Google and Ben&Ben have teamed up to treat netizens with the Filipino folk-pop band’s newest song release, “Mag-ingat (Be Safe Online)” to promote internet safety and digital responsibility.
The popular internet company and Asia’s Best Band launched the new song coinciding with Safer Internet Day, February 8, 2022, on various platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and Deezer.
Miguel Benjamin and Paolo Benjamin wrote the 9-piece band’s new Filipino song that addresses online threats including scams, misinformation, and catfishing, and the importance of critical thinking and verifying information using trusted sources to protect oneself and others.
Ben&Ben also reminds netizens to be wary of bad characters who lurk in the online space, just like in the real world.
This newest single from the National Geographic Ambassadors ends strongly with a bridge conveying that online safety is a shared responsibility–people are all stewards of the digital world. It’s all in the hands of netizens to use the internet right and care for the online safety of one another.
Ben&Ben, the Philippines’ #1 local artist of 2021, is known for mixing Filipino folk music with pop to create songs about hope, love, and positivity.
“Filipinos are highly social people and most of us interact with one another digitally. In such a world, it’s no wonder that while the internet brings so many advantages, it also opens us up to many dangers if we are not careful enough.
“With ‘Mag-ingat,’ we wanted to use our music to spread awareness on such a timely and important issue–because all of us are responsible for making sure that the internet is a safe and positive space for everyone,” said Miguel Benjamin of Ben&Ben.
“Internet safety is so important to Google. Beyond tools, products, and policies that enable us to help people stay safe online, we deepen our local partnerships to promote digital responsibility.
“By partnering with Ben&Ben and through their music, we believe that we can teach internet safety to more people in a way that deeply resonates with and becomes part of their everyday lives,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Google Philippines.
Google’s holistic approach to digital responsibility is helping millions of people to stay safe in the online space. Aside from security measures including the two-step verification process, and security and password checkups, it also introduced programs such as Be Internet Awesome with the Department of Education, supported NGO campaigns like the Cyberpeace initiative of Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, and journalists fact-checking information online.
“We thank Google for being a steadfast partner in promoting and upholding the digital safety of Filipinos, and Ben&Ben for creating an anthem that will remind every Filipino who listens to it to ‘mag-ingat’ and take steps into becoming responsible netizens,” said Atty. John Henry Naga, National Privacy Commissioner.
The “Mag-ingat” music video is already available on Ben&Ben’s official YouTube channel. “Mag-ingat” is also available on all digital music services worldwide.
“Mag-ingat”
Noon nakatanggap ako ng isang mensahe
Nag-aalok ng raket o negosyo
Buti na lang ginoogle ang mga detalye
Scam pala’t marami nang naloko
Paano ba malaman kung
Alin ang totoo?
Sa dinami-rami ng manloloko
Kailangan kong…
Mag-ingat sa pang-aabuso
Ingat sa pang-aapi
Ingat ka sa nakatago
May balak na marumi
Ako’y may naka-chat at paglaon nahumaling (Sino?)
‘Di naman pala siya totoong tao
Nakabasa ng balita, sinuri kung sa’n galing
Peke naman pala ‘yung laman nito
Paano ba malaman kung
Alin ang totoo?
Sa dinami-rami ng manloloko
Kailangan kong…
Mag-ingat sa pang-aabuso
Ingat sa pang-aapi
Ingat ka sa nakatago
May balak na marumi
Na sa ating kamay
Wala nang kakayahan
Suriing mabuti ang nababasa
Nasa ating kamay
Puso ang kakayahang
Na sigurado na tayo’y nag-iingat
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