Singing in the time of elections

By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez

You know it’s election period by the campaign gimmicks that start cropping up. Take this one by Representative Matias Defensor of Quezon City’s third district; he chose an innovative device, one which would strike at the very heart of Filipinos’ favorite past time–singing.
 
Defensor now has five units of mobile videoke, which he lends for free to his constituents in the district during birthday parties, programs, or even weddings.
 
But here’s the catch.  Instead of the usual sexy ladies frolicking in the beach or couples strolling along the country’s tourist attractions, what one will see on screen along with the songs’ lyrics are videos and photographs of Defensor.
 
Thus, while singing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” one will catch sight of the congressman attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony, holding medical mission, or presiding over a meeting.
 
Defensor said it was his way of showing his accomplishments to his constituents.  And adding in jest he said, “Later on, you will also see the beach scene.”
 
The “Mat sing-along sa barangay” mobile videoke was also his way of helping his constituents, especially those who cannot afford to rent one during events.
 
“Lalo na iyong walang kaya, nagpa-party, wala man lang music, so para kumpleto,” he said in a phone interview Monday.
 
Defensor acknowledged his mobile videoke could also be used when he campaigns for reelection next year.
 
Defensor, a member of the administration Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats party, plans to seek a third term as Quezon City’s congressman for third district.
 
Defensor said one unit of the videoke machine costs between P60,000 and P80,000.
 
He brought one unit in the House of Representatives during the anniversary of the Ayes and Nays forum, a forum organized by the media, last month. Several reporters and Anakpawis party list Representative Rafael Mariano had no choice but to gaze at Defensor’s videos while belting out songs.