Interview with Ces Drilon for TV Patrol on Social Media (Updated w/Video)

I was interviewed this afternoon by ABS-CBN veteran journalist Ces Drilon for TV Patrol about the impact of social media in the 2010 elections. Most of our discussions centered around the recently concluded Harapan Vice-Presidential forum and how some parties are backing out in the second installment which would feature tandem debates. I basically echoed my sentiments in the recent post that I made here at New Media Philippines. Here’s the video which they uploaded on their official Youtube channel.

Additional Insights
In any marketing campaign, Social Media can be your best friend or your worst enemy. It’s literally a double edged sword which if used wrong will do more harm than good. However the good thing about social media is that it’s NOT ABOUT the candidates, it’s about the right of the Filipino people to have a say. It democratizes debates and forums on a whole new level and any candidate that does not participate is doing the country a great big disservice and they should really be ashamed of themselves.If you have nothing to hide, if you are confident in your abilities, and you are competent, then you should attend forums which are backed up by social media.

It doesn’t mean that if you rated poorly that you should give up! Here’s one tip that I offer to the candidates who are joining the next Harapan:

Now is the time for you to tap your fans on Facebook and Twitter. Now is that time for you to rally your troops and have them defend, vote, and cheer for you online as you take the stand. Mobilize them and turn them even for just 2 hours from normal Facebook fans and Twitter followers to online campaign staff.

I smell a glorious online bloodbath this coming Sunday. I definitely won’t miss it for anything.

PS: Just a small erratum, I computed and I’ve been into internet marketing for 4 years, not 5. My first client that I signed was in 2006.