By: Atty. Marlo T. Cristobal
Dear Byron,
You have achieved the dream and vision of a political vlogger in the country — the garnering of 1,000,000 (and counting) subscribers mark of your channel. I was at our hotel room about 7 pm tonight, Japan time, January 11, waiting for Oliver and daughter Alyanna to have dinner with us elsewhere, when l saw your live vlog and watched you getting ecstatic as you waited for more subscribers to register in your channel, who thereupon rendered you finally a vlogger laureate. As you hit the 1M mark, subscribers still continued to cascade in your direction.
Take note that your above achievement as a political vlogger is no mean feat. I have not seen a purely political vlogger like you in the country posting a similar blockbuster. Showbiz, entertainment, medical or tsismiss vloggings are easier to do as people lap these up. Political vlogging tackles more serious issues that ordinary people don’t readily understand or cannot easily “connect” as it is something less appealing to them.
And here lies the difference of your story. I said it before, and l say it again: “. . .you strategically empowered truth and justice that made people see the heartwarming and edifying beauty, after all, of these godly values, resulting in the tremendous increase in your viewership . . . .” (Catalyst, A Tribute Due To Son, October 4, 1024).In simple description, which the lawyer in me normally deems it inadequate, you use language in your vlogs that is direct, plain, down-to-earth, and unpretentious, interspersing it with your unique drama and humor that serve as magnet to the attention and focus of ordinary people, and perhaps, on the side, of intellectuals and professionals. Your style is so personal to you that it should be nothing less than a divine gift. And so, under your belt, you have tucked an uncontrolled blooming and bloating subscribers and, naturally, viewers which, as of now l was informed, number multi-million a month, like your brother Oliver has done.
You may not realize it, Son, and this should not render you swell-headed in the same vein that l do not tell you this to boast. Truth after all is humility. You now command an audience, a following in the country more overwhelmingly than that of the political writers of mainstream media and professional political analysts and opinion makers in print media. For you have the affinity to the great unwashed, from whom people power emanates, and in whom sovereignty resides in such a republican state like ours. Hardly can it be said that our political intelligentsia and political opinion makers of the print media possess this kind and magnitude of affinity to the masses. But you have massively breached this wall of demarcation. I was not being cavalierly when l told you, and l must tell you again: “Social media is now the real spokesman of the people and the ideal and real defender of truth and justice . . . .”(Catalyst, A Tribute Due To Son, October 4, 1024).
As the great masses, have responded to you and have called you out as their political idol and guardianship, do not disappoint them — even at the risk of further (on top of your present) harassment from corrupt politicians. Worry not for your deliverance will come and these shameless politicians’ day of painful reckoning will visit them — here on earth. (Proverbs 11:31, 14:14 ). There is a season for every activity under the heavens. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, Galatians 6:7). Make no mistake, God does not lie. (Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:18). Continue to be the representation of and answer to their political yearnings. Carry the torch of truth and justice for them. Social media has placed you in such a daunting task. Be of strong faith and cry out: “Your will be done, my Lord.”
My immense congratulations!
Your proud Dad
