The games begin!

I’VE been expecting the “AD Wars” to heat up, and I was right. Television is a great medium for advertisements especially during presidential elections, at least for those who can afford it. Let’s do an analysis of these ads, shall we?

Annoying ads. I don’t know about you, but the “Erap” ads are somewhat annoying to me. It’s like he doesn’t feel any amount of remorse for what he did to the country during his presidency.

The funny thing about political ads is that it is allowed to throw everything but the kitchen sink blatantly at the rival camp, or in the Philippine’s case – rival camps! While if we see ads about shampoos or soaps, we only get to see “Brand X”.
So, does this mean that we like seeing people against people rather than “brand x” vs. “brand “y”? The answer is a resounding YES. People are more fun to watch throwing “putik” at each other. Laws of nature I guess or maybe laws of politics? “Erap” ads are more in defense of his integrity rather than a political statement.
Just because he was given a presidential pardon doesn’t mean he’s off the hook, I still think he was the reason why the Philippines’ economy sank. He had his chance, he blew it, let’s move on! I also don’t like seeing ads that showcase a politician’s immaturity by pretending to be a genius, “nagmamalinis’, and arrogant.

Using of the “POOR”. Ever since I can remember, politicians use the “poor” people in their ads. Is the problem really about poverty or the masa? I think it’s much deeper than that. We don’t love our country that is the real problem. How many of you watch movies at SM, Gaisano, or Ketkai during last full shows?

Next question would be, how many of you STAND to the Philippine National Anthem and place your right hand on your chest when it is played before your movie? I say “YOU” in this phrase, because I do this whenever I’m in the cinema during last full shows, or whenever “Lupang Hinirang” is played.

I think even during programs at school, people tend to get annoyed in standing up for the Philippine National Anthem. This is an ugly reality, and it has got to change. Maybe when we start loving our country better – we’d be on the right track.
Using of popularity. The “Yellow” ads are famous for this to the extent that they used “Baby James” to do the cameo at the end of it, chanting the name of his uncle, complete with the “L” hand sign. The kid doesn’t deserve this kind of immaturity on the part of the “yellow” camp. Oh, and by the way, I don’t know if you’ve noticed but the “yellow” camp doesn’t have a clear platform.

All he says is “ipagpapatuloy ko ang laban” and “hindi ako magnanakaw”, did he ever say “HOW” he’s going make the Philippines grow as a nation? One’s thing is for sure; he got talked into running for the presidency, how sure are we that he won’t be talked into doing things to people who helped him? Don’t mind me this is just a thought.

Pastorals and Congregations. Every politician wants the support of “churches”, even if they have a different church to go to, they ask these “leaders” and “evangelists” to propel their campaign. As for me, I don’t want to be mind-controlled, if you know what I mean.

I don’t know if we’ll ever get out of this scenario once and for all, but the killings are still here come election time. Like my father used to tell me when I was a kid, I was grade 4 I think, “wala pa natawo ang magluwas sa Pilipinas”. To me, that was the deepest quote I ever got from anybody and that coming from my father – it was intense. This is what the political ads are for: so that we can chose the lesser evil.

Thanks for reading. Oh, and please do visit Liceo University as she celebrates 55 glorious years in the academic community, Miss Liceo Emerald would be the first activity on the 22nd. God bless you all, Live Life, Rock On!
I’d love to hear from you, email me at shaun_alejandrae_uy@yahoo.com