MANILA, Philippines – With the multitude of options that have been made available to us in today’s digital world, it’s often hard for us to decipher the real value of these opportunities. As digital natives, millennials like us pride ourselves on knowing, as if on instinct, how to use the latest technology and all the various applications within them for different purposes. We roll our eyes at the parents who squint at their screens as they type with one finger and ask, “Can I zoom this in?” about an Instagram photo you just posted. Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, Viber, Youtube, HOOQ, or Spotify, we know how the platforms work and use them now more than ever.
It’s ironic then that in spite of the know-how that comes so naturally to us, we are often left dumb by questions about how we use these platforms for good. Inspired by stories of how social media transformed creations like Antoinette Jadaone’s That Thing Called Tadhana from small-time indie romcom to meme-generating cult classic, and how technology propelled startups like ZAP and Partyphile into mainstream success, we took on Globe’s call to make positive change in today’s digital times.
On Saturday, hundreds of college students from all over the metro made their way to the University Theater at UP Diliman to immerse themselves in the latest trends and get inspired to use them for change at the Globe #StartNow Youth Summit. The whole-day event set out to educate the youth to become drivers for change, and to use our technology to create something better than what is. Popo Yambao, director of Globe prepaid portfolio and brand management, said in her introductory remarks that many of us don’t remember a world without the internet. Now that the digital age is upon us, Globe is making it possible for us to scale greater heights through initiatives like #StartNow.
The youth summit was modeled after the process of change itself. It began with the theme Level Up, followed by Transform, and finally, Influence. Beginning by looking inwards and assessing from there which parts of us we can improve enables us to spark change in others, too. This is something that Globe understands and empowers us to do. Up first on the exciting roster of speakers was Angelique Uy, founder of tech start up Zap. Narrating the story of how she and a couple of friends began pursuing their dream of one consumer rewards card that worked with all establishments in the metro, she emphasized the importance of having a big idea that will drive your vision. For Zap, it was to create the “one card to rule them all.” Angelique ended by reminding the audience firmly, “Dream big, keep hustling, and start now.”
Angelique was followed up by Kat Ramnani, music head at Globe, who spoke about music’s capacity as the universal language to unite people across the world. In satisfying the unmet need for music here in the Philippines, Globe took to working with Spotify to provide consumers with music at the lowest price, at its most accessible, and with the widest selection available. Spotify is just one of the many features that’s bundled with Globe’s GoSurf50, a pioneering product that allows users access to 350MB worth of content across the web, all while providing free Facebook, HOOQ, games, and music.
Moving on from empowering the youth to sparking change within them, Bianca Gonzales-Intal led the Transform segment of the program by giving practical tips on how to use social media to change the world. Among them were recommendations to follow accounts that are relevant to you, and to always be constructive instead of destructive when providing input. “We are all a work in progress,” said the bubbly multi-hyphenate. For Bianca, social media is a way to connect all the different aspects of her life, from family, to hosting, to her work as writer and editor.
Following Bianca’s inspirational talk were leaders from different local and international ventures, each talking about how they use digital opportunities to grow their brand. Brian Cu of Grab, Ron Baetiong of Partyphile, and Kristian Melquiades of Viber each talked about creating solutions to real problems of the country, whether those problems lie in transportation, communication, sports, or simply getting into the latest clubs. Technology has made it so that these problems can be addressed with the touch of a button.
Last on the roster of speakers and wrapping up the Influence segment was Antoinette Jadaone, acclaimed writer behind 2014’s That Thing Called Tadhana. The writer and filmmaker spoke about the distinction between going viral and becoming influential. It is so easy to become viral in today’s times, she said, making reference to Paula Salvosa, eponymously known as Amalayer. For Jadaone, influence must be earned. And the difference lies in having a cause. Sincerely believing in something shines through even on social media. The crusade for something greater than what exists now is what drove successes like her own film, and many like it. Listing five social media trends that were close to her heart, Jadaone mentioned box-office hit Heneral Luna, and the mainstreaming of spoken word made possible by a video of Juan Miguel Severo’s Ang Huling Tula na Isusulat ko Para Sa’yo. The common thread was a sincere belief that something is worth being on the radar. Antoinette Jadaone was perhaps the star of the entire event, her own sincerity shining through at the smallest moments. Beginning her talk on change in digital times, she gestured to a notebook she had in hand, saying, “I’ve got my notes in here. Sorry, low-tech.”
Andy Warhol once said, “In the future, everybody will be famous for fifteen minutes.” This has never been truer than in today’s digital world. As the next generation who will shape our world, it’s time that we use the tools in our hands and influence the world at large. Fame is one thing, but significance, another giant entirely. The line between is only as fine as you make it.
ADVT