Veteran journalist, lawyer discuss vlogging's role in public discourse

The forum, held at the Diamond Suites and Residences yesterday, was attended by communication students from Cebu Normal University, University of the Visayas, University of San Carlos, and the University of the Philippines Cebu.

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To open the forum sponsored by Diamond Suites and Residences, Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), Twinbee and Cebu Parklane International Hotel The Freeman News Editor Fred Languido introduced the potential of vlogging as a powerful tool for public engagement that can shape public opinion.

Amid the public clamor and various national concerns, Oliva emphasized the power of vlogging-how it can either make or break a person. According to her, it is already evident that some politicians, including prominent names, have secured positions in government through social media content.

She also stressed that these social media platforms are not public domains, but rather are owned by U.S.-based companies.

HOW VLOGGING STARTED, DEFINED THEIR CAREERS

Looking back, Oliva, who ran for Congress in the recent election, recalled that followers and engagement on social media were initially not her priority. Her turning point came when her 75-year-old mother asked her to explain the legal proceedings of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, which was initiated by the House of Representatives.

At the time, Oliva decided to record a video, initially intended as a personal response to her mother’s request. The video was later edited, and her team decided to post it on her social media page.

“But that’s how it started. It took traction and a lot of people said, ‘Attorney, make more, because we want to understand more,’” said Oliva.

From then on, Oliva made it her mission to create videos that simplified constitutional processes to help the public understand them better.