Only Manila Standard Can Decide The Fate of This Issue
In the past weeks, bloggers, Overseas Filipino Workers, our readers, and the general Filipino public have displayed their outrage, in what was an inappropriate, bigoted, and discriminatory article written by Malu Fernandez. The issue was born out of a scanned article, and quickly grew as soon as blogger’s took up the issue.
Tingog.com may have took it up a notch by calling for her firing/resignation, but I feel this would have been the stand of many Filipinos had they known about the article as well.
But waiting for the smoke to clear, and the dust to settle, the issue is all but over, except for a few glaring and obvious details:
1. There has been no response by Manila Standard Today
2. There have been no mentions of disciplinary actions against the editors of both organizations for not using editorial judgment in both the Malu Fernandez People Asia Magazine Article and her Manila Standard Today “Apology”
However, in light of these three failures, at least the Publisher of People Asia has issued a proper statement and People Asia Magazine itself will run Malu Fernandez’s statement “in lieu of her September Article”.
A Second Coming?
To make matters even more complicated, Manila Standard Today has published, on the 27th the following,
And as of this writing, both Rom and Freedom Watch have substantiated this piece of information, and Ajay has corroborated in her blog the following,
An insider said: “while Malu Fernandez indeed has submitted her resignation, her resignation has not been accepted by higher management, hence we will continue publishing her column.â€
I had originally stated the following regarding this information that Malu Fernandez will return with her Manila Standard Column,
I’m not sure why Manila Standard has chosen to remain silent. In fairness, columnist for Manila Standard have already made statements, but the publication itself has not. And then this.
I’m not sure what to think about this since they may have already printed this before the resignation was tendered. If the resignation was sent on a business day, then it had to have made it into the office after the printing was already finished.
But, since we can’t get a confirmation yet, I’m not going to issue any statement as of yet. But one thing is clear, The Manila Standard Today as an organization has not issued a statement, and that in itself is disappointing. Not only because they choose to remain silent, but they are doing so in the midst of some very respectable writers on their staff.
EXTENDING THE ACCOUNTABILITY
We don’t want to drag this issue on any longer, but the point has to be made, that Malu Fernandez’s Firing or Resignation was but one of the demands regarding this issue. A proper statement has been made by The Publisher of People Asia Magazine, but Manila Standard Today has chosen to remain silent.
We don’t want to sound like hypocrites, so let us make it clear, accountability must not only rest on Malu Fernandez alone but on the editors who decided to push through with her Magazine Article and her Manila Standard “apology”.
Let me make it clear as well, the issue was born from The People Asia Article, made worse in the subsequent Manila Standard Today article, and has not stopped because of the failure of both of these organizations to issue a proper statement in a timely manner. But, Manila Standard Today, by not issuing their own statement, is what I consider not only irresponsible, but down right wrong.
Many will contend that it is the small workers that will suffer, but let us make it even more clear, it is not of our doing, but it is the actions of Manila Standard Today that will cause this result if indeed they stick to their present course.
This is why the boycott was issued in the first place. It is not for us to back down, but it is for Manila Standard Today, who has yet to issue a statement, to do the right thing and end it themselves. With the proper apology, explanation, and actions, they can end this. They are still choosing to remain silent, hiding behind the measly statement of Malu Fernandez. Why should we back down when we are right?
COLLATERAL DAMAGE
During this controversy, as will be made obvious by the comments, there have been some harsh words for Malu Fernandez, and in a sense, we can all understand the anger that was unleashed because of her poorly made, bigoted, and discriminatory article. What the comments from readers and other bloggers have indicated, however, is that the weight issue which was commented on heavily, may have detracted from the overall goal of focusing on discrimination, bigotry, responsibility, and accountability.
But then again, this was probably the only avenue in which many of our readers had the opportunity to vent their anger towards the article and its writer.
But as one individual pointed out, I’m not sure if it was a comment or an email, the weight issue was brought up solely for targeting Malu and not overweight individuals in particular. But in any case, the message was clear, The Filipino People can dish out statements as well as it receives it.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Behind the scenes I had contact with some individuals from media, other bloggers, as well as organizations. Many had emailed me that they were posting up the article and writing about the issue in their respective online forums, e-groups, blogs, and even Friendster accounts. There was one person that told me that she had informed her entire congregation (this one really got me thinking).
And so, I say, to the naysayers who argue that we cannot influence the story and take it mainstream, this issue is proof positive that indeed, new media, the age of mainstream picking up stories from bloggers and other online writers is just beginning.
The goal from the very start of calling for the Firing and Boycott was to take the issue mainstream. This was accomplished.
THE ROLE OF BLOGGERS
The most important thing to realize regarding the role of bloggers in this issue is that no man is an island and no blog is an island. We must get support for our blog or else our words will never be seen by those who need to see it.
We have to remember that most Filipinos still do not have internet access, and if they do get internet access, they most likely will not be flocking to your blog.
If we can combine our blog with the collaboration of journalists, leaders, and get the message of our articles to our papers then our blog will be more effective. Combining radio, written newspapers, local meetings, along with our blog is the surefire way to make an impact. It’s not the blog per se that is important, it’s our message that is important. And as any marketer would be quick to say, we should never put all our eggs in one basket. So why try to get our message out in only one media platform when there are so many ways we can get the message out.
This is why the spreading of this issue through email, online forums, online groups, other blogs, and word of mouth, was so crucial and important. The blog may never be the complete source, unless it transforms into a full pledge publication, complete with funding, but it can be a means by which issues will be raised.
Mainstream media is still alive and kicking, and they will still be King. If there is an issue that needs to be on front pages, then bloggers can definitely give the head start in the lighting of the fire and hopefully mainstream media will catch up.
We are in the age of social media and user-generated content. What many fail to understand is that blogging is not isolated, simply because the blogger is not isolated. The blogger is free to email, market, and expand the issue that he is writing about, and thus the act of blogging is no longer the matter of just writing the article, but of spreading the views and opinions written therein.
This is the power of our media, the power of bloggers, and the power of the Web 2.0 internet world that we live in today.
MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES?
As a few would have said, we should have been focusing on more important issues. And I agree, but I also contend that we can certainly focus on more than one issue. We can focus on the all-out-war being waged in Basilan, we can focus on JPEPA, we can focus on the NBN controversy, and we can even focus on what happened in the 2007 midterm elections. And by the way, each and everyone of these issues have been written about here at Tingog.com.
The main point is that as thinking beings with a great capacity to ponder about more than one issue, why is it hard for some to conceive that we can be as passionate about this issue as we can about other political and social issues that confront our nation.
This capacity is evident in our own personal lives when, for example, we can be a son, a brother, a father, and an engineer all at the same time. We have the great capacity to delve into the many aspects of our society, without having to be apologetic about being concerned about one specific issue. We here at Tingog.com, have written about many issues concerning The Filipino, and even those issues, such as Darfur, that don’t necessarily affect us at all.
But, the point, that some may be trying to convey, is the degree by which the Filipino community has expressed its outrage. And the fact is that hopefully, with this issue, we can also share to our readers the important issues that they may not be aware of, and inform and seek for their voice on these issues.
But let me make another crucial point. A massive amount of energy was used on this issue, not because it was more important, because that in itself can be subjective, the reason was that all other stories were being covered. Mainstream had already been writing about the exchange rate, the war in Basilan, The return of Hello Garci, JPEPA, and so on. What wasn’t on mainstream was this specific issue. And indeed, we can argue, there are many more stories that should be given their just due spotlight in front of a national audience, and that my dear readers is the key as to why this issue is so important. It shows us that we can make it happen.
MANY THANKS, NOW LET’S CONTINUE
There are individuals to thank as well, and many who worked behind the scenes regarding this issue. Make no mistake, this was a victory, but we have just begun. This is not a statement of continuing with this Malu Fernandez issue, but of continuing with many struggles that The Filipino faces in all sectors of our society. Economic issues, political issues, as well as social issues, and sometimes all three combined. Because as with many important issues, these three things often cross paths.
Selvo deserves great acknowledgement for actually bringing this article to the attention of a few bloggers including Schumey. From Schumey’s blog, I discovered some few others who were writing about the issue. I informed these blogs that Tingog.com would be issuing a series of articles including a plan for the Malu Fernandez issue.
Within 30 hours, four articles were up, and the most important of all of them was the stand of having Malu Fernandez fired or forced to resign. This was the call that opened the flood gates, and that which many supported.
I have to thank Noemi, a very huge thanks, a strong individual with the heart of Gold, for her support in helping to spread the news.
Cathy, who I deeply admire and which should be a model for how a real lifestyle writer should write, for her role in informing journalist and media friends, and many other bloggers who had written to important personalities and organizations, thus the issue was raised to.certain organizations including the Filipino Press Club in Dubai which greatly helped in eventually having mainstream media finally picking up the story.
HATE OR LOVE?
It is not about Hate, but about Love. Love for our fellow brothers and sisters who are collectively called Overseas Filipino Workers. The Engineers, Doctors, Nurses, Businessmen, Teachers, Entrepreneurs, Financial Analysts, Professors, Mathematicians, and the list goes on and on. We have OFWs working in every sector in almost every country all around the world, and to them I express my deep gratitude for their sacrifice.
The issue was never about Press Freedom as so many detractors would have tried to put it. The issue was about responsible journalism and most importantly it was about discrimination. Malu Fernandez could have been anyone around the block, but I choose to believe that the bigotry and utter disrespect for her fellow Filipinos was so glaringly hurtful, that if an actress, politician, or someone of a slim figure had written the article, the same reaction would have taken place, albeit without the weight comments.
Again, it is about the issue and not so much about the personality. I was deeply indignant about the article, and it could have been anyone that had their name in the Tingog.com headlines of last week.
Remember The Issue and The Lessons
The issue was all about responsibility, accountability, discrimination, and bigotry. The lessons learned — many..
- WE can take a stand, and spur on discussion, and thus shape it
- WE can collaborate with mainstream media to raise issues that are important to us
- There is still a real divide between the socio-economic classes that we can help bridge
- There is no room for discrimination and bigotry in our society if we truly want to progress as a nation
- Collaboration is the key when trying to push an issue into the spotlight
- We can make a difference
What have you learned?
PERSONAL THOUGHTS
On a personal note, let me say that taking a stand, a tough one, is not an easy task. Be prepared for detractors and those with opposing views, but in the end, I feel, the goal of bringing this issue mainstream, and spurring on the discussion was achieved.
And lastly, to all the readers, those who commented, and those who spread the word on this issue. Thank you. I asked for your voice and to take a stand, and you, each and everyone went the distance and even further. The hope that I have after this, is that we continue with what we’ve started, and bring our voices to the other issues that face our nation.
We are but human beings with a common bond, a common nationality, and a common love for our country. In the end, we are also accountable for the direction in which our nation goes.
Is it really true that she’ll be back next monday? If that’s the case, let’s make the noise louder….
Ok, this will be crazy. I might meet her tomorrow.
Any message that you want me to tell her?
I salute the men and women behind Tingog.com for fiercely standing behind our OFWs regarding this issue concerning Malu Fernandez. My husband and I are now US citizens, both well-educated, and yet, insulted by Ms. Fernandez’ article. These people are the true Filipino heroes and must be given the respect and honor that they deserve! I hope that this is an eye opener, not only to Ms. Fernandez, but to our government officials who sadly, I believe, are oblivious to our kababayans’ plight abroad.
Sa mga kababayan kong OFWs, mabuhay kayong lahat!
nicely done…keep up the work…im one step behind…
@benj, Ask her if she’s going to write again for Manila Standard or was her resignation at The paper just a stunt? Has she spoken to management directly, and if so, what are their sentiments? If she replies that Manila Standard did not accept her resignation, why doesn’t she just quit if she is truly sincere?
*****************8
And one more thing, WHAT DEATH THREATS? Let’s focus on her words, not the angry responses and the results that occurred because of it, which I feel she’s actually more sorry about.
Sinasagot ko ang hamon ng Manila Standard Today. Para yatang gusto ng pahayagang ito ng gulo. Thanks Nick for a clear and coherent stand, and for providing a public forum for people to “congregate.” Malu Fernandez has really got to go.
Shouldn’t the editors of Manila Standard & People Asia be held accountable for having published the article, or articles of such nature? Boycott publications which uselessly highlights the gap between the rich & the poor.
to nick and all the people behind tingog, for me you have done more than just bringing the issue on the mainstream but uniting the people. you have proved that one need not be a political person or a celebrity to get things done. a firm stand, a clear goal, and a passionate heart is all that matters. but of course detractors will always be a player in all issues. the detractors balances the situation and gives us more wisdom.
RE: resignation of malu fernandez
———————————-
if she gets back next monday, then she doesn’t mean what she have said in her resignation. she will just prove that she is not sincere and that the management of manila standard does not care about the filipino people. they have to make a stand and tell the people what they stand for. their quietness also proves that they find malu fernandez more worthy than us – the people.
and whoever sent the death treat to malu fernandez, please don’t bother… she’s not worth your time, effort, and whatever it is that you will have to sacrifice.
TORN AND TORMENTED
I still can’t make heads or tails of this whole issue. I mean — on one hand, I keep on telling myself that no one can be that insensitive and ignorant of basic human worth as to malign hard-working people who make the immense sacrifices (ranging from wind burns, to physical toil and drudgery, to frost bites, to having to deal with the language and cultural barriers that must give one a feeling of forever just trying to cope and fit in, to being so far away from everything you know, to not seeing how the fruits of your labor are enjoyed by the same people from whom you had to alienate yourself because you love them enough to want to give them a better life…) that go with being an OFW (in whatever capacity). So — Malu Fernandez MUST have been just trying to be funny (albeit in extreme bad taste) in that People Asia Magazine, ya? On the other hand, her first “apology” printed in Manila Standard was glaringly – blatantly and unrepentantly – insulting to her (old and new) readers, the social stratum which she so proudly claims to represent, the OFWs (a lot of whom, strictly speaking, are of the same stratum… what with expats and entertainers and the countless kababayans who have sadly given up what life they had in this country – for whatever reason), the people in and out of the country who are breaking their backs with work and yet are still (sadly) part of one of the lower strata, the Pilipinos, the country, and to most decent human beings. Ok, so THERE ARE people like that. Wow. (Now, do I continue to go by the principle that I’ve steadfastly gone by all my adult life of respecting other people’s opinions, way of life, value systems, etc – or say, HEY!!! and pass judgment?)
Then there are the other points of conundrum: Does indignation really give us the right to stoop to the level of the maligner and hurl insults upon insults? Does “free speech” really mean that one can say whatever s/he wants without any thought of its repercussions (personal or otherwise)? How far should editorial supervision really go; does one edit just the text and its structure, or the writer’s stated opinion itself (then why would a publication need contributors… writers, even)? Is there a point to my lamenting over this (for, I tell you… this has already given me a number of sleepless nights and has taken away some of the focus needed at work)?
Something that I hold true, though: if I ever be given the privilege of raising a child, this will be a study of how NOT to be.
For so many reasons. But while…
It is not right to judge and think of one’s self as better than anyone else (even in the name of “humor”); it is not right to have anyone get away with that; YET, yet it is not right to strike negativity with even more negativity…
Free speech is vital; YET the written word holds much responsibility (the first of which is upholding human dignity)…
Nothing is too trivial as to be a waste of time if the issue stirs your insides; YET in striving for balance there some things you just have to let go (choose your battles, right?)…
Idealism is a heavy, seemingly foolish, notion; YET without idealism there will be no heroes…
The multitude has great power; YET if one is not in the mainstream, the multitude gets branded as a group of militant trouble-makers…
No one has the right to judge another; YET in the absence of “judgment†(anything from what is morally acceptable to what is aesthetically pleasing), there will be no check and balance…
HAAAAAAAAA. Life is crazy. People are crazy. I am going crazy thinking about this.
See? Baffling, I tell you.
A waste of time? I don’t think so. I am indignant over this. But now I am late for work. I fear I have just set a bad example of work ethic for the students I’ve had, have and will have.
Hay naku.
=b
PS: BENJ: please, sir. ask her…. WHY…????????
PPS:
here is something on the Manila Standard site:
“Who reads Manila Standard Today?
A July 2005 survey of subscribers shows our typical reader:
• Is a college graduate
• Is 45 years or older (25-44 is second largest group)
• Is a corporate officer, professional or employee
• Owns his or her house
• Travels by air once or twice a year
• Dines out five times a month
• Owns one or two cars
• Has one or two memberships in exclusive club”
And THIS leads to more conflicting thoughts…
Thank you Nick for making a stand. Without it, this issue would not have gotten beyond a mere blog entry.
[...] 2. From Tingog.com [...]
[...] Freedomwatch bryanton analyn’s writings on the wall The Ca [...]
Damn!!! Wow, just like that?!?!?! She goes back to work and the editors of MS and PA never said or did anything about the issue?!?!?! What the hell is wrong with them? Malou, wrote the article so she is clearly the bigot, MS and PA printed the article so are they bigots as well? One thing is for sure whether they share the same ideas with malou or not, they took advantage of the issue to get publicity for the magazines. I mean c’mon, you guys are like the circus owners who puts a distorted looking person in a cage, call her a “freak of natureâ€, and get money because people come and pay to see her? Well I guess the funny twist in this case is that one way or another the editors and owners of MS and PA are calling Malou a “freak of nature†and that they are taking advantage of the fact that she is. Isn’t this ironic that when she was talking about the OFWs in her article as if OFWs are freak of nature she turns out to be the worst freak of nature there is. Anyway, to the editors and owners of MS and PA shame on you!!! Not only are you tolerating malou’s actions, you guys are being instruments of hate and it just goes to show, you don’t care who this person hurts its all about the money. I mean do you guys even have a brain, well not even a brain maybe just a half of a heart or is it just all GREED that is running thru your veins? I understand that maybe you don’t want the person to loose her job or anything but if you are going to put her columns back in the magazine at least make a public apology first, that she wrote such a stupid and bigoted article about OFWs and take it back and an apology that the editors are dumb enough to allow such article to go to print, then maybe just maybe you can get her columns back on print. But until that time, I’m sorry you guys will never hear the end of it. Us OFWs are hard workers and we can work even harder when we are together and we agree on the issue, which is to boycott PA and MS.
Why roast someone that is voicing her mind? We are a society of pretenders! http://mabinihall.com/index.php/2007/08/29/malu-fernandez-hate-ugly-filipinos/
A simple response from the newspaper would’ve mollified the people. But they choose to remain silent, apart from columnists B. Austero and C. Veneracion.
Maybe they think this will all blow over soon and everyone will forget about it. Kasi nga naman ang Pinoy daw madaling makalimot.
But this media unfolds in real-time, available for all and sundry to read 24/7 non-stop…in theory, until kingdom come. Or until US servers are nuked. That is the difference between old media – newspapers and TV spots. The messages they give are fleeting, once delivered they are gone. But our blogs, forums and mailing lists? They deliver the message and the message is there to stay ’til we decide to close shop. Ah well. Sagutin ang hamon ng Manila Standard Today.
grabe naman..i thought the issue was done and over with with her being sacked. but here she is again to serve us more of her damning irresponsible writings and shit!
I am TRULY disappointed at this present situation. It is as if our collective voices were not heard by Manila Standard. Are they turning a blind eye / deaf ear on this matter? If this is the case, then we must do a more concerted effort to make ourselves heard.
If and when they allow Malu Fernandez to write for their periodical again, we should not take that sitting down. They should not ignore how we feel as a group, that this is not a matter of one-slap-on- the-wrist-and-things-are-okay-already.
I refuse to lambast both Malu Fernandez and the Manila Standard because unlike them, I consciously avoid hurting anybody’s feelings, acerbic wit or otherwise. After all, life as an OFW, already receives too much negativity from the likes of her, so why stoop down their levels?
I am ALL for making our voices heard. I am ALL for making Manila Standard see and know how unconscionable their decision is to keep Malu Fernandez in their roster of writers. Just let me know what we are to do.
One thing is for sure though, the Manila Standard, from now on, my family and relatives will not read their newspaper again. Just so they know, most of my siblings, cousins (I have more than 20!) and their spouses fall under the readers’ demographics. As it is, being the eldest OFW in our family’s age group carries that much weight.
[...] Tingog, the local blog that was most vocal about Malu Fernandez’ controversial article, says that only her newspaper can decide her fate. [...]
About the weight issues:
I think people focused on this because it is ironic that someone who looks like a mutant hippopotamus (and probably has the manners of one) would have the gall, or delusion, to think that she’s better, more beautiful, and more special than the people she looks down on.
I agree that if the article was written by a slim and pretty supermodel (someone who’s definitely the epitome of the word “diva”), the same outbursts would occur. Remember Claire Daines and her impressions of Manila?
If you write crap about people, but you yourself look, act, and think in a manner worse than crap (delusions aside), you’re really asking for it.
As for Manila Standard, one might wonder what kind of standards they’re upholding. Racist and bigoted comments aside, Malu’s article is crap. It’s superficial, it’s narrow-minded, and it smacks of social-climbing. Frankly, I’ve read articles from highschool newspapers that are written with more depth and dimension by students.
For me, the editors and publishers bigger fault lies in the fact that they approved crap articles like Malu’s to be published. That’s a big insult not only to readers, but to literacy in general. I know more people who are more qualified and more deserving to have their own space in publications.
Sure, hide behind the “the opinions expressed by our columnists etc…” disclaimer, fine. Rave about the freedom of speech, but the issue here, I think, is quality control. To allow an article that seems to be written by a social-climbing delusional airhead to be printed in a publication is tantamount to “reputation-suicide.”
It’s really frustrating that Manila Standard Today chose to be silent throughout the course of this issue. Even worse, they are going to run Malu Fernandez’s column again. It seems to me that their silence is sending a very clear message: For MST, they did no wrong.
And this is where I have a problem. Let’s play Occam’s Razor:
Q: What respectable publication will publish such garbage?
A: If they had sensible editors who actually read articles before they print them, the article wouldn’t have made it in print. Take your pick: No editors or Stupid editors. Given the choices, it’s simply irresponsible journalism.
Q: What could the publishers of MST be thinking?
A: Why bother. It’s their irresponsibility and tastelessness that caused all this shit. You expect them to get right and clean after their mess? Irresponsible and tasteless publications don’t have that capability. Apparently, MST IS irresponsible and tasteless.
Q: So what do we do now?
A: They have sunk themselves so low in their inaction. Do you want to pull them out and stage a fight? Don’t. Let them sink. Don’t buy MST. Tell your friends to do the same. If you know advertizers who do business with them, convince them to pull out. But don’t ever expect them to grow up. Keep it simple. Idiocy tends to be the same poison that kills the idiot.
Sure, as an organization they have the right to choose if they fire her or not. But as publishers, for them to go all mute and dismissive of a fault that is rightly theirs and their writer’s is simply unacceptable. In this respect, MST is therefore worse than Malu Fernandez. Shame!
[...] 30th, 2007 by lesturla And I thought this issue’s over! Until of course Manila Standard Today chose inaction as its course of, well, action. To begin [...]
[...] Reports indicate that society writer Malu Fernandez’s resignation was not accepted by the management of Manila Standard Today. If correct, and if she does come out with her column on Monday, expect the digital equivalent of buckets of ink calling for her resignation or for the boycott of her parent paper to be expended by Filipino bloggers in the Philippines and around the world. More links and clicks for everybody! [...]
I hope somebody uploads it because I think I rocked it. LOL
Anyway, the biggest thing that ABS blew – they got confused with tingog and tinig. They showed your page a lot, but the URL wasn’t flashed.
@benj, I’d be happy to teach them a lesson on the Cebuano language.. But the message was the most important aspect and to have it out there for more Filipinos to see, hear, and judge for themselves.
Tingog.com entry on the stand was often flashed on the TV screen and beamed with pride that you were a part of all this. I guess the media guys didn’t know that a url was needed
if MST will continue to ignore the clamore of the people and remain silent on the issue… let us continue to shout out… spread the words… don’t read their spread…
STOP READING MANILA STANDARD TODAY!!!
definitely, there’s something wrong about the people in MST. i wonder what Malu will talk about in her column…
JUST LEARNED FROM A FRIEND BOUT MALU FERNANDEZ’ STATEMENT REGARDING OFWS..ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT SHE’S THE EPITOME OF A REAL FAGGOT AND SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HERSELF..”WHATEVER YOU COMMENTED FAT PIG (YOU’RE LUCKY PORK IS FORBIDDEN IN MIDEAST COUNTRIES OR ELSE YOU MUST BE ROASTED OR SKEWERED BY THE TIME YOUR CONTROVERSIAL ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED), YOU’RE JUST DEGRADING YOURSELF AS WELL ‘COZ WHATEVER THE FILIPINO PEOPLE REPRESENTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES IT IS THE HONOR OR DISHONOR OF ALL FILIPINOS IN GENERAL INCLUDING YOU..THINK YOU CAN EARN CREDIT BY CREATING SUCH INSENSITIVE ISSUE, THAT’S A SELFISH AND IRRESPONSIBLE ACT INORDER TO BECOME POPULAR..WHATEVER YOU’VE DONE TO HURT THE OFWS YOUR APOLOGY CAN NEVER PATCH IT UP..THANKS TO YOU ANYWAY, FILIPINOS ABROAD UNITE FOR A COMMON CAUSE TO TERMINATE YOU FROM YOUR BELOVED PROFESSION THIS TOO IS A FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION YOU AGAINST OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS…BY THE WAY HAVE YOU LOOK AT ONE OF THE MEANING OF FILIPINA IN A DICTIONARY???IT’S NOT HOSPITABLE BUT A HOUSEMAID AND SO ARE YOU COZ YOU’RE PINAY TOO” TRUTH HURT ISN’T IT…AM JUST BEING FUNNY LIKE YOU.
Hi, i’m chika bugtas senior broadcast communication at UPd. i saw the link to your blog at yugatech. i’m doing a study about philippine podcasting. if you have time po, may i ask you to answer the ff questions po, kahit in bullet points lang po. you can email the answers at chikasci_bugtas@yahoo.com.ph
thank you so much for you time. god bless!
Name: (PODCAST LISTENER)
Age:
Degree:
Occupation:
Website:
1. Who introduced you to podcasting? How did you discover podcasting?
2. What are your favorite podcasts? Why? (Describe these podcasts)
3. What are your least favorite podcasts? Why? (Describe these podcasts)
4. How often do you listen to or download podcast sites?
5. How are you able to access podcasts?
6. Are you planning to put up your own podcast site? Why yes? Why not?
7. In what ways do you think can podcasting benefit the Filipino society?
8. Are there negative effects of podcasting to Filipinos? If yes, what are those?
9. Are you aware of any issues being thrown at podcasting? What are those? (Ex. Podcasting will kill radio broadcasting)
10. What’s your personal assessment on the status of podcasting in the Philippines?
11. Do you think podcasting will click in the Philippines? Why?
[...] not the end for Malu Fernandez Jump to Comments From Annalyn.net and Tingog.com, Malu Fernandez will definitely be coming back Monday next week to serve us more of her ascerbic [...]
i think the people behind manila standards’s decision to bring back malu fernandez column are nutballs. i believe that they are just seeking attention and stirring in the controversy. they should see a psychiatrist.
I am a professional OFW based in Abu Dhabi. I don’t really read Manila Standard. I go home to Manila 3 to 4 times a year (Company-paid) to the Philippines but I don’t buy this newspaper. I don’t go their website either. Also, I don’t even know that there is a People Asia Magazine. And if Malu Fernandez thinks that you judge the ‘intelligence’ of a reader by ‘how thick the magazine” he or she reads, meron talaga siyang sabit. Most of these thick magazines naman eh contain pages and pages of ads of beauty products like …how to reduce wrinkles, eliminate cellulite, hide dark spots, circles, reduce unwanted FATS (taba)…and so on……. no wonder malu fernandez had 17 kgs. of luggage (mga make-up nga ba???)
Guess who’s back. http://bryantonpost.blogspot.com
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view_article.php?article_id=86229
Ousted journalist Malu Fernandez resumes writing
INQUIRER.net, Agence France-Presse
Last updated 00:03am (Mla time) 09/03/2007
A LIFESTYLE writer, who was earlier reported to have been hounded out of her job after she wrote a travel piece many readers found insulting to millions of Filipinos who work abroad, has resumed writing.
Malu Fernandez had earlier said that she quit her job as a columnist at the Manila Standard Today newspaper and People Asia magazine after her article “From Boracay to Greece!” provoked international outrage.
However, an article titled “Unseen evil on your dressing table” with her byline appears on the newspaper’s website.
xxx
she indeed has not resigned, see:
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife2_sept3_2007
there is only one reason why manila standard did not accept her resignation. PUBLICITY!!!! nobody reads manila standard and people asia magazine anyway, so boycotting them will have no effect at all. if malou fernandez stays, many people will be curious what will she write next. many people will buy manila standard or people magazine, the sales might go high. it’s a strategy. bad publicity is still publicity. my 2 cents.
Ang ginawa ng Manila Standard na hindi pagtanggap ng resignation ni Malu at pagpapatuloy ng kanyang pagsusulat sa kanilang pahayagan at hantarang pambabastos sa ating lahat na OFWs. Ipinapakita lamang nila na hindi nila binibigyang halaga ang ating mga karapatan at damdamin. Huwag natin silang tigilan at kung maaari ay himukin nati ang ating mga kaibigan at kamag anak na magpiket sa harapan ng Manila Standard building upang ipakita sa kanila na mga totoong tao ang nasaktan sa kanilang ginawa at hindi mga invisible na bloggers. Ituloy ang Laban, Ipaglaban natin ang Karapatan ng bawat OFW, wag lubayan ang Manila Standard at si Malu Fernandez
Manila Standard has shown its true colors. They don’t care about what us OFWS feel. Who are we anyways? just bunch of people wearing cheap perfumes whose class do not matter to them , elitist and bigots?? Ban the magazine and let us make our voices be heard. Shout louder. Organize a rally in front of Manila Standard building. Let us not allow them to mock us and get away unscathed with what they did to us. We owe this fight to all the hard working OFWS. The President of the Philippines should act on this as she was the one who declared the OFWs as heroes. She must talk the talk and walk the walk.
Ban Manila Standard!! Boycott their publications !! Fire Malu Fernandez now!!!
Indeed she is back — check out today’s issue, also available in Manila Standard’s online version!!! Unbelievably so, in the middle of all this flak, publishing her is dousing fire with gasoline. What is the paper trying to prove? That after all, that supposed resignation was all drama and put-on? More, what does this speak of the integrity and credibility of this national newspaper? What are the values that Manila Standard live up to — do they not follow a code of conduct for responsible journalism? That article should not even have gone past any self-respecting editor’s desk, especially for a broadsheet such as this one!
To ban Fernandez from publishing in any national newspaper or magazine for a period should have been the least disciplinary action taken. But for Manila Standard to put her back this soon and in the midst of this raging fire is a national insult, and only emphasises
the absence of sensibility and complete ignorance of what is right and what is moral on the part of the paper. This is a mockery of all Filipinos alike, OFW or not, and of the profession of journalism!
Boycott Manila Standard and their publications! Perhaps when they start feeling where it hurts (sales/profits) they will start seeing too where their accountability to the public lies.
To : Leo,
You’ve got a point. They maybe using MF for their gain but we can do something about it. Let us encourage our friends and relatives in the Philippines to organize a rally in front of Manila Standard building so they would know what we can do. We can not let them having the last laugh and make a joke out of many OFWs who were affected. If they can not punish their own kind then we will put justice in our hand.
A newspaper so calloused as being indifferent to all the public outcry and this disgusting excuse for a columnist really go well together (in the trash).
Maybe the editors of Manila Standard are of the same quality as Malou Fernandez have.They are insensitive to the feelings of OFW’s. Let tell our families to boycott this newspaper until such time they will come to their senses.Ill do my part to tell OFW in yahoo chat rooms.Jug
Nick,
I think it’s best to address this issue also to their advertisers.
They are the their main life-blood aside from revenues from the circulation. Sigurado ma-apektuhan ang circulation nila with the call for boycott, but we can appeal also to ther advertisers. Needless to say, advertising fees pays for their salaries. Suggestion lang.
Ernie
The immediate return of Malu Fernandez in writing her regular column clearly indicates what has been the stand of Manila Standard all along. It proves that the publication and Malu Fernandez share the same view as regard the OFWs. They think that OFWs voices are not worthy of their attention. We must gather our acts together and show them the force that they blatantly ignored. Boycott Manila Standard and send an appeal to all their advertisers to withdraw their support to the newstoiletpaper called Manila Sub-Standard. We will not back out, tuloy ang laban.
all i can say is that malu fernandez has the last laugh. she’s well-connected. she’s untouchable. the management of manila standard knows it. so just let it be.
In putting back Malu Fernandez’s column, MST blatantly displayed elitist arrogance, utter disregard and contempt for OFWs. While it is not the publication where the bigoted article appeared, MST cannot deny that it was also an accessory to Ms. Fernandez’s bigotry. In not accepting her resignation, MST therefore condone and share the same bigoted sentiments that Ms. Fernandez has for OFWs. In fact, another columnist of theirs, wrote something in defense of Ms. Fernandez and even shared some of his unpleasant experiences in his flight with OFWs and even recommended that the POEA should start giving instructions/lessons to OFWs on how to conduct themselves on international flights. Hah!
For its arrogance and disregard for the objection of OFWs in giving Ms. Fernandez space for her bigoted commentary, I join you and others in continuing the boycott of Manila Standard Today until its editorial board is enlightened that freedom of expression is not just being able to say what you want to say, but also when to say it. BOYCOTT MANILA STANDARD TODAY UNTIL ITS OWNERS, MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES REALIZE THAT UPHOLDING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION FOR A BIGOT IS NOT TO THEIR ECONOMIC INTERESTS.
They are now trying to divert the issue and putting back the blame to the OFWs who were insulted by Malu Fernandez without provocation. They are trying to protect their own kind which make them as guilty as Malu Fernandez. Boycott Manila-Low Standard Today and forever.
Nick and the rest,
I took the liberty of your invitation to put in a comment here. If we can forgive the heinous criminals from the Saudi gallows for a song, cant we just leave this issue behind and go to the next important local issues? With your prowess of inciting minds for a cause, lets hear other things you consider helpful and not become a part of further problems. I guess you have already touched the guts of your targets and thats enough. Do you want more mouths to go hungry with the closure of the newspaper? I enjoy reading blogs but I enjoy more reading the news of any leanings.