Ben&Ben
In its new advocacy song “Mag-ingat,” the folk-pop collective Ben&Ben urges internet users to be more discerning and wary of the many threats that lurk in the digital space.
The song, which the group wrote and produced for the technology company Google’s internet safety and digital responsibility, highlights the importance of critical thinking, verifying information and identifying legitimate sources to better navigate issues online like misinformation, scams, catfishing, bullying and people with ill intentions.
“Filipinos are highly social people and most of us interact with one another digitally. In such a world, it’s no wonder that while the internet brings many advantages, it also opens us up to many dangers if we’re not careful enough,” musician Miguel Guico, who shares frontman duties for Ben&Ben with his twin brother, Paolo, said in a virtual conference.
Shared responsibility
Part of the breezy, island-vibed tune goes: “Mag-ingat sa pang-aabuso / Ingat sa pang-aapi / Ingat ka sa nakatagong may balak na marumi / Nasa ating mga palad / Ang kakayahang suriing mabuti ang nababasa.”
Safety on the internet, the group stressed, is indeed a shared responsibility. “With ‘Mag-ingat,’ we wanted to use our music to spread awareness on such a timely and important issue, because all of us are responsible for making sure that the internet is a safe and positive space for everyone,” Miguel pointed out.
“Through Ben&Ben’s music, we believe we can teach internet safety to more people in a way that deeply resonates with [people] and becomes part of their everyday lives,” Google Philippines head of communications and public affairs Mervin Wenke added.