Thread by @rapplerdotcom

In the first episode of #CampaignConvos, we put the spotlight on how candidates are dealing with the spotlight. Who are media-savvy, media-friendly, and media-allergic? #PHVote #WeDecide

WATCH LIVE: rappler.com/nation/electio…

Campaign Convos is hosted by Rappler’s campaign reporters covering the top presidential and VP tandems. Every week, we give you kwentuhan, analysis, and inside information, straight from both the physical and virtual campaign trail.

#CampaignConvos:

.@piaranada follows the campaign of Moreno-Ong tandem. @jairojourno follows the De Guzman-Bello tandem.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno .@beacupin covers Sara Duterte, Lakas-CMD, and PDP-Laban. @reyaika covers the Pacquiao-Atienza tandem.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika .@lianbuan follows presidential bet Ferdinand Marcos Jr. @maracepeda covers the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem and the 1Sambayan opposition coalition.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda .@ramboreports covers the Lacson-Sotto tandem.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Question: Do you think your candidate did well in the recent interviews? Did they project themselves well?

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan, covering Marcos Jr, gives context: Siguro ako ‘yung may pinaka-challenging na coverage kasi unlike all of you, hindi ko pa nako-cover ever [si Marcos].

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: ‘Yung background ko pa [kay Marcos], is pag-cover pa ng electoral context versus VP Leni Robredo. It’s not very pleasant background.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: To tell you honestly, his non-attendance in the Jessica Soho Interviews didn’t really surprise me. I knew it was gonna happen.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: What pleasantly surprised me was how they were so honest about why he did not attend.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: Hindi ko siya (Marcos) ma-ambush interview. The one time I got close to him, naka-dalawang tanong lang ako. Medyo rinig na rinig pa ‘yung pag-whisk away sa kanya ng kanyang media team.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: To wrap up his week, they responded to his non-attendance to The Jessica Soho Interviews with a media blitz – apat o lima pa nga na interviews. Hindi niya lang sinipot ‘yung panghuli.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: ‘Yung media team niya very busy that week. May mga nasabi siyang kailangan nilang rendahan nang konti, or may kailangan silang clarification na gawin or kailangan nilang mag-narrative control nang kaunti.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@piaranada: In Marcos’ interviews, napansin ko…he’s tame. Hindi siya aggressive, very calm magsalita. Ano ba ang gusto niyang i-project exactly?

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: Branding niya kasi ‘yun, Pia. They’re running on a campaign of “I am a unifying leader.” Kahit i-trigger mo siya nang i-trigger about sa mga kalaban, alam niya na ang mga sasabihin niya na hindi siya papatol.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: Mayroong mga tanong na nati-trigger pa rin siya, tulad siguro ng martial law, ‘yung pag-grill sa kanya sa One PH.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: Lalabas pa rin ang kanyang emotions. That’s why, as much as possible, they don’t want him being grilled and exposed so much to media. ‘Yung kanyang pagiging “statesmanlike”, that’s the branding – that he’s a unifying leader.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@maracepeda: In contrast, VP Leni is very very game to join debates and interviews. Ang mindset kasi ng team niya...with all the disinfo and attacks against her, her strength lies in the way she talks to the people.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@maracepeda says the way VP Leni relates to ordinary Filipinos is among her strengths.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@maracepeda: [VP Leni’s team] will always take the opportunity to be interviewed, join town halls where she can elaborate her platform, her positions on various issues.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@maracepeda: VP Leni’s campaign is a campaign that listens. One criticism vs her by her critics is that she’s weak…. It’s also gendered. May perspective ‘yung ibang tao na mahina si VP dahil siya ay babae.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@maracepeda: I think the reason why VP Leni came out very frank and honest on why Filipinos should not vote for other candidates ay dahil sinasabihan siya na mahina siya eh. VP Leni has always been quite feisty in her own way.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@maracepeda: She’d rather be honest than lie to you. Yung ibinabato sa kanya na dapat unifying figure siya…tapos titirahin mo ang mga kalaban? But if she decided to become neutral…titirahin pa rin siya ng [critics] na “Ah, wala ka namang paninindigan.”

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@maracepeda: Kahit anong sabihin ni VP Leni at this point, her critics from different sides will find a way. What’s good in these interviews was that she’s able to counter all the criticisms and naipapasok niya ang messaging.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports On VP Leni’s prefix “Para sa akin…” when answering questions

.@maracepeda: Of course, alam nila ‘yan. Ang impression kasi ay parang hindi siya sigurado or hindi siya sure…. When VP Leni is able to deliver lines in a straighforward manner, talagang may punch eh.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@maracepeda: Parang in a way ni-nitpick si VP Leni in those interviews. You have to be honest: Wala siyang corruption issue, walang mabi-bring up na skeletons in her closet unlike her other opponents. Ngayon, they’re focusing the criticism on the impression she gives to people.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@reyaika on Pacquiao: Mapapansin mo talaga na alam niya yung sinasabi niya in a way, rehearsed. Mayroon siyang standard lines na maririnig mo in an interview.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@reyaika: In a way, sanay talaga siya na makipag-usap sa media dahil nga boxing superstar siya. Kahit anong ibato mo sa kanya, may maiisip siyang sagod kaagad.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports TW / mention of rape, abortion

.@reyaika: Sa sobrang excited niya na umattend sa interviews, mayroong isang question…tungkol sa rape and abortion. The host really pushed hard kay Pacquiao.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@reyaika: Medyo revealing ang kanyang sagot in a way kasi ito yung mga bagay na hindi niya nako-kontrol, hindi niya na-rehearse. Lumalabas ‘yung mga beliefs niya na…makikita mo who he really is as a person.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@reyaika: Dahil nakikita mo kung sino siya as a person, maraming nagsasabi na nakikita nila ‘yung sincerity ni Senator Pacquiao, na gusto niya talaga makatulong sa mga mahihirap.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@ramboreports on covering the Lacson-Sotto tandem: Para silang tito. ‘Yung kanilang image…if Duterte is the lolo you’re forced to listen to during family reunions, sila naman ‘yung mga tito na magkukuwento about their experiences.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@ramboreports: In terms of success and projecting it, mas successful si Senator Sotto since he has background in showbiz. He’s doing better than Senator Lacson in surveys.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@piaranada: May mga nayayabangan daw kay Mayor Isko during debates dahil napaka-comfortable niya tingnan. Of all the candidates, siya ‘yung naka-lean back sa kanyang chair.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@piaranada: Most people were leaning forward – ready for action. Pero si Mayor Moreno parang napaka-chill and relaxed, maybe too relaxed for some people.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@piaranada: We have to remember that Isko has been a showbiz personality ever since. Matagal na siyang sanay sa attention. I think he was trying to project an image na hindi siya nafe-faze.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@piaranada: In a way, he’s trying to project na well-read and cultured siya. Mayroon siyang mga pinanghahawakan na prinsipyo.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@piaranada: Na-notice ko rin sa interviews niya na he would kind of sideswipe some answers ‘pag ‘di siya sure, tapos babalik siya sa Manila.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@piaranada: You know you caught him off guard if ibabalik niya ‘yung question sa Manila, or some motherhood statement. May times talaga na hindi siya sure or hindi niya pa masyadong napag-isipan ang sagot niya.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@piaranada: It is obvious for someone who’s been watching him. Minsan caught off guard din siya sa facts.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@piaranada: He has never held a national position. I think he has never held a national position, laging local. I think may catching up to do, but he has met with experts, former Cabinet members to brush up his knowledge.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@jairojourno: Sa case ni Ka Leody, noong lumabas pa lang ang teaser ng pres’l interviews, chineck ko na agad sa campaign team if kasama siya. Hindi nga raw sila na-invite. They even petitioned to invite Ka Leody.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@jairojourno: I think ‘yung word nila is hindi sila "pinansin" after their petition. Nag-Facebook Live [si Ka Leody] on the day of the pres’l interviews. He answered the questions na tinatanong din sa pres’l aspirants.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@jairojourno: Every commercial break, doon niya sinasagot ‘yung questions.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@jairojourno on Ka Leody: Hindi rin siya na-invite sa Boy Abunda interview…. I think during that week of pres’l interviews, I think the biggest interview na na-attend-an niya was the DZRH interview, where he did really well.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@jairojourno: Ang branding niya is new politics, "manggagawa naman." Alternative campaign ang binibigay niya sa atin.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@jairojourno: Compared to other, si Ka Leody, hindi siya gumagamit ng sobrang malalalim na words, phrases to give his answers. Ine-explain niya sa language niya.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@jairojourno: Sa body language ni Ka Leody for the past weeks and days, charming siya. Hindi lang siya masyadong nabibigyan ng pagkakataon to expound on his campaign.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@jairojourno: Kung si Lacson-Sotto ang tito na gusto mong kausap sa reunion, si Ka Leody naman yung tito na kakampi mo kasi progressive siya at ‘yung mga stance niya sa certain issues, talagang deretsahan siya.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@jairojourno: ‘Yung campaign nila ni Bello since October 2021, well-studied, coherent talaga. Until now, kahit ma-on-the-spot, consistent pa rin ‘yung stand nila.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Will Sara be attending debates?

.@beacupin: If there are any debates happening until the end of the month, hindi siya makakasama kasi she has a tour around the PH, similar to what she did in 2019.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@beacupin: Normally the vice pres'l race is obviously the second story, right. But the interesting thing about Sara was she launched the Sara All 4 You. The VP is not really the "star" [in elex], but you have Sara mounting this hour-long show every day, with guests, artists.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports How are pres’l bets navigating the social media space?

@lianbuan on Marcos: Social media, kanila na yun eh. It’s working really powerfully for them, especially for Marcos. He’s the “feel-good” candidate. Feel-good lang. If you watch his vlogs, it’s enjoyable, maikli.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: They are very successful in launching a feel-good campaign. That’s why hindi talaga sila magpapa-interview sa maraming journalists who would shatter that feel-good image, that unifier image. That’s why I think sobrang pivotal ng Jessica Soho interviews.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Are the candidates responsive to interview questions?

@maracepeda on Robredo: Napakadali to cover her if you’re a reporter. Kahit nga vloggers hindi pinipigilan. She’s very friendly and her staff, they accommodate media when we request copies of a covenant, transcripts.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@maracepeda on Robredo: When VP Leni is asked a difficult question, she answers it.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Are the candidates responsive to interview questions?

.@beacupin on Sara Duterte: She hasn’t really been very engaging with the media. Kung may malalaking issue she’s expected to answer, she will answer but at her own time, at her own pace.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Are the candidates responsive to interview questions?

.@piaranada on Moreno: Si Isko, nagrereply siya sa Viber group ng reporters na nag-cocover sa kanya. Medyo unusual ‘yon na ‘yung candidate nasa group with reporters.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Are the candidates responsive to interview questions?

.@piaranada on Moreno: Mabilis naman siya magreply, parang online siya palagi. Pero ‘yung frustrating lang, hindi palagi ‘yung response niya sa’yo ay substantial and magagamit mo.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Are the candidates responsive to interview questions?

.@lianbuan on Marcos Jr: Their HQ is open pero walang tao. His media staff would accommodate you pero hanggang dun lang. And it’s always Vic Rodriguez, it’s never the candidate. Mahirap talaga silang i-cover.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: Okay naman si Mayor Sara to media in 2019 but now she seems to be closing up. I think that’s the Uniteam stats really. It’s really narrative control.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@lianbuan: That’s why importante talaga sakin to keep talking about how they have to answer the question. Hindi pwedeng diretso kami sa tao. They can’t ignore institutional media forever.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Are the candidates responsive to interview questions?

.@maracepeda on Sotto and Lacson: Mas media-savvy si Tito Sotto. Si Tito mas accessible for me than Senator Ping. Kasi Tito is very active magreply sa Viber. Napakabihira yung hindi ka niya masasagot.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Are the candidates responsive to interview questions?

.@maracepeda on Sotto and Lacson: They’re also very active on Twitter. Makikita mo yung pag-defend nila sa isa’t isa sa tweets nila.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Are the candidates responsive to interview questions?

.@jairojourno on De Guzman: Kay Ka-Leody, ikaw yung maghahabol in a sense na sa pag-follow through ng stories kasi sila, nangyayari pa lang [‘yung issue], may statement na agad sila.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Are the candidates responsive to interview questions?

.@jairojourno on De Guzman: So hindi na ako umaabot sa point na kailangan ko pa i-text si Ka-Leody for his stand on the issue. Kasi automatically minemessage nila. Very, very accessible sila.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@jairojourno on De Guzman: In terms of campaign, aminado naman sila na limited yung machinery nila, more on volunteers sila. Karamihan ay kabataan, progressive groups, youth. Malakas sila sa Twitter.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports .@jairojourno: Malakas siya sa kabataan, ‘yung charm niya na diretsahan, alternative, progressive, malinaw yung stance sa issues. ‘Yung branding niya na alternative politics, nakikita sa campaign nila na very simple yet effective especially for the youth vote.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Are the candidates responsive to interview questions?

.@reyaika on Pacquiao: Si Pacquiao, sanay siyang hinahabol siya. It all goes back to him being a boxing superstar.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Are the candidates responsive to interview questions?

.@reyaika on Pacquiao: Usually magsesend naman sila advisories, interviews iggrant naman, although kapag may mga stuff na ayaw talaga nilang mag-comment, isi-seen ka na lang nila.

#CampaignConvos:

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Why is it crucial to put candidates on the hot seat?

.@piaranada: It tests ‘yung mettle ng candidate. Ito ‘yung rare chance mo to see how they deal with pressure. For me ‘yun ‘yung isang quality of a leader, if they can be graceful under pressure.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Why is it crucial to put candidates on the hot seat?

.@maracepeda: It reveals so much of their character. When you catch them off guard, they would probably answer based on what they truly feel, based on their position without it having been rehearsed by their staff.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Why is it crucial to put candidates on the hot seat?

.@lianbuan: Para sa akin, clarity. Sobrang dali na lang gawing relative ang katotohanan. Kailangan i-take natin all the chance to resist going there, that someone can dictate what the truth is according to his own version.

@piaranada @jairojourno @beacupin @reyaika @lianbuan @maracepeda @ramboreports Why is it crucial to put candidates on the hot seat?

.@jairojourno: Para ‘tong peek dun sa authenticity nila. Ito kasi yung mga bagay na hindi nila pinaghandaan, so nakikilala natin sila nang mas maayos.

#CampaignConvos: