Bianca Umali on using social media: ‘I share to lead by example’

Kapuso actress Bianca Umali is not one to get bothered by the toxic culture of social media. Gone are the days when she would give her attention to cancel culture and hate comments.

At this point in her life, Bianca is only focusing on using the good side of social media by sharing her personal stories to inspire women and the youth, who she represents in her stint with World Vision.

Bianca is currently the World Vision ambassador for education, ending violence against children, and "1000 Girls," a campaign that aims to give girls a better future and help them reach their potential.

In the recently concluded second leg of "Dapat Totoo: GMA News Lectures for #Eleksyon2022," Bianca shared her insights on how she overcame her fears with social media and how she's now using it to her advantage, a skill that is essential most especially during these times when the national elections are nearing.

Bianca expressed that social media used to scare her right off the bat.

"There was a phase in my life that I was actually afraid of social media. I didn't know what to post; I was afraid of sharing my opinions and photos because I was thinking of what other people would say and think," said the actress.

Admittedly, this phase for Bianca didn't make her feel good for some time, and no matter how much she tried not to get affected, it didn't work. Until one day, she decided to make peace with the fact that she couldn't please everyone with her every move.

“Walang tao na walang masasabi na mali sayo. It’s sad but I used to think na dapat walang mali, dapat perfect, kaso that can’t happen because no one is perfect and everyone has their own opinions,” said Bianca.

The World Vision ambassador also believed that social media was all about respect.

“If hindi nila maibigay sa’kin ’yung respect na i-appreciate na lang or wag na magsabi ng anything negative, it’s fine, because I know I respect their opinion and hindi ko igaganti sa kanila kung ano ’yung ginawa nila sa ’kin,” said the 22-year-old actress.

Ever the unbothered queen on social media, Bianca advised her followers to do the trick that she did, which was to avoid reading negative comments.

"It helps a lot to lessen the reading of comments. I think when I share on social media especially my opinion about certain things, that is my opinion so I don't find the point in reading all the comments and replying. If hindi niyo nagustuhan opinyon ko, I don’t think that’s my problem,” Bianca said.

Taking the upper hand, Bianca now uses social media "to lead by example."

"It feels so nice that I get to share lessons and purpose in life with people who follow me on social media, especially younger ones," she said.

"Dapat Totoo: GMA News Lectures for #Eleksyon2022" is a series of exclusive online lectures for college students from partner schools. It aims to build a network of citizen journalists to contribute to the awareness and skills of today's youth in navigating social media for election reporting and fact-checking.

Bianca recently participated in a "Dapat Totoo: GMA News Lectures for #Eleksyon2022" lecture with students from De La Salle University and Polytechnic University of the Philippines on April 6. – RC, GMA News