25/11/2025
"BEYOND THE CAMERA: The Journey of Christian Pelong, Also known as PaLong Vlog"
Palong Vlog may be expressive and energetic on Facebook, but in person, he is quiet, polite, and serious. Behind his online personality is a young man who is hardworking, respectful, and determined to improve himself. His real name is Christian Pelong, an 18-year-old from Barangay Caimpugan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, who now lives in Bunawan to continue his studies. He is a first-year student at the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), taking a Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education major in Industrial Arts. Christian is focused on building a better future, learning new skills, and gaining knowledge that will help him reach his goals.
Christian grew up in a very simple and modest way. Without parents to guide him, life was never easy—most days, his school lunch was just "kamote" or "balanghoy" (cassava), and he had to make do with whatever little he had. He often hung out with friends or even people he didn’t know very well, just trying to fit in. Deep down, though, he felt shy and unsure of himself—sometimes even around his own followers online, wishing he could stay unnoticed until he felt confident enough to speak. Despite these feelings, he kept trying and gradually pushed himself to come out of his shell.
Growing up without parents was one of the biggest burdens Christian carried. He often found himself asking why life had to be so heavy. What‑ifs filled his mind—what if his parents were still alive, what kind of life would he have lived, would he have struggled this much? He longed for the feeling of coming home to a mother who would take care of him, feed him, or help him change his clothes, things he never experienced because his mother passed away when he was around two, and his father when he was about four. Because of this, his path was filled with challenges. In elementary school, he faced bullying—mocked for his dark skin, called ugly, and even forced to eat trash. He never fought back and often felt afraid to go to school. But entering high school became his turning point. He learned to stand up for himself, proved his capabilities, earned people’s respect, became the top student, and even served as SSG President. Through this, he realized that staying inside his comfort zone was what held him back, and once he chose courage, everything began to change.
Christian’s greatest dream is simple: to finish his studies and help his siblings. After losing their parents, they were separated—some married, and now it’s just him and his younger sibling, who is now in Grade 10, still studying. This inspires Christian to work hard so he can graduate, build a home for everyone—something big—and help his siblings start a small business. He doesn’t dream of wealth or luxury; what he truly wants is to be with his family and see them every day.
Throughout his journey, he achieved milestones that made him truly proud: graduating junior high as the top 1 student despite struggling in elementary, finishing senior high as valedictorian with high honors, and earning several recognitions, including becoming a Child Sangguniang Panlalawigan member of Agusan del Sur in 2023. From a kid who was once bullied to someone who now represents his school, barangay, and municipality, his progress feels humbling. Through vlogging, many people have come to know him, and he remains grateful to God for every accomplishment, believing he could not have reached any of this on his own.
And now, Christian wants to thank all his supporters, followers, and everyone who believed in him. He knows he wouldn’t have come this far without them. There were times when he felt like giving up, but their words, advice, and encouragement kept him going. He’s truly grateful for their constant support and will never forget each and every one of them.
