First-ever #TwitterElection Showcases the People Power of the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!
The people made over 35 million elections-related Tweets since the start of the year, with over 4 million Tweets sent on Election Day alone.

After three months of watching, hearing, and talking about the political candidates, the Filipino public has cast its vote and has elected a new set of government officials in the national and local levels. But what marked the difference for the election this year is the higher level of inclusiveness Filipinos enjoyed through the country’s first-ever #TwitterElection. Engaging the first-time voters who are heavy social media users, or one-third (17 million) of the country’s 50 million registered voters, is critically important for any candidate to win the election. And the people’s voices have been heard on Twitter with over 35 million elections-related Tweets sent since the start of the year, of which over 4 million Tweets came on Election Day (May 9th) alone.

There was global interest in the Philippines general election and this was reflected in the #TwitterElectionconversation, too. When you zoom out on the heatmap below, you can see the elections-related conversations on Twitter over the past 30 days from all over the world - from the US to UK to Europe to the Middle East to Asia Pacific - including Tweets from many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). For example, the three #PiliPinasDebates2016 Presidential TV debates generated Twitter conversations worldwide, nearly 5 million Tweets combined, with the last one on April 24, 2016 shown on the heatmap.

Congratulations to COMELEC for Fast Turnaround Time This Election

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"For more than 3 months, my boss Andy Bautista received a lot of flak from media, the politicians, and the general public. But he took the criticisms like a man.

Today, with his head held high, he can proudly report:

81% voter turnout--the highest in years;
94% transmission--the quickest in years; and
450,000 overseas voters--3x the size of 2013.

Great job, Chairman Andy!

Congratulations, sir!" - Kris Ablan of COMELEC

I hope you would agree that COMELEC has a very fast turnaround time. They have finally started coping up with technology. Kudos to the people responsible - to Comelec Chairman Andy Bautista, his team and to all the teachers or BEIs, poll watchers, volunteers, PPCRV, NAMFREL, and the rest of the unsung heroes in this election.

Hats off also to the debates which may not be 100% satisfying but at least gave everyone a glimpse of the candidates for President and Vice President. I know it would be very difficult for a senatorial debate since there are just too many candidates for the position.

In the above photo taken by COMELEC's Kris Ablan are COMELEC Chairman Andy Bautista, Commissioner Luie Tito Guia and NCR Director Temie Lambino.

I like how the COMELEC Chairman smiles after every interview , reassuring us that everything will be OK. I am in awe how he can be so chill amidst all the criticism. He has been so patient, explaining again and again. He will have to keep being patient as there are always people whining and complaining. I saw how gracious and dignified Mr. Andy Bautista was, during his pre-election interviews...and despite the criticisms, he remained straightforward in his answers. Thank you everyone for all your efforts and may you be blessed a hundredfold! Congratulations Chairman Bautista for your huge contribution towards nation building-we salute you on a job well done!

Survival is the Name of the Game on Discovery Channel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This month of May, Discovery Channel highlights two kinds of survival: getting through the most dangerous tests to secure a perilous job, and lasting in a tough environment with barely nothing to get by.

In Deadliest Job Interview, the spotlight is on eight of the most extreme and perilous professions in the world. Told from the perspective of the rookies, or "greenhorns," Deadliest Job Interview will follow these tough men and women as they enter the workforce of eight dangerous jobs, as they risk everything to secure a highly challenging - and dangerous - position.

This six-episode series follows arborists climbing 200 feet high in the Redwood Forest, volcanologists climbing to the top of the explosive Stromboli to wind turbine technicians in some of the windiest conditions on Earth.

With the threat of danger around every corner, there is no room for mistakes. These rookies must learn the ropes as the lowest person on the totem pole and prove their skills and determination to their mentors and peers. The stakes are higher than ever because it's not just their job on the line - but also their lives! Deadliest Job Interview premieres May 16, airing Mondays at 11PM on Discovery Channel.