IN PHOTOS: Comedy meets advocacy at Rappler and Linya-Linya’s ‘Mabuti Pa’ launch

MANILA, Philippines — When was the last time you used humor as a coping mechanism, especially during troubling times?

Filipinos aren’t strangers to this, especially Gen Zs who enjoy meme-ing their way through doom and gloom. In fact, it would only take a quick FYP scroll or a theater visit to know that our go-to artists have mastered the craft. 

But during the “Mabuti Pa: Pag-usapan Natin ang Good Governance” event on January 24 – headed by Rappler and Linya-Linya – we realized that it has also transformed into a medium for education, constructive criticism, and spreading awareness.

At the Linya-Linya headquarters in Quezon City, the collaborative campaign on good governance officially kicked off with a fruitful discussion on demanding accountability and taking action, moderated by Rappler multimedia reporter Bea Cupin. 

Members of the audience joined content creator and visual artist Raco Ruiz, stand-up comedian, improviser, and content creator Ansis Sy (also known as “Auntie”), and Monica Cordero-Cruz of SPIT Manila in exploring where the depths of comedy mixed with politics can take us – particularly when it comes to protecting our country’s critical future that’s as near as now.

Experiencing FOMO? Here are some scenes from the event.

SAME PAGE. Linya-Linya founder and creative director Ali Sangalang and Rappler head of community Pia Ranada warm up the audience through an introduction to “Mabuti Pa,” a collaborative campaign on good governance. Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler
CONCRETE PLAN. Instead of a run-of-the-mill entry board, the “Mabuti Pa” campaign manifesto appears at the event space, inspiring the attendees to share their wishes for the betterment of the country. Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler INSIGHTFUL CONVERSATIONS. Rappler multimedia reporter Bea Cupin – whose beats include national politics and foreign affairs – leads the discussion by checking in on the speakers’ headspace given the issues plaguing the Philippines. Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler
VALUE IN PARTICIPATION. When it comes to comedy’s role in politics, Monica Cordero-Cruz – an improviser from SPIT Manila – highlights how live shows allow people “a chance to be heard.” Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler PURPOSEFUL LAUGHTER. The stand-up-comedian, improviser, and content creator behind “Auntie,” Ansis Sy, talks about how comedy can build trust and “ease people” into listening about serious social issues. Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler SPEAK UP. Raco Ruiz, content creator and visual artist, emphasizes the power content creators and performers hold in influencing people to vote wisely – the same way they can influence people’s purchases. Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler PRODUCTIVE DIALOGUE. The “Mabuti Pa” event transitions into a more inquisitive and proactive atmosphere, thanks to the audience’s active participation in the question and answer session. Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler MEANINGFUL AFTERNOON. Raco Ruiz, Ansis Sy, Monica Cordero-Cruz, and Bea Cupin pose for a photo with the “Mabuti Pa” event attendees. Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler MAKING STATEMENTS. Attendees get to see and score the official “Mabuting Pamamahala” shirts, which are also available on the Linya-Linya website. Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler FUN IN EXPRESSION. Rappler co-founder and executive editor Glenda Gloria checks out the Linya-Linya collection which blends the quintessential Filipino experience with wit – from shirts to bookmarks. Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler POWER IN WORDS. Audience members reflect on their wishes for the Philippines’ future through the #MabubutingPamamahala freedom wall. Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler COMMUNITY EFFORT. Together with the speakers, Rapplers gather for a photo at the end of the “Mabuti Pa” hard launch event in collaboration with Linya-Linya, the first leg of the campaign expected to stretch until the 2028 national elections. Photo by Jay Ganzon/Rappler

– Rappler.com