Since the last time that we had a one-on-one with Joyce Ramirez, she has treaded the chaotic world of Philippine politics and came out of it unscathed – well almost. Recently, in the high profile senate hearing about fake news, her name was dragged into the limelight triggering a barrage of Google searches looking for info about her.

They were not hard to find. Happens when your subject once headed a team that had a record 45M clout on the worldwide web and is the person responsible for starting the trend of getting Hollywood celebrities for local brands.

While her politics has always been public and we may not always agree on whom to support, I think is is high time that we keep up with the woman whose career has always been as colorful and as explosive as the personalities that she has worked with.

Continue reading “Joyce Ramirez speaks up on #NasaanAngPangulo, talks politics” →

When I was in college, I joined the League of Filipino Students (LFS), a group known for protesting against state injustices and fighting for the rights of the poor and marginalized Filipinos. It never felt like it was a good fit for me.

During discussions about how certain laws were supposed to be unjust, I found myself being the devil’s advocate. I would always argue for the debated law and how it could be beneficial if only it were implemented properly. I further affirmed that I was wrong for the movement on the first rally that I attended when we had not even gone beyond University Ave in UP Diliman and I thought, “Ay, ang init. Kayo nalang.” I then promptly left, enjoyed a cake at Chocolate Kisses, and ended my rather short stint as an activist. Or so I thought.

Continue reading “Taking a stand” →

In the digital age, both information and misinformation are readily available for anyone with a computer or a smartphone. Discerning what is real and what isn’t is not always easy especially for digital novices because there are websites and social media pages that are created with the intent  to deceive. 

This kind of deception has proven effective in getting politicians elected both in the country and abroad. The profile of the victims cover pretty much all academic and social standing. Social media savvy individuals aren’t even immune. I have personally seen friends that have fallen prey to fake articles posted by paid political influencers that forward their agenda by promoting half-truths. 

Continue reading “Taking back the internet from the trolls” →