Faith Matters on #ViberPublicChats

MANILA, Philippines – Religion is a powerful motivating force.

In its continuing effort to share stories and inspire smart conversations through innovative means, Rappler invites you to join the discussion and talk about what religion means today.

Viber’s founder and CEO, Talmon Marco, announced, “WE’VE GONE PUBLIC” as a statement to introduce Viber’s new feature called Public Chats, which allows the 18 million Filipino Viber users to follow live conversations of their favorite celebrities and personalities as they chat with one another. This offers Viber users a new kind of experience, as it gives them a more personal connection. 

For Asia’s largest Roman Catholic nation, how is the Church dealing with its flock during a time of technological disruption?  How do millennials influence the debate?  What does faith mean to the faithful, the spiritual, the agnostic, and the atheist?

Rappler assembles thoughtful voices on Viber to help our real-world search for meaning.

The initial list of participants in the chat include the following:

• Jayeel Serrano Cornelio, PhD – The new director of the Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University. He is a sociologist of religion.

• Bo Sanchez – A best-selling author, entrepreneur, and preacher

• Antonio “Tony” La Viña – The Dean of the Ateneo School of Government.

• Sylvia Estrada Claudio, PhD – The Director of the University of the Philippines Center for Womens Studies and Professor of the Department of Women and Development Studies, College of Social Work and Community Development, University of the Philippines. She is also co-founder and chair of the board of the Likhaan Center for Women’s Health.

• Shakira Sison – A Palanca Award-winning essayist. She currently works in finance and spends her off-hours writing. She is a Rappler columnist on gender issues and immigration.

• Dr. Margie Holmes – Clinical phsycologist who specializes in sex and relationships.

• Aia de Leon – Singer and songwriter.

• Jonjon Rufino – A proud solo dad of twins whom he had via a surrogate. He is a Filipino freethinker, and an atheist.

• Mussolini Lidasan – The Director of the Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia, Ateneo de Davao University.

• Ken Abante – He graduated cum laude from the Ateneo de Manila with a degree in Management Engineering and a minor in Philosophy. He is one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines in 2012.

• Paterno Esmaquel II – Rappler multimedia reporter for religion and foreign affairs. He is also a former altar boy and catechist.

• Marguerite Alcazaren de Leon – Rappler social media producer, fictionist, and atheist.

• Nile Villa – Rappler social media producer and creative consultant for Works of Heart.

To follow the conversation, just scan the code here on your mobile device or go to Explore on your Viber app. Look for the chat thread named Faith Matters.

We hope you take your time to engage us in this relevant discussion as we  have taken the time to bring the discussion where you are. May the vibe be with you.

Do you find yourself spending more time on chat apps than sharing on or browsing your social news feed?  Let us know in the comments. – Rappler.com

 Hand reaching to bird image via Shutterstock.