P-12

From Lunch Dates to Zoom Conversations – Binalot Talks: Online Edition (2020-2022)

Alpha Rae Espigar & Anna Pineda

Archaeological Studies Program, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines

The Online Edition of the Binalot (Brownbag) Talks is an example of a public archaeology initiative adapting to the limitations brought about by the global pandemic. The Binalot Talks is an avenue for researchers to share their studies to the UP-ASP (Archaeological Studies Program, University of the Philippines) community and the public. Another objective is to encourage everyone to learn about the latest studies in archaeology and other fields. Despite the variation and large scope of topics covered by the Binalot, each session strives to demonstrate the applicability and relationship of archaeology to these different fields. Pre-Covid19 pandemic, the Binalot Talks were a weekly lunchtime discussion held in-person at the Albert Hall of the UP-ASP. Although the casual atmosphere of a face-to-face mealtime talk was difficult to replicate in a virtual meeting, the open-door policy was maintained. To continue this custom during the lockdown, web services that are free and accessible were employed. The online meetings did not require registration, meeting recordings and associated resources were made publicly available. We will discuss the changes made and challenges faced throughout the process and future prospects in engaging with the public through this endeavour, especially as we ease back into usual policies of working in offices. Aside from summarizing the efforts to make the Online Edition accessible online, this poster also contains a survey of the Binalot topics from August 2020 to August 2022.