Juana Change

By Alexander L. Lacson
Originally posted Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:37:00 11/30/2008
DURING the Spanish time, the face of our people’s enemy was very
clear. It was the Spanish conquerors and rulers of our country. They
used force and violence against our people, raped our women, stole our
gold and spices, exploited our natural resources.

During the American period, the face [...]

The Government We Deserve
by Ricky Xavier

We have all heard the saying that we get the government we deserve. It should not be a surprise to all of us that today we have a government where most of our elected public officials are far from honorable men and women although they are often addressed that way. [...]

The tools of political organizing include iconography and Juana Change and Convergence Team are bringing these to the task of reform constituency building. The product is change, the medium is connectivity through tri-media. The convergence team is linked to the Movement for Good Governance, YouthVotePhilippines, Kaya Natin, Pagasa and other reform efforts to help enhance each groups’ iconography. The Team is spearheading a multi-media campaign of “Gumising, Mangarap, Makilahok at Ipagtanggol ang Nakamit” using creative arts and communication as focal areas of convergence.

“Juana Change” is a character who represents the everyday Filipino. She is the street sweeper, the jeepney driver, the government employee, or the overseas Filipino among others. She can also be a congresswoman, a faith healer or a general. She is our mirror. The Convergence Team, a group of creative artists, advocates, activists and communicators developed Juana Change and filmed short “virals” of vignettes that depict what we have become as Filipinos.

In the first week alone of the release of the first viral, more than 3,000 hits were logged on You Tube. To date, there are almost 40,000 hits on the most popular of the series. Immediate interest from major networks, other creative artists, advertising firms and reform groups brought Juana Change to prominence in a very short time. Interviews and features in television and radio both local and international continue to bridge the internet campaign with the broader multimedia audience. More important are the reactions, comments and feedback from Filipinos here and abroad on how they could relate with the character and how they could help work for change. This connection with and call to Filipinos will continue to be the focus of the group as it evolves Juana Change and its broader multi-media campaign.