(The Problem of Affiliate Marketing Today)

In the Philippines, #BudolFinds have grown into a major online shopping trend. “Budol,” once linked to scams, now refers to scoring “good deals”, largely driven by affiliate marketing. The more a product is hyped, the more it sells. But what once felt harmless has shifted. For many, “budol” now reflects disappointment as products fail to meet expectations. In many cases, affiliate marketing crosses into inauthentic or misleading territory.

Have you ever unboxed something with excitement, only to say, “Shocks, nabudol ako”? This familiar experience reflects a deeper issue in affiliate marketing: product reviews are starting to lose their integrity. Many affiliates prioritize incentives, such as commissions, clicks, and visibility over genuine and truthful evaluations. Product reviews are now driven by persuasion, rather than authentic experience.

Basket PH is here to reclaim the integrity in affiliate marketing and product reviewing—to create honest, truthful, and shareable insights that deliver high-quality and real content. As the affiliate marketing industry continues to evolve, these concerns highlight the need for a more vigilant and responsible approach. Without this, deception and profit-driven narratives will continue, leaving consumers with the feeling of “nabudol” once again.

Author:



Renz Ermita