THE DARK SIDE OF CELEBRITY:

How technology is raping PH entertainment

by Neil Ramos , Manila Bulletin

Pop quiz, hot shot: What do Ivana Alawi, Anne Curtis, Liza Soberano, Kathryn Bernardo and Maine Mendoza have in common?

While most of us would answer simply they’re all celebrities, a growing segment of the population will mention them being among stars who have been embroiled in the now notorious “deepfakes” phenomenon.

If it sounds sinister, it’s because, well, it is.

Deepfakes are videos that use artificial intelligence called deep learning to swap images of people, usually celebs, with another.

Sounds far out? Well, Virginia…

Anyway, a lot of these videos are actually pornographic too and as such many women’s group are crying foul deeming it another “weapon” against them.

They have a point.

Imagine having your face super-imposed on someone doing some unholy act and displaying it to the world.

Embarrassing?

Degrading?

Bloodcurdling?

All of the above?

The most infuriating thing about it is we seemingly can’t do anything about it.

At least for now.

Sadly, in a world that has become more and more digitally-entrenched, the technology, as harmful as it is, looks very much like it is here to stay.

It might even be tweaked to the point that it will make reel vs. real more confusing than ever.

Believe it.

Deepfakes already made headlines around these parts several weeks back when Mendoza, her mom, as with her manager, trooped to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to complain about her image being used in these videos.

The NBI promised to look into the complaint.

The agency said the person or persons responsible for said videos could be hauled to court in violation of the Anti-Voyeurism Act, the Safe Spaces Act, as well as for cyber libel, unjust vexation, and identity theft.

So far, no suspects.

Indeed, as popular as Mendoza is, it seems that her complaint is not enough for the powers that be to actually crack the whip on the matter.

Abroad, there are already tech firms working on systems that would help detect and flag deepfakes.

When will we work on something similar?

Meanwhile, in related developments, Sue Ramirez and Maris Racal were “disrobed” recently by some no-good individuals, posting their handiwork on social media, to the chagrin of the two stars as with their home network, ABS-CBN.

The rape of local entertainment continues.

Government services bring hope to Mandaya Tribe in far-flung Sitio Uduan

 

Davao de Oro Province--- “Naibot gyud ang mga tunok nga among gidala-dala nga mura nag tag upat ka dangaw” said Rubelyn Kilam, a 38 year-old housewife when asked how she felt when government services started to reach her remote village, wherein for years, she was hopeless as their community resides in the farthest spot of New Bataan.

Rubelyn is among the estimated 316 individuals who resides in Uduan, Manurigao of New Bataan. The said sitio holds 43 households with 63 families in total who relies mainly on farming corn, kamote, and abaca for living. With Manurigao identified as one of the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in the province, reaching the place is not an easy exploit.

With elevated grounds blessed with fertile soil and a good climate for crops, Uduan always has a good harvest. But way back then, they always have trouble exporting their local products in town due to the road situation. Even the residents before cannot easily access proper education, health-care services and other emergencies as the path to the capital deprives them. “Lisod kaayo ang dalan sauna, ang amung agi-an kanang mga gamot sa kahoy ug daghan pa gyud kaayog mga mananap. Masayang lang ang amuang mga produkto ug mahimomg walay bili. Usahay naay mga aksidente ug mangamatay nalang sa dalan tungod kay dili madali ug dala sa hospital.” said Rubelyn.

Now that the national and the provincial government of Davao de Oro continue to roll out its programs under the “Bayanihan 4Ps+” blueprint of governance headed by Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, Sitio Uduan of Manurigao already have an easy access to the capital of New Bataan due to the continuing road infrastructure projects of the PLGU that targets the uplands.

Road infrastructures open a variety of opportunities and brings out the best qualities and potentials of a certain place. This opens an avenue towards progress in tourism, commerce and strengthen one of the golden pillars of the province, its agriculture. It also brings government services and programs closer to the people.

As one of the partners of PLGU-Davao de Oro in promoting sustainability and upholding lives of its constituents especially in GIDA areas, TESDA-Davao de Oro thru the Davao National Agricultural School and Regional Training Center will upskill a total of 135 Mandaya Scholars in Uduan Manurigao through various trainings that will help to them to acquire livelihood skills that fits their community. Being the lead agency of Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC), TESDA Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, also visited Uduan, Manurigao last January 27, 2021 during the launch of the Capability Building cum PICO Hydro Power Project Groundbreaking. Together with Sec. Lapeña are heads of the National Government Agencies such as DSWD, DOST, DAR, DTI, DA, DOLE, DepEd, DENR, NCIP, LBP, AFP, PNP, NORDECO, Mayor Geraldford Balbin of New Bataan and Vice Governor Maricar Zamora who represented Governor Uy. The Department of Agriculture also donated corn seeds to the residents, while Vice Governor Maricar Zamora handed out hygiene kits.

“Nalipay mi nga niabot and programa dire sa TESDA ug sa gobyerno, kay wala gyud mi niasa nga maabtan mi ug serbisyo tungod sa kalayo sa amung lugar, imposible kaayo nga makita mi dire. Karun nagpasalamat mi nga nay training diri nga haum ug magamit namo sa amuang lugar.”said Rubelyn.

The daylight starts to unfold the greatness of Manurigao. Once a remote-area that has no access to government services now benefits and begins to develop the community. With the help of the provincial government in partnership with National Government Agencies, sooner, remote-areas will unleash their dormant treasures. (Jasteen P. Abella, Information Division, Davao de Oro, photos by Ronel Renz Alvarez)