This definitely applies to Generation Y, and it’s such a cool thing to be part of it. Everyone seems to dig fashion, music, pop culture, movies, gadgets and gizmos like mobile phones, digicams and MP3 players. Plus, there’s just this freedom vibe going on. There’s a voice wanting speak freely and an urge to keep one’s thoughts posted on blogs.
Admit it, live journals are the current obsession of Gen Y peeps. You get nonsense rants and raves (especially from one Lady Gingerade and her cinnamon rolls), but you get interesting and insightful reads as well. Hey, wouldn’t it be interesting if we could convert our blogs into MP3 files and put them in our iPods? What a swell idea.
Enter a new Web-based broadcasting medium for audio-blogging or Web blog-based amateur radio called podcasting. (Check this equation: Apple’s "iPod" plus "broadcasting" equals podcasting.) In cyberspace, people who do podcasts make their own music and host their own talk shows as a way of creating live blogs. The great thing about it is that it is absolutely free. No bollocks! All you need to do is download podcasts from iTunes. And hey, this is suitable for PC users with Windows Media Player as well. It’s like listening to an audio magazine, or having an AM and FM radio inside your MP3 player.
"Podcasting is a new and creative way to provide information and access target markets," says Microwarehouse president Cynthia Veloria. "In a country where people have become more mobile, podcasts will be the new tool to enable people to keep in touch with the most interesting aspects of Filipino work, life and culture."
Microwarehouse recently launched the Philippine podcasting channel at Red Box Karaoke to promote Filipino talent across the world (especially to OFWs who are longing to hear what’s happening in the country).
Luminaries in their respective fields were tapped to create their podcasts and share their wit and wisdom to iPod users: Philippine STAR columnist and gay rights advocate Danton Remoto; Philippine STAR columnist, actress and full-time mom Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan; poet Kooky Tuason; stage director Freddie Santos; culinary expert Nancy Reyes-Lumen; Kahapon Lamang host Eddie Ilarde (who reprises his famous radio/TV show for the Gen Y audience); and Metro beauty editor Mel Cuevas, among others.
"In the long run, we also want to encourage iPod users to try podcasting. The possibilities of podcasting are endless. It enables students to continue learning more outside the classroom and even open doors to marking a new product or idea. We want more Filipinos to explore this medium that is growing more popular worldwide," concludes Veloria.
You know what would be a good idea? To create a whole universe of podcasters who will share their random musings about life in general. I made my own list of Pinoy podcasters, so here goes.
It would be such a laugh to hear Rex Navarete recite his rib-tickling skits such as "Maritess and the Superfriends."
Directors and cineastes like Quark Henares and Erwin Romulo can astound listeners with information about the best films ever made as well as on-the-set gossip.
Musicologists like Toti Dalmacion and Twinky Lagdameo can share their indie hitlists and tell us why The Beatles and Led Zeppelin still freaking rule the world.
Radioactive Sago Project’s Lourd de Veyra can give the perfect picture of urban street culture, don’t you think? Philippine STAR Entertainment editor Ricky Lo can give Pinoy listeners the latest showbiz chikka in a flash. Philippine STAR columnists Ana Kalaw and Cecil Zamora-Van Straten can give the latest fashion do’s and don’ts while featuring the latest trends and hip designers. Philippine STAR assistant editor Tanya Lara can give sound advice on home improvement, while sub-editor Kathy Moran can tell everything listeners need to know about their pets.
The great thing about podcasting is that the possibilities are endless. So, what are you waiting for? Start downloading podcasts from the Internet or, better yet, create your own and make the world shut up and listen.