Hi, there! BusinessMirror is a daily in the Philippines, in the top 5. While their new media is not their strength --especially here where mainstream online media is being attacked by so many blogs purveying fake news-- they have an extensive print readership in the Philippines, especially in Manila. So, yes, both the articles also appeared in print. But, your observation hits at something true to and frustrating about the Philippines -- conservation and heritage management are extremely special interests. People here like to hear how cool the place is, but are not concerned how it is faring. If my article was the normal travel article, which I also make for BM and other news outfits, I believe it would have reached more online readers. But, I guess, the serious tones of both were limiting their reach online. Still, it was fairly well circulated among local heritage practitioners here. The mayor of Vigan read the article too and that was when he told me their observation that people don't know anything anymore about the city as a WHS, only as a New7Wonder, and that they, likewise, feel is concerning not only as regards to branding but also to the identity they want for themselves as a heritage town/city.
I was really surprised that Fuente emailed to make a reply after 2 days when my article was released. His reply went out in print and online a week later. One could easily gather, however, that he is very defensive and unresponsive. |