Social entertainment app ‘kumu’ marks fifth anniversary with a grand celebration
Millions of content. Thousands of streamers. Five years of community. One global platform.
Philippines’ homegrown social entertainment app, Kumu is welcoming its fifth year of unleashing Filipinos’ talent, passion, and creativity with a massive, multi-project celebration that is collectively called kumuFIVE.
Kumu’s large user base composed of those here and abroad, particularly OFWs, can look forward to the next few months being filled with newer and bigger collaborations, as well as loads of innovative shows and programs that can become a pipeline towards their own career success in media and entertainment.
Finally, kumuFIVE would also include a most-starstudded event, which is set to be a first for the Kumunity.
What better way to give back and commemorate the occasion than to bring sparkle, glamour, and a touch of extravagance to the Kumuverse by gathering them under one roof for the upcoming Diamond Gala. Stepping outside their gadgets and into real life, the monumental gala will feature a blue carpet for the Kumunity members who will be dressed to the nines while meeting their co-streamers and gifters this August 26 at the Shangri-La Fort.
“The Diamond Gala is our way of commemorating Kumu’s journey and sharing our gratitude for the years of support for our platform and initiatives. This event embodies our commitment to building a safe platform that prioritizes the voice of the Filipino people at home and around the world,” said Kumu’s CEO & Co-Founder, Roland Ros.
Innovative projects
Over the years, Kumu has taken leaps and bounds by partnering with some of the media and entertainment giants in the Philippines in making a lot of projects possible. Among their esteemed partners were “Pinoy Big Brother,” “Eat Bulaga!,” The House of Collab, Summit Media, GKNB, Star Magic, and VIVA.
These have yielded extraordinary shows, paved the way for the rise of the Kumu streamers, creating a community that embraces all kinds of talents, and helped uplift the lives of many, especially during the pandemic.
In addition to its partnerships with major media companies, for its 5th year, Kumu continues its commitment to helping its Filipino creators and communities find success with their own creative careers, both inside and outside of the platform. This vision has given birth to performance contests that recognize the contributions of some of the country’s unsung heroes: there’s “Healthcareoke” for healthcare workers, which is also a partial fundraiser for local NGO Shining Light Foundation, and the currently airing “Dance Battleship” for the Filipino seafarers, who are the second largest group in the global maritime industry.
Meanwhile, aspiring female performers and those who identify as women can unleash their talents and participate in the inclusive search for the next iconic girl group in “Looking for Jowa: Idol Survival Show.” Game shows are making a roaring comeback on Kumu as part of “Panalo Hour,” which would feature different games per day. Kumu streamers who double as reality game show lovers, for their part, will have the chance to participate in the quest for diamonds through “Diamond Hunt’s” various mental and physical challenges by winning Kumu campaigns.
Speaking of diamonds, an exciting addition to the platform is the “Kumugotchi” rooms wherein the viewers can actually control the streamer’s actions using virtual gifts also known as diamonds.
Having done so much progress in the past five years, the platform has truly enabled the sharing of talents and time among the streamers. To give back, Kumu has also opened its doors to several initiatives like “Euniverse Has It” which gives back to other Kumu streamers and supporters, as well as the “Karlito Volley Kamp” which aims to unleash the Kumunity’s athletic side. Happening this coming August 25 to 27, the volleyball camp features some of the country’s top volleyball superstars namely Jema Galanza, Carmela Tunay, and Celine Domingo for a day of teaching service, spikes, and blocks.
Nurturing local talents
In keeping with its goal to deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience, further solidifying Kumu’s position as a global content powerhouse platform are the upcoming “Kumuserye” and “Kumusta World.” Both projects are set to shine the spotlight on the Kumu streamers’ acting and musical performances.
Ensuring that Kumu’s impact reaches beyond content creation but even towards relevant social issues, the platform has played an integral role in nurturing the careers of local drag queens and will continue to do so as a major sponsor of “Drag Race Philippines Season 1 and 2.” This effort comes on top of Kumu’s constant and consistent campaigns that promote a safe platform for all its users and streamers regardless of gender and age. Kumu’s most recent project is “Take Back Our Internet,” which aims to spread awareness on the dark side of the web where cybersex traffickers lurk in the shadows.
Extending beyond the digital realm, Kumu provides a space where content creators can thrive, share their stories, and connect with their audience on a deeper level. Kumu’s partnership with IKON employment solutions agency for its OFW users pushes that goal to the next level.
Soon, Kumu’s content and shows will also reach a wider audience abroad all thanks to the new partnership with ABS-CBN Global.
As Kumu celebrates its 5th anniversary, it reflects on a journey marked by creation, collaboration, and meaningful connections that would surely continue and become stronger in the years to come.
