"Role of Online Media and Influencers in Shaping Up
the Business and Political Landscape of the Country Towards 2016"
The first Metro Online Influencers Kapihan was held last July 31, 2015 at Wheatberrys Cafe and Bakeshop. Guest speakers who graced the event were Senator Antonio Trillanes III, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, CNN Philippines Host and Anchor Atty. Karen Jimeno, Digital Filipino Founder and E-Commerce Advocate Ms. Janette Toral, ABS-CBN News Channel Host of Beyond Politics and DZMM Anchor Ms. Lynda Jumilla and Pulse Asia Research Director Dr. Ana Tabunda.
Vice President candidate Senator Antonio Trillanes III recalled that during his 2007 bid for the senatorial election, he resorted to using social media for campaigning due to limited funds. It was only Friendster back then. With the availability of different platforms today namely Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, Senator Trillanes believes that candidates will take advantage of using social media. He is aware too that social media will be used for black propaganda.
ABS-CBN News Channel Host of Beyond Politics and DZMM Anchor Ms. Lynda Jumilla revealed that her social media interaction is only through twitter. She also mentioned that in terms of sharing information, the bloggers always have it first and traditional media is having a hard time catching up. But when it comes to accountability, Ms. Jumilla said that it is sometimes very difficult to know if the person behind the name (especially in twitter) really exists. For Ms. Jumilla, the social media landscape is lush and vibrant, ever changing and so full of landmines.
DigitalFilipino.Com Founder and E-Commerce Advocate Ms. Janette Toral sees 2016-2022 as the Time to Level Up.
Election Points To Ponder
- simplify the tax system
- cross border challenges
- improve financial situation of the Filipinos
- government e-payment system
- fast and competitive internet access
- China
Ms. Toral also mentioned about Thunderclap. It is a "crowdspeaking" platform that lets individuals and companies rally people together to spread a message. (wikipedia) Thunderclap is another social media tool that can be used to share your campaign.
Manila Vice Mayor and Senatorial candidate Isko Moreno proudly shared how social media has helped him and the city of Manila become efficient in handling the daily issues about traffic, crime and garbage. Manila is the first city to provide free wifi internet in public places. He personally has a facebook, twitter and instagram account where he interacts with the people and provides timely solution to the problems the people posts on his social media accounts. He is known as a very hardworking and hands-on public servant.
Pulse Asia Research Director Dr. Ana Tabunda said that their agency conducts surveys to get the pulse of the Filipino people. She said that information gathered from the internet has spiked up in a few years from .08 to .90
CNN Philippines Host and Anchor Atty. Karen Jimeno shared her insights and answered questions on legal issues such as the anti-cybercrime law.
The availability of access to social media by people from all walks of life is both a blessing and a curse. Through social media, it is very easy to share information but we should always be careful with what we share. Let us be responsible. Let us not participate in disseminating black propaganda and lies. Let us make good use of facebook, twitter and instagram.