In line with the celebration of the 16th Lasallian Arts Month, Art Ammo presented a webinar titled “How to deal: Youth participation in trying times,” which tackled the importance of youth participation in today’s political climate on Feb. 12, via Facebook live and Zoom.
Kabataan Partylist Representative Cong. Sarah Elago officially commenced the webinar through her presentation “Kaya pa ba? Kaya Natin!” She shared her experiences as a student-artist in the University of the Philippines, emphasizing, “Ang pagtatanghal ng panawagan ay hindi gawain ng isa [...] mas marami, mas malakas.”
Cong. Elago also shared her main takeaway as a student-artist. “Ang bilis ng lahat ay nakabatay sa pinakamabagal [...] hindi ito kaniya-kaniya, hindi pagaling at hindi kumpetisyon. Kundi sa ating panawagan, ang pagtutulungan ang espiritu ng kooperasyon at kolaborasyon para tiyak na walang maiiwan.”
As the presentation ended, Host Payb Biglete agreed with Cong. Elago’s statement, “Ang bilis ng lahat ay nakabatay sa pinaka mabagal,” and added, “Kaysa iwanan natin ang mababagal, i-uphold natin sila.”
Moreover, Tiktok sensation and content creator Sassa Gurl commenced their presentation with a question, “Ano nga ba ang mga bagay na politikal?”
“Lahat ng bagay ay politikal [...] kaya importante pag-usapan ang lahat ng bagay [dahil] dito natin malalaman ang root cause ng mga injustices,” Sassa Gurl stated.
According to the content creator, “social issues are hard to talk about, so make it smart and stupid [by using satarical statements].”
“In my case, I use comedy, I use my strength of being funny para makakuha ako ng engagement sa mga tao. [In my case] truth plus humor is the best way of getting my message across,” Sassa Gurl said.
The Tiktok sensation cited that comedy and politics are often used by content creators for social media posts, videos, and memes, saying, “At sinasamahan nila ng humor which is more engaging.”
The internet star also gave advice to those who wish to engage in political discourse:
- Get involved
- Find an advocacy (Human rights, LGBTQIA+ Rights, etc.)
- Speak the language of your audience
- Use your platform
- Go out [on the streets] to get involved
“[Mga kabataan], ngayon pa lang magrehistro na, ‘wag na natin hintayin ang susunod na halalan,” Cong. Sarah Elago said as she closed the question and answer portion, encouraging the youth to register to vote for the next election.
Lastly, event host James Lenante reminded the audience to get involved and to become critical and objective of the candidates running for the next election.
The Lasallian Arts Month, organized by the Benilde Culture and Arts Unit (BCAU) through the Cultural Promotions Team, is an annual celebration now in its 16th year. It serves as a platform for performances, artist talks, and community art by the youth.
Below are the upcoming events in line with #LAM16:
- Feb. 19 at 1:00PM - Art Break workshop with facilitators Teta Tulay and Virtual DJ John Aries Alcayaga
- Feb. 26 at 1:20PM - Young People Power to be streamed via BCAU Youtube Channel.
For more information, visit BCAU Facebook page and the #LAM16 official website.
