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newstfionline · 6 years

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In the Philippines, divided politics, divided web

Jessica Mendoza, CS Monitor, April 9, 2018

MANILA--Mocha Uson sweeps into her office at the presidential compound, assistant at her booted heels. She’s late, rushing in from another engagement that ran longer than planned. But she appears composed, almost reserved, as she arranges herself on a faux-leather settee and waits for the interview to begin.

In this setting it’s hard to picture Esther Margaux Uson, known countrywide as “Mocha,” sashaying across a stage in vinyl hot pants or dispensing advice on sex and relationships. Yet for the better part of a decade, provocative entertainment was the core of her career--first fronting for the Mocha Girls, an all-female music group known for racy numbers, and later responding to intimate reader questions via a series of written and video blogs.

Then in 2015, she learned about Rodrigo Duterte.

“He was different from traditional politicians. And at the time … there weren’t any well-known personalities who publicly supported him,” Ms. Uson says in a mix of English and Tagalog. “So I said, ‘I have to make a stand.’”

Through the first few months of 2016, she stunned the Philippine political world by converting the Mocha Uson Blog to an online rallying point for supporters of President Duterte. Its transformation was in some ways the singular product of a nation that regularly elects celebrities into government and ranks first in the world in social media use.

Her ascent, however, also reflects an evolving global political landscape, where information is democratized and every opinion has the opportunity to find a platform. Citizens can directly hold institutions like media and government accountable, while the latter can respond to their constituents sans mediator. Given reach and charisma, anybody with a voice--sex symbols, high-school students, TV comedians, real-estate moguls--can scale the heights of political influence and authority.

The price is often decreased civility, and consensus, say experts. Tribal lines are quickly drawn and held, and fact becomes flightier, hard to pin down and easy to manipulate. The social-media savvy--both individual and corporate--possess more power than ever to shape the tone, trajectory, and themes of political discourse.

Few countries today epitomize this new reality as clearly as the Philippines, the social-media capital of the world, with a norm-breaking president whose campaign supporters harnessed this shifting online landscape to win the election. And few individuals embody it as clearly as Uson. As the 2016 campaign season picked up steam, her name became inseparable from the Duterte lobby, drawing animosity and acclaim in near-equal measure from Filipinos at home and abroad. Her Facebook base has since ballooned from 2.5 million to more than 5 million--a figure that remains unrivaled even by the head of state she serves. In May 2017, after a brief stint with the government’s entertainment regulation board, she was named assistant secretary at the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Uson shrugs when confronted with her apparent success. “The journey has been colorful and exciting. And I have a sense of fulfillment,” she says. But to her, much of the road thus far seems inevitable. Her feelings about Duterte’s candidacy compelled her to speak out on his behalf, she says, and she felt just as obliged to use Facebook to do so. Because what better way to spread an idea than on a platform that boasts up to 67 million users in the Philippines?

“Everything is on social media,” Uson says. “We can’t avoid the fact that it’s the direction information dissemination is going.”

Experts around the world have been making similar pronouncements since at least 2008, when Barack Obama became among the first politicians to leverage social networks to get out the vote. Less than three years later, the Arab Spring--the series of revolutionary protests that, thanks to Twitter, swept across Tunisia, Egypt, and the Middle East--became, briefly, a symbol of social media’s potential to reinvigorate democracy.

Today about 2.6 billion people use social media worldwide, up from fewer than a billion in 2010. From India to Sudan, the US to the U.K., social media--and the very public web of information and misinformation it weaves--has helped elect leaders, birth movements, crush rebellions, and intensify divides.

Mr. Duterte’s election proved to be the watershed moment for social media and politics in the Philippines. Leading up to 2016, frustration with political leadership after decades of what was widely perceived as weak and corrupt government coincided with a rise in affordable mobile data plans. Filipinos yearning for political change had better access than ever to the online political sphere.

“It made it so much cheaper to engage with each other,” says Tony La Viña, former dean of the School of Government at Ateneo de Manila University. “People felt very liberated to be able to participate in debates, to have [their] opinions disseminated.”

For those who understood the social media space, it also meant new opportunities to amass both profit and political capital. Bloggers like Uson--”influencers,” in public relations parlance--rose to prominence, becoming the most powerful voices for those who had felt excluded from public discourse. Indeed, much of the success of social media in Philippine politics has pivoted on the perception that it is the unvarnished and authentic alternative to traditional media: the newspapers, television and radio stations, and online news sites that Duterte supporters say all but ignored the president’s campaign and continue to smear his administration with negative stories.

“It was the erosion of trust in mainstream [news outlets]. People were looking for an alternative voice,” says pro-Duterte blogger Rey Joseph Nieto, also known as “Thinking Pinoy” (a Tagalog slang term for Filipino). “They found me, [blogger] Sass [Rogando Sasot], and Mocha--for better or for worse.”

“Fake news” is a constant preoccupation of bloggers on the other end of the political spectrum, as well. But their goal is to support, not subvert, traditional media.

“Most of my posts are about debunking false propaganda and calling out the shortcomings of government officials,” says Jover Laurio, whose Pinoy Ako Blog (“I am Filipino”) drew attention for its cutting letters addressed to the administration and its allies.

“And to stop the killing,” she adds, referring to the president’s violent antidrug campaign. “Every time I write a letter, I pray that they read it.”

Less conspicuous than the blogger cohort are the PR and marketing firms who manage politicians’ social media campaigns. A report released earlier this year explored the extent to which such firms, and the strategists who run them, have developed a blueprint for manipulating political opinion in the Philippines via social media. Using the techniques of corporate marketing, these “architects of networked disinformation” hire teams of “digital influencers” to push a particular message on Facebook comment sections and Twitter feeds. The campaigns, which can involve seeding revisionist history or hijacking attention through artificial hashtags, are motivated largely by profit, according to the report.

“The thing about social media is, its incentive structures are about visibility,” says Jonathan Corpus Ong, co-author of the report and associate professor of global digital media at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. “What comes up on our news feed is the one that is more popular and is most liked. There are ways in which these algorithms can be gamed and manipulated. That’s made it easy for particular operators to weaponize [it] for politics.”

The effects of all this on the Philippine political space have been far-reaching--and familiar, to audiences following social media’s effects in the West. Online vitriol is at an all-time high. Trust in traditional media outlets is at an equivalent low, with Filipino webizens saying they trust social media more than mainstream publications.

And there’s the sense that, especially on social media, there exist two realities. In one, the Philippines is a place of fear and chaos, where innocents are gunned down in the streets and a foul-mouthed despot encourages ruthless justice against those who defy him. In the other, the country is just beginning to ascend to economic heights and international prestige through the ministrations of a strong, if somewhat vulgar, leader willing to do what needs to be done.

#Philippines #social media in the Philippines #Esther Margaux Uson #Rodrigo Duterte

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astorytellerforthatgirl · 6 years

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Maine as a Bearer of Light

Maine Mendoza becomes a household name in both the world of social and mainstream media for her numerous feat—-viral dubsmash videos, various local and international brand ads, 5th most tweeted celebrity worldwide in Twitter last 2017, #1 best selling author for NBS non-fiction section for some months, Favorite Pinoy Personality at Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards back in 2016, and Mac Cosmetics’ beauty influencers to name few of these feat spanning from 2015 to early 2018. Needless to say, she successfully traversed print, broadcast, mainstream, digital, and social media in that short time frame for a celebrity.

Yes, self-confessed fans showed their love and care while non-supporters express their admiration and respect for Maine, for That Girl due to these achievements. Aside from her magnificent milestones too in her career, a lot of people vouch for her self-discipline and for her pure heart.

As a random storyteller and a silent observer myself, I read articles, heard interviews and stories about people from the entertainment industry whether they are artists, directors, production staff, executives, etc of how she values her work ethics so much. She appears for a scheduled commitment way ahead of the call time. In addition, she’s very fun-to-be-with as they claimed. She’s one of the most genuine ones in the industry for her unassuming character. Also, fans who have luckily encountered Maine shared how she is so humble, warm, and outgoing personally. If only she can talk to everyone who wants to see her, I feel she will do so. This is how a pure heart Maine is.

But more than the Maine Mendoza everyone knows, what I want to emphasize here is how she become a bearer of light for anyone who needs it. Before I proceed further with this blog entry, allow me to explain first what I meant by a bearer of light. Light here, in its metaphorical context, means inspiration, motivation, encouragement, uplifting, enthusiasm, passion, love, care, and warmth. To be a bearer, one should have a pure heart that will make him or her credible to share and radiate this light. The bearer should have the ethos or authentic character, the pathos or the emotional appeal and connection, and the logos or rational and intellectual approach. In short, the bearer of light should have a discerning mind and a compassionate heart to be a true inspiration for anyone.

How does Maine Mendoza become a bearer of light?

First, she taught us how to conquer our fears and doubts. In the audition clip of Maine for Eat Bulaga, she was asked if she sings or dances into which she answered both with a No. That answer along with her timid body language reflects someone with doubts and limitations still hindering her. Fast forward to present time, how many times did we already witnessed Maine singing some songs and even dancing energetically to them? She is not as talented as the other mainstream artists out there but she conquered her earlier doubts and fears that she doesn’t sing or dance. She shared her skills too in playing the drums even if she feels she needs more practice. There’s no harm in trying for we have nothing to lose but everything to gain, that’s how Maine did it.

Second, she taught us to be true to ourselves and speak out the truth at the right time. Out of the many reasons why she trended in Twitter without an organized hashtag, the open letter she released last Nov. 26 is one of the most talked about. Polarizing reactions spurred out since then. It is expected because of the different focal lens each tried to use to comprehend that letter. It feels like I’m seeing an actual application of a Reader-Response literary theory, wherein the meaning of the text lies in how the readers perceived it subjectively due to their schema, emotions, and other related factors. Maine know the possible aftermath of what she did…she is willing to lose it all at that moment just to send her message of truth across everyone. That “kahit sampu na lang matira” is a testament to her assumption she’ll be hated by all for speaking the truth. Yes, there are several interpretations after but from my personal observation, the open letter did help Maine to release every unsaid words in her heart. She has finally explained the truth without using euphemisms or sugarcoating. In fact I am impressed she still has a calm tone in the open letter and not letting her emotions to take full control of her. It takes a lot of guts to do that mind you. “Speak the truth even if your voice is shaky”, she reminded us of that.

Third, she taught us to stand up for our beliefs even if we are the lone messenger in a given circumstance or situation. Remember the depression issue with another host Joey de Leon? In that “Juan for All, All for Juan” segment, a brief exchange of conflicting opinions persisted. De Leon has a different take on depression that it isn’t real while Maine insisted in a respectful tone that it isn’t a joke and those who are suffering from it needs support. This is another moment Maine trended in Twitter without an organized hashtag. Netizens rallied behind her for standing up for her beliefs even if she is the lone messenger in that situation. She did not flinch or back down. She knew her silence may mean an indirect agreement with De Leon hence she became firmer in her stand. Some netizens even claimed they are not fans or they barely know Maine but they commend her bravery for speaking up. I’m surprised even my favorite political satirist applauded Maine in his Twitter account for that matter because he rarely tweets about mainstream celebrities. That’s the game changer for you folks. Fight for your belief even if you will fight alone, like how Maine speaks up.

Fourth, she taught us fight back again despite of the challenges. What happened after the open letter? Swarms of clashing opinions flooded from different camps. Others did not like what Maine did while there are also those who applauded her. Speculations came from nowhere said she might consider quitting. Her one month hiatus was the longest time to endure for her fans. No one knows what will be her next plan of actions. December passed and while she got back on her social media accounts, it is still a mystery back then how will Maine come back after this most challenging part of her career to date. The Maine who returned on Eat Bulaga is one with a more positive, more cheerful, and more relaxed aura. Her sunshine smile and expressive eyes dazzled that day. She was finally free of the inner turmoil in her heart brought by the challenges. She did not let anything stopped her from returning and it feels like seeing a Maine Mendoza with a clean and brand new slate—a perfect way to greet the new year for sure. We can’t control how people will react or how big is the magnitude of the challenges but we can learn how to go through it all with a resilient spirit. Thank you for this reminder Maine.

Fifth, she taught us how to be grateful for everything. From the most simple things, actions, gestures, efforts to the outpour of blessings, Maine showed her gratitude for it all. From a perspective of a fan, her biggest gestures of recognizing the support she got is by the allowing us to see her for who she is through various forms like in her social media accounts, her blog, and her autobiography. For a mainstream celebrity like her who has tons of commitment, it’s heartwarming to see she exerts efforts to reach to the fans in her own special way. Add to these are the humbling personal interaction with Maine by some lucky fans. Her heart is overwhelmed indeed with gratitude that at times, she’s trying to contain herself and holding back her tears—pure bliss indeed. We have to be thankful for everything we have in our life now as how Maine has shown as well.

Sixth, she taught us to smile and laugh amidst all problems. Her dubsmash videos, witty catchphrases, funny replies in ask.FM, and wacky pictures are some of her subtle reminders to always find the sunshine despite the cloudy or stormy days in our life. Can you recall that clip from “I Can See Your Voice” she shared? She mentioned there “para sa mga nalulungkot…” Maine just want to remind us always to smile, laugh, and find happiness in any possible way. We don’t need to look far for it is our choice to let ourselves be infected with that contagious happy virus. Life is greater with happiness in our hearts. *

Seventh, she taught us to empathize with others. Despite being a mainstream celebrity and a daughter of a Class B family, Maine wholeheartedly accept the taong grasa social experiment before in Eat Bulaga. She was incognito as a rugged beggar asking for help. She didn’t mind going through the streets being avoided by everyone. It was an Eye-opener for her and made her more empathic for the less fortunate. Likewise, in some of her retweets for Jan 2018, she noticed those who are asking for assistance for their medical concerns. There are fans who responded too after she retweeted them. That ripple of empathy and compassion from her was passed on to her fans like how a light gets through a dark room. Again, this is another way that Maine is a bearer of light.

Eighth, she taught us to give it all we got. One of her most unforgettable performances on “Eat Bulaga” was that Dabarkads challenge wherein she and Ryan Agoncillo became a tandem. I didn’t know the song “Alarma” is now a stimulus for me to reminisce those heart-stopping performances. (KASI NAMAN DI PA AKO NAGKAROON NG IDOL NOON NA BINABALIBAG, HINAHAGIS,INIITSA!!!???? SI MAINE LANG!!! HAHAHA!!!) How far can she really go? Not even the sky is the limit for Maine. She wants to always give better than the best expectations from her. If she did feel fear or hesitation in those jaw-dropping productions, I wouldn’t know for she stamped them all with her enthusiasm and passion. Go for the gold. All or nothing. Go home or go big. Maine wants to give her all more than just her best because her best is just a part of her all. Let’s take that cue from her.

Ninth, she taught us to freely express our ideas and never suppress it. Even before the open letter, Maine is very expressive in her blog. For me, it feels her blog is like a diary in reverse. She writes down her experiences, stories, and just about anything that crosses her mind. The difference with a diary though is these blog entries are not in secret and she let us read them too. This random storyteller became a fangirl of Maine because of her blogger side. She has a knack for writing but she needs to develop more techniques to add depth in her style. Nevertheless, even if Maine didn’t take up creative writing as her major in college, she has a distinct tone in her writing. (Para sa akin yun ang tono na kapag binasa mo ang sinulat ni Maine, parang maririnig mo mismo ang boses niya, ramdam mo ang puso niya sa lahat ng blog entries niya) Maine can be a good writer for creative non-fiction as her strongest genre. I can see her the potential of writing not simply “I went to the beach” but rather describing it like “The salty smell of the cerulean sea soothes me as the gentle breeze and morning sun touches my skin. My feet are magnetized to the fine white sands. I love coming back to this faraway home.“ I’m excited to see Maine trying more in her writing skills especially for creative non-fiction, poetry, or flash fiction. She’ll do well for sure. Just like her, let us find ways how to express ourselves in the most comfortable medium for us.

Tenth, she taught us to be self-independent. She got her internship in New York for 6 months, away from her family and friends in the Philippines. She made that place like her own home and stood on her own feet. When she entered the entertainment industry too, her various commitments demand more places to travel for her. Finding the right balance between responsibility and making the most out of each moment, Maine savors these experiences as room for growth and development. Being self-independent strengthens us more while we enjoy the journey we chose.

Eleventh, she taught us the value of financial literacy. Maine did not let the glamour and luxury of the entertainment industry blind her from financial literacy. A friend of mine who has an idea of approximate ranges of franchises of popular food chains said that McDonald’s needs a huge capital investment. The McDonald’s in Sta.Maria, Bulacan is owned solely by Maine as evidenced from the OR(official receipt) with “NicoMaineDei Corp.” in it. She does not want to see her hard earned money go to vain hence she’s investing it. It’s nice too to learn more about financial literacy for us because at the time where inflation accelerates in our country, saving only is not enough anymore. We also need to invest. Maine is a role model too for this matter.

Twelfth, she taught us to value our education. As sad as I can say but the truth is we live in the times that access to education is a privilege and not a right anymore. Not everyone who wants to go to school can afford to do so, thus, for those who have the opportunity to finish their studies, do well and please don’t waste the chances given. Maine valued her education and she even attained honorary excellence in a specific term back in Benilde. It’s a reminder for her diligence in studying. I won’t be surprised if Maine gets back to studying by enrolling in short courses like filmmaking, communication arts, foreign languages, etc. or even in master’s program. For the youth especially teenagers looking up to Maine, have this as an inspiration as you finish your studies.

Thirteenth, she taught us the significance of family, friends, and loved ones. One of my favorite random moments Maine shared about her family is when her sister passed the CPA board exam. She excitedly shared to Twitter how grateful and celebratory was the atmosphere when they found out about the result. To be happy for a family member’s success means you want the best for them. I remembered too her first TV interview in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. It was just few days after she became Yaya Dub. Her parents proudly showed their support in the interview for as long as their daughter is happy, free, and responsibly growing in the entertainment industry. Also, Maine never forgets her friends as well. She finds time to catch up with them despite of her busy schedule. There’s no place like home when we are with our loved ones so we must take every opportunity to express our care for them like the actions of Maine.

Fourteenth, she taught us to not get even but to have love and courage. She knows when to keep mum and when to speak up. The most painful words in the form of fabricated maligning stories, crab mentality, sensationalized intriguing hearsays, below-the-belt allegations coming from loathe, envy, rage, and hatred can easily make anyone, even a celebrity, to think of getting even. Maine remained mum after the open letter for she knew she already said everything she wants to convey there, nothing more and nothing less. Her mark of love and courage emerge in the one-month hiatus she took and even more in the time now that she came back to work. This is one of my favorite defining moments of Maine—she is like a raw metal that the Blacksmith forged under fire into the sharpest sword. God sent her that forging process to test her heart, as painful as it gets but it helped Maine seek more in herself—that she has a pure heart and only love and courage should be the anchor. The bearer of light like Maine radiated brightly in this deep darkness. Like her, we should not let any negativity took control of our hearts and minds, even if we are provoked to do so.

Fifteenth, she taught us how to believe in ourselves and to have faith in God. I read an excerpt of her book from cosmo.ph. (https://www.cosmo.ph/entertainment/maine-mendoza-yup-i-am-that-girl-book-a1205-20171128)

“Things may go from bad to worse and you might feel like it’s never going to change, but believe me when I say it will get better. Everything will be all right, I promise you. We may have our own different battles, but remember there is only one God. He is always looking down on us wherever we go and whatever obstacle we face. You may currently be in a lot of pain, but you never know what God has in store for your future.”

Maine is persuading her readers to believe in themselves and trust God for their battles. No matter how dark, painful, troublesome, and endless the challenges are, there will always be a better tomorrow. All we need is a stronger faith and to always believe in ourselves.

Sixteenth, she taught us to “Fly high with our kite but keep our feet back on the ground”. Maine achieved all these feat in a short time and there are no signs stopping her from soaring further. Since her early dubsmash videos to the present, her humility remains. She isn’t letting anything go into her head. There is always a continuous process of learning and improving for her. She doesn’t let arrogance, narcissism, and ego become her center. In all the opportunities she received, she never forget to thank the people who are with her in this journey. That humility is another distinct mark of a pure heart and a bearer of light.

Lastly, she taught us to live our life to the fullest. She has her bucket list to fulfill. The “bucket list” as explained to me before by a friend who studies language transformations said that this is a list you want to fulfill before your lifetime ends. It came from the idiomatic expression “kick the bucket” which means to pass away, thus, having a bucket list is like a checklist with your whole lifetime as the time frame. Maine is truly enjoying her life to the fullest as she’s living her dream of becoming a celebrity and checked out some of those in her bucketlist. We must bear in mind that like Maine, our life is more than just work or studies. We have to find the right balance and seize the wonderful moments too.

These 17 are just some marks as to how she becomes a bearer of light coming from a random storyteller like me who silently fangirled for her alone since 2016 up to the release of the open letter. I decided to proudly reveal I am a fan of Maine to void her first assumption that “sampu na lang” will be her remaining fans after she dished out the open letter. I am pretty much certain this list of 17 will be longer for those who are die-hard supporters for they can share more what I just did.

If ever this blog entry reaches you Maine, I in behalf of all your fans, would love to express our gratitude for embracing the role of a bearer of light. Please continue doing so. You have so much more to offer….You even made this storyteller to remember God’s word of self-control, understanding, compassion, and forgiveness by putting it into action. Through you, friendships were formed and initiatives of advocacies started. Because of you, the silent and scared voices starts to speak up for themselves. For all those moments you stayed true to yourself, you become a universal happy pill for everyone who loves you. With your posts and messages, those who are on the verge of giving up felt God is persistently reminding them they are loved and they must hold on and propel in life.

Yes Maine! You are indeed a true bearer of light. :)

This time allow us to recall how worthy you are to be loved in spite of your flaws and imperfections…how worthy you are to be appreciated for your genuine character…how worthy you are to be reminded of your significance for us. This time allow us to be grateful for your mere existence and presence in this lifetime we have. This time allow us to shout with all our might how many of us stayed despite of your earlier fears “kahit sampu na lang matira” whether fans from affiliated groups or fans like me acting like a lone messenger. This time allow us to answer your questions “Ano ba talagang meron sa akin? Ano ba ang ginagawa ko?" Lahat-lahat ng binanggit ko dito Maine ginawa mo, may liwanag ka na nagpasaya sa amin. At kung minsan hindi mo alam kung paano pasasayahin ang sarili mo, hayaan mo, ipapaalala naming paulit-ulit kung gaano ka kahalaga sa amin.

...This time, please allow us to give back to you the light you radiated towards us… :)

And I wish one day, when fate smiles upon this random storyteller and the universe conspires with me, I can smile personally at you, look into your expressive eyes, and say with a cracked voice but a convincing tone:

“Maraming salamat sa lahat Maine, ibabalik ko na yun liwanag na binigay mo sa akin.”

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#Maine MaineMendoza

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msancelle20-blog · 7 years

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That New McDonald’s Commercial Featuring Mclisse

I guess loads of us have had their fair share of heart-wrenching stories that trickled our guts to the core. Moreover, at least three phases are incripted in us when someone or something are about to leave: that of pain, longing and regret. Despite these, we can always yearn to have hope, faith and joy in the most unpredictable of circumstances. Yes, change is arbitrary but sometimes the moment we choose to move forwards is also the moment we decide to sew brevity and happiness in our hearts. Fortunately, it is also during trying times like these when we have a better grasp of ourselves and what we are capable of doing to be happy.

These are but one of the many powerful messages that the new Mcdonald’s commercial featuring Mclisse has incripted in us, Filos and non-Filos alike who were truly touched by it. The fast food giant has truly killed it again big time with this. For years, several TVCs weren’t really able to convey great messages like this and resonate meaning to the general masses. As equally emotional beings that most Filos are, commercials with good story lines like this are the perfect formula to be an overnight sensation. This is a timeless classic that is to connect with everyone over the years to come. What amazing creative geniuses the people behind these are. Wow, just wow.

For those who weren’t able to catch a glimpse of this yet which is highly unlikely as this has become really viral these days, the story goes like this. Memories of a past break-up flooded a sweet-faced mestiza’s thoughts as she is about to sit on the same corner the said breakup happened as all the other seats are taken. Though reluctant at first, she eventually decides to finally face the past, sit on that dreaded corner and smiles hopeful of better things to come. She is greeted by rays of sunshine outside. Then the guy sees her again but finds her already happy with someone else. Of c ourse the setting is in Mcdonald’s and the leads are eating their burgers. The new rendition of Tuloy Pa Rin soulfully playing in the background also contributed to "the feels" elicited by the commercial. This features the new pair-up of the very pretty Elisse Josson and good-boy imaged Mccoy of the Hashtags whose claims to fame were in the recently concluded Pinoy Big Brother season. They have at least piqued the curiosity of the general population in the said reality show as Elisse finds another love in McCoy though she needed closure with a past love inside the house. Tony Labrusca, a finalist from another ABS-CBN reality series Pinoy Boyband Superstar played the role of the first boyfriend. This is a two-part story showing storylines from both the girl and the guy’s point of view. This just goes to show that even the ones who initiate a certain break-up are also affected and is hopeful of a possible reunion.

What made this such a success were these factors:

1. Reresher

In recent times when sappy telenovelas about infidelity and extramarital affairs has become a norm in media and television, it is good to go back and have a refresher of the more things that are a part of our humanity. That is being in a committed relationship and have conflicts apart from third party. This then brings us to the time when we were younger, had rash choices when it came down to our relationships but we’re still very much willing to expose ourselves again to love and pain.

2. Elisse Joson

Who would have thought that Elisse would be such a darling in this one? Her heart-shaped face coupled with just the right amount of acting that is neither over the top nor mediocre made her the perfect one for the role. I heard the producers chose her because she looks fragile enough in a break-up and equally amazing as she bounces back from it.

3. McCoy of the Hashtags The producers were really smart enough to cast characters whose personal lives truly coincided with the material. This is also timely as their story were just featured in one the most celebrated reality shows in the country.I also think McCoy is one of the few Rico Yans of this generation: chinito, tanned and good-looking with a good boy image.

4. Tuloy Pa Rin theme song A song could really make or break a material no matter how good it is. They were just on point when they chose this classic and blended it with the aforementioned story. This is of course with the right pacing and timing. Oh, the song was just aimed to perfection.

5. McDonald’s The well-famed fast food giant has really touched the hearts of many over the past years. A lot of people have been flocking here because of their affordable snack choices and their reputation. Due to this, we all have had our share of stories good and bad from this fast food chain, right? I guess this all the more makes this everyone’s break-up story.

So grab a burger from Mcdo and maybe you can also move-on and find happiness there, right? Love, Marabelles.

Photo Credits:

Elisse Joson & mccoy de Leon’s Official Instagram Accounts

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twatkcox · 5 years

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[The Keihancarl Diaries: May 25, 2019]

Keihancarl here. Until now, I still have a hangover from the otaku event last week, which is the Pinoy Otaku Festival 2019: Asobu. And with that, I feel like going out on a mall-hopping trip again.

Checking the weather forecast, there's a possibility of a thunderstorm on the day of my mall-hopping trip. But I’m really hoping that it wouldn't rain, as I’m really looking forward to it and I don’t want it to get rescheduled due to bad weather. Anyway, a cloudy sky with little sunshine should be enough to assure me that there'll be little to no chance of rain for the entire trip.

I decided on my favorite black fleece coat, black fingerless gloves, and the red anime shirt that I bought last week, the one featuring Izaya Orihara of Durarara!!, with Mikado Ryuugamine and Anri Sonohara as puppet dolls. In other words, my outfit consists primarily of red and black clothing.

I was hoping to leave the house by 9:00 AM, considering the traffic situation in Novaliches area during weekend mornings. Sure enough, traffic is heavy in Deparo/San Agustin area (the maroon line), based on the screenshot of Google Maps on my smartphone. I’m really disappointed that I have to waste about more than 30 minutes getting stuck in traffic just because of the repair works on the water pipeline.

I actually left home at exactly 9:30 AM and reached Novaliches more than an hour later. I spent another hour riding the UV Express to LRT Balintawak, plus a few more minutes to reach my first stop, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf. I got there before noon.

Looks like the planned expansion is near LRT Balintawak station, too bad I didn't take a picture of the area.

Reaching the mall, I only checked a couple of shops.

I couldn't check Biblio at the moment as the door is closed, though the sign by the door says otherwise. Maybe the storekeeper is out.

I decided to skip SM City Valenzuela (formerly SM Center Valenzuela) for now due to time constraints. I head back to the LRT Balintawak Station and board the train to LRT Tayuman Station.

I did get to see SM City Grand Central up close, from inside the train. It will take a while for it to be completed. Aside from that, I also did get to see the posts for the Skyway Stage 3 going to North Luzon Expressway.

As I thought, there's the possibility of rainfall, just like the weather forecast says. Approaching LRT Blumentritt Station, it started raining outside. Getting off LRT Tayuman Station, however, it becomes a light rainfall.

Reaching my next stop, SM City San Lazaro, I only checked Booksale and bought a small cup of fruit tea from a stall (Bittersweet).

The drink, winter frost, is really good, but it’s a little too sweet and a little too cold that my throat actually suffered right after drinking it. Regardless, I enjoyed it.

It was raining a little when I got outside the mall, but the sun was shining brightly at the same time. Anyway, I decided to ride the jeep to Recto, which is a pretty stupid move (for me) since the traffic situation past Bambang is incredibly heavy. I should’ve ridden the LRT to Doroteo Jose instead.

Reaching Recto, I was surprised to see fewer vehicles on the right lane and no jeep or e-trike passing by (the other lane is full of vehicles and traffic is really heavy on that side), so I'm forced to walk all the way to 999 Mall, much to my dismay. Had the LRT-2 had been extended to the Port Area, this wouldn't have happened.

But what really irks me the most is the slight flooding on the side of the road. The drainage canals are completely clogged, no thanks to the lack of discipline of some people. Also, the stalls right outside 999 Mall and Tutuban Center really need to go, as it is supposed to be a road for vehicles, not an extension of a tiangge (bazaar). There’s a planned elevated market that could probably accommodate the stalls, but it might take a while for that area to experience relief, particularly among motorists and pedestrians.

I managed to reach 999 Mall, but I'm completely tired and pissed off from the extreme traffic situation in Rizal Avenue (Bambang to Recto area) and the inconvenience of getting a ride from there. My hunger also contributed to this extreme case of crankiness. Luckily, the shrimp chorizo fried rice from Habeat totally saved me from this chaos.

I did check a couple of shops: one that sells anime shirts (I couldn't check inside, unfortunately) and another at its neighbor 168 Mall that sells various anime and K-pop merch. Right now, I'm not in the mood for shopping as I’m on a limited budget, but who knows?

Next stop, Lucky Chinatown Mall. I really need to recharge for a while so I immediately head to the cinema level (5th floor) and sat on one of the sofas. I decided to upload the photos to my Instagram account before proceeding to check some of the shops, as well as taking some (obligatory) selfies.

There were a few Chinese-themed murals inside the mall, with the hashtag #GetAnArchitect, perhaps in an effort to promote the architecture profession to the general public.

On my way to SM City Manila, I passed by a second-hand bookshop at the underpass (near Manila City Hall) and checked some of the manga books. I was too shy to ask the shopkeeper yet so maybe I'll try next time.

Next stop, SM City Manila. I only checked a couple of shops there, both of them are book shops.

I then rode the LRT from Central Station to UN Avenue Station. I'm still amazed about the themed station, but I kind of noticed that the red floors are starting to fade on the tile edges.

Getting off the station, I checked Booksale's branch at Times Square, but it's closed at the moment. I immediately head to Rizal Park and I noticed that there were puddles in some patches of grass.

There were also some areas that are completely devoid of grass, but people actually wouldn’t mind about it for as long as they can find a perfect place to set up a plastic mat, sit down, and enjoy the view of the dancing fountains.

There was a procession for Flores De Mayo, which is annually held on this month. I walked on until I reached Quirino Grandstand and then head straight towards the Baywalk (on the left).

Reaching Baywalk, I noticed that there's a desilting operation at the edge of Manila Bay, so it is closed for the time being. I then decided to have a glimpse of the Manila Bay from the nearby overpass.

It will probably take a while before I get to set foot in Baywalk again, probably by October.

And on to my final stop, Robinsons Place Manila. I only checked a few shops and had an early dinner at Karate Kid, a casual Japanese fast food. I had pork teriyaki and red iced tea, which I consumed immediately. I did check a bookshop not far from where I had my early dinner and saw a few manga books placed among the children’s books (a couple of them are yaoi titles), but they’re a little expensive.

I then uploaded more photos to my Instagram account, including selfies. After that, I decided to head home after a frustratingly exhausting day. I'm expecting a light to moderate traffic this time, and sure enough, it is light to moderate, except in the Commonwealth-Manggahan area.

Traffic, inconveniences, rainfall. These are the things that ruined my otherwise fun trip, and I’m obviously not happy about it. Regardless, I somehow managed to find a way to make things fun, but it would be nice if it doesn't involve the three things that can really disrupt my mood throughout the entire trip.

I certainly need compensation for this. How about a trip down south? Same outfit, less inconvenience... but more fun.

All pics are from my private Instagram account, @kcox105. The screenshot of Google Maps featuring Deparo and San Agustin areas (North Caloocan and Quezon City, respectively) is provided by yours truly, Keihancarl.

#Manila #Quezon City #Binondo #San Lazaro #Rizal Park #Cloverleaf #Ermita #Manila Bay #LRT-1 #Monumento #going places #mall-hopping #TheFourWeekendPlan

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annvassadress · 6 years

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Movie Review: Ang Babaeng Allergic sa WIFI

Ang Babaeng Allergic sa WIFI is an official entry to the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018. It’s written and directed by Jun Robles Lana, starring Sue Ramirez, Jameson Blake and Markus Paterson.

It is another addition to newly produced films that gives pride to the Philippines. I’ve been expecting for a unique story line and I must say I got what I’m looking for. No part of the film is boring. Each scene is something to look forward to. Some of the story’s twist might be a little bit predictable but the ending was surprisingly moving.

Story:

The film is very realistic. It opens our eyes to the probable cause and effect of digital world in our lives. The effect of being too much obsessed with wifi and social media could be disturbing but it is good that they also emphasize that taking photos is the only means to relieve the memories even its littlest details.

I love the fact that I’ve learned from it and I actually wanted to apply it the soonest as possible. It is too veer away from social media for some time and just simply live in the moment. It also refreshes our minds to leave the digital world for the sake of our health. It also gives me another realization that we shouldn’t use social media in a bad manner like of spreading fake news.

I just think that they could’ve made a better story of revenge to Margaux and that the reason for Leo to break up is kind of lame. But all in all the story is unique!

Casting:

There could be no better artists for their roles. Sue Ramirez is perfect with her lovely face and bubbly looking personality. Markus Paterson is the perfect hearbreaker with his snobbish-but-handsome looking face. Jameson Blake of all is the one that impressed me a lot. This guy will soon go places with his simple, natural but compelling acting. He sure looks like this geeky, gullible and kiss-ass brother the director wanted him to be!

Setting:

The setting is perfect. This film will bring us to two different worlds. I love how it brought me to digital and city life then give me a little escape as it brought me into the fields and rural life. The place is remarkable with all the props and costumes of the characters. Norma’s yellow dress is very consistent. It matches the airy and relaxing view of the province life. It makes me wanna travel far away and seek to breathe some fresh air! Not only that, I also want to take more photos in the woods or the fields soon.

Plot:

The plot of the film is very consistent. I like the relevance of each scene to the next one. I can feel the emotional significance through the sequence of the film like from the time Aries met Norma switched to the time he found out that Norma is his brother’s girflriend. It hits my heart like a bullet too! There’s no part is confusing.

Soundtrack:

I am amused with all the choices of songs placed in this film. “Elesi” is epic and timeless. I am also into this English song played in the ending.

Favorite part of the film

I like the part when the car was covered with foil. It has the perfect background music of “Elesi” It was a romantic and informative idea combating the electromagnetic waves. Their adventure going uphill to see the view also lifted up my spirits. This scene moved me and I felt like I was right there in that place. Another favorite is when they were riding a bike while wearing their foil hats on. It gives me this childhood feels. It must be the perfect casting since they blend well altogether with their perfect outfits on wile biking at this beautiful forest which I am really eager to know where.

I was glad to be one of the first people to have watched this film and I couldn’t be more grateful to see the cast in person. They doesn’t seem to have chemistry only in the movie but also in real life.

The all good-looking cast and director of #AngBabaengAllergicsaWifi

The first ever film of Cignal Entertainment.

Dictor Jun Lana enthusiastically invites everyone to watch his masterpiece.

With Jameson Blake.

With this handsome guys Markus Paterson (right side) and friend

No other cinema could better house the block screening of this film. I totally enjoy this film!!!

TITLE: ANG BABAENG ALLERGIC SA WIFI

SYNOPSIS:

Norma is an ordinary teenage girl, and like most girls her life (and love life) revolves around technology. One day she is diagnosed with Electromagnetic Hyper-Sensitivity — an unusual illness that makes her literally allergic to Wi-Fi, data signals, etc. So she is forced to move in with her grandmother in the province and learns to live a much simpler life that will impact her relationship with Leo — and her friendship with Leo’s brother, Aries.

THE PRODUCTION COMPANIES:

CIGNAL ENTERTAINMENT is an original content division of CIGNAL TV, one of the country’s largest pay-tv platforms. Ang Babaeng Allergic Sa WiFi is their first venture into a full-length film.

OCTOBERTRAIN FILMS has been exclusively producing Jun Robles Lana’s passion projects since 2007

THE IDEAFIRST COMPANY is a content creation company that produces feature films, television series, commercials and digital content and strategy for the Asia-Pacific region.

THE DIRECTOR:

JUN ROBLES LANA graduated from the University of Santo Tomas and became the youngest Filipino inducted in the Palanca Awards, the Philippines’ most prestigious Literary Contest. In 2015 he won the Best Director award from both the Kerala International Film Festival and the Pacific Meridian Film Festival for his one-shot feature film ANINO SA LIKOD NG BUWAN. His latest passion project DIE BEAUTIFUL won Best Actor and Audience awards at the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival, and was a big box office hit when it was released in the Philippines in 2016.

THE LEAD ACTOR:

JAMESON BLAKE first appeared in TV Commercials like Coca-Cola and Jollibee. In 2015, he auditioned as a teen housemate for the ABS-CBN Reality TV Show Pinoy Big Brother (aka Pinoy Big Brother: 737). Later that year, he became part of the all-male dance group Hashtags formed by the noontime variety show It’s Showtime.

For his role in the 2016 film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten, he was named “Best Supporting Actor” at the 12thCinema One Originals Film Festival.

THE LEAD ACTRESS:

SUE RAMIREZ’s first major role was as supporting cast member on the ABS-CBN remake of Mula Sa Puso of the same name (2011). She appeared in the television dramas Angelito: Batang Ama (2011-2012), Angelito: Ang Bagong Yugto (2012), Annaliza (2013-2014), Pangako Sa’Yo (2015), Dolce Amore (2016), La Luna Sangre (2017) and Hanggang Saan (2017-2018). She gained her New Actress Nomination in the 32nd PMPC Star Awards for Movies for the film Just the Way You Are.

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