear it. Please leave a comment or a DM. In my own personal opinion though, they would promote too much. I feel guilty about this. I was doing this before. But when I felt that it wasn’t right anymore, I paused and held back.

According to the majority of the articles I read about unfluencers, it is hard to distinguish an unfluencer and an influencer because they could be really both. The criteria are hard to define because it’s all objective so it is hard to point a finger out there. You might have browsed through Instagram and you basically have your own distinguishing criteria. They may spam you with too many sponsored posts and videos, which to me is not bad. But there are those whose posts don’t sound sincere, or they don’t thrive to inspire or educate their followers. They just want to get that advert there.

What this means to brands

Because of this unfluencer phenomenon, I believe brands who are smarter have picked up on this. I see those who prefer nano-influencers, those who have 1,000 to 10,000 Instagram following. Nano-influencers’ audience are small, niched but highly engaged.

Analytics-based results such as views, clicks, and likes are very valid decision-making driving factors to get someone to promote their brands. But brands should also look into comments and reactions. Remember, authenticity is important.

What this means to Influencers

Content creators should be mindful of what they post, how they promote, and their overall personal branding. It’s nice to get dimes but without sincerity, and well-thought content, your audience, the brand, and you yourself, won’t get the most satisfactory result.

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That was therapeutic. I’ve been wanting to write about this for so long. If you’re still here reading. Thank you. I know this post is too long, but I appreciate you for reading until the end.

Stay real,
Flair

And of course, I would like to thank all my readers, friends and family who have been forever supportive of my endeavor as a blogger since 2008. This year I also celebrated my 5th year of blogging in May 1 and I celebrated it in the island of Boracay for labor day.

This year has been a great year to celebrate years of being inspired as well as inspiring other people. Nothing is impossible when you put in it. Luck happens when opportunities and preparedness meet. Seize the day, do what makes you happy, and above all – LOVE. Because that is the catalyst to making your dreams come true! Lastly,YOLO!

*This blog post as created by using WordPress for iPad mini powered by Smart LTE. #liveallout

Went to Vietura to get my tummy shaped before my Boracay trip!

and a wonderful surprise awaited everyone in Sofitel’s lobby!

They decorated their lobby’s centerpiece with very familiar icons!

I just had to participate

Hence, here are my Social Media resolutions for the year.

1. I shall limit selfie posts to once a day.  (what? huge sacrifice I say so… yeah :P)
2. I shall avoid touching my phone or my laptop when I am emotionally vulnerable, to avoid posting stuff I will soon regret.
3. I should not get affected by trolls! (they will only give me wrinkles)
4. I should verify facts on my own before believing everything that’s being shared online.
5. I shall not spam!
6. I should block people who spam my Facebook / Twitter / Instagram feeds, nakaka-BV! nakaka-stress!
7. I should not tag people when they are not in the photo and “un-friend” friends who tag ugly photos of me! (just kidding!!! :P)
8. I should always be “picture-ready” in case someone takes a picture and tags me!
9. I should only use relevant hashtags on my posts.

Sorry, can’t help it 😛 #selfie

Anyway, if you’ve got your own Social Media resolutions, feel free to share them on the comment section below 🙂

I’m so excited for the bloggers of Southeast Asia!  This year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) launches the ASEAN Blogger Festival 2013 on May 10-12, 2013 in Central Java Indonesia.  Bloggers and social media practitioners from the Southeast Asia region will be on touch base with everone in the beautiful Solo City.

The theme: “Reinventing the Spirit of Cultural Heritage in Southeast Asia”

If you are participating in this event, or want to follow updates, please use the hashtag #ABF2013

Participants get to join seminars on ASEAN Cultural Heritage Linkage and ASEAN Tourism, various workshops tackling online intiatives that impact positive social change (such as online business and advocacy), and enlightening discourse regarding social media development including but not limited to the role of social media in the ASEAN integration process and the ASEAN Blogger Community Plan of Action.

Why do I want to Join this Event

In the year 2008, my life changed.  It was the time I started blogging.  Back then, I didn’t know a lot of bloggers and I didn’t have a mentor.  I just blindly opened an account on blogspot, wrote about the things that intrest me and then it’s all history.

My influences were mainly from bloggers in the US and Malysia.  Malaysia’s blogging community was big at that time and I built really close knits with Malaysian bloggers who I actually traveled with eventually.

Bloggers from Malaysia taking me around Melaka on one of my personal trips

In turn I also took them around beautiful Philippines 🙂

and in 2014, I am traveling with the to Hanoi!!!

The power of blogging: brings neighbors closer 😉

What Influential?

I think every blogger in the world is influential.  The internet stream reaches everyone in the world and one hit on that “publish” button and you get to influence the world!

Blogging is such an influential tool and for 5 years of doing this, I would also say that blogging is something constant in my life.  Something I would never give up.  

I get letters from readers reaching out to me from various topics: thanking me, asking questions about career, love, and a whole other things!  It’s overwhelming but blogging can affect other people’s lives.

I myself have been influenced by other bloggers.

It’s really great to get to know bloggers from other countries, especially in our ASEAN region.  What do I get out of reaching out to other bloggers in this region?  A whole lot:

• I would realize that we may speak different languages, but some words are similar
• We are both different but similar at the same time
• There are a lot of similarities culture and values wise
• There are also a lot of notable differences that are really interesting and essential to understanding another country’s culture
• With all this in mind, we get to help each other make blogging and our ASEAN community grow
• Share the beauty of each other’s country, and maybe help each other discover each other’s home

Now why do I want to participate in this event again?

I want to be more effecient and effective in delivering change to our communities.  By being a part of the ASEAN Blogger Festival, I would get to hear from different speakers and bloggers and learn from their experiences.  I want to actively be a part of this movement.

Looking ahead:  ASEAN Community goals for 2015

This would be also an insight I would gain when I get in touch with other bloggers and social media practitioners in the region.  It would be great to come together again and update each other on what’s new with the cyber world.  In 2 years, you never know what happens, if there are other influential social media tools that would change the cyber scene again.

We can learn from our current status and discuss further ways to improve, and even go beyond what we already have today.

Bloggers from the Philippines

Maybe the Philippines can also host an ASEAN blogging convention?

Say Hello to my friend Aseanita

Photo taken in Jakarta, at the AirAsia ASEAN hub

Aseanita is the digital girl of AirAsia – big sponsor of the ASEAN Blogger Festival.

I have been an avid fan of AirAsia – as a customer and as an online partner.

Like me, AirAsia believes in the power of blogging, social media and other online activities that affect our offline lives.

If you want to know more about the culture in AirAsia, you can check out my interview with a very important person – the CEO of AirAsia

Interview with Tony Fernandez

Follow Aseanita, TWEET her 🙂 She would love to hear from you 
http://www.facebook.com/Aseanita
http://www.twitter.com/aseanita

Also, for updates on the ASEAN Blogger Festival, please use the hashtag #ABF2013

True enough, her vision for us new breed of bloggers is to professionalize it. ;While this might be hard because the essence of blogging is all about freedom and being personal, I do get her point, and that is to make sure that we know that our blog is a form of “Service” to the public. ;You give information to online readers WORLDWIDE and with great power comes great responsibility.

I took a few notes but I don’t want to put everything here. ;I encourage you to attend this class and/or the Fashion ;Diploma or Certificate courses being offered by SOFA if you want to better your blogging/writing skills as a fashion blogger/editor.

;

Carla “Larca” Perlas, Fashion Journalism Teacher at SOFA

;

Notes on Fashion Journalism:

• Grammar and Spell check

I am so guilty of this. ;I don’t check my grammar. ;There’s an auto spell check feature which is fine, but grammar check is a bit tricky. ;From now on, I will try to edit blog posts (at least once).

• Be accountable and responsible for your blog posts

Sadly, this is one thing most bloggers tend to forget. ;You may rant all you want, but ranting gives your readers just a one-way view of things – your side. ;Ask all the journalists and they will say this is bad journalism. ;If you would want to rant, try to give two sides. ;Remember, a blogger is powerful enough to cause controversies, close a business down and condone someone of losing his/her job forever. ;Be responsible and know that your one move could cause irreversible consequences.

Those are the two main points I got out of the seminar, but there’s more to learn especially if you want to hone your skills as a writer. ;Separate yourself from other bloggers by becoming better in writing. ;

To add to this, content is key. ;You don’t want to write about someting you know nothing about like me for example writing about players rewards card. I would rather write about Formula 1 because I love the sport. ;Topics I would want write about are Travel, Sports, Lifestyle and lately I want to write more about Beauty and Fashion. ;That’s why I’m thinking of taking that certificate course from SOFA when it comes to Fashion Journalism so that I would know about the jargons being used in Fashion.

You can check out the programs and courses being offered by SOFA here.

You can check out their stores at the bottom of the post 🙂

Or add PixelPro on Facebook in case you don’t want to miss out on any Sale announcements or promos:
https://www.facebook.com/pixelproshop

So far, I am very satisfied with my new point-and-shoot camera!  I tried the manual settings which is way much easier to set than an LX3 or LX5, but I decided to set everything in “Auto” mode and see how intelligent the camera is without me manipulating it.

The only Intelligent Auto I trust so far is that of Panasonic Lumix, but the Canon S100 is not bad!

Here are the photos, unedited, except for the Watermarks I put.  You be the judge 🙂

Near Sunset

I love how colorful the sky is

Another Sky shot.

Twilight shot… spot the moon!

Indoor, low-light shot.  Still reflects vibrant colors, due to the f 2.0

Poker chips!

Pet shots 🙂

This is Maddie, a friend’s new puppy!

Chase

and Sari

Macro shots!

Marshal headphones! You like? 🙂

again, no edits.. and it’s pretty dim in the room so good job I say!

I also tested Canon S100’s video which is at 1080p FULL HD (an upgrade to the S95). Check out the video here

Pixel Pro Branches:

Greenhills
3rd Floor V mall, Greenhills Shopping Center
San Juan City
(02) 726-9387/ 584-5356

Mega Mall
4th Floor Mega Building B, Cyberzone Area,
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(02) 470-3903

Park Mall Cebu
Ground Floor, Park Mall
Mandaue City, Cebu
(032) 420-9155
http://www.pixelpro-online.com/

Henry’s Professional Branches:

Glorietta 5
3rd Floor Glorietta 5, Ayala Ave., Makati City
(02) 552-1510
0915-2967303
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TriNoma
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(02) 919-0789
0927-9062771
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http://www.henryscameraphoto.com

Finally a familiar sign – that means we’re finally in Malaysia!

So near, yet so far… me and Jane inside the bus to our Hotel in Malaysia.

I was also glad to be travling with online / offline friends Nikki and Angela!

I spent most of the traveling time sleeping.. bus, plane, bus 🙂

Finally, I peeked outside our bus window and saw our Hotel!

We stayed at the Marriott Putrajaya Hotel 🙂

when I saw the bed…

I just had to nap a bit!

12 hours and we had to get ready for the Nuffnang Blog Awards night 2011!

A few friends from Malaysia and Singapore that I met throughout the night:

Qiuting – bongqiuqiu who I was with when I went to Hong Kong Disneyland!

Alvin Yang – got to know each other through blog-hopping!

Pole Dancers! – was so tempted to join them dance so I took it out somewhere else instead 

😀

Best Food Blog – thefatkidinside.com

Erwan Heussaff

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Best Travel Blog – justwandering.org

Nina Fuentes

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Best Fashion Blog – itscamilleco.com

Camille co with Laureen Uy

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Best Photography Blog – lantaw.blogspot.com

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Best Geek Blog – geekout.ph

Jayvee Fernandez flew in for Bim Barbieto

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Best Geek Blog – yugatech.com

Abe Olandres

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Best Parenting Blog – themisischronicles.com

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Best Lifestyle Blog – jenniepperson.com

Jen and roommate Kring busy Tweeting ^_^

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Most Original Blog Design – blog.ditz-revolution.net

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Hidden Gem – googlygooeys.com

and the Winners of the Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards are:

Region’s Best Blog – Wendy

Most Influential Blog – Wendy

Best Micro Blog – Kennyy Sia

Best Entertainment Blog – Beautiful Nara

Best Food Blog – Lady Iron Chef

Best Travel Blog – Just Wandering by Nina Fuentes

Best Fashion Blog – Cheeserland by Ringo Tan

Best Photoblog – Photoblog.hk

Best Geek Blog – Geek Out by Bim Barbieto

Best Parenting Blog – Childhood 101

Best Lifestyle Blog – Jenni Epperson

Best Original Blog Design – Eat Show and Tell

Hidden Gem – Googley Gooeys

Our FOOD:

Puree of Split Pea Soup with Herb Twist

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Grape Sorbet and Fresh Mint

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Pan-fried Dory Fillet with Spicy Peach Sauce with Lasagna Potatoes & Garden Green Vegetables

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Tiramisu in Chocolate Cup with Strawerry and Vanilla Sauce

that matches my nails 😛

Thanks to Nailaholics for my nails! 🙂

UP NEXT:

Zouk Night out!

*photo by Tin Iglesias.

I always love going to Malaysia and this time we stayed at the Marriott Putrajaya hotel = <3

It’s a bit far away from the City Central but we got really good rooms and great accommodations!

Jane is my roomie!

The Grand Ballroom that night was packed by bloggers in the Asia Pacific region and us from the Philippines are here to reprhuuzent!!!

Will post more photos later… but I wasn’t able to get a lot of photos this year 🙁 I know not having my SLR is not an excuse but I just got tired from the 12-hour trip we had @__@

I got re-energized for the after party at Zouk! It was so much fun…

for now…

Check out the list of winners for the Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards 2011! I hope I listed everything correctly, just let me know if there are any corrections 🙂

Nuffnang Blog Awards 2011 list of winners

Region’s Best Blog – Wendy

Most Influential Blog – Wendy

Best Micro Blog – Kennyy Sia

Best Entertainment Blog – Beautiful Nara

Best Food Blog – Lady Iron Chef

Best Travel Blog – Just Wandering by Nina Fuentes

Best Fashion Blog – Cheeserland by Ringo Tan

Best Photoblog – Photoblog.hk

Best Geek Blog – Geek Out by Bim Barbieto

Best Parenting Blog – Childhood 101

Best Lifestyle Blog – Jenni Epperson

Best Original Blog Design – Eat Show and Tell

Hidden Gem – Googley Gooeys

So, I woke up to a new place! (we left at 1 am an arrived at 5:30) and the bus was so cold

Well, I’ve been here before to speak about blogging

ta-da!!!

I’m actually here for the Pangasinan Digital ICT Congress

Co-creating the Digital Future of Pangasinan

It’s 5 o’clock in the morning..

and it’s lovely waking up to this…

You wouldn’t see well in the picture but in the horizon – is a beach!

A beach with swell waves!!! I hope it lasts!

I saw surfboards by the lobby!

woohoo!

I will still be working (workaholic) and eating and I heard you can surf here! I saw surfboards!!!

I left my rash guard but I’ll make do with what I’ve brought with me,

I’m so excited!

ttyl,

Flaircandy

sleepy time!

Speakers:

Blogging 101 – Micaela Rodriguez

Social Media and Marketing – Yours truly, Hannah Villasis

Understanding Search Engines – Fitz Villafuerte

Vigilant Net Surfing and Nettiquette – Mr. Gerald C. Bataoil, MIT

It was a great day of learning for everyone, including me.  Thank you for the hearty welcome and the energetic welcome!  The students were very attentive and eager to learn and this inspires all of us speakers to continue sharing what we know about the triple W!

Congratulations to the student organizers, volunteers and faculty members for drafting this successful event!

It was a pleasure speaking in front of everyone.  I hope you all learned a few important things that can change your life and challenge you to Ready.Fire.Aim!

My apologies for submitting the wrong set of slides.  It has been a busy week for me, but do know I took time to prepare this – I think it got me too excited I misorganized my files and sent the wrong version.

Let me make it up to you all and I post here the entire contents of my correct slides 😛 <— I use a lot of emoticons!
Social Media and Marketing – Hannah Villasis Slides
Please feel free to read through again, you can ask me any questions here or if you want to mail me privately, do so at hannah@flaircandy.com