Wanna Change? Wala Nang Change... a play on these phrases produced a character so unique and magnificently-written. Ladies and gentlemen, do I still need to introduce Juana Change?
The first week her first video entitled “Cha-Cha” came out, it generated an impressive 3, 000 views. She was literally an overnight sensation. But Juana is no one-hit wonder. Her impact still engulfs the Youtubesphere as her videos get more controversial and relevant to today’s political issues.
Juana Change, Mae Paner
Kudos to talented actress Mae Paner, who I’ve spotted quite a number of times in great theater productions. I read she has been in PETA (Philippine Education Theater Association) since 1983. Not only that – she already has several successful TV ads and films under her belt. There’s no other person who could encapsulate the color, variety and range of Juana Change’s character which Mae Paner tried and has wonderfully portrayed.
So who really is Juana Change? For those who are new to her work, here’s a good summary of who the character is (from JuanaChange.org):
“Juana Change” is a character who represents the everyday Filipino. She is the street sweeper, the jeepney driver, the government employee, or the overseas Filipino among others. She can also be a congresswoman, a faith healer or a general. She is our mirror. The Convergence Team, a group of creative artists, advocates, activists and communicators developed Juana Change and filmed short “virals” of vignettes that depict what we have become as Filipinos.
In the first week alone of the release of the first viral, more than 3,000 hits were logged on You Tube. To date, there are almost 40,000 hits on the most popular of the series. Immediate interest from major networks, other creative artists, advertising firms and reform groups brought Juana Change to prominence in a very short time. Interviews and features in television and radio both local and international continue to bridge the internet campaign with the broader multimedia audience. More important are the reactions, comments and feedback from Filipinos here and abroad on how they could relate with the character and how they could help work for change. This connection with and call to Filipinos will continue to be the focus of the group as it evolves Juana Change and its broader multi-media campaign.
Here are links to interviews and articles about Juana Change:
Juana Change Blasts Charter Change
YouTube Venue for “Juana Change” Awareness Campaign
Juana Change Satires: A Powerful Awakening of the Filipino Sense
Do you have an article about Juana Change? Let us know and we’ll link you!