Ace Gapuz built Blogapalooza, a leading influencer marketing platform, from the ground up. As a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated field, she’s faced numerous challenges, from skepticism to systemic barriers. In this email interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Ace shared her insights on leadership, inclusivity, and empowering women in the digital economy.

DAILY TRIBUNE (DT): Being a woman in the influencer marketing space, what challenges did you face when you were starting out, and how did you get past them?

ACE GAPUZ (AG): When I first started Blogapalooza in my early 20s, I definitely got a lot of side-eye. The ad industry was pretty much ruled by the big guys, and I had to prove myself. It took a lot of long hours, working hard, staying consistent, and just showing up. Honestly, it was all about perseverance and sticking with it.

DT: Why do you think it’s so important for women to take on leadership roles in the digital economy?

AG: There›s still a big gender gap in the digital world, and women stepping up into leadership roles can make a huge difference. It shows future generations that they can do it too. Plus, women bring a unique leadership style that’s all about nurturing, empowering, and fostering creativity, which can really make a difference in how things are run.

DT: What changes would you like to see in the industry to make it more supportive of women entrepreneurs and content creators?

AG: At Blogapalooza, we’ve set up flexible work schedules and parental leave policies to help support women, especially those juggling family life. These policies have been so important in helping us retain top female talent and allowing them to grow their careers. I really think these kinds of policies should be the norm across the industry.

DT: Blogapalooza is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Looking back, what are some of the key moments that helped shape the company, and what do you see for the next decade?

AG: Blogapalooza has grown a lot over the years! We started as an event-driven company, and now we have several business units that add more value. Some major milestones include launching Buzzin (now Elevate) in 2016, Blogaccounts in 2018, BlogaPlay in 2021, and BX in 2022. We also launched the Bloga Creator Hub in 2023 and Bloga SZNs in 2024. Moving forward, we want to keep expanding and adapting to what’s next in the industry, while building even stronger communities.

DT: Personal branding is huge in this industry. How does Blogapalooza help influencers and content creators build careers that last beyond just brand deals and sponsorships?

AG: To keep going in content creation, you need consistency, strong networks, and a lot of grit. At Blogapalooza, we really focus on community-building and providing support for education and collaboration. Our business units give creators the tools to grow, whether they’re working with brands, teaming up with other creators, or even launching their own merchandise.

DT: Blogapalooza’s #ElevateInfluence mission is all about raising industry standards. What are some of the biggest myths about influencer marketing, and how are you helping to change the narrative?

AG: A lot of people think that having tons of followers automatically means you have influence, but it’s really about the quality of the relationship between the influencer and their audience. Another myth is that influencer marketing will give you instant results, but it’s all about strategy, planning, and long-term relationship management. Lastly, some think it’s only for big companies with huge budgets, but smaller businesses can also benefit from working with micro-influencers who have highly engaged audiences. At Blogapalooza, we focus on educating clients and busting these myths to help them get better results.

DT: Collaboration is key at Blogapalooza. Can you share a story about a brand-influencer partnership that made a big impact?

AG: One of our standout campaigns was the launch of CLVB Emperador, a drink aimed at Gen Z. We organized a secret party to generate buzz, and it got tons of media coverage. Another success was a fundraising project with Project Headshot Clinic for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It even won an award for best corporate fundraising. We also launched Bloga SZNs in Mindanao, which reached an incredible media value of P50 million.

DT: Women are still underrepresented in tech, digital marketing, and leadership roles. What can we do to get more women into these spaces?

AG: Visibility is key. Women in successful roles should get more involved in media, conferences, and events to inspire others. Also, creating supportive communities online or through meetups can provide great resources. On top of that, policies like equal pay and parental leave would help women feel more confident in taking on leadership roles.

DT: As a female CEO, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave for future generations of women entrepreneurs and creators?

AG: As a young female leader in business, I would hope to inspire women to break barriers: challenge societal norms, break through glass ceilings, and redefine success on their own. Age is not and should not be a barrier, and neither should gender be. Whether in business or content creation, I hope to encourage women to dream boldly, take risks, and innovate without fear.