Ako Mismo: Pop-culture Social Activism

I was away during the weekend for the committee deliberations of the University of the Philippines Diliman University Student Council. Now we're back in Manila. While I was catching up with news, reading the Sunday papers, one whole spread advertisement caught my attention -- Ako Mismo! And so, being very curious about what it is and why Ely Buendia, Edu Manzano, Maxene Magalona and Chris Tiu among others are there, I registered to find out. After I registered, I saw from a friend's post that she saw this TV ad while watching the delayed telecast of the Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton bout.







The main point of the site is to make a stand and to take "real action for the causes you believe in, causes that you yourself can truly pursue to make a real, positive difference to your fellow countryman and to your country", for me, this is really good. No doubt about that. I believe that this heck-of-a-site (no pun intended) would make Filipino people aware and join in. With about 30,000 pledges, and a lot more to come, this is a great vehicle to raise consciousness of the inequalities, irregularities, and problems individuals have and see right now in society, and among our midst. This is a sample of the pledges people committed in the website:







Now, yes that this is a good site, but more than that, I have qualms regarding my full support to it. More than knowing what Ako Mismo really is (who is behind it, is it a political ploy for 2010, and all our other questions), I am more particular in pointing out that although as I have said that this raises people's awareness, this also creates pop-culture social activism or worse, an illusion of actually doing something, for change, for the nation. What do I mean by that?



This campaign only gives the Filipino people an excuse to feel-good, and feel that they are actually doing something by joining the bandwagon for social activism and change. Yes, you can easily register and pledge something. Not doubting one's capability to actualize the pledge, but I find it too superficial and hiding behind the curtains.



Bikoy clearly gives an example of my point saying, "Sure, by all means, let us pay our taxes, register to vote, obey traffic rules, sweep the floor, pray, smile at others, be nice, be proud to be pinoy! Aba, dapat lang. Isn’t that what one is supposed to do regardless of any campaign for social change? Isn’t that what we are already doing? Let’s not stop doing it, fine. But please, it reeks of great naivete to think that doing things we are already doing will change Philippine society." He adds that "let us not justify the laziness or the inability of the [people] to get out of their comfort zone to change society."



But for me, I still believe in the "I", the "ako", the individual aspirations, dreams, hopes, and actions that create a whole, that move the I to become the "we" or the "tayo". As Fritz say, We cannot engage collectively without the I. It is important for everyone to believe that he or she is the change, thus "I am Change!" Once the people or majority of the people are aware, then the collective action can take place; it enjoins more people, thus making the action bigger, louder, and maybe can actually see change systemically.



Edit:

As I was browsing through other bloggers' sites, I found reason to speculate against or doubt about this as blogged about by Carlo Ople, but I leave these to the political analysts and technical specialists like Manolo Quezon, "who thinks that this might be the program that will launch the candidacy of Manny Pangilinan", and others who are questioning why the site is requesting a lot -- from your full name, contact details, email, among others.



P.S. I'm sure those Dog Tags would sell like hotcakes (a really nice way to market something, don't you think?)



Related Links:

Bikoy's On Ako Mismo

Karla's Ako Mismo!


AkoMismo: Steak served on a black plate

What is "Ako Mismo"?

Ako Mismo advocacy for change in the Philippines taps Old and New Media

ka-edong's Ako Mismo

Ako Mismo...

Gang Badoy's FORWARDED MAIL..

Ako Mismo Campaign

Ako Mismo Doubts and Concerns

Edu Manzano Spearheads "Ako Mismo" Movement

Ako Mismo Campaign and Questions over Privacy

DBB Takes Ownership of Ako Mismo Campaign

Taking My Blog's Name Back - It's AKOMISMO

Ako Mismo: No Thanks

Crab Mentality

Ako Mismo's DDB Fires Up the PR










Technorati Tags: bong, superbong, brian ong, The Philippines and Beyond, Philippines, Ako Mismo, Social Activism, Social Change, Ely Buendia, Chris Tiu, Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, UPD-USC, University of the Philippines

Starbucks' Earth Day Promotion

Starting tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, April 22-23, Starbucks will cut off Php 40 on your favorite Starbucks beverages if only you buy with your own Tumblers, Mugs or cups. Yes, Starbucks goes green and supports Earth Day and its goal to save and protect our environment. By using your own containers, you will help Starbucks help the environment by saving cups, that will never be used again. Also, you might want to check out their tumblers, which is made of more than 60% used materials.






Try out Starbucks' newest addition, the Dark Cherry Mocha Frappuccino, or indulge yourself with the comeback drink, the Dark Mocha Frappuccino (my favorite). You might also want a bite of their Chicken Turkey Tuscan or their Raspberry Mango Cheesecake. :)














Technorati Tags: bong, superbong, brian ong, The Philippines and Beyond, Philippines, Philippines Best, Starbucks Philippines, Earth Day Promotion, Earth Day, Starbucks Earth Day Promotion, Starbucks Social Responsibility, Go Green, Starbucks Goes Green, Social Responsibility, Dark Cherry Mocha Frappuccino, Dark Mocha Frappuccino