BEBOT GELS (FEAT. PING) MEET BIKOY

For our SP133 (Argumentation and Debate) class, we were tasked to do an interview regarding the role of communication in lobbying. The group decided to narrow down the topic into lobbying through blogging.

The interview group consists of the bebot gels–yours truly , Nash Albacea, and Jena Lariza–and Ping (formally known as Joanna Armendez).

We were very lucky to get an appointment with Victor “Bikoy” Villanueva, the first Filipino male blogger, Airah Cadiogan, and Congressman Mong Palatino, of the Kabataan Partylist.

Ms. Airah Cadiogan and Mr. Victor Villanueva

The interview was held last September 11, 2009 at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

We wanted to spice up the presentation of the interview to the class so we decided to do something different, i.e. we are going to be cheerleaders doing cheer dances, of course. Bring it on!

When we arrived at Shangri-La, the interviewees–Ms. Cadiogan and Mr. Villanueva–were still not there so we first taped our webcast-ish introduction. Bebot Nash was the official video person because it was her videocam and she was not feeling well at the time. After we finished doing a B-I-K-O-Y cheer (the usual letter-clap-letter chant), we were surprised–and REALLY embarrassed–to be approached by no other than Mr. Villanueva himself. Apparently, they were there early–probably even before we arrived. KMN.

Some of the relevant insights we learned from the interview are as follows:

#1: The 5 simple steps in lobbying: (1) Identify the issue, (2) Know how you will defend your issue (3) Identify the people you have to talk to, (4) Organize an activity, and (5) Follow-up. “An instance of lobbying is not enough. It has to be sustained.”

#2: Blogging is a strategic tool for lobbying. It is an effective way of encouraging the targeted audience to join the cause or advocacy. However, it must be noted that it is only a tool. It is still necessary that complementary activities are done.

#3:  Many of the youth today thinks that once they joined a group or cause via various social networking sites, they are already helping in bringing about the desired change. “It is not advisable for youth to be online activists.” A simple click on “Join the Cause” button is not enough an action to show that an individual really cares about the issue.

Ping, (Me), Ms. Airah, "Bikoy", Nash, Jena

Mr. Bikoy Villanueva, who apparently always brings a camera with him, took a group photo of us and told us that he will blog about our interview topic and place our photo along with it–isn’t that the coolest thing ever?! HAHA. Sorry. We were simply delighted to be featured in the blog–even if it is just a single blog post–of the first Filipino male blogger. I tell you, Bebot Nash and I check his blog from time to time. HAHA

To view his blog post, you may see it here.

Print Screen from the blog of Mr. Victor Villanueva

The Bebot gels and Ping did great that day, I think. Actually, it would have been a perfect day if not for the LRT rides and the traffic on our way back to Manila.

Afterwards, we went to SM Manila to watch Greenwich’s Grand Gig, where Ace Acosta‘s band, Rapid Pagongs, were one of the finalists. And John Lloyd Cruz was there to present the winner.

Don’t you just love this day?!