MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines spent years of preparation for its hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit this year, the first time since 1996. In our previous hosting, social media was not yet a factor and majority of spectators turned to televisions, radios, and newspapers to get updates on the event. Nearly two decades later, a lot has changed. (READ: APEC what? An explainer on Manila’s high-profile week)
Now that social media is a huge part of the APEC Summit in Manila, what do netizens think about this global event?
On Tuesday, November 17, Rappler led a Twitter conversation on how netizens assessed the Philippines’ performance in the ongoing summit, and how this affects them as an ordinary Filipino.
Looking at Reach, Rappler’s social media analytics app, #APEC2015 generated almost 340 million impressions during the conversation, which ran from 5 pm to 7 pm. Over 8,000 tweets were recorded from over 5,000 unique Twitter users.
Rappler was the top broadcaster during the duration of the conversation, followed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His official Twitter account was mentioned over 500 times since his arrival in the Philippines for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting coincided with the time of the conversation.
Below is the visual representation of the #APEC2015 conversation on Twitter:
@rapplerdotcom it's funny how people are more interested in the mexican and canadian president over the real concerns.
— camille bianca (@camaeja) November 17, 2015She was referring to how #APECHottie trended on Twitter during the arrivals of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in the country.
Netizens also tweeted about the reorganizations due to the summit (READ: APEC: Special lanes for whom?):
@rapplerdotcom Excellent for the visitors but worst for our countrymen.
— Jake Crisostomo (@CrisostomoJake) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom life of ordinary pinoy has been transformed, as holidays, flight cancellations, security measures & traffic schemes #APEC2015
— Marvin Gil (@marvingil) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom Planning is good but implementation is bad, especially in road blockings and traffic.
— Denisse Cadizal (@wewtalaga) November 17, 2015Commuters were either stuck in heavy traffic for several hours or left with no choice but to walk because of the road closures:
@rapplerdotcom heavy traffic is the major concern for everybody this week. #APEC2015
— CA (@caurie_) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom Most people are more concerned over their daily commute to even think about the actual summit. #trAPEC
— Mitos Cabral (@mitosc2001) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom i think while the APEC is an honor, Manila doesnt have to suffer so much just to pave way for this.
— Marika Callangan (@projectrika) November 17, 2015Others also suggested alternative venues for the summit:
@rapplerdotcom shouldve done it in key cities in PH like Cebu and Davao to lessen the traffic. Traffic is worst here in Manila.
— Mark Gesim (@PowerOrGesim) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom sana ginamit na lng lng yung dating venue sa subic,pampanga for APEC… Manila wont be affected like this…
— raquel (@danraq) November 17, 2015While there were complaints about the planning and implementation for the Summit, there were still some who were positive about the effect on the economy, even despite the traffic situation in Metro Manila (READ: Palace: Look at APEC hosting as ‘bayanihan’):
@rapplerdotcom traffic is bad but the economy of the Philippines will surely benefit from this summit so a little sacrifice for a cause
— alexis (@kaaaaate__) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom Everyone should look at it long term. It's putting our country in good light. It's worth the sacrifice.
— RS (@rrs425) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom Let's all hope that our sacrifices and our money are all worth it. Let's hope for a better PH after #APEC2015
— Harold Malig Gomez (@roldiegomez) November 17, 2015They also pointed out that the Summit has been safe and secure so far. Earlier this week, the country vowed “higher security” for world leaders attending the Summit after a series of bombings and shootings left more than 120 dead in Paris.
@rapplerdotcom im happy that although a lot of people are inconvenienced,no one,not even civilians,has been hurt so far.
— Kacey (@Kacey0214) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom In light of #ParisAttacks, so far so good. #APEC2015
— JohnLaurence Domingo (@jlaurence) November 17, 2015What would the netizens like to ask and tell the Summit delegates about the Philippines? Here are some of the responses:
@rapplerdotcom #APEC2015 What changes should we make to be a better country, as well as a member of international community?
— Patrisha Marie (@PragmaticPatty) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom Xi Jinping. Why is it necessary for China to claim such territory that obviously belongs to the Philippines?
— Stephy Macasaet (@MeetStephyMcst) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom this is not what it looks like on a normal day…except maybe the traffic #APEC2015
— Marguerite de Leon (@margie_deleon) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom APEC Delegates, this country needs your support since our gov't is well messed-up. #APEC2015
— Nads Doncillo (@nadineisreal) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom to Trudeau: please take your trash back. Thanks.
— Sarah Felismino (@snow_fuuwa) November 17, 2015We also asked netizens about the issues they want raised at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Below are some of their replies:
@rapplerdotcom Leaders should discuss about foreign investments tomorrow. #APEC2015
— PJ Valisno (@PHINews1) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom environmental issues to be addressed while the economy is booming.#APEC2015
— jackie velarde sy (@jvsy23) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom Please discuss the importance of a healthy population in relation to a progressive economy.
— Joyleen S-S-T (@joyleenSST) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom Territorial Rights. Would we ever come to a mutual agreement?
— N O R Aℹ (@norathatsmyname) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom What will be your concrete responses to immobilize terrorists
— Michelle Uy (@MicheUy) November 17, 2015Lastly, netizens also weighed in on the peace situation in the country. If an APEC delegate asks them about the peace situation in the Philippines, how would they respond? Read below:
@rapplerdotcom It's difficult to find peace in a country still populated by corrupt officials. #apec2015
— balintatao (@balintatao) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom I'll tell them the truth It isn't safe here in the Philippines but then again, is there any place where we can consider safe?
— Alexandra (@letterforYounI) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom Peace here is fleeting. Never permanent. It remains a dream, especially for our Mindanao.
— Carla Shmarla (@carlaloo) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom More action needs to be taken when it comes to peace in this country. It must be spread across every city, town, province.
— Marika Callangan (@projectrika) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom Safe overall but with reservations such as those in Mindanao.
— Kenneth Co (@thiskennethbe) November 17, 2015@rapplerdotcom Diverse. Hell in a few areas, heaven in some areas, purgatory in the rest of the country. They better (or not) ask a Lumad.
— itchykerofeet (@itchykerofeet) November 17, 2015How about you? What are your thoughts on the ongoing APEC Summit in Manila? Let us know what you think in the comments section or write your own reaction piece on X. – Rappler.com
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