Amidst the excitement and fuss of the Pacquiao and Hatton fight, a moving yet puzzling tv commercial showed up. 2 days after, it caught my attention when it rocketed to over 50,000 commitments, a sea of blog posts, endless thread of reactions, comments and speculations.
I kept my mouth shut. I waited for seasoned writers to speak (the ones I really believe in, not those who are quick to jump in on the action). Nothing… silence…
I was left with no other option but to start reading the blogs and emails that I have been receiving. I agree with most. I will stay neutral but I have to admit – I did sign up and post a commitment. I even helped spread the movement by submitting it to digg and posting on my social networks. I even forwarded the first email I received to yahoogroups where I belong. It was my initial reaction. I followed my instinct. The message made sense.. so I acted on it.
I’ve seen some really inspiring reviews and “analysis” of what the site is all about and some creative speculations. I’ve also seen a number of negative posts that spread through the internet like wild fire. Apparently, from one reliable person – I also received that email forwarded to me. Again, I agree… the points raised were legitimate and I also did my own background check and read the terms and conditions plus the privacy policy – if you ask me, pretty standard BUT and that’s a big but (hehehe) what the site included in their t&c / privacy policy are reminiscent of a social networking site or a forum… I wonder… then I saw the big “BETA” on the wall of commitments. Its easily missed but for the web-savvy crowd, its a clear sign that this site is still in testing mode.. maybe that’s why they are not yet reacting.
Another simple point that puts a frown on my face is the influx of the negative press online. Its clearly a sign of how our society has evolved to constantly being in a defensive position. We’re so used to people trying to take advantage of us that we’re always quick to assume that this is political or even a database building scheme. Why am I taking this position? Simply because I have not given up on the fact that men are fundamentally good. I still believe in the good bayani pinoy in us. I went to Batanes twice just to clear my self of the negative aura of today’s society. Anyway, going back… I will support this… I do not care if they use the database for commercial reasons – the most they can do is bug me which doesn’t bother me because I know for a fact that I can easily report to NTC if that ever happens. I don’t care if they monitor behavior or do some marketing analysis of the data they get… that’s acceptable to me… if they know me better.. maybe it’ll improve their services… come to think of it, as I write this.. maybe that’s what the goverment needs… a proven, systematic approach to address the needs of the people. hmm.. good job brain. Bottomline is, I will not judge Ely Buendia, Fr Matt de Jesus, Maxene, or Efren… I will trust that they’re involvment in this is genuine and that this movement, advocacy, or whatever they want to call it is true.
I have the freedom to take whatever it is that this site has given me… the tv commercial inspired me and this site washed away my fear of being alone in my quest to better myself. Ako Mismo will not ask for more… except that damn dog tag – me likey!
My next point… let me overthink this a bit. Could it be that the the silence of the site was intentional to stimulate the desired effect – Ako Mismo.. I, myself… Why do we need an organization to tell us what the next step is… maybe, just maybe this is part of it. I can see their faces now, tough love.. holding back.. refusing to respond to any attacks just to get a point accross. Its like a well crafted film by an eccentric director. Its an innovative approach if you ask me.. we’ll see.
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I totally agree with you Monster. I would not be swayed easily by the nega reactions of people. I have read so much about AKO MISMO and I weighed them. I researched who the other people endorsing this were. I found out that Maxene is doing this to continue the legacy of her dad Francis. I also read the amazing article about Kuya F and his kariton school. He’s an amazing guy, a true hero. I also researched that Fr. Mat is hated by most Bedans. That Angel is an advocate of legitimate causes and Chris is not your ordinary player for he volunteers to HFHP. I believe that these people would not put their reputations on the line. Sayang ang mga pinaghirapan nila especially Efren Penaflorida’s CNN Hero title will be at stake here, di ba?
Summing it up, AKO MISMO is a believable cause. A worthy campaign and it’s about time to do it no more in EDSA.
ako mismo tutulong! ako mismo iikot sa pilipinas, susuporta sa tourism dahil talga namang wow philippines!
monster can you guide me on where i can buy the ako mismo dog tag,thanks.!!
Hi Jun, by July the dog tags will be available in Mail n More outlets (nationwide) and Team Manila branches.
Please note – dog tags are only 40 bucks and it goes to charity so please, lets not even consider buying fake ones. Sayang naman the opportunity to help those who are in need.