BUTTERFLY EFFECT: ONE QUESTION CAN SHAPE A CONTESTANT'S FATE

 

Host: What is your favorite color?

Contestant: Fyoo shuh.

Host: How do you spell fuchsia?

Contestant: Actually, my favorite color is red. R-I-D, red.

It’s a popular college joke at the boys’ dorm in the 70s flashing back to me as I hit the buttons on my keyboard which, no doubt, a kind of humor that would get on women’s nerves today.

On a higher note, our Pinay trio below put on the quick-witted answers that did the trick and made their mark in beauty pageant Q & A history.

Host: We have been videotaping all over this country and if there’s one thing that I have learned, you guys have a bunch of islands here. How many islands are in the Philippines?

Charlene Gonzales: High tide or low tide?

Host: What’s the difference between being Miss Universe and being a Filipina?

Margie Moran: Being Miss Universe is like having a birthstone, you may lose it. Being a Filipina is like having a birthmark, it’s forever.

Host: One of your proudest achievements was standing up to one of your professors back in college. Now, what have you stood up for recently?

Miriam Quiambao: When I fell on the stage last Friday. I believe that I had stood up for all the women who had fallen whether on- or off-stage. I believe that through this example of mine, I have shown courage and strength in being a woman, of being who I am. And I hope to be a good example to the rest of the women in the world.

“The most beautiful things in the world, cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart,” said Antoine de Saint-Exupery author of The Little Prince. Poet Khalil Gibran chimed in with his prose, “Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.”

In the dazzling realm of beauty pageants, where dreams are achieved and destinies are shaped, the Q & A rounds stand as significant milestones that serve as a platform for contestants to showcase their poise, personality, and most notably, intelligence. Judges carefully weigh up their responses, seeking insight into the contestants’ personalities and ability to think on their feet. A single well-crafted question, unveiling a contestant’s depth and eloquence and captivating the hearts of both the judges and the audience, could have the power to alter her fate.

Imagine the weight of a moment -- the butterfly effect that can unfold on a stage. (“Butterfly Effect” was coined by mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz who discovered that even small changes in initial conditions could lead to significant differences in the outcome of a dynamic system. The term serves as a metaphor to illustrate how a small, seemingly insignificant action can have far-reaching and unexpected consequences.)

It is within the precise seconds of answering the crucial question that a contestant’s journey to crowning can be propelled or compromised.

Lately, over our dinner table, this question popped up: "What really wins to you? Is it love or character?" It’s a Q & A question in the recent Binibining Pilipinas 2023. After taking in the question, I figured out I had trouble reacting to the question myself. Not hard, but I thought it was a faulty question. My AI-powered co-pilot got along with my knee-jerk reaction:

“This question was improper because it implied that love and character are opposed or incompatible, rather than complementary and interdependent.”

Here’s the contestant’s answer to the question:

“As the youngest member of the family, I have very loving parents. My siblings ate and kuyas, (have) instilled the body of love in me. I was told that the world would hurt me, but I learned that (in) all aspects of life, we have to choose love. And I have learned that all my love will always be bigger than all things even if the world is hurting me. So, I will choose love. Thank you.”

My co-pilot weighed in:

“The question forced the candidate to choose between two important values that are not mutually exclusive. It limited her ability to express her perspective and experience on love and character making her appear as a stereotype with her answer.”

A cache of quick fixes is at the contestant’s disposal when faced with such a faulty-question dilemma. One, rephrase the question: “So you are asking me how I balance love and character in my life?” Two, reframe the question: “Rather than choosing between love and character, let me tell you how they both inspire me.” Three, redirect the question: “I think this is a great opportunity to thank my family who taught me everything about love and character.”

Caveat. Be mindful not to turn a quick fix into a mix-up like this Q & A episode:

Judge Rita Gomez: Here’s your question, hija: Are you still a virgin?

Maria Isabel Lopez: If I say I still am, can I bring home the crown tonight?

Gomez: Good answer!

Lopez: What about you Ma’am, are you still a virgin?

Gomez: Hija, I have 5 children with 5 different fathers, and what do you call that, Immaculate Conception?

Sad to say, not all questions are created equal, and not uncommon in past beauty pageants marred by flawed questions carrying either biases, limitations, or lack of clarity, presenting a challenge for contestants.

In Miss USA 2015, this question was asked: “If you were given 30 seconds to deliver a message to global terrorists, what would you say?” First, it was improper because it flew in the face of the beauty pageant’s goal – to celebrate women’s achievements and empowerment. Second, it was unrealistic and insensitive to expect a contestant to address such a complex and serious issue in such a short time.

In Miss Universe 2011, this question was asked: “If you could change one of your physical characteristics, which one would it be?” First, it was improper because it shot down the essence of self-love and acceptance that beauty pageants are supposed to promote. Second, it was offensive and disrespectful to ask a contestant to criticize her appearance in front of millions of viewers.

In Miss Universe 2015, this question was asked: "Why do you think women should be allowed to serve in the army?" It was criticized for being sexist and outdated, as it implied that women should not be allowed to serve in the army by default.

Not only will the flawed question place the contestant at a disadvantage, but also skew the judges’ evaluation, leading to their biased judgment and the contestant’s diminished winning chance despite her potential and other noteworthy qualities.

Just as a butterfly flaps its wings and sets off a chain of events, so too one flawed question can trigger a series of consequences whose impact stretches out beyond the stage – missed opportunities for personal growth, scholarships, and advocacy platforms. The repercussions reverberate, stirring the trajectory of a contestant’s life farther than the pageant itself.

Tainted by flawed questions, those past beauty pageants spelled out a wide room for improvement. Like a butterfly, it is time for our country’s beauty pageant cognoscenti to spread their wings and embrace a future where the beauty pageant stage transforms into a platform of equality, respect, and genuine celebration of talent and character.

To lighten up a bit, let me wrap up this article with another popular college joke in the 70s (my apologies to our smart Pinays).

Host: What do you think of violence in Mindanao?

Contestant: Instead of violin, let me tell you how playing the guitar has inspired me.

That’s Exhibit A for a quick fix – how to reframe a complex question.

Content put together in collaboration with ChatGPT

Head collage photos courtesy of ABS-CBN News, The Manila Times, & Wiki

             Video Clips courtesy of YouTube

TREASURE HUNTER AND A BOMB: TRUMP'S FAILURE AND LEADERSHIP LESSONS

 

“A sequel is an admission that you’ve been reduced to imitating yourself.”

(Don Marquis, humorist)

I’ll bring into play a sequel of the treasure hunter flash fiction story I tapped in my previous article and won’t challenge Marquis’ judgment call.

“Every sequel needs to be bigger and better.” (Jason Statham, actor)

This, for me, is the real challenge.

Previous episode…

In the end, as darkness swallowed the landscape, only one figure stood triumphant. The treasure was finally claimed but at a heavy cost. The echoes of betrayal reverberated in the silence, a chilling reminder of the treacherous nature that lurks within even the most outwardly innocent souls.

And so, as the stars twinkled above, casting a cold gaze upon the scene, the treacherous tone of this dark tale lingered, a warning to those who dare to tread the treacherous path of ambition and greed.

The sequel…

He started to dig, slowly and cautiously. He dug deeper and deeper until he hit something hard. He cleared the dirt and saw a wooden chest. He gasped and grinned. He had found it.

He lifted the chest and opened it. He expected to see gold and jewels, but he saw something else. Something that made him scream. Inside the chest was a bomb. A bomb that was ticking down.

Sounds like a crazy story, right? Well, it’s not. It’s a metaphor for how some leaders fail because they don’t expect and are overwhelmed by the presidential bomb -- the huge responsibilities and challenges of the job.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump was like a treasure hunter who was running away from his troubles, such as legal investigations or financial losses.  Tipped off, he got wise to the fact about a buried fabled treasure – the presidential throne -- that could solve all his problems and even make him richer and more powerful. He bunched up a loyal clique who lapped up his quest and rooted for him in digging up such fabled treasure. He ultimately laid his fingers on the treasure and claimed it as his own, only to trigger its detonation.

WHAT WENT WRONG WITH TRUMP’S LEADERSHIP?

Driven by a selfish and greedy motive to seek the presidency, rather than by a noble or altruistic one to serve his country, he failed to grasp a clear vision for his leadership, other than to boost his ego and status. Despite the U.S. being the most powerful nation on the planet, he did not care about the world. As he famously said in his inaugural speech: “From this day forward, it’s going to be only America first.”

Flying in the face of reality, he downplayed the problems and challenges that the U.S. faced, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic crisis, the social unrest, and the foreign threats. Distorting facts to suit his narrative, he blamed others for his failures and took credit for others’ success. As he famously said in response to the Covid-19 pandemic: “It’s going to disappear. One day -- it’s like a miracle -- it will disappear.”

Failing to adapt or innovate change, he clung to outdated or inefficient policies, practices, or ideologies that did not match the changing needs and demands of the Americans or the world. He resisted new ideas, initiatives, or reforms that could have improved the U.S. plight. He rejected science, evidence, and expertise, that contradicted his views. As he stubbornly said in defense of his border wall: “Walls work 100 percent.”

Misusing power, he exploited his position for personal gain, enrichment, or glory. Oppressing his opponents, critics, or minorities with repression or manipulation, he violated laws, norms, and ethics that governed his role – undermining democracy and its institutions. As he shockingly said in inciting his supporters to storm the Capitol: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol… you’ll never take back our country with weakness.”

Having a thing for strongmen – those who led or control by force of will and character or by military methods – Trump said:

“President Xi is a brilliant man… I told him we shot 57 missiles into Syria while he was having chocolate cake. It was a great chemistry we had…”

“The look, the brain, the whole thing. How smart is Kim Jong-un? Top of the line…”

“Putin, very smart. He liked me, I liked him. I mean you know he got a lot of charm and a lot of pride…”

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM TRUMP’S FAILURE?

Don’t seek power for its own sake or personal gain. Seek power for a noble or altruistic purpose that serves the common good. As Nelson Mandela said: “A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly… knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger.”

Don’t ignore or deny reality. Face and embrace reality with honesty and transparency. Accept responsibility and accountability for your mistakes and shortcomings. As Winston Churchill said: “The price of greatness is responsibility.”

Don’t resist change. Learn from others who have different perspectives, ideas, solutions, and experiences. As Steve Jobs said: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

Don’t abuse or misuse power. Uphold democracy and its institutions. As Abraham Lincoln said: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

Don’t alienate others. Build and maintain relationships. As Martin Luther King Jr. said: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

PH TICKING TIME BOMBLETS

Back to PH, here and now. Speaking of the fabled buried treasure – the 2028 presidency – digging into such a treasure, the political hunters must be eagle-eyed and on the lookout for a cluster bomb they will come up against in their hunt for the fabled presidential throne. The cluster bomb is made up of the following ticking time bomblets:

Pension Bomblet

“The pension system is a ticking time bomb,” Economist Solita Monsod warned. “If it is not reformed, it will eventually collapse, and it will have a devastating impact on the lives of millions of Filipinos…”

“It is not sustainable and if it goes on, there will be a fiscal collapse,” Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno cautioned.

“If we keep the way we do my prediction is that it will run out within five [to] six years,” President Marcos Jr. stressed.

Economic Bomblet

Current account deficit $17.8 billion (2022 estimate) 4.3% of GDP

Trade deficit $58.32 billion

National Debt P13.42 trillion (60.9% of GDP beyond 60% threshold)

Poverty Bomblet

Around 14 million Filipino families considered themselves poor per SWS survey. The government’s latest poverty rate is 13.2% of families (March 2023 estimate)

Corruption Bomblet

The Corruption Perception Index of Berlin-based Transparency International has scored PH 33 out of 100, below the global average of 43; ranked 116^th out of 180 countries.

Impunity Bomblet

Placed 51^st out of 163 countries in the Impunity Index (power abuse enabled by lack of accountability) per global political risk firm Eurasia Group and The Chicago Council of Global Affairs.

South China Sea Bomblet

“China’s Maritime Law Could Become “Ticking Time Bomb” For Conflict in South China Sea” (Republic World headline)

Good luck to all political treasure hunters! God bless the Philippines!

Have a blessed Sunday!

Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft Bing AI-powered copilot

Head photo courtesy of Erie Times News Landgren Cartoon

Video clips courtesy of YouTube

THE MAZE OF POLITICAL AMBITION: FLASH FICTION LESSONS

 

“I believed [fiction] could get me nearer to the truth … It is the substance of what happens to people not just on the outside, but within…”

-- Helen Benedict, Columbia University journalism professor, and author

            “History” and “fiction” are collateral damages of the last presidential election driving a wedge among our local writers. The Manila Times’ Rigoberto Tiglao locked horns with his fellow columnist Danton Remoto and The Philstar columnist Jose Dalisay, particularly, on the fitness of drawing on “fiction” in their opinion pages.

To shed light in some way on the spat, I bannered Helen Benedict’s words above in my ATABAY article “Michael’s Errand.”

In my article today, I’ll take a crack at tapping “fiction” to showcase the essence of Benedict’s assertion. I asked ChatGPT to dig up a popular fiction story on the web about treasure hunters, at long last, hitting upon the place where the fabled treasure was buried.  ChatGPT rolled out the following fiction, flash fiction to be exact (which it claimed as its work when I asked it to cite its source), entitled Betrayal at the Buried X.

As the sun sank below the horizon, casting an eerie glow over the desolate landscape, a handful of treasure hunters stood in a circle around the fabled X. Exhaustion lined their faces, a testament to the long and arduous hunt that had brought them to this moment.

The air crackled with anticipation, but also with an undercurrent of suspicion. Each hunter’s eyes darted suspiciously at the others, wondering who would make the first move, who would betray the unspoken code of camaraderie.

The clues and pointers had brought them here, promising unimaginable wealth and glory. But now, greed gnawed at their hearts, and the dark side of their nature emerged. They knew that only one could claim the treasure for themselves.

A treacherous tension hung in the air as they weighed their options. Who could they trust? Loyalties wavered, and alliances formed and dissolved within the span of a heartbeat.

In this twisted game of deceit, the plot took a sinister turn. One by one, the hunters revealed their true colors, their masks slipping away like shadows in the fading light. Each move was calculated, designed to eliminate the competition and secure the coveted treasure.

Backstabbing and double-crossing became the norm, as promises were broken and alliances shattered. Desperation fueled their actions, blurring the lines between friend and foe.

In the end, as darkness swallowed the landscape, only one figure stood triumphant. The treasure was finally claimed but at a heavy cost. The echoes of betrayal reverberated in the silence, a chilling reminder of the treacherous nature that lurks within even the most outwardly innocent souls.

And so, as the stars twinkled above, casting a cold gaze upon the scene, the treacherous tone of this dark tale lingered, a warning to those who dare to tread the treacherous path of ambition and greed.

This flash fiction story may have captivated your imagination, but have you ever wondered how this stuff holds a mirror to our country’s very real political pageantry unfolding before our eyes today? Let’s take a peek at political theatrics at the highest level by reading between the lines carved out by our local pundits:

“[VP] Duterte took the move against her mentor as an arrow aimed at her own presidential ambition…” – Inquirer’s Randy David, Power, secrecy, and the politics of hypocrisy

“It must have given [VP Sara] some pause when the leaders of her own Lakas-CMD stabbed Arroyo in the back.” – Dr. Dante A. Ang, The Manila Times’ Chairman Emeritus, Trouble in paradise?

“[T]he next presidential election cycle will be an internal brawl… as they would tear and smear each other.” – The Manila Times’ Antonio Contreras, It will be a family brawl

“[T]he first thrust of the political knife was made creating a break in the so-called unity team.” – The Manila Times’ Ma. Lourdes Tiquia, Lines Drawn

“The worst of Philippine politics… What we are seeing is a display of naked power and blatant self-interest.” – Manila Standard’s Tony La Viña, Betrayal in politics

Just as the treasure hunters stood locked in a treacherous fight, so too the VP and House Speaker, once comrades in arms, now find themselves with locked horns in a clash for the ultimate prize – the presidential throne. Just as the treasure hunters succumbed to their baser hunger, the VP and the House Speaker have succumbed to the allure of power.

Personal ambition clashes with loyalty and the desire for the presidency can transform allies into rivals. VP’s mentor’s in-your-face demotion showcased the extent the House Speaker would go in standing guard over his path to the presidential throne, in the face of alliances that were once considered unbreakable.

As the fight for the presidential throne intensifies, political alliances turn fragile, and loyalties are tested. Party members find themselves caught in the crossfire, torn between personal relationships and the magnet of cheering on a potential winner.

Amid the unfolding drama, politicians navigate a treacherous maze of shifting alliances, strategic maneuvers, and calculated risks. Behind closed doors, secret negotiations, and backroom dealings shape the course of this high-stakes presidential battle.

Meanwhile, we, Pinoys, feast our eyes on public displays of loyalty and cunningly crafted narratives tailored to sway our opinions, all the while the thirst for power hangs out at the forefront. We are both spectators and participants in this political theater. We watch from a distance the ripple effects of these power plays, the fractures in the political landscape, and the erosion of trust.

This political fight keeps rapidly evolving, and its outcome remains uncertain, as the thirst for power never ceases to drive the contenders moving. Only time will reveal the ultimate winner of this high-stakes political game.

Let me conclude this article with the following excerpts from my previous ATABAY article, a tongue-in-cheek “Letter To Inday Sara Supporter Who Is Also My Friend” at the height of the last presidential election.

                                                      ><><

Our common ground: We vote for our leaders to pursue the common good -- love of PH. So, we agree: I vote for Leni for President; you vote for Sara for VP. No conflict.

Now, here comes the detail. After I vote for Leni and hope she’ll win, my voter’s task ends. Yours just begin: after you vote for Sara and hope she’ll win; further, you dream she will become a president in 2028. For such a dream to come true, she must first jump over the following three hurdles:

Hurdle 1. She must win the 2022 VP race. [Done]

Hurdle 2. She must perform with flying colors during her VP term.

Hurdle 3. She must be awarded the leadership succession presidential “baton” by her president. [PBBM]

Let’s look over each hurdle.

Hurdle 1. You will vote for Sara and hope she will win. [Done]

Hurdle 2. If Sara wins the VP, between President Leni and President Bongbong, who do you think would give Sara ample opportunity to perform her VP function with flying colors? Leni said, “Whoever becomes the VP, I will give them a big role in the government because our cooperation will result in the greater good for our country.” What an amicable statement, free from grudge-bearing emotion, uttered by a VP who has been ignored and offended many times in the past by Sara’s father PRRD. On the other hand, with Sara as his running mate, Bongbong, you will hope, give her a big role as his VP in running the government.

Hurdle 3. If VP Sara performs with flying colors, between President Leni and President Bongbong, who do you think would give Sara the leadership succession presidential “baton” she deserves without hesitation? Vital factor: While Leni is running as an independent, on the other hand, BONGBONG IS RUNNING UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF MULTIPLE PARTIES WITH A THRONG OF VESTED INTEREST. AIMING NOW FOR THE 2028 PRESIDENCY IS A HORDE OF YOUNGER AND AMBITIOUS BREED OF SECOND-GENERATION LEADERS EMERGING FROM A BAND OF DYNASTIC POLITICAL CLANS EMBEDDED IN BONGBONG’S CAMP. [Underscoring mine]

My friend, at this point, if ever you find that Leni’s presidency offers a much better prospect for Sara’s presidential run in 2028, then, such a conclusion is not a product of a tricky analysis of Sara’s predicament, but as an insight, I am sharing with you as your friend.

                                                                 ><><

Not bad guesstimate at all.

Content put together in collaboration with ChatGPT

Head collage photos courtesy of The Manila Times, Inquirer, Depositphotos, Getty Images, and Megapixldotcom

Video clips courtesy of YouTube

A TALE OF TWO WOMEN LEADERS

 

“You always want to quit while you are ahead. You don’t want to be like a fighter who stays too long in the ring until you’re not performing at your best.” (Clint Eastwood)

I asked ChatGPT to reflect on Eastwood’s words, describe a typical brawl between two fighters, and give some flesh and blood on the bones of the clash taking place inside the ring. The following piece it crafted in seconds which I edited for brevity and clarity:

In the heart of the boxing arena, the air pulses with thrill, as both fighters step into the spotlight. The crowd’s red-hot energy electrifies the mood, setting the stage for a clash of two steely warriors. Every gaze zeroes in on the ring, psyched up to watch a combination of strength, agility, and grit.

As the bell tolls, the boxers explode into action, their bodies honed to perfection. Jab by jab, moving with precision, their fists carve paths through the air like lightning bolts. Each blow showcasing their years of training, with muscles rippling beneath sweat-soaked skin, both fighters give their best shot for a knockout.

Amid the relentless action, emotions flare, revealing the heart and soul of each fighter. True grit etches lines on their faces, as their eyes burn with unyielding resolve. The rush of adrenaline fuels their spirits, pushing them to grin and bear even though their bodies beg for respite.

As the roar of the crowd and the intoxication of battle surround both fighters, an equilibrium must be held fast.  For when fighters linger past the peak of their prowess, when they turn a deaf ear to the subtle whispers of their mortality, they risk more than just a defeat.

They gamble with their honor, their reputation, and even their lives.

 

Boxing is a good metaphor for the human experience – reminding us of the delicate balance we must strike between chasing our passion and knowing when to gracefully step aside. This leads us to a parallel narrative – the complex tapestry of political life.

Just as the fighter who overstays his welcome in the ring risks a lot – his honor, respect, reputation, and even his life, so too does the traditional politician who clings to power beyond her worth and even below her grade. Just as the boxer’s punches lose their impact and footwork turns sluggish, so too does the traditional politician’s ideas may go stale, her vision may turn myopic, and her link to the needs of the people may be washed out. For her peers, she may emerge as a relic of a bygone era, unable to adapt to the shifting dynamics of society in constant flux. For her constituents she once sought to serve, they may now question her motives and integrity. Spilling the beans, the following headline homes in on who she is.

“Gloria Arroyo demoted, loses ‘senior’ title in House deputy speakership”

As expected, the following speculations as to why she was demoted have swept over the opinion pages of the mainstream media:

a)    She was being punished for trying to overthrow the House Speaker.

b)    She said her actions “may have been misconstrued.”

c)    She may be being neutralized for her ties with the VP and her prexy ambition.

d)    The President said the demotion was part of a reorganization.

e)    She will probably be offered a position more important than a Deputy Speaker.

Speculations (a), (b), (c), & (d) have given weight to the somber reality of losing more than just a defeat by the boxer who “lingers past the peak of his prowess,” and to be exact, by the traditional politician who clings to power “beyond her worth and below her grade.” Speculation (e) needs to heed this caveat: “If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.”

More than a decade ago, in 2010, looking back, some Pinoys might be stunned when she did not retire from politics after the end of her presidency, but ran instead for a lower position as a congresswoman of her district. In clinging to political power, she offered grounds for such a downgrading political move by saying she wanted to continue serving the people.

The rest is history.

Four months ago, another woman leader, Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand from 2017 to 2023, shocked many of her constituents and leaders around the world by announcing her stepping down. She said:

“I’m leaving, because with such a privileged role comes responsibility. The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not. I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple.”

She wanted to end her career on a high note and pass the baton to someone else who had more vision and ideas. She left a positive legacy that inspired millions around the world with her kindness, strength, empathy, and optimism.

At 37, she became the world’s youngest female leader in 2017. Held in high esteem globally, and known for her demeanor and compassion as a liberal politician, she was often cited as a counterpoint to more extreme politicians such as former U.S. President Trump and Brazil’s Bolsonaro.

Joshua Kurlantzick, senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations said that it’s particularly hard to imagine a politician resigning in the U.S. [How about in PH?] as Ardern did who is likely to win re-election and still being respected globally.

Jennifer Lees-Marshment, an associate professor of politics and international relations at the University of Auckland, told National Public Radio:

“I did not expect it to happen, because it is rare that politicians are that strategic and selfless.”

“Ardern stepping down before she was pushed by colleagues or lost an election may make leaders in other countries wonder if they should leave also. Most leaders are embattled due to the long-term impact of the pandemic and associated lockdowns, and the cost of living crisis. Historically leaders have waited to be pushed.”

So true. Ardern's sterling standard came to Arroyo more than a decade after her presidency. But it may not be too late for her today.

The somber reality of politics casts a shadow over the whole democratic process.  Aging leaders' inability to gracefully stepdown stifles progress and hinders the emergence of new voices and fresh ideas.

In our neighbor Thailand, what came out in its recent election was a cloud's silver lining for democracy. “I think our generation right now is starting a new era. We are mapping the points of the new era,” said youthful Rukchanok Srinork, the “giant killer,” beating a heavyweight veteran politician – epitomizing Thailand’s reshaping political landscape.

In our country, Philippines, could a youthful candidate beat a political dynastic heavyweight veteran opponent?

Only when such an opponent sees the light that he or she has stayed too long in the ring like an aging boxer, will he or she be able to pave the way and pass the torch to the youthful generation with new voices and fresh ideas to secure a brighter future for our country.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Content put together in collaboration with ChatGPT

Head collage photos courtesy of PH Official Gazette & Beehive

Video Clips courtesy of YouTube

AI POWER: A COLLABORATIVE WORK IN CRAFTING A SLOGAN

 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a champion? To achieve greatness in your field of passion? To overcome obstacles and defy expectations? Well, according to Nike, the answer is simple – Just Do It.

Inspiring millions of people around the world in pursuing dreams and unleashing potential, the slogan has been associated with some of the most iconic athletes and moments in sports history -- Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Roger Federer to name a few.

What does Nike’s Just Do It have to do with creating a great slogan for a country, say, hmm, the Philippines? Well, a slogan is not just a catchy phrase. It’s a statement of identity. It’s a reflection of values. It’s a vision of the future.  Likewise, it attracts visitors and investors and showcases a country’s culture, beauty, and potential. A slogan can be a powerful tool for nation branding.

The Philippines has a lot to roll out to the world, though it faces many challenges and problems, such as poverty, corruption, and natural disasters. Keeping up with many competitors and rivals in the region, such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the Philippines needs a slogan to attract and persuade tourists and travelers.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a perfect slogan for our country? A slogan that will capture the essence and identity of a diverse and complex nation in just a few words? A slogan that can make a lasting impression and impact on the world stage?

 I have. And I found out that it’s not a walk in the park. It requires a good deal of research, brainstorming, and evaluation along with a lot of creativity, skill, and passion.

But I didn’t do it alone. I had a copilot – smart, fast, and reliable – powered by artificial intelligence. Yes, you read that right. I collaborated with Microsoft Bing AI-powered copilot in attempting to create a slogan for the Philippines.

To kick in, we revisited our country’s past slogans to avoid a carbon copy, as well as a replay of old weaknesses, thus my copilot generated the list:

2002-2010. WOW Philippines: Conceptualized to highlight the diverse attractions and destinations as well as to counter the negative image of the country due to political instability and conflicts, this slogan was well-received by the public and helped boost the tourism industry.

2010. Pilipinas Kay Ganda: Highlighting the beauty of the Philippines and its people, culture, and environment, this slogan was short-lived due to criticism and controversies, such as its similarity to a Polish tourism website and its lack of appeal to foreign tourists.

2012-2017. It’s More Fun in the Philippines. Showcasing the fun and excitement of visiting the Philippines, coupled with showing its diverse and vibrant culture, nature, and the positive attitude of Pinoys, this slogan was widely viral on social media boosting the country’s tourism competitiveness.

2017. Experience the Philippines. Accenting the experience and immersive aspect of traveling to the Philippines, this slogan was meant to appeal to millennial travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

2020-2023. Wake Up in the Philippines. Inviting travelers to wake up in the Philippines and discover its wonders and possibilities, this slogan was part of the campaign to revive the tourism industry amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

For benchmarking, we delved into a selection of several country slogans, a handful of samples is shown below:

Incredible India. Playing on alliteration and repetition, creating a catchy and memorable phrase, conveying India’s bursting surprises and wonder.

Malaysia Truly Asia. Putting into effect rhyme and repetition, forging a catchy and memorable phrase, highlighting its authenticity as a portrait of Asia.

I love New York. A simple and direct statement expressing a strong emotion of a heart symbol, rather than the word “love,” creating a visual impact and a romantic logo.

New Zealand: 100% Pure. Intimating natural beauty and purity in attracting travelers seeking eco-friendly adventures.

Spain: Spain Marks. Setting in motion the double meaning of the word “marks,” “impressing” or “leaving a trace,” hinting at lasting impression on tourists and travelers.

Next, I asked my copilot to generate the following A-list of 5 prominent slogans for our consideration (this is only a demo; in real project, the more choices the better):

Philippines: Feel at Home. Conveys the hospitality and friendliness of Pinoys, aside from the comfort and convenience of the visit.

Philippines: The Ultimate Adventure Destination. Inspires and welcomes the world to take action for adventure and exploration prospects.

Philippines: A World of Wonder. Showcases the wonder and beauty of the Philippines, as well as its heritage, cuisine, and arts.

Philippines: Discover Diversity. Reflects the diversity of the Philippines in terms of its geography, culture, language, religion, and wildlife

Philippines: The Heart of Asia. Draws upon metaphor and contrast to create a catchy and memorable phrase in positioning the country as the center and essence of Asia.

The “Must” criterion dropped carbon copy slogans used by other countries which my copilot generated from the internet archive as follows:

A World of Wonder: Ireland and Malaysia have used this slogan.

Discover Diversity: South Africa and Canada have used this slogan.

The Heart of Asia: Taiwan used this slogan.

The “Want” criterion chose between the two remaining slogans based on the general guidelines my copilot generated as follows:

Short and simple. No more than five words, and easy to remember or pronounce

Unique and original. Avoid clichés and generic phrases; stand out from other slogans

Relevant and meaningful. Reflect identity, values, and culture; appeal to emotions

Catchy and creative. Use rhyme, alliteration, puns, metaphors, or humor for impact

Consistent and coherent. Match the tone, style, and message of the country’s brand

And the Winner is…tadah -- Philippines: The Ultimate Adventure Destination.

Rationale:

a)    Delivers the unique sales pitch of the Philippines as a destination for adventure – diving, surfing, hiking, and kayaking, among others.

b)    Puts in motion the word “ultimate” – a powerful and positive word attracting tourists looking for the best and most exciting experience.

c)    Concise, catchy, and striking plus a nice alliteration with the words “ultimate” and “adventure”.

Finally, I asked my copilot to write a short piece to be printed on a brochure or posted on airports’ walls which it generated in seconds dreaming up Lea Salonga’s endorsement:

“Hi, I’m Lea Salonga, a singer, actress, columnist, and producer from the Philippines. You may know me from my roles in Broadway musicals such as Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, and Aladdin. You may also know me as the singing voices of Disney princesses, Jasmine and Fa Mulan.

But today, I’m not here to talk about my career. I’m here to talk about my country, the Philippines: The Ultimate Adventure Destination.

If you’re looking for excitement and thrill, the Philippines has stunning natural wonders, such as white-sand beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, and caves. Rich in cultural heritage, such as ancient temples, colonial churches, colorful festivals, and delicious cuisine, my country with my fellow hospitable and friendly Pinoys are known for our smiles, laughter, and generosity.

The Philippines is a country that is full of adventure and surprises. It is a country that will challenge you to explore the unknown and discover the unexpected.

That’s why I’m inviting you to visit the Philippines. To see for yourself its beauty and diversity. To experience for yourself the magic and warmth of its people. To discover for yourself the spirit of its culture.

Come to the Philippines. The Ultimate Adventure Destination.”

Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft Bing AI-powered copilot

Head photo courtesy of Spot.ph

      Video clips courtesy of YouTube