After a few tasks and glitches in the morning, I finally trooped to attend the launch of Yahoo!’s Purple Thumb microsite around lunch until 6pm. I must say I have learned a lot and  surprisingly majority of it is not election-related. I have noted certain key points of certain guest speakers:

*On the topic of Why social media matters in this election, I took notes of Manolo Quezon III‘s talk (The Buzz: Social Media & The Hive in 2010-inspired by Jaron Lanier) “hive mind” thinking Digital Maoism (essay 2006),  Cybernetic Totalism (“bloggers are a ruthless mob online with a sadism culture”), A Culture of Sadism (web’s “anonymity” has promoted a “culture of sadism”); *mental note: grab a copy of You Are Not A Gadget by Jaron Lanier for further reading.

*It was refreshing how Mong Palatino recounted how he started blogging in 2004 for personal reasons and then evolved being a youth activist and Member of Philippine Parliament representing Kabataan Partylist.

*Gang Badoy‘s talk was comprised of her experience documenting Jun Lozada’s plight when he decided to blow the whistle on the NBN/ZTE deal.  But what struck me the most was her phrase:

“Every tool is a weapon if you hold it right.”

Blogging for me is still primarily a hobby, a way to convey information (preferably focusing on the positive and avoiding rants), another medium of expression. Be that as it may, any freedom of expression or right for that matter  still has its limitations.

I’ve been pondering on how bloggers are defined again recently (by non and fellow bloggers) and how it impacts today’s society. True, there’s a certain “degree of influence” but it still boils down on whether the readers will act upon such influence. Said “influence” should not be equated (and heaven forbid) be a reason for “illusions of grandeur” (insert “With great power comes great responsibility speech here”; “Eat a slice of humble pie every day”)

I say enough with the “credibility”, “image”, etc. talk. Ask yourself if you are blogging to express your own views or are you managing yourself as if you are building a company? Pause and seek to define yourself first.

Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that earning from blogging is wrong or that credibility is not that important. Its just that there will be a cloud of confusion or doubt if one has not defined oneself. You can be both as long as you know when one persona stops and the other one starts.

What is of prime importance is that you know and understand that whatever you bring forth online even if you delete it, may be recovered and may have created some good out of it or has caused irreparable damage. No opinion, nothing is totally personal or private online and bloggers should constantly be mindful of that (*note: be well-informed of the definition and difference between libel and slander)

With regard to invites and blogger’s behavior at events, “To each his own.” If  a blogger needs a slap on the wrist then please be a friend and tell them directly..swift, straight and definitely more commendable. What’s the point of making such a  hoopla about it? The more these shenanigans persists then I dare say in the end, the community will suffer. We are all interconnected whether we like it or not..deal with it!

Going back to “Every tool is a weapon if you hold it right”, I think the phrase explains itself clearly..unless you are in denial.

Cheers and God bless positive peeps and remember, “Karma is also digital!” =]

4Minute at MYX Taping

They ate adobo, rode a jeepney, drank lots of mango juice and learned several Filipino phrases and languages. Most importantly, they captured the hearts of many Filipinos, and they fell in love in return. Reason enough that 4minute couldn’t hold back their tears as they went back to their hometown in Seoul Korea.

Upon landing, it was evident in their bright doll-like faces how excited they were to land for the first time in the Philippines. A bit oblivious of how everything will go during their stay, all five of them gracefully and energetically made their way to their tour van well prepared and prepped up for their appearances, even memorizing Filipino phrases that said We Love You, Thank You, and even how to introduce themselves in the Philippine local language.

Feb. 4  MYX taping with VJ Chino

Their tour began with several appearances on TV. One was the highly anticipated MYX Presents where they performed 5 songs and even had an interview and interaction with their fans. It was the first time Filipinos got a taste of their raw talent and all were blown away. 4minute was gracious enough to add another song to their performance, the highly infectious Anjulae. MYX Presents 4Minute shall air this month of February, hosted by VJ Chino.

Feb. 5 – Interview at DZMM

The next day, the girls had a press conference, a radio guesting at Tambayan 101.9 and DZMM, and a showcase penned on their schedule. 4Minute was dolled-up in school girl inspired ensembles but still styled so uniquely, that it was a breeze to distinguish one from the other. Their appearance at Tambayan 101.9 became a memorable fit for the girls as they learned an expression that they used all throughout their stay which was Bonggang Bongga!

Feb. 5 Press Conference at Shangri-la Edsa Hotel

The press conference on the other hand was filled with juicy questions about comparisons with other Korean girl groups and most especially, questions about their name. When asked why they named themselves 4minute, the girls immediately answered this – We named our group 4minute because we can capture any audience in just 4 minutes…which was proved to be true throughout their tour.

Feb. 5  at SM Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia was packed with the biggest audience ever to hit the Event Center. A diverse mix of spectators ranged from children to oldies and from boys to girls and gay alike. There were also core Korean nationals who screamed their way to reach 4Minute but a majority of the crowd was Filipino. Not only did the audience know the lyrics to 4minute’s Korean language songs, they also knew the dance steps to 4minute’s hits – Hot Issue, Muzik, What a Girl Wants and many more! The album signing session also became a gift – giving activity with special treats that the fans made for their favorite 4minute member. 4Minute was so ecstatic with what happened with their first showcase, their management (Cube Entertainment) needed to make adjustments with  their appearances in the next two malls to accommodate as much fans as possible.

Feb. 6 at Wowowee

The next day, 4minute made their way to ABS – CBN compound for their WOWOWEE TV appearance where they performed What a Girl Wants. Word of their popularity reached even more people that during their show in SM Megamall, the crowd became so thick it became uncontrollable that the show had to be paused for a few minutes to ensure the safety of the audience which was 4minute’s top concern at that time. The fans from the SM Mall of Asia show were also present during the 4minute showcase in SM Megamall. The show became such a huge success that 4minute got a boost of high adrenalin that they even got the energy to do some swimsuit shopping and take a dip in the infamous pool of their official residence, EDSA Shangri-la Hotel after their day was done.

Feb. 7 at ASAP XV

The last day of their activities became bittersweet. 4minute as well as the team from MCA Music kept counting off the minutes before the day was over. Despite their busy schedule, with an appearance at ASAP XV, and a mall show in SM North EDSA, 4minute made time to say hi to all their fans. Their mall shows in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall and SM North EDSA Annex were record breaking successes as stats started to come in about the attendance and album sales that the group has accumulated during their short stint. Whopping thousands of mall goers and album sales reached news in Korea and the Philippines simultaneously! 4Minute was so overwhelmed with the results that they even recorded a special message that says that they will miss their fans, the 4Nias as they leave. As a special gift, 4minute even came up with an encore for their last show which was a remix of Hot Issue. They also extended their time in signing albums and memorabilia. Their last day ended with a sumptuous dinner in a Chinese restaurant where the girls with their entourage gave several group hugs to all who helped them during their stay.

Feb. 7 at SM North Edsa

The group left for Seoul mid morning, with outfits that were simpler than usual and faces that were as natural as sunshine. The true beauty of 4minute shone through as they prepared for their departure. At the airport, the group together with Cube Entertainment presented signed, imported copies of their album For Muzik to the team of MCA Music who also had two members who were from the fans club of 4minute in the Philippines. As everyone said their goodbye’s, tears started to fall and a new bond was formed between people who were a thousand miles apart from each other but now found themselves bonded by one thing that they’ve grown to love all together – music.

*4Minute’s Philippine promo tour was made possible by by Talk N’ Text Tipid Sulit Together and SM Supermalls! Media partners include MYX Your Choice Your Music, Tambayan 101.9 San’ Ka Pa and ASAP XV with the Official residence of 4Minute in Manila, EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, and the special participation of The Face Shop and Arirang.

To get 4Minute’s music on your Talk N Text mobile phones, simply
TEXT 4MINUTE to 234

To become a member of the official fan club of 4minute, just register to
www.4minute.ph

Stay tuned to get a chance to win signed merchandise of 4Minute upon buying a copy of their debut album, For Muzik, now available in all record bars nationwide, exclusively distributed by
MCA Music Inc.

Join MCA Music on facebook at www.facebook.com/mcamusic.

February 16, 2010, MANILA –Yahoo! has harnessed the power of social media and developed a first-of-its-kind election dedicated microsite called Purple Thumb (www.yourpurplethumb.com). The Purple Thumb microsite gives Filipino voters the opportunity to share user generated content, post images, videos and express their views on the 2010 Philippine election. The microsite leverages top Yahoo! properties Yahoo! Answers and Meme. Continue Reading »

AHON (Acts of Hope for the Nation) Foundation would like to thank all everyone who came to The White Hat’s Celebrity for Charity with the Ateneo Blue Eagles  last Saturday, February 13, at Shangri-La Plaza.

They were able to raise a total of PhP 29,995 from the sales, the auction, and other donations from generous friends. Continue Reading »

After half a year of gathering testimonials and supporting the fight of the Filipino people against strife, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions (CLIS)  is finally capping the Search for the Happiest Pinoy.

Find out who made the top list, what their contributions are to their communities, and who will be awarded as the Happiest Pinoy. Get to know why CLIS highlights positive attributes that come along with obtaining quality and affordable insurance such as peace of mind, security, and happiness.