Ped Xing 13's last session discusses Convergence of Pop Culture and Politics

Kiersten Dane Olivas

SATURDAY, February 5, 2022 - The University of the Philippines (UP) Political Society marked their final conference for Ped Xing 13, with "The Convergence of Pop culture and Politics" held via Zoom conference and Facebook live from 2 PM to 4 PM.

"Words are powerful, but it also depends on how and where we use it," commented Mr. Gabrielle Garcie, the Ped Xing 13's project head, for his quick opening remarks.

The masters of ceremony, Ms. Fiona and Mr. Pio introduced the resource speaker for the current role of pop culture in politics. It was none other than Mr. Jeman Malibiran, the Officer of UP Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Komunikasyon (UP SAMASKOM), and the incumbent President of UP Political Society.

An icebreaker game of "Guess the Pop Culture Reference" was played to keep discussions alive. Several participants actively joined the game and gave their answers. "Not everything is inherently political, but everything can be politicized," Mr. Jeman then emphasized.

Furthermore, he discussed the two (2) debates on pop culture and politics: pop culture as a top-down and bottom-up force, and mimicry or change. Mr. Jeman then explained that pop culture as a top-down force is produced by those in power and can be an instrument of repression, while pop culture as a bottom-up forcemade by the people and can be an instrument of resistance.

To end his discussion, he said: "The weapon (pop culture) is only as strong as its master and more so its audience. It depends. The power of it as a tool of resistance or repression depends on who produces it, and who consumes it."

Afterward, the hosts introduced the remaining speakers for the roundtable discussion; Mr. Wax Galang, Broadcast and Media Arts and Studies student at UP-Diliman and current Vice President for Productions of UP SAMASKOM, Ms. Karen Shih, one of the co-convenors of MilkTea Alliance Philippines, Mr. Simon Lomibao, BS Business Administration and Accountancy student at UP Diliman and Production Manager of UP Repertory Company, and Mr. Xian Guevarra, National Spokesperson and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP).

The roundtable discussion further discussed pop culture and politics by answering questions and giving opinions on how they incorporate pop culture and politics in their organizations and how the youth can additionally utilize pop culture to influence political action.

Ms. Fiona and Mr. Pio then awarded the certificate of appreciation to all the speakers, followed by a photo opportunity; hence, the last and final day of Ped Xing 13 successfully concluded.

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