The machinations of Philippine commerce is rooted in sponsorships. A sponsorship is not a gift. It comes attached with a string, more often than not a tight one. It tugs. It demands. It does so in exchange for something of greater or equal value. But it does so with a smile.
On the other hand, a patron is someone who wants nothing in return for art. He recognizes art for its own sake, a valuable gift which cannot be repaid — and continues to funnel resources for that very purpose — the pursuit of art.
When blogs were born, they became an effective medium to shake the status quo. As they grew, a lot were drowned in sponsorships. One after the other. Amidst the smiles, the glamor and the coverage, they cry, knee deep, that silent scream for Freedom.