Focus on advocacies and worthy change-makers
One of the fringe benefits of being a journalist is the ability to focus the spotlight of public attention on worthy change-makers and their admirable initiatives, to motivate them to stick to their guns, despite the occasional brickbats from cynical dissers that invariably come their way.
The latest heartening example in this regard is our recent “thumbs up” citation of Bench’s “#LoveLocal” campaign, which is reminding the popular store chain’s patrons that, contrary to our “deathless” colonial mentality’s self-deprecating dictum, local products and cultural expressions are not inherently inferior to the “imported” variety.
We’re happy to share that our laudatory focus on Bench’s enlightened and subtly anticolonial campaign has had a bracing and affirmative effect on Bench’s prime mover, Ben Chan, to wit:
“Dear Nestor, it is one thing to know that there are people out there who support the same causes I do, but to actually read words like yours and realize that I am capable of sparking change makes all the difference in the world!
“I am humbled to know that my efforts to ‘love local’ are not only recognized but also appreciated. That said, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude for taking the time to write about our Bench #LoveLocal campaign! Thank you for your continued support.”
—Keep it up, Ben and Bench! Thanks in turn to the other people who have expressed their appreciation for our work and support for many essential advocacies that need to be addressed to make our arts, entertainment and broadcast media scenes less “problematic.”
Aside from colonial mentality, these include its adjunct bias in favor of foreign entertainment and theater productions, clueless and passive TV viewership, irresponsible radio-TV production and hosting practices, child-unfriendly television, too many questionable TV and movie awards groups—plus-plus, etc., etc.!
In particular, thanks to the arts leaders, including some National Artists, who write us occasionally to express their appreciation for our “objective” reviews, lack of interest in gossip, focus on stars’ work instead of their lives, and on pressing issues and problems that affect the quality of the entertainment and information we get to view.
Our most bracing experience in this regard was the day when we attended a cultural event and were approached by two people—one was the head of the University of the Philippines, and the other was a famous healing priest with many followers—and they both had profusely appreciative words to say about our articles!
