Good reviews for Bilog infomercial (The Philippine Star)

Barely a month after it was launched, the election infomercial produced by GMA News and Public Affairs (N&PA) is on its way to becoming a hit. The music video on election automation dubbed Bilog na Hugis Itlog, which features the Sexbomb Dancers, was produced to aid in voters’ education.

A statement from the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) published in newspapers said the video amply instructed the masses about the automated election process using music and dance as medium of instruction.

Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares agreed. He said in a statement published in papers that the music video meets the pressing need to educate the common-tao about the computerized poll system. The music video, which airs over GMA Network, was also cited by Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioners Rene Sarmiento and Gregorio Larazabal and PPCRV chairperson ambassador Henriette de Villa, to be very helpful in automation education efforts.

As part of GMA network’s election advocacy program, the Bilog MTV details instructions on how to vote using the new ballot and reminds the public about the need to choose candidates who have integrity, who are honest and will do the country good. The non-traditional approach used in the Bilog MTV is a big departure from the usual instructional modules used for voters’ education.

GMA Network vice president for Regional TV and head of the News and Public Affairs’ Expansion Division, Rikki Escudero said they opted for the use of song and dance as teaching tools for automation due to the Pinoys’ innate love for music. “It’s a good vehicle to turn what is regarded as complicated into something simple, fun, and do-able,” Escudero said.

Escudero added that Bilog na Hugis Itlog is the best simplified representation of ovals found in the new ballots for automated elections. In past elections, voters had to write down the names of their choices, but now no longer. In the 2010 automated polls, they must shade the oval beside the name of their candidate.

Through the music video, GMA network provides valuable information to voters and empowers the electorate to make informed, wise choices.

GMA Network AVP for Alternative Platforms Leogarda Sanchez-Matias helped source the music and oversaw the creation of the music video. Music was composed by Jon Ong, while lyrics were penned by GMA Network head for Program Analysis Jobart Bartolome.

The network has launched the music video nationwide. It enjoys high frequency airplay over DZBB, WLS-FM, all RGMA radio stations and Catholic Media Network radio stations nationwide. The Bilog Na Hugis Itlog MTV has also become a favorite on YouTube. Dance contests on gmanews.tv and in regional areas will be launched to further promote it and bring the message across of how to vote in the coming automated polls.