By Arabella Rochynne C. Asis and Agustin F. San Andres Jr.
Photo courtesy of FEU Communication Society

In line with this year’s E-TamHunt, FEU Communication Society (Comm Soc) hosted Midya Noche, a three-day webinar to raise social awareness by inviting several social media influencers last September 3-5.  

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Comm Soc P.R.O. Jonathan Suguitan shared the main goal of the organization with Midya Noche. 

“The main goal of the organization with Midya Noche is to raise awareness within and outside the green and gold community about the importance of media, especially during these trying times. We’ve invited different social media personalities who are maximizing the online platform to educate and raise awareness regarding the issues that we are facing today,” he stated. 

On the first day of the event, Yani Villarosa also known as @yanihatesu on Twitter believed that the ABS-CBN shutdown was a threat to press freedom. 

"To have a free press or a free flow media that's our right as a citizen of the country,” she added. 

Villarosa then urged everyone to speak out whenever it is needed even with or without a platform. 

Moreover, artist and social media personality Albert Raqueño suggested tips to stop the spread of misinformation. 

"Know your sources. Very vulnerable dito yung mga nakatatanda na hindi naman well-verse sa technology (Adults are the one who is vulnerable here since they are not well-verse with [the usage of] technology). Let's try to teach them what reliable sources they should go to," he said.  

Raqueño also encouraged everyone to register and to vote after the Commission on Election (COMELEC) announced the resumption of voter’s registration.

On the other hand, mental health advocate Dr. Gia Sison reminded the students that all feelings are valid as she graced the last day of the event.

“I have to feel my feelings.‘Pag down na down ako (when I am feeling very down), I take a pause... It's a struggle, pero ‘di naman ibig sabihin na ‘di kakayanin (but it does not mean that I cannot get through with it),” she added. 

Furthermore,  Mark Averilla who is known for his portrayal of Aunt Julie in TikTok gave tips for communication students and stressed how diverse communication is.

“You really need to be more versatile when choosing your industry or making your own industry. Since digital is the way to go, so digital content talaga ang mas papatok sa mga susunod na taon (Digital content will be the trend for the following years),” he explained. 

Other guests such as Dora Lulab, Kalad Karen, Mark Geronimo and Janeena Chan were also present and were able to shed light on different societal issues in the said event.