Sunday, May 13, 2007

Fresh/Hot/Fast: Reposting Halalan 2007 Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo

ABS-CBN, the country's largest and most widely-watched team of media stations and talents, teams up with various well-known organizations and institutions and personnel to chronicle events surrounding the Philippine National Election Day-May 14 this year. This is the day the entire global Filipino community makes the decision for its future as it elects to the 12 seats of Philippine Senate and 18,000 seats of the local Philippine government via direct vote the people who will serve the populace for the next 3-6 years. The broadcast, the latest installation of ABS-CBN's series of coverages of the elections, has the title: Halalan 2007-Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo!

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ABS-CBN has been at the forefront of covering the major news events in the Philippines-among them the Philippine National Elections. Being the Philippine TV network to have Philippine TV's first marathon broadcast of the elections via Halalan 1969, the network has set the trend of holding marathon broadcasts of the elections and continues on the tradition of holding the most reliable, integrated, in-depth, comprehensive and credible broadcast of the national elections among all other media networks.

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ABS-CBN's media channels have begun covering the election-related events since January of this year-specifically the filing of candidacies and the election campaigns of the aspirants to the Philippine Senate and local offices nationwide. On January 15, it launched the Halalan 2007 Website and the Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo Campaign-two projects to be maintained by ABS-CBN Interactive. The coverage will continue on to the official tally of votes and the proclamation and inaguration of newly-elected officials. For the election coverage, ABS-CBN got a lot of partners: Philippine Star, Business World, Business Mirror, Globe, Bayantel, STI, Pulse Asia, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Institute for Popular Democracy (IPD) and COMELEC-the government institution that manages the Philippine national elections.

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Three of the country's newspaper organizations--the Philippine Star, Business World, and Business Mirror--will join ABS-CBN together with IPD to give the public the most comprehensive information before, during and after Election Day. IPD is a Philippine not-for-profit research and advocacy centre with a multi-disciplinary team of activist-scholars engaged with civil society groups, reform-minded government officials and government agencies. The organization at times specializes in the study of Philippine national elections, of which it has a database, the broadest in the country.

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Globe and Bayantel-two of the country's leading telecommunications companies-will add up to ABS-CBN's unmatched nationwide technical might, as it will service the technological needs of the network's marathon Election Day broadcast. For the marathon broadcast's operations (including the patrolling of votes) volunteers will come from IPD, Pulse Asia, PPCRV and STI. STI is an the educational institution of schools specializing in electronic/information/communication college education which will help in the network's marathon broadcast, specifically in the quick vote count report segments. (STI's quick vote count operations will cover 10% of the actual votes to be cast on May 14.) PPCRV is a bona-fide, non-partisan, parish-based association organized and composed of civic-minded citizens drawn from various sectors of Philippine society that is the Catholic Church 's support for the elections. Pulse Asia will do the broadcast's other operations like the exit poll reports and other survey reports. (Pulse Asia's surveys will involve respondents who are 10,000 out of the actual 45 million voters.)

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Starting 4:55am (Manila Time) on May 14, Halalan 2007 will be broadcast on a marathon basis on ABS-CBN Manila TV, ABS-CBN Regional TV, ABS-CBN Now, ABS-CBN International (The Filipino Channel and other global ABS-CBN channels), and the ABS-CBN News Channel. About 80 ABS-CBN TV channels nationwide (including Channel 2-the network's flagship Manila TV station and the 70+ ABS-CBN Regional TV Stations and Affiliates) will beam the coverage to make sure everyone will tune in to keep guard of their votes, and of course be informed and entertained on the events of Election Day. Halalan 2007 can be also seen on Channel 51, ABS-CBN's new digital channel in Mega Manila. One can check for the ABS-CBN TV channel/affiliate in his/her locality by clicking here.

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Special broadcasts of Halalan 2007 will be on other media channels under ABS-CBN like Studio 23 (ABS-CBN's Manila-based UHF TV station), its nationwide Radio Patrol network (DZMM-AM 630 KHZ in Manila, DYAB-AM in Cebu, DXAB-AM in Davao and other AM radio stations and affiliates nationwide) and its nationwide My Only Radio For Life network (DWRR 101.9 MHZ in Manila and other FM radio stations nationwide). One can click here to check if he/she is tuned in to an ABS-CBN radio station/affiliate. On Election Day, the comprehensive ABS-CBN's Halalan 2007 Website will improve to answer the election-related information needs of the visitors-voters and will run as smoothly as possible to give information to almost everyone on the Internet.

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Viewers to the marathon broadcast on the main ABS-CBN channel will get glimpses of ABS-CBN Manila people anchoring the broadcasts. Anchoring the broadcast are Bandila's Korina Sanchez, Henry Omaga Diaz and Ces Orena-Drilon, TV Patrol World's Ted Failon, Karen Davila and Bernadette Sembrano, and Magandang Umaga Pilipinas' Julius Babao and Tintin Bersola, backed up by Gus Abelgas, Sol Aragones, Adrian Ayalin, Katherine de Castro, Mario Dumawal, Rose Eclarinal and Nadia Trinidad.

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Anchoring the Radio Patrol-Manila DZMM Coverage (also heard nationwide) are Winnie Cordero, Cheryl Cosim, Alvin Elchico, Vic Lima, Alex Santos, Anthony Taberna, Ariel Ureta, Ricky Velasco and Pinky Webb. The DWRR Coverage (also heard nationwide) will have Martin D, Laila, Billie, Toni, Arnold Ray, Rick Rider and Don Henry delivering up-to-date election news. The Studio 23 Coverage will have Atom Araullo, JC Cuadrado, Mari Kaimo, Patty Laurel, TJ Manotoc, Marieton Pacheco, Jay Ruiz and Ria Tanjuakio-Trillo. The ANC Coverage will have Ricky Carandang, Angelo Castro Jr, RG Cruz, Caroline Howard, Pia Hontiveros, Cheche Lazaro, Twink Macapagal, Twink Macaraig (formerly of Media Corp Singapore-Channel News Asia), Tina Monzon-Palma and Tony Velasquez, including ABS-CBN news executives Maria Ressa (formerly of CNN), Charie Villa (formerly of Reuters International) and Luchi Cruz Valdez. Various talents and personalities of ABS-CBN's various media channels will be appearing at any rate in the broadcast when deemed necessary.

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The marathon broadcast will cover the events before, during and after the operations of the Filipino voting precincts nationwide and worldwide. It will also feature interviews (live/studio-based) of people involved in the electoral exercise and reports on the network-sponsored election day surveys, exit polls and quick vote counts. ABS-CBN will gather reports from 50 live points nationwide and worldwide--among them the COMELEC offices and other places related to Election Day in Mega Manila, scores of major national cities like Baguio, Cebu and Davao-plus dozens of election hot spots (those towns and cities where Election Day is a violent or bloody red day), and the international keypoints like Sydney, Singapore, China's Hong Kong, Dubai, Milan and San Francisco. Over 100 reporters and stringers, and 500 technical staff will be involved in this great undertaking. Moreover, ABS-CBN's best and brightest news people and TV personalities will be anchoring the marathon Election Day broadcast. Plus, more than 14,000 volunteers will help ABS-CBN in the various operations in entire broadcast.

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Among the members of the Manila-based Patrol ng Pilipino who will report from various points in and out of Mega Manila for the broadcast are Dominic Alfelor, Kristel Aliño, Zyann Ambrosio, Niko Baua, Jorge Cariño, Jing Castañeda, Doland Castro, Willard Cheng, Miranda De Quiros, Zen Hernandez, Wheng Hidalgo, Paul Henson, Apples Jalandoni, Lynda Jumilla, Cecille Lardizabal, Charo Logarta, Maan Macapagal, Israel Malasa, Sheryl Mundo, Timi Nubla, Ana Puod, Ina Reformina, Liza Reyes, Dong Robles and Joey Villarama.

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Among the members of the Patrol ng Pilipino based outside Mega Manila reporting for the broadcast are Haide Acuna (Metro Cebu), Dindo Amparo (Middle East), Victor Andal (Ilocandia), Terry Aquino (North Central Luzon), Alden Bacal (Cagayan de Oro), Nony Basco (Metro Iloilo), Danny Buenafe (European Region), Dhobbie de Guzman (Northern Luzon/Baguio), Queenie Casimiro (Central Mindanao), Ryan Gamboa (Bacolod City), Dexter Ganibe (Socsargen), Jennifer Garcia (Iloilo City), Gigi Grande (Asia-Pacific/Australia), Pia Guttierez (Cordillera), Leo Lastimosa (Cebu Island), Rico Lucena (Central Visayas), Francis Magbanua (Davao City), Stephen Manangan (Davao Provinces), Chito Maniago (North Central Luzon/Pampanga), Barbara Mijares (Negros), Maja Moralde (South Cotabato), Kara Mae Noveda (Cebu City), Stanley Palisada (North Mindanao), Yasmin Pascual Dormido (West Visayas), Jobert Penaflorida (Panay Island), Aireen Perol (Bicolandia), Ging Reyes (American Region), Michelle Robin (South Mindanao), David Santos (West Mindanao), Kharren Serra (Metro Davao), Melissa Suarez (Davao City), Conchita Mae Tanate (Northern Mindanao), Cyril Torralde (Naga City), Jenny Villanueva (Zamboanga), Mae Viray (Dagupan City) and Cris Zuniga (Pangasinan).

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Also, ABS-CBN expects you to text any election-related event in their area (a campaign promise not kept/a problem not given a solution by an official elected in the past poll/a case of election fraud or irregularity/a well-done job of an official elected in the past poll/a good election-related event before, during or after Election Day) via Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo. Here are the mechanics:

  • Anyone can join-he/she can use his/her cellphone (MMS-capable/3G-capable/just a simple cellphone) to send information to Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo hotline 2366, ABS-CBN's short messaging system center. Those with cellphones can text the reports in the following format IREPORT (with the picture/video/sound accompaniment-for the MMS/3G phones) to 2366. (available for all cellphone networks in the Philippines).
  • For those with Internet-connected computers, they can e-mail reports with the accompanied pictures/sounds/videos (or even the links of those) to ireport@abs-cbn.com and mms@abs-cbn.com - the multimedia e-mail addresses for Halalan 2007.
  • For people with only a telephone, they can call up ABS-CBN Manila: (02 for regional callers/632 for international callers + 9244101). They can also try to call the nearest ABS-CBN station/affiliate in the Philippines or TFC center anywhere in the world.

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Lastly, ABS-CBN continuously educates and informs the people to go out and vote to make the people's voices heard. Without the global Filipino voter, there will be no Halalan 2007.

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Now ABS-CBN has made the best Deal for this!

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Fresh/Hot/Fast:48 Hours to Go Before Halalan 2007

Here are the following shows to watch over the weekend for Halalan 2007!

12 MAY 2007

Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo
The TV Patrol Saturday Special
for the Philippine National Elections 2007
8:00pm-9:00pm
[in between John En Shirley and X-Klusibong X-Plosibong X-Pose]
ABS-CBN Philippines/TFC

Bumoto Kami Noon, Boboto Ba Kayo Ngayon?
The ABS-CBN Philippine National Elections 2007 Special
10:30pm-12:00mn
[in between Pinoy Big Brother-Kapamilya Edition and Sports Unlimited]
ABS-CBN Philippines/TFC


13 MAY 2007

Liturgy for the 6th Sunday of Easter
Special Marian Mass for Mothers and for the Election Day
THE HEALING EUCHARIST
7:00am-8:00am
[after Salamat Dok]
ABS-CBN Philippines/TFC

HALALAN 2007: BOTO MO I-PATROL MO!
The ABS-CBN NEWS CHANNEL LIVE MARATHON BROADCAST
Broadcast Starts: 13 May 2007, 5:00pm
Broadcast Ends: 15 May 2007, 5:00pm
ABS-CBN News Channel

Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo
The TV Patrol Sunday Special
for the Philippine National Elections 2007
6:00pm-7:00pm
[in between The Buzz and Goin Bulilit]
ABS-CBN Philippines/TFC

Countdown to Halalan 2007: Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo!
The ABS-CBN Media Special
with Korina Sanchez and Ted Failon
10:30pm onwards
[in between Pinoy Big Brother Kapamilya Edition and Urban Zone]
ABS-CBN Philippines/TFC


14 MAY 2007

HALALAN 2007
THE ABS-CBN MARATHON MULTI-MEDIA BROADCAST
FOR THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ELECTION DAY 2007
WITH THE ABS-CBN FAMILY
Broadcast Starts: 14 May 2007, 4:55AM
Broadcast Ends: 15 May 2007, 5:01PM
ABS-CBN PHILIPPINES/TFC
Special Broadcasts on Following ABS-CBN Media Channels
ABS-CBN News Channel
Studio 23
ABS-CBN Now
ABS-CBN Manila Radio AM-DZMM Radio Patrol 630
ABS-CBN Manila Radio FM-DWRR 101.9 For Life
ABS-CBN Cebu Radio AM-DYAB Radio Patrol
ABS-CBN Davao Radio AM-DXAB Radio Patrol
ABS-CBN Regional AM Radio Patrol Affiliates
ABS-CBN Regional FM My Only Radio For Life Affiliates

You can text any election-related event in their area (a campaign promise not kept/a problem not given a solution by an official elected in the past poll/a case of election fraud or irregularity/a well-done job of an official elected in the past poll/a good election-related event before, during or after Election Day via Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo. Here are the mechanics:
  • Anyone can join-he/she can use his/her cellphone (MMS-capable/3G-capable/just a simple cellphone) to send information to Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo hotline 2366, ABS-CBN's short messaging system center. Those with cellphones can text the reports in the following format IREPORT<space><YOUR NAME, YOUR ADDRESS, YOUR CONTACT NUMBER, YOUR REPORT> (with the picture/video/sound accompaniment-for the MMS/3G phones) to 2366. (available for all cellphone networks in the Philippines).
  • For those with Internet-connected computers, they can e-mail reports with the accompanied pictures/sounds/videos (or even the links of those) to ireport@abs-cbn.com and mms@abs-cbn.com - the multimedia e-mail addresses for Halalan 2007.
  • For people with only a telephone, they can call up ABS-CBN Manila: (02 for regional callers/632 for international callers + 9244101). They can also try to call the nearest ABS-CBN station/affiliate in the Philippines or TFC center anywhere in the world.

For that I say Deal!

Saturday, May 5, 2007

My Piece of Cake (Plus More): GO OUT AND VOTE!

Only a few days left and it's Philippine election time. But then, I feel sad with the reports reaching me of low voter turn-out outside Philippine shores in the recent weeks and of negative surveys wherein majority of our countrymen are dissatisfied with the elections.

And with this, here's my piece of cake on this.

We're very very lucky to have such an electoral exercise, as mandated by our America-inherited democracy. Please let it be known we are just one of a few countries that allows all the citizens to vote directly for a government officials. From what I know, we Filipinos are luckier than the citizens of numerous authoritarian countries, whose government officials get appointed only by the central government in the capitals of those authoritarian countries, which has yet to fully answer all its citizens' needs. Look at the events in the 1989 massacre of thousands of rallyists in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in China-the Chinese government does not consider the voice of the rallyists; rather, the Chinese officials have their voices "controlled". (Hope by now, the Chinese government is changing, with the Olympics taking place there next year.)

Sure, our government has to answer fully our needs as citizens, but it considers the people's voice. Such proof of that is the public outcry against changes in the 1987 Philippine Constitution last year by the House of Representatives, which eventually gave in to the public pressure. Do you see the big difference?

One thing: our voice counts in this election. And it's a bonus to include global Filipinos in this event!

Heard of Miss Luchi Cruz-Valdez, a former news personality on Probe (hosted by Cheche Lazaro) who is now an ABS-CBN news exec? She shares her piece of cake:

They [the people] come up with all kinds of reasons – and many of them are not entirely invalid: Nothing’s going to change. It’s the same people. The quality of candidates is poor. The masses of poor voters are going to sell their votes and my wise votes won’t count. My candidate won’t win anyway. He’s going to steal us blind, too. They all do. Ad infinitum.

I won’t argue that they’re wrong because they’re not. But I will argue that not doing anything is not going to change anything either. As Edmund Burke succinctly puts it, "All it takes for evil to triumph… is for a few good men to do nothing."

...but if you choose to take on this insidious victim mentality and still refuse to neither act nor vote, then you’re not one of the few good men. And you surely will get what you deserve.

More of Miss Luchi's sentiments are here.

And how about the revered Maria Ressa, popularly known as one of the reporters for the world-reknowned CNN-have you heard of her? She is currently leading ABS-CBN in its election coverage dubbed as Halalan 2007. And here's her piece of cake:

Garci (former election commissioner Virgilio Garcillano) really shook the Filipinos’ faith in the electoral process so we need to make sure that these elections will restore our faith.

The other thing really is when you are talking about nearly 18,000 positions most of them in local elections, the potential for violence is large. We want to make sure we can minimize, use the power of media and of our collective partners to be able to minimize the number of election related violence.

Many of them [the voters] don’t even want to vote. You must vote. True people power is really in the hands of ordinary Filipinos. And it is through the vote. We must take that seriously and we want to use the power of ABS-CBN and all of our platforms to get that across to really literally move people to action.

More of Miss Maria's piece of cake is here.

Plus, without the vote of the people, there will be no ABS-CBN Halalan 2007.

So what are you waiting for? Go out and vote! (It's a Deal.)

Wait, you must be asking: How to vote? You must be registered to vote. If not, just brace yourselves for the 2010 elections. For those who registered, just click here.