Locate your nearest EXIT

I’m fumbling over my phone interview with MTV VJ Holly Grabarek. Truth is, I’m skeptical we’ll be able to discuss issues of trafficking and exploitation with great depth, which is ideally how I hoped our conversation would flow. VJ Holly is hosting the MTV EXIT (End Trafficking and Exploitation) Live concert at SM Mall of Asia on October 29. But VJ Holly, 21 years old, professional host to glamorous events and celebrities doesn’t really seem that much tied up in the issues of MTV EXIT, and it’s not like I would be a better candidate, so I expect our conversation might seem futile. 

MTV EXIT is a global campaign that aims to educate the youth about human trafficking and exploitation, hoping to positively shift attitudes, behavior and knowledge towards these critical issues. From the résumé of MTV EXIT, I’m impressed: music video trilogy by Radiohead, The Killers and Muse; 31 Live concerts across 15 countries, one of which includes a performance by Placebo in Angkor Wat (damn); and a series of four unique half-hour documentaries.

Though I wonder if the words “exploitation” and “trafficking” were just whipped out, polished and displayed on shelf because it sounded like a good social campaign, the MTV EXIT campaign claims to be the largest anti-human trafficking movement in the world, successful in creating a cutting-edge and innovative communication campaign via music, film and celebrities. Attribute it not to the use of two flowery and exotic sounding words.

MTV EXIT’s live concert in Manila features Korean sensation Jay Park, Californian band Evaline, and local acts such as Pupil, Itchyworms and Parokya ni Edgar. The concert is part of a global campaign against human trafficking and exploitation. Proceed to your nearest MTV Exit to get educated.

In the midst of my doubt regarding altruistic campaigns by large income-generating bodies, I begin to get the gist of the movement when VJ Holly says, “I hope people will leave knowing that so many have become involved in slavery, especially young people who are just about venturing out into the world looking for a job. An example would be the entertainment industry, they could come across the wrong people and get captured.”

Human trafficking actually is an issue wherein the youth are most vulnerable. In these situations, it is the idealism and wishful thinking of the young that abusers like to prey on. A job offer can easily become a ticket to modern-day slavery. Human trafficking could mean anything, from exploitation that is sexual in nature, to domestic service, to labor.

It’s an issue with many layers, and should not just be taken at face value. But without people like MTV VJ Holly, or new campaign ambassador Dingdong Dantes to tell you so, you might not listen. 

That’s the whole point of MTV EXIT. They’re making it easier for young people (like you) to understand. Because they’re not sure you would pay much attention unless Korean pop sensation Jay Park, Californian alternative rock band Evaline or local acts Itchyworms and Pupil are the ones preaching about it.

So get educated. Head on over to SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. and check out what MTV has to say about their fight against trafficking and exploitation.

Oh, and it’s free.

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Watch out for MTV EXIT’s new documentary film, Enslaved: An MTV EXIT Special, hosted by Dingdong Dantes premiering on GMA News TV Channel 11 on Nov. 27 at 9:55 p.m.

For more details about human trafficking and exploitation in Asia, visit Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. or follow MTV EXIT on the following their Twitter @mtvexit and www.facebook.com/mtvexit.