Follow us for updates
© 2022 reportr.world
Read the Story →

On TikTok, Yorme Isko Moreno Keeps It 'Chill-Chill' as 2022 Elections Loom

Politics can wait, maybe September.
by Pia Regalado
Apr 29, 2021
Photo/s: Composite
Shares

If TikTok views were votes, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno would be elected President based on his "Cha-Cha Slide" tribute to pandemic frontliners that got 22.2 million. The last two occupants of Malacanang got 16 million and 15 million.

But the 2022 elections is not on Moreno's mind, not during the COVID surge. Maybe September 2021 is a good time to decide, he said. For now, the 46-year-old leader of the capital city is reaching out to Gen Z on their favorite app with good vibes and no politics. Bad news goes to his Facebook page.

That's part of the strategy for the former teen idol who is now arguably the Philippines' most popular mayor, thanks to his crusade to save Manila from decay, even if it means stepping on human feces near city hall.

TikTok is an escape from quarantine, said the father to Gen Z kids during a nearly two-hour long Summit Sandwich Sessions. Instragram is for inspirational posts while Facebook is a journal of his day-to-day grind as mayor.

Continue reading below ↓
@iskomorenodomagoso

Dedicated to our hard working frontliners! Mapangiti ko man lang sana kayo nito! ##tiktokphilippines ##thankyoufrontliners ##busylife ##fightingcovid19

? chachaslide - Ssica

"I need an outlet. Kumbaga all of us deserve that kind of pang-exit mo, and I found TikTok very funny, very unique kasi I see my age bracket (there). 'Nagsasayaw ang mga lokong ito, okay ito ah!' And it's funny," he said.

"TikTok ko, chill-chill lang, tugs tugs tugs tugs lang. I always try to refrain from doing politics," he said.

Some hit videos, garnering millions of views, show Moreno lip-syncing to "Ikaw ang Aking Mahal" to his wife (no reaction), or looking for a duet partner as he does a lip sync videoke of "Muli." He also posted a video of himself eating a chicken drumstick "sa gedli" (gilid) and throwback clips with the "That's Entertainment Thursday Group Members."

@iskomorenodomagoso

Thank you @daddiewowie ! ##memories ##batang90’s ##hatawdancechallenge ##HulogBagaDays ##tiktok ##tiktokph ##fyp

? original sound - Isko Moreno

MORE TIKTOK STORIES

Today I Learned: How Foodpanda Riders Went Viral on TikTok

Father TikTok Makes Word of God Viral for Gen Z

TikTok is the Voice of Gen Z, Take It From Gab Campos and His 'Sampayan'

Continue reading below ↓
Recommended Videos

Idol Lee Kuan Yew

Moreno said looks up to Singapore's founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, when it comes to governance, calling him a "great guy" who knew how to address his constituents' needs. It's a trait great leaders should emulate, he said.

"Ayan problema ng liderato. Kapag masyado ka nang hindi connected sa utaw, hindi ka na talaga makaka-relate so I think one of the asset of any leader for that matter, like Lee Kuan Yew, they continue to engage."

Added visibility on social media also encourages government officials to go beyond their job when they see their chief working beyond the usual 8-to-5.

"It generates a sense of responsibility or going beyond your 8-hour job especially now. This is not an 8-hour job anymore. It goes for anybody who works in the government."

MORE MANILA NEWS:

Manila Will Build a 336-Bed COVID Hospital in Luneta

How a COVID-Free Barangay in Manila Can Get P100,000

Continue reading below ↓

Survey leader

Moreno is statistically tied with three others for second place in the most recent presidential preferences survey by Pulse Asia, behind Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Caprio, who is the choice of roughly one in four Filipinos.

He leads the vice presidential rankings in the same poll.

If elected president, Moreno will be one of the youngest to assume office, the second to jump from city hall to Malacanang after incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte, and the second actor to lead the country after former President Joseph Estrada.

"Oo naman, tatakbo definitely. That remains to be seen. Mayor ako, malamang mayor ako," he said on Summit Sandwich Sessions. He said he would rather focus on pandemic response.

"With all honesty, I will continue to decline to answer until it’s right time. I decline to answer anything politics. I don't think viewers would need politicking nowadays," he said.

"September is good month for everyone to decide," he said. The deadline for filing of candidacies for national positions is in October.

Continue reading below ↓

Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app on iOS and Android or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.

Latest Headlines
Read Next
Recent News
Some relief from rising prices.
With the reopening of several local destinations, this app has never been more timely.
Landmark Roe vs Wade ruling of 1973 is overturned.
Its rise mirrors the rise of technology for the masses.
It cites global uncertainties for its move.
The news. So what? Subscribe to the newsletter that explains what the news means for you.
The email address you entered is invalid.
Thank you for signing up to On Three, reportr's weekly newsletter delivered to your mailbox three times a week. Only the latest, most useful and most insightful reads.
By signing up to reportr.world newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.