TV and film stardom is not enough these days. In a time when a former President can drop a hot playlist on Instagram, a strong online presence is just about having a good feed. Vlogging is the new frontier. What was once the ordinary person’s way to become a niche entertainer is now the celebrity’s way to reach a wider audience.
Forbes says that YouTube is bigger than Gmail and just as big as Facebook, with 1.8 billion users. The report also verifies that these users are not logged on for the traditional scripted content or badly-edited lyrics videos, they want vlogs.
How a feud within a particular YouTube community (see: The James Charles fiasco) reached major headlines also proves that everyone is on YouTube.
Kris Aquino found virality ahead of the younger celebrities born in the iPhone generation. Judy Anne Santos, once the star of primetime soap opera, is now a meme queen with her funny commentary while cooking.
Even Kylie Jenner, despite being a billionaire built on Instagram and Snapchat drops, had to cave in and become a vlogger. Her “A Day in the Life” video, a staple format in any vlog channel, received 29 million views.
There’s just something about feeling like you are privy into the lives of others that keep you watching. Sure, vlog footage can be scripted, but the simulation of reality as opposed to watching a fictional story can be more engaging. Don’t believe me? Just look at how many “What’s in My Bag?” videos there are.
It’s with this that we welcome a wave of more local celebrities killing the vlog scene.
MVP: Heart Evangelista
In one year since she started her channel, the 20-year industry veteran brings us into her world of Hermes bags, fashion week trips, collabs, and cover shoots. It doesn’t hurt that we also get a very rare and candid look at her relationship with her husband Sorsogon governor and former Senator Chiz Escudero.
Best in Keeping it Real: Solenn Heussaff
Who can forget her makeup sessions with husband Nico Bolzico? Two years ago, Solenn gave us seven minutes of comedy gold when Nico “tatch her eye.” It’s her most-watched videos of all time. Solenn continues to vlog, at least one, every month which always showcases her funny side and her domestic life.
The Newcomer: Kris Bernal
This year Kris Bernal diversified her portfolio. She became a makeup mogul with SHE Cosmetics, and now she’s a vlogger. Her videos of choice are “follow me /BTS” videos, a classic when just starting out and finding your audience on YouTube.
Miss Wonder What She’ll Do Next: Maja Salvador
Maja Salvador is another newbie when it comes to vlogging. On her channel, she shows off her dance know-how further and the easy fare of travel vlogs along with some food trips. Given her talent and tenure as an actress and dancer, her channel holds a lot of promise.
Beauty Guru in the Making: Janine Gutierrez
It’s clear from the videos Janine has put out so far where her main interests lie: makeup and personal care. Don’t miss out on her tips to getting great abs and her every day drugstore makeup look.
Best Family Vlog: Team Kramer
When you’re having a bad day, Team Kramer’s vlogs are just the down-to-earth videos you need to feel a bit better. Doug and Cheska Kramer are always adorable as a couple, and their kids are cute too. If you need a slice of reality that’s both entertaining and informative, tune into the Kramers!
One of the OGs: Kylie Padilla
Five years ago, Kylie started filming on her own complete with that DIY feel. It’s fun to do a binge-watching session of her channel to see her evolution and to find out what she learned on her way to being a celebrity and a mom!
The Natural: Gabbi Garcia
The 20-year-old Gabbi has the clear advantage of growing up in the age of YouTube. You can tell she’s the type who watches a lot of vlogs. She knows what it’s like to talk to the camera without overthinking and as if she’s in conversation with a friend.
