On Vice Ganda on Anti-Bullying Fiasco on ABS-CBN's Showtime

Vice Ganda revealed his bare (cosmetic make-up less) face on national television in the Advice-Ganda segment of ABS-CBN's noontime show Showtime last May 28, 2015 to advocate anti-bullying. The ABS-CBN comedian shared the best advice he can give this tormented heavily bullied woman in her school - to accept and love who she is and what she looks like then proceeded to removing his make up.


If you are interested to how the whole drama unfolded. Check out the video feature from ABS-CBN's Aquino & Abunda Tonight here:


On Bullying

Bullying is a serious issue faced by not just children but adults alike. Bullying lowers self-esteem and confidence. It generally tend to make people feel inferior and uncomfortable with themselves which stems out a slew of problems with the worst case scenario depression which could then result to suicide. Society (now aggressively) frowns upon the act of bullying which is just and subscribed to by most people. People who are considered advocates of anti-bullying are now considered champions of the oppressed... people we cheer upon. Anti-bullying statements are now much stronger when it is said by notable public figures like celebrities.

On Vice Ganda's Brand of Humor

Those who trouble themselves (or helpless in) watching anything Vice Ganda, you'll have a general idea of what is his brand of humor, poking fun at the expense of others. You don't have to stray away to find this in action, just watch episodes of ABS-CBN's Gandang Gabi Vice to see his humor in action - usually poking fun of how the audience member (the "punch line") physically looks like. Heck he sometimes question the way the "punchline" behaves (gestures and mannerism), thinks and expresses (talks) him or herself. One can say but it is comedy and is subjective... but we can say that bullies are merely doing the act of bullying because they find the bullied to be funny or humorous.







People seem to have forgotten that not long ago Vice made a very questionable (and highly frowned-upon) joke that insults both the size of people (being fat) and (platfully belittling) rape. Well, guess that was probably not "bullying" but a simply is a bad joke; so subscribing to that, can bullies be merely bad jokers?
On The Irony of Vice Ganda's Anti-Bullying Fiasco

We now come to full circle with Vice Ganda's brand of humor which is laughing at the expense of other and bullies tendency to use humor to poke fun of others. Do you see the irony of this whole anti-bullying fiasco in Showtime? Well guess, I am not the only one who noticed this as meme's about Vice Ganda removing his make-up to give an ironic but "sensible" advice started circulating the social networks.



It is always good to watch and listen to people taking the side of the oppressed, to advocate anti-bullying; but we also have to be aware that in order for one to be a credible person to give such uplifting statements, he should be found in to have (little to) no faults in relation to bullying. Vice Ganda's brand of humor walks that thin line that separates jokes from insults. The big question is after this fiasco, will Vice Ganda's brand of humor grows up to be more intelligent or be the same ruthlessly poking fun at the expense of others?

How about you guys? What do you think about this whole television drama promulgated by ABS-CBN, Showtime, and Vice Ganda? If you are you a fan then are these criticism unfounded or uncalled for? Share your thoughts on Vice Ganda on Anti-Bullying Statement on ABS-CBN's Showtime in the comments section below:

Hilariously Subtitled Ghost Fighter Opening Theme Song by Wasted Productions

Wasted Production's Ghost Fighter Theme Song (Taglish) was one of those videos that took me by surprise which probably the reason why I can't stop laughing when I first saw it and get sudden bursts of laughter everytime I remember it. It featured the lyrics of the popular Japanese animated television series Yu Yu Hakusho a.k.a. Ghost Fighter which became very popular here in the Philippines around the 90's.

Watch Ghost Fighter Theme Song (Taglish) here:



Lyrics:

matsing oh! shit ang dumi
cat daga dumiskarte
hito ni bu-bunchek
ha? taena! isoli
ka siga pi-prito
hito ni bu-buncek

nood see the raw
nakita ko naron mag-jowa
puta subaru mo, sugat eh
trophy di auto nasa

mitsa mitsa, kurot she
grabe na di po init nasuka
kotse ko asul
you hit cubao ah
wah itek! krudo no ah
mista, mitsa kimchi
hinto the jeep
the who in it? me soda
yes! sa sea sya no?
selda ang tarik
sulu hmm there oh on me
hari got toyo sa himas

ewww mama
dyan lang kayo noh
chikito din
can u suck it? hmm..tatalon
ewww mama benta ko sayo narra
dont lie teh, wag ka rin tatalon

nood see the raw
kuya may toyo oh, kasuhan
nag-ani ikulong, kain teh
trophy di auto nasa
mista, mitsa
crush she don't kill that
the who in it? nasuka
no recon eto
you will hit cubao ah
wah itek! krudo no ah
mista, mitsa yes sa sea
hinto the jeep
the who in it? me soda
key busy sya noh
selda ang tarik
sulu hmm there oh on me
hari got toyo sa himas.

**no copyrights infringement intended**
The First Encounter

November 2, 2012, a Friday, I started noticing my office mates barely controlling themselves from laughing really hard and loud as our Korean boss might come in any moment. I was curios as to what could be the source of this contagious and uncontrollable laughter, the a wild MSN link to the shared facebook uploaded video of the Badly Subtitled Yu Yu Hakusho Theme Song appeared on my MSN and the rest is history. I immediately shared it on my FB wall to spread the madness.

It is funny because it exactly brings back memories of me singing various anime (opening or closing) theme songs with the wrong lyrics or as how I heard them. It was before there was even the internet or anime magazines to help us sing it right. This video is so funny because it it is exactly that only funnier. A comedic take and a what-if scenario. What if someone tried to make sense of a Japanese song by associating words with this foreign language. That is what we get with the hilariously subtitled Ghost Fighter Opening Theme Song by Wasted Productions and it warrants to be both filed under the Social Network Vault and Fave Videos here at CMABLOGS.

A Look on What Eat Bulaga! Indonesia Is Like

Last time we talked and confirmed that Indonesia officially franchised Eat Bulaga!. Now let's check out what Eat Bulaga! Indonesia is like on its first episode.

Eat Bulaga! Indonesia's version of Pambato ng Videoke ng Bayan



Eat Bulaga! Indonesia's version of Sugod Bahay Gang





INDONESIA PINTAR - Eat Bulaga! Indonesia's version of Pinoy Henyo Segment

Amidst the language barrier, I still find it amusing how Eat Bulaga! Indonesia has managed to duplicate the feel and the look of the original Philippine Eat Bulaga! in their own fun and conservative type of way. For most Filipinos who are not privileged enough to learn the Indonesian dialect, we just have to read the scenes as it is the exact same Eat Bulaga that we grew to loved with for 33 years, only with a different coat. Well it is expected for a franchise anyways. Hopefully Indonesia's localized version and franchise of Eat Bulaga! will soon become a household name that will not only entertain generations of Indonesians but provide public service to its people.

Eat Bulaga! Indonesia: Philippine's Longgest Running Noontime Variety Show Eat Bulaga Got Franchised!

Eat Bulaga! has been providing television entertainment for 3 decades and is tsill counting. Millions of Filipinos grew up with this long-running Philippine noontime variety show since it began airing back in 1979. I've seen almost everything there to see on Eat Bulaga and told myself that nothing will surprise me anymore with this television entertainment show for the mass, until I stumbled on a news about Eat Bulaga! Indonesia.

Eat Bulaga! Indonesia
Official News about the Eat Bulaga! Franchise in Indonesia

Yes, Philippine's undisputed number one noontime variety show got franchised by Surya Citra Televisi a.k.a SCTV Network in Indonesia. Indonesians will now be able to watch Eat Bulaga! Indonesia every Mondays to Saturdays at an afternoon timeslot of 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM starting July 16, 2012 in SCTV. Eat Bulaga! Indonesia will be hosted by Uya Kuya, Aja Farid, Reza No, Ramzi, Narji, Ciripa, Rian Ibram, Rio Indrawan, Steven, Leo Consul, Selena Alexandria, Jenny Tan, Bianca Lizza and Julie Christie. The Indonesian afternoon variety show will also feature its own version of Eat Bulaga's popular segments like Bulagaan (Bolagaan), Juan For All, All For Juan (Satu Untuk Semua, Semua Untuk Satu) and Pinoy Henyo (Indonesia Jenius). "We want this program to be a success like in the Philippines, where it has been running for the past 33 years," said Harsiwi Achmad, Director of Programs and Production at Studio Penta SCTV. "We’re not adapting 100% of the Philippines’ Eat Bulaga but will format in accordance with the state and introduce positive values, ​​environmental campaigns, and sharing with others," said Harsiwi.

News Source: KapanLagi

No thanks to my day job, I am not that updated with a much more live news from Eat Bulaga! that is currently airing on GMA Network. Luckily we have the internet to save me from the hassle. It is not an April Fool's Joke or anything and it has been confirmed by the Eat Bulaga Team themselves. Eat Bulaga! Indonesia is really happening.

Well, Eat Bulaga! didn't get to where it is now (as the longest running undisputed noontime variety show in the Philippines for 33 years) without the support of millions of Filipinos. Eat Bulaga! has endured the test of time, triumphed over its numerous competition, and survived some controversies that its host has gotten themselves into.Eat Bulaga has consistently evolved to the show that it is now. Besides the usual entertainment, Eat Bulaga! has now become a public service program that won the hearts of more Filipinos. The big question is to whether Eat Bulaga! Indonesia will have the same impact as what Eat Bulaga! did here in the Philippines. If all the cards are played right by the television compay and its initial 14 hosts, Indonesians will have something fun, entertaining and good on their television screen every weekdays at 4 PM with Eat Bulaga! Indonesia.

A Citizen's View on The Preposterous House Resolution 2140: Philippine Politicians Asked Not to Be Portrayed as Criminals in Films and Television Programs

A news about the House Resolution 2140 filed by Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. made me both laughed my hearts out and scratched my head in dismay.

Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. filed the House Resolution 2140 which aims to appeal to the local television and movie industry to "minimize, prevent, or stop typecasting congressmen and congresswomen as villains or crooks in movies and television telenovelas, in order not to create stereotypes or negative public perception against members of the House of Representatives."

News Source: InterAksyon News | Inquirer News

How the Filipino Public Perceive the House of Representatives of the Philippines

There is no doubt that media has both direct and indirect influence on how most Filipinos view our "honorable" and "reputable" politicians. It is also natural to feel bad when one is called something that he is not. It has been like that from the moment you are born and will still "be" on the last moments of your life. Given the two points, we can say that it is only natural for a politician to somehow and sometimes feel pain when being stereotyped as a corrupt official when they are really not. So how can they get away with this negative image? Well, the House Resolution 2140 seems to address that issue.

The problem with the bill is narrowing it down to the entertainment industry, mainly television and film. I don't think that the Filipino people are that "dumb" to be able to state that Philippine politicians are corrupt because they saw a portrayal of one in a telenovela, or a film? Think about it, if the Filipino people indeed thinks that almost every politicians are committing acts of graft and corruption, would you honestly think that they would let it pass? Would you think they would participate in the electoral process? In some strange way, the Filipino people are still hopeful that the politician they entrusted with their votes will be responsible with the duty assigned to them, to make and improve laws that would benefit the Philippine people. So it is absolutely wrong to underestimate the intelligence of the people that because they saw an action film starring the Fernando Poe, Jr. out to take his vengeance on a corrupt congressman and his goons means that congressmen and women are also corrupt.

So why does the Filipino people still thinks of them as corrupt?

It is part of human nature to associate everything, stereotype things, and even discriminate. Given two or more factors, then a person would usually make his conclusion on to something. When all we are exposed to are isolated but numerous news reports about politicians being involved in criminal activities, then that is more than enough to make the impression that they are corrupt. Not to mention reports that they are not properly doing their jobs right but still are getting paid for. Just think of it, they are there to work but then you see empty seats in congress, then here they are receiving their regular salaries? Given that their salaries might get reduced if not put on hold because of unsatisfactory attendance in the house, most of them are still receiving their "pork barrels" which are the main source as to why people doubt their credibility and accountability. As long as there are questionable projects then this image of corrupt officials would never go away.

Questionable Intentions and Priorities

There are more important laws than the mere preservation of the image of our dear "reputable" congressmen and congresswomen. I am not a law expert, but know a thing or two about the Philippine constitution, and I believe that politicians can draft new and relevant laws and improved on existing laws filled with highly exploitable loopholes rather than making up with such absurd house resolutions or bills. How about passing the pushing and enacting the Freedom of Information Bill? Seeing that politicians prefer making laws to protect the welfare and image of a selected few (themselves) rather than the people itself, it makes you question their reliability, intelligence, and capability as a government elected official.

Rather than House Resolution 2140 how about giving more attention and priority to House Bill 3732 Freedom of Information Bill?

The funny thing is that that the representatives who filed and supported the said resolution knew that it will have a conflict with the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of speech and of expression, and that they can only "appeal" to the entertainment industry. Once this news hit the social networks, where I personally found this, the said resolution has already received negative review from the outspoken Filipino netizens (as seen on the comments section of the news source I stated above), by the Philippine entertainment industry (headed by the MTRCB), and people just against any forms of censorship.

Another interesting fact is why come up with such trivial resolutions now? I haven't seen any film or television programs portraying politicians as criminals, not that I am aware of. Is it because the Philippine film industry plans to resurrect the action film genre which is famous for its portrayals of corrupt politicians as its main antagonists? If that is the case, then bravo to those congressmen who filed this resolution, you now became the part... the villain to the revival of action film genre.

Men and women in power are perfect villains to most films and telenovelas. This is probably why antagonists are often portrayed as corrupt politicians, generals, rich businessmen, or just stupendously rich people, and the protagonists are the victims of these greedy, evil corrupt villains.

Let's say that there currently ARE television dramas that use politicians as its main antagonists, so what? Let us say that in some twist of fate this resolution gets enacted as an actual law, will it stop people from perceiving them any other way. I strongly believe that it won't. If not, it would probably fuel the people to speculate even more; be more suspicious about our dear politicians censoring the creative freedom of the entertainment industry. People has affiliate people censoring or hiding the truth as people who has something devious to hide. People will then be more curious, more feisty and hungry for information, keeping an even closer eye to the once secret lives of our dear politicians. The Filipino mass then will depend on the news which is far more harsher than the actual truth. They can never censor news so their efforts on putting a lid on the entertainment industry will be the reason for people to doubt them more. Well, at least in telenovelas and films people will have a face to refer to. When the main protagonists triumphs over the said corrupt official, then it only proves that good always triumphs over evil; giving people the impression that corrupt politicians will someday pay for their crimes. But I don't think that it would be enough reason for a Philippine television and film audience will think of their local Representative in the same manner, unless there are reports or rumors inciting that the person might be so.

What-If Scenario

Let's just imagine that this gets enacted to an actual bill. What would happen next? There are honestly so many professions which can used by the Philippine entertainment industry as a villain to their films or telenovelas. Heck, there have even be actual films and television dramas that used doctors, teachers, office workers, supervisors, managers, etc. as their main villain. If the House of Representatives can ban the entertainment industry from portraying politicians as criminals, then the more reason that the common profession to demand to do the same. I can now imagine the Cojuanco empire asking for Hacienda owners not to be portrayed as oppressive villains in a film about Filipino farmers and their struggles. Are you ready for an action film starring a congressman who was framed and is out on a vengeance? Well, heck yeah that sounded like an interesting premise for an action film, but whoelse would the film's main villain? Another politician, that's impossible because of the LAW. Oh, how about an evil general? Well, no can do, he is still considered as a government official and if the position isn't listed on the law, then the Philippine Military and Constabulary would just ask for a similar law to be enacted... You know, to protect their image!

This is my opinion on this said news. I personally don't know or has any connection to Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr., he might have even drafted and co-authored a few House Bill and Resolutions, but this is just plain absurd. It is on the same level of absurdity as the Anti-Planking Bill. This news just compelled me to blog for I believe that through new media via blogs, we can freely exercise our constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of speech and of expression. Our opinions expressed and our voices heard. If in some weird way, my message reach these politicians, hopefully they keep an open mind about such criticism for them to become better public officials, and that is what this country needs the most.

What about you guys? What's your reaction to this news? Share your thoughts about the House Resolution 2140 on the comments section below:

The Humor That is Not: Boy Pick-Up of Bubble Gang's Pick-Up Lines Battle Skit Brand of Anti-Humor

Pick-Up Lines Battle is one of the more popular and awaited segments (by fans) in the long running Friday nights Philippine gag show Bubble Gang. Besides the strange charm and stupendously cheesy delivery of similarly cheesy pick-up lines by the "pickapista" contenders to become the ultimate pick-up king, the Bubble Gag's skit greatest strength and punch line is the sport's undisputed and undefeated winner, Boy Pick Up. Let's take a look at how this Bubble Gang skit and character became the a phenomenal success.

Delivering pick-up lines has long been an optional part of the dating scene or the flirting game. By definition, pick-up lines are supposedly catchy lines used to catch ("pick-up") the attention of a stranger of interest. A pick-up line is a success once the girl took notice and starts engaging in this small talks. Not everyone can be good at it though. The success of a pick-up line depends on the person delivering it, person receiving it, how it is delivered, and what message it delivers. Failure of falling under all four factors will end up with an instant rejection. As times past by though, comedians have found humor on pick-up lines. From the absurd cheesy pick-up lines to even the most perverted ones, delivering it seems to be more effective if it was meant as a joke. There have been a few cases that various comedic shows used the pick-up lines method of delivering humor, but Bubble Gang is probably the first to make a complete segment entitled and dedicated to delivering cheesy pick-up lines.

Bubble Gang's Pick-up Line Battle was inspired by the underground Filipino rap battle which was also known as fliptop battle which became comemrcially popular back at 2010. As a fan of Bubble Gang, I saw how the Flptop Battle segment evolved into the Pick-Up Lines Battle. Bubble Gang first invited actual fliptop contenders in Bubble Gang's more television-friendly version of the fliptop battle. Fliptop battles are said to be the mix of new form balagtasan, poetry, rap and trash talking. If you watched original Fliptopb battles over at Youtube, you will definitely find out that Flip Battles is a battle of quick wits and derogatory remarks, a game for not the easily-pissed individuals. Check out Bubble Gang's Freestyle Rap Battle, the predecessor to Pick-Up Lines Battle:

Being too censored out and toned down, Bubble Gang's Freestyle Battle may have interest its viewers with the underground Pinoy rap culture, but was effective as a long running gag. This is why Bubble Gang invited actual Freetyle "Fliptop" rappers to pit them against the ridiculously absurd and stupid version of Bubble Gang's freestyle rap... which doesn't made much sense, but it eventually became "funny". This is probably enough cue for the creative writers of the GMA Network gag show to come up with something "new" and thus Pick Up Lines Battle was created.

When Pick Up Lines Battle first made its appearance in Bubble Gang, it featured the same freestyle battle but with pick up lines battle which was always entertaining especially when the ones delivering it were actually good. The winner of the two rounds will face off with the undefeated king of pick-up lines which is played by Ogie Alcasid. The punchline here is his actual existence. The winners and the earlier competitors mostly have good pick-up lines and usually superb delivery of which, but here is this Boy Pick-Up who doesn't have a sense to any of his Tagalog pick-up lines. That fact itself and when you here his pick-up lines will make you scratch your head but later cracks you up when the audience exalt his pure brilliance with his pick-up lines. Boy pick-up's pick-up lines are not meant to be funny but they eventually become one. With this, Boy pick-up's brand of humor falls under the anti-humor category.

A little info about anti-humor:

Anti-humor is a type of indirect humor that involves the joke-teller delivering something which is deliberately not funny, or lacking in intrinsic meaning. The audience is expecting something humorous, and when this does not happen, the irony itself is of comedic value. Anti-humor is also the basis of various types of pranks and hoaxes. It is considered to be very postmodern. The humor of such jokes based on the surprise factor of absence of an expected joke or of a punch line in a narration which is set up as a joke.

Source: Wikipedia

But there is a limit to the anti-humor charm just like any other kind of joke. This is what I've been recently noticing with Bubble Gang's Pick Up Lines Battle. I think that some of us started to expect or wanted more sense in Boy Pick-Up's non-nonsensical pick-up lines, if that made any sense to you? Hahahaha. There is a limit to how many times we can tolerate "Kasi ang kuwan ni kuwan ay ganito". I prefer it when his nonsensical pickup lines has some pop culture reference or relevance, like a one particular episode when Boy Pick-Up answered Neneng B. with "Eh, kasi bata.", with "Weh?!", or with immediately following Neneng B.'s "Bakit" response with "..ngayun ka lang?" ("Bakit Nagyon Ka Lang" by Ogie Alcasid).

Hopefully, the creative team of writers of Bubble Gang can come up with more sensible nonsensicals for Boy Pick-Up. Something that isn't connected but still would be funny. I even saw some comments on various social networks claiming that ever since Boy Pick-Up became popular, he slowly became cornier and cornier. You know what, in some extent, I agree. Bubble Gang's Boy Pick-Up has become so popular that the character is used outside its regular zone in Bubble Gang, thus people being exposed to anti-humor making them more resilient to the effects of the comedic genre. Pick Up Lines Battle along with Boy Pick Up will eventually be phased out just like any other comedy skits, but hopefully it goes out with a bang. The big question is, will it successfully conclude with a film starring Boy Pick-Up like Yaya and Angelina? Guess, we'll have to find out about that soon enough.

My Diyes Sentimos on as Survivor Philippines Season 4 Winner: Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown Live Finale Review

After 36 days, Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown finally names its Ultimate Sole Survivor - Albert "Betong" Sumaya. Survivor Philippines final three were Albert "Betong" Sumaya, Steff Prescott, and Mara Yokohama. Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown Live Finale gathers Season Four's contestants in this reunion special slash announcement of the sole survivor finale. Like what I did with Amaya, here are my thoughts on Betong winning as Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown.

The two episodes before this finale was filled with hate and negativity; a big bleep-fest of an episode as I would like to call it. While those two episodes focus more on Survivor season 4's jury bringing out their frustrations, hate, and bad blood against the season's final three, the live finale turns that around. We now hear them giving message of good tidings to the final three. From being infuriated and impulsive, the jury is now back at their regular celebrity goody good poker face attitude, well with the exception of KC who still believed that he should be on the Final Three rather than Betong. I admire that guy for keeping it real, and playing it as how it would be played. Unfortunately, he was outwitted by the two women he trusted in the end. Lagi ko tuloy nasasabing "matalino man ang matsing, napaglalalangan din". To whether the final three truly deserved that Survivor Philippines Final Three slot is no longer the issue here. Everyone has their own bet, but unfortunately there could only be one Survivor Philippines sole survivor who'll go home with 3 Million Pesos.

Like the usual, the Jury's votes were arranged and announced in a sequence where all three final three members get one vote each, then HOPYA! cut to a commercial... nice, right? Then cuts back to the reality shows final and most awaited part, the announcement of Survivor Philippines Celebrity doubles Showdown sole survivor. Betong got 4 votes from the Jury, while Mara has 2 votes, and Steff with only got 1 vote. It was later revealed who voted who. KC, Chuckie, Maey, and Arthur all voted for Betong, while the Philippine Volcanoes' Johnny and Arnold voted for Mara, while Gino voted for Steff. I was not surprised that Betong won. He took the good guy route in Survivor Philippines, because we all know that the people cheers for the good down to Earth guy, right?

So congratulations to Betong for bagging home 3 Million and winning Survivor Philippines Season 4 Celebrity Doubles Showdown. Although you weren't my bet, it was easy for me to accept you as the sole survivor for your good guy gameplay. How about you guys? Who was your bet in this season? Who did you cheered for (loved) or hated? What are your thoughts about Survivor Philippines Season Four's Sole Survivor? Share your thoughts in the comments section below:

ABS-CBN Pits It's Showtime To GMA Network's Eat Bulaga

Competition is back to noontime shows (again) this February 06, 2012 as ABS-CBN - Kapamilya Network pits the newly reformatted It's Showtime (previously Showtime) with the longest running undisputed noontime show of GMA Network - Kapuso Network's Eat Bulaga. So what does this spell for both well-received noontime programs.

This is not the first time that ABS-CBN (Kapamilya) Network compete with the noontime giant Eat Bulaga. Speaking as someone who followed the transition of the beloved undisputed noontime show (Eat Bulaga), in my own opinion after Eat Bulaga migrated to GMA Network back in 1995, it seems that it also brought along the flare and magic to noontime show which EB was known for to GMA Network. Fans of the series which came from almost all generation was also taken away from ABS-CBN, thus making GMA Network become a more competitive Philippine Network giant that it is known today. I can firmly say that Eat Bulaga brought fame and success to GMA. Since then ABS-CBN has always struggled with the noontime slot. Kapamilya has pitted various noontime shows like 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila, Magandang Tanghali Bayan, Esep Esep, Masayang Tanghali Bayan, and MTB Ang Saya Saya. One particular ABS-CBN noontime show came close as a competition to Eat bulaga and that was Wowowee which somehow broke the usual variety format in exchange of a game show packed format. There have been a couple of times that the show has won over the ratings game with Eat Bulaga. After Wowowee's five year run, the shows host got into dispute with the Kapamilya Network's management causing him to leave the network in exchange of a new afternoon-evening variety game show on TV5. ABS-CBN then replaced Wowowee with the short live noontime shows like Pilipinas Win Na Win, but that show was still a flop. Then ABS-CBN tried going back to the noontime variety show format with Happy Yipee Yehey! but the noontime show itself came to a short run and come February 6, it will be replaced by the popular morning talent-variety show Showtime. In order to compete with the undisputed noontime show Eat Bulaga, Showtime will surely drop its regular talent show format into a more streamlined variety-game show format. Showtime will now be know as It's Showtime.

If there is one thing that I come to realize in this life that one should never be loyal to one particular station. I for one am still a fan of Eat Bulaga but that doesn't mean that I won't be switching channels. There wonce was a time when I preferred the Korean telenovela noontime block that TV5 once had, and during those times Eat Bulaga and Wowowee were already on air. Showtime was also a great show back then as it came before Eat Bulaga and becoming more of a supplement to an enjoyable noontime. It was a killer combo, After Showtime, we then switched to Eat Bulaga. Sadly Showtime will now be directly competing with Eat Bulaga, which will definitely be chaotic. Well at least we now have an option, because believe it or not there can be days where Eat Bulaga can be just tad boring. Showtime's greatest asset is Vice Ganda and her comedy bar background, sadly once she takes brakes the Showtime would just be another like another Happy Yippee Yehey and as much as possible It's showtime wouldn't want that so that only means that there would be no rest for the popular comedian, Vice Ganda. Chances are that Gandang Gabi Vice might soon bid its farewell.

It's Showtime Station ID
ABS-CBN Kapamilya Network promotes It's Showtime

A big give away that the ABS-CBN and the actual noontime show is desperate to win back the noontime slot that is the fact that the show will air 30 minutes before 12:00 nn. So Showtime will have a thirty minutes lead and a lot to prove, but I know for a fact that come 12:00 nn thse who are tuned in to the new noontime show would be switching back to the well-beloved noontime show Eat Bulaga and that is a FACT (well if you are not a solid Kapamilya that is)! Another thing that I've also noticed that the new show is heavily marketed, which is pretty normal but there is a certain unique feel to It's Showtime marketing. It feels like it is going to be a better Showtime, but one thing is sure that TAPE Management will be up its feet to defend Eat Bulaga noontime reign. This will possibly mean new games, segments, and humor for Eat Bulaga but we'll see that once competition is back.

I am not saying that It's Showtime can never beat Eat Bulaga nor I can say that it completely can. Competition is good for both noontime shows to be up both their games; and think of new, entertaining, and innovative segments to keep the Philippine masses entertained. Hopefully, ABS-CBN can finally be content with this noontime show and stick with it through thick and thin because It's Showtime will probably be their best and last noontime show to become an actual competition to Eat Bulaga... that is coming from someone who is a long fan of Eat Bulaga, and at a time an avid viewer of Showtime. To It's Showtime, good luck because you need it. Hope you could help Eat Bulaga improve and become a better noontime show by winning the ratings game which means that they have to improve on something. To Eat Bulaga (TAPE Incorporated) the challenge glove has been thrown at you. Be up your feet and prove that Eat Bulaga will forever be the best noontime show of all time...a show not just for the contemporary but for all generations.

For Philippine Television Networks Consideration: Create An All-Original Filipino Tokusatsu Series Seriously for the Younger Television Audience

An All-Original Filipino-Made and Produced Tokusatsu Series Taken Seriously for Younger Philippine Television Audience
By Christopher Aquino, January 17, 2012.

We are who we are thanks to the things we experienced in our lives. There are also some factors that influence and shapes us, one of which is the mass media. Mass media plays a very critical and important role in shaping the minds of the youth, the world's future leader. So as much as possible we need to protect them as our future may very well depend on them right? But what does the mass media, mainly he television provide our children? A regular weeknight primetime soap operas which regularly tackles convoluted plots with adult themes like infidelity, LGBT (Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, and Transgender) suggestions and innuendos, betrayal, revenge, sex, and murder, which all are unsuited for the young minds of the children. In a way parents are also to blame for not adhering to the television show warnings and guidelines (Parental Guidance) provided by the MTRCB "effectively" placed before each show. I am no moralist or anyone so fixated with such extreme ideals that I actually suggest taking the fun out of the usual simple things. I am not against the removal of such shows for it is a source of entertainment for adults, but they have to also give something for the children to chew on. While to adults, adult themes are just part of the norm, to children they are a bizarre and sometimes very overwhelming matter. How many young niece, nephews, cousins, brothers, and sisters have asked while watching a show "Totoo ba yan?" or "Patay na ba talaga sya?"; how about you justifying a show "Wag kang maniniwala dyan, hindi yan totoo". Thus, the curiosity comes in, and when you have issues like betrayal, sex, revenge, and sexual innuendos then that is a deadly mix with a child's natural curiosity. As a matter of fact I liked my politically incorrect violent kids television shows (cartoons) back in the days, and that is probably one factor that made me who I am today, a geek, which is the new "cool" and "sexy" of the 21st century.

What's with a Tokusatsu series? Kids are different today, they now knew when someone is preaching on them, sometimes they become resilient of such cases. So when they are entertained by let's say a particular kid's show like a tokusatsu series their usual defenses against adults directly preaching them with good morals and right conduct will be down. Tokusatsu shows can subliminally educate children about various values and good morals like love for parents, respect, friendship, loyalty, optimism, hardwork, perseverance, and many more. So besides the rating, and potential merchandising empire created by a tokusatsu series, there is also a good cause to it.

I still can remember the times that I come home from school to watch my favorite cartoon shows in the afternoon, wake up early to catch that early morning kid's show, or impatiently wait until it's 5 o'clock in the afternoon to watch my favorite tokusatsu series every weekends. Speaking of tokusatsus, let's focus more on that, shall we? According to Wikipedia "Tokusatsu" is a Japanese term that applies to any live-action film or television drama that usually features superheroes and makes considerable use of special effects. Tokusatsu literally translates as "special filming" in Japanese. Back in the days, the three or four television companies IBC (Ch13), ABS CBN (Ch2), RPN (Ch9), and GMA (Ch7) features such forms of "kid-friendly" entertainment. Yup, it was a different era (the roaring 90's) that time, tv networks actually listens to the pulse of the mass by importing foreign shows abroad which go way back from the 80's. From American series to Japanese tokusatsus and animes, everyone had the option to what channel to go to to get their specific fix. I remember waiting for Ultraman and MagmaMan in ABS CBN (I wish my memory served me right), waiting for Maskman, MachineMan, Shaider, and Masked Rider Black on IBC 13, and Dragon Balls on RPN 9. They were every parents dream programming, to turn to one station which both entertain them and their children alike. I can remember father, taking the initiative to actually tune in to an episode of Masked Rider Black back in those days. It was a hot topic amongst boys when in school. "Did you see Robert Akizuki beat the crap out of that monster?!" is one of the sample lines one can hear from a group of classmates in our elementary school back then. But now, what?

Kamen Rider Black a testimony that Tokusatsu has a place in Philippine television scene

Although I had to give acknowledgement to the two major Philippine television network for coming out with television adaptation of some of Philippine comics most reverred superheroes, and creating the fantaserye (fantasy television series) Philippine programming category, they are not enough to entertain every generations of audiences. Let's say one generation had the opportunity to enjoy a super hero series like Pandakekoks, Kristala, Pintados, or Captain Barbel, but what about the generations that comes after that? Although I can also suggest for television networks to make all their classic super hero shoes available in home video format, but nothing beats the live primetime television version right? This is where Japan excels in providing entertainment for every generation of child audiences. They have the tokusatsu television tradition. This is where I am hoping the Philippine television networks could consider... to create an on-going all-original Filipino-made tokusatsu or super hero series.

TV Networks can pull this off. They already did create such special effect filled super hero television series like Panday, Captain Barbell, Darna, LastikMan, Flash Bomba, and Super Inggo to name a few. One of the most notable but negatively received series that a TV Network has ever come closed to making a Filipino tokusatsu is GMA Network's Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan, the Philippine TV Network's version or rather a loosely based sequel of the popular 1984-1985 classic Japanese Metal Hero "Space Sheriff Shaider". Shaider was a beloved classic to those who grew up watching the popular metal hero series, so when Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan, a 2007 series looks way inferior than the 1984 predecessor Space Sheriff Shaider that it draws inspiration from, it was only natural for the majority of the Shaider and generally tokusatsu fans spoiled with the top notched quality Japan has brought them to hate and complain about the unofficial Filipino sequel, Zaido. On the other hand, the newer generation of Filipino kids (Philippine televiewing mass) didn't mind it which is an obvious clear sign of the potential of a possible successful tokusatsu series. If only the TV Network listened to that community.

The problem with Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan is that it followed the traditional time slot of every Filipino soap opera. The Philippine television viewing public was presented with a 20-minutes-a-day primetime series every weeknights rather than following the trusted Japanese timeslot formula of one 30-40 minute episode a week format. Being only once a week could give more time for the production team to polish the visual and special effects used in every major monster fights, but since Zaido is a weeknights series then it is expected for the show to have a poorly applied special effects that even a nine twelve year old would notice as a fake. If only the TV Network has taken the tokusatsu tv series more seriously, and focused more on a niche market the kids. If they only dropped all the unnecessary soap opera-ish drama cliches uncalled for a superhero series, focusing more on convincing special effects, engaging plot, awesome fight sequences and creative monster and superhero designs, then the network might had something special in their hands back then. Unfortunately, Zaido just miserably fail.

Learning from the failure that is Zaido, I believe that there is money (for tV Networks) and entertainment (for the Philippine TV audience) to have in the super hero or tokusatsu genre that is taken seriously. It is time for the (now three) leading Philippine television networks (ABS CBN, GMA, and TV5) to invest and engage on a much more younger television audience by not only importing foreign shows, but by making an all-Filipino tokusatsu or super hero series in a one-hour time format presented on a once a week basis (preferably weekends). If the TV Networks followed the Japanese kind of tokusatsu TV Series formula, then they can create a new niche, a loyal following, and amoney making merchandise. Appealing to kids, Japanese tokusastu series like the Kamen Rider and the Super Sentai created this unique audience where they can successfully market the various merchandise like plush toys, collectible cards, action figures, and video games related to the series that kids loved to watch. So imagine, if a Philippine TV Network does create something as popular and phenomenal like an annual series similar to what a Kamen Rider or Super Sentai series is like, then they don't only have a competitive show with good ratings which brings moe advertising for them, but it can also bring them new money making machinery. Tokusatsu shows are presented on a once a week showing basis for it gives the series more lifespan which is good for any of its merchandise. Just imagine how many toy merchandise can a company make under such titles, and repeat that same success year after year if they established this unique market. As long as the TV Network takes the genre seriously, then their audience will take them seriously. In a way, they are also training these young audience to become loyal followers which will itself sustain the new TV genre for as long as the company can keep doing it.

Hopefully the Philippine TV Networks can consider making an all-Filipino tokusatsu series seriously even if it is aimed at a younger audience.

My Diyes Sentimos on Amaya's Epic Finale: "Amaya" Television Series Ending Review

Friday, January the 13th of 2011 marks the day that GMA Network's fictional epic television series Amaya shall finally end. Probably by this time, GMA's epic-serye is already over and this is why I am making this television ending review for the popular primetime soap. So what do I think of Amaya's Ending? Who's asking, well no one, but this is still my two cents or should I say my diyes sentimos (ten cents) on Amaya's epic finale.

Amayaaaaa Jesuuuuus! What the hell am I saying? Well, Amaya finally was able to walk on water (you know like Jesus) after praying to Laon (ancient god) for blessings. Thus having the power to call forth a sleeping legendary monstrosity, the Bakunawa, a Philippine mythological sea serpent. To whatever reason as to why Laon (the god of the Amaya lore) bestowed this divine-like power only seen on diwatas (fairy) to Amaya beats the hell out of me. Well, if the gods provided her powers right from the start, then we won't have this show to talk about. Oh well it is the ending, so it is only fitting for the series to feature over the top sequences. And what better way to end the series most hated villain, Dian Lamitan (Gina Alajar), than with a death by being devoured alive by a sea serpent. I only had this question in mind while the scene where Amaya was walking on water and the Bakunawa on her side... What the hell were the gods thinking to finally favor Amaya on that finale with Lamitan? To whatever that reason is, we will never know as it was never explained. It is just as it is and that is somehow insulting to a thinking audience and as for someone who observed the fictional story's lore. Well, the CGI Bakunawa looks "decent" for a Philippine produced television series and it is of GMA Network's standard; if you call it their standard.

So it is a happy ending for the series loving couple (Bagani and Amaya), right? Well, well not yet as the two are forced to take responsibilities as leaders to the people whom they ruled on. The show then fast forwards to a time when Banuk (Now Rocco Nacino) and Alunsina (Kris Bernal) are all grown up. The feisty Alunsina dared to answer a question asked by Banuk for the his brother, the Raja (tribe's leader). If I were the leader or even as the brother of the leader, then I would scold this meddlesome babaylan not to butt in on conversation of other people. I laughed thinking about this particular situation, thinking of an in your face joke ala Vice Ganda or Bubble Gang's Mr. Assimmo. May I also commend Rocco Nacino for speaking so good deep Tagalog words. You made me realize that there is still hope for the average joe to make it big in Philippine showbizness, Hahahaha. The Narrator (Kris Bernal) continually describes what happened next. The Philippine ancient slave system was somehow improved thanks to the joint effort of all the tribe's leaders headed by of course Bagani and Amaya. That slaves have now the opportunity to buy themselves out of slavery and become ordinary citizens, which ultimately is a happy ending for all of them. This then made the rest of the country strong and made the people one. A short clip of Magellan (Dingdong Dantes) on 1521 docking in Mactan, then fighting Lapu-Lapu was shown. For you know... historical accuracy which made me laughed thinking about it.

Bagani (Sid Lucero) seeing that his tribe is already self-sustaining, finally decides to leave his tribe to pursue a life with the woman he loves. Well, duh! Finally! He arrived at Amaya's tribe to be with her, but was shocked to see a boy called Amaya his mother. Bagani was disheartened to learned that Amaya has somehow moved on during the time that they were apart and potentially had a child with another man. But to everyone's surprise (well not really), that the kid was their (Bagani and Amaya's) child. To whatever kind of stupid reason as to why Amaya didn't tell Bagani was never explained by the Narrator (Alunsina - Kris Bernal). I guess that scene would look more dramatic with that twist, well I think it is funny. Then it fast forward again and the narrator is now an old woman. Alunsina is now an old woman and the Chief Babaylan who is educating her priestess in training about the valiant Amaya and Bagani. Then the volcano whom she said is the dwelling place of the gods suddenly errupted. she then tells that the times are changing and she saw a vision of conquerors seizing the land, but there will still be warriors like Amaya whom will rise up and fight these tyrants. Finally we have a montage of scenes of the best of Amaya and then the film just ends with a Gluthathione like endorsement shot of Amaya. Oh boy, was Marian's skin so white in that flashback. Then the series just ends without even showing off the series credits. The least that the network could do is give the team some acknowledgement or pat in the back for making a primetime soap that made decent rating for the show. Oh well, they ARE running out of time, and Munting Heredera is up next so what the hell, let's just end the series like that.

What I hated in past GMA Kapuso Network teleserye (television series) endings was the feeling that they felt rushed. They did this on series that made poor ratings, what's the use of keeping something that is not selling right? I think GMA or any tv network owes the people who managed to watch and see the such poorly rated and received television series a decent ending. Given that a series sucked in ratings, but what about those who supported it? They need a resolution or a decent conclusion to a series they learned to like, even love. So, was Amaya guilty of the same Kapuso teleserye rushed ending scenario? Luckily, Not... completely. Amaya did good on the ratings anyway so I think they owe it to everyone to give the series enough justice. Although it had some cheesy and stupid parts, I think it is a fitting end for a fictional historical television epic. Amaya was a decent primetime television series that managed to somehow educate the everyday household or the Philippine mass couch potatoes a little about our ancient history and a few deep Tagalog, Cebuano, and Bisayan words, but don't expect to see any realism or a depiction of the life back in ancient Philippines. How can you even believe that women are treated as an equal to man and even became a leader on a politically incorrect ancient Philippines dominated by men. Not only that but they women all looks so pretty and white, I would be more convinced if Amay was more ancient Hispanics rather than Filipino if you base the series based on the skin and features of the characters who portrayed ancient Filipinos. I would be more convinced if they made Rochelle Pangilinan as Amaya out of skintone realism, but the network of course knows better.

Amaya was fun while it lasted. We had a few laughs on some parts of the ending and there were questions unanswered but nothing that ruined the entire series. Amaya was an entertaining show that provided a very fictionalized ancient Philippines.

The Allegory of Bubble Gang's CheChe Bureche Skit

Besides being the longest running comedy show in the Philippines, Bubble Gang in my opinion is one of the smartest shows out there. It does not only make you laugh for a good hour once a week (Friday nights) but subconsciously educates you on the reality of life. Bubble Gang features smart comedy every now and then.



Bubble Gang's Cheche Bureche skit stars Ogie Alcasid as the rich daughter named Cheche, Michael V. as the half-sister of Cheche who grew up in the slums, and Antonio Aquitania as their loving and unaware father. Each episode features the struggle of Cheche under her oppressive and plain old bully of a half-sister Bureche. Bureche seems to be the model child, kind and loving half-sister to CheChe when their father is around but as soon as he turns his back on them, the little devil starts picking up on the jolly and kind-hearted Cheche. Justice eventually prevails however as each bullying costs Bureche to suffer in the end.



Almost every Filipinos grew up watching generic Philippine cinema stereotypes like the rich are oppressive and evil, while the poor are always the victim and hero of every story. The Bubble Gang's skit pokes fun at this stereotype and turns it around. The funny thing is that it really is a reflection of reality. Watching the news, where "professional" squatters are so stubborn when being forced out on a piece of land which was never theirs is one proof of this reality. Another example is of who is it that victimized hard working middle class and well-off people, isn't it usually the "poor" criminals? I always see such reports ending with the criminal justifying his acts by saying "Wala na kaming makain" (We no longer have food to eat.) or "Kailangang kailangan lang talaga ng pera" (We are in desperate need of money). This is the reality of life, which is sad in the sense, but it is (what I think) probably the inspiration behind such Filipino television gag show skits. I am not generalizing all Filipinos who live under impoverish conditions are all like that, but no thanks to a selected dimwitted and opportunistic few, they have turned the usual goody good image of the poor Filipino mass into something society would hate. I personally know a couple of people who live under such poor conditions. The only difference is that they dream and made that dream come true by working hard in life. I am so proud of them now as they are all well off now, with good steady career and a well-off type of living.





Bubble Gang's Cheche Bureche Skit "Painting" episode.

Bubble Gang's Cheche Bureche skit somehow tickles most Filipinos funny bones by presenting the reality is a satirical kind of way. That everyone can be a bully and that it doesn't always have to be people who are in the upper or rich social class to be the ones responsible over the misfortune of their financially less-fortunate counterparts. That like you and me, everyone is capable of committing good and evil.



Bureche doing her signature ARGH! fail shout of despair.

Remembering the MetroPop 2000 Entry "Imbisibol" Performed by Michael V.

Besides the "Millennium Bug", 2000 was also the year of the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival or simply MetroPop 2000 where Michael V. performed "Imbisibol". Right off the bat I would like to apologize if I fail to recognize who is the creative genius behind the song "Imbisibol". I hope somebody would enlighten me with the composer's name later. I am a big fan of Filipino comic genius Micheal V. so even if I am not into music and the MetroPop songwriting and later star search competitions, I was eventually attracted to went seeing it back in 2000.



I was but a fledgling back then, and Michael V together with Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon were the few local artists where I got my inspiration from when it come to humor. Micahel V (from the defunked ABC 5's Tropang Trumpo) was already in Bubble Gang back then, and was notorious (popular) on spoofing various local and international songs with his MTB (Musik Tagalog Bersyon) and MEV (Music English Version), so when Micahel V was announced to sing and perform one of the entries from the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival 2000, I was generally ecstatic to see how will GMA's comedic genius do. So did he delivered? The answer is a resounding yes. Too bad that there wasn't a single Youtube clipwhere Michael V performed "Imbisibol" on stage, nor any pictures taken from the competition. But luckily there is still a recording uploaded on Youtube of "Imbisibol"...



Check Out the MetroPop 2000 entry "Imbisibol" by Michael V.



"Imbisibol" is a song tells about a one way love or a crush where the man singing the song is completely invisible (thus "Imbisibol") to the eyes of the one he loves. Although he is not the kind of man that every girl would fall in love with, he is the type that can offer true love to a lucky woman who would only return and notice his love. Eventually there is no resolution in this song for the singer. "Imbisibol" is a song for those people who have crushes or secretly loves someone but ails to make that someone notice them... a song for the hopeless romantic.

Imbisibol borrows some popular tunes or themes from pop culture icons like the Batman and 90's X-Men the animated series which probably made me all geeky on this music performance. Imbisibol didn't make it to the top 3.

The top three winners for MetroPop 2000 were:

Forever And A Day, composer: Angelo Villegas, interpreter: Rachel Alejandro (Grand Winner)
Paano Na?, composer: Arnold Reyes, interpreter: Bituin Escalante (Second Prize)
Ganyan Ako, composer: Vehnee Saturno, interpreter: Jeremiah (Third Prize)

But even so, Imbisibol up to this day is one of the better songs that Michael V has performed. Even the hunt for it in various karaoke/videoke machines proves to be pretty challenging. I hope MetroPop can once again see the light of day to discover new artists and recognize brilliant composers.

BBC's New Sherlock: A Re-Imagination of the Dynamic Duo's Adventures

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's masterpiece creation Sherlock Holmes and his crime solving adventures with his friend-partner Dr. John Watson has now been re-imagined for UK television with the name 'Sherlock'. I have been a big Sherlock Holmes and Watson fan since high school when we were first introduced to literature and ever since then grabbed every copy of their epic adventures. So upon seeing the mere name "Sherlock" I new there and then that my expectations were not about to be put down.




BBC's Shrelock recreates the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his partner-sidekick Dr. John Watson in a modern London setting. When you see skyscrapers, cellphones, laptops, and cars then you are sure that you are on a different universe but rest assure the most crucial parts like the criminals, the crime itself, the characters that you appeared on almost all of the series, and the deductive powers and characteristics of Sherlock Holmes that made him the popular crime fighting icon is pretty much preserve.



Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Sherlock Holmes while Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson. The very first episode "A Study in Pink" which has been taken form "A Study in Scarlett" is where Holmes and Watson first met and in this modern adaptation of their adventures. Characters like Mrs. Watson, Lestrade, and Mycroft makes their first appearance in this one hour and forty minutes premiere telecast over at BBC and luckily I was able to watch it. If you ask me, this amazing first episode premiere seems like a movie itself. Being a big Holmes fan I can proudly say that they are off to a good start as they seem to perfectly portray on a what-if universe... what if you take the adventures of Sherlock Holmes to a modern 21st century setting? What you get is the visually stunning, acted, written, and directed BBC series Sherlock.



I wonder who will portray the infamous Dr. Moriarty and the very devious Irene Adler? Well, guess I would have to watch out for those upcoming episodes.

Showtime's Dexter Season I Review - I am Now a Follower of a Killer!

Just recently I got my hands on a very curious US premium television series titled Dexter. My curiosity didn't fail me as from the moment I saw the very first episode I was swept off my feet. I knew this was something and darn it was I right.



Introduction to Dexter's World

Dexter Morgan is an adopted son of a Miami police officer named Harry Morgan. He has only one family left after both his foster parents died, Deborah Morgan, his sister who also work in the homicide division of the Miami Police District. Dexter on the other hand is a blood splatter analyst for the Miami PD. He has a girlfriend named Rita who was traumatize on her earlier relationship. Everything seems fine with this set up until you learn Dexter's secret, that he is a serial killer.



Opening Theme for Dexter
with so many hidden themes hidden such as gore and murder

Dexter - The Sociopath, The Pretender, The Killer

Dexter was found and saved by Miami PD officer Harry Morgan from a gruesome crime scene. He was later adopted and was given a new home to nurture him but the experience he has twisted him into a sociopath. The series shows constant flashback of Dexter's earlier life as Harry teaches him to channel his seemingly uncontrollable urge to kill to people who actually deserved it.

Since then, Harry became more focused on Dexter and his training to to adapt and conform with society, and to channel Dexter's urge to kill leaving his sister Deborah seeking their father's attention and approval. Eventually they ended up as close as real siblings can get, at least as what is programmed on Dexter's head.



I am now a fan of a killer... killer television series.

Dexter Season I Review

It is not hard to fall in love with this series. Watching Dexter can be considered as a guilty pleasure because you are actually routing for the serial killer with a cause. This is probably why there have been so many "concerned" people from the US in showing it in their local airwaves. Dexter is under the premium television station Showtime which made me curious onto what other quality shows are out there which can be as kick ass as Dexter.

The reason why I love the series is because it combines aspects that appealed to me like the forensics ala C.S.I. (Miami, Vega, and New York), good character development, chilling suspense, great action, darkness, and great humor. It does not need to be that dependable on CG special effects to sweep me off my feet like that of Heroes and Fringe which are also my two other favorite series.

Dexter Seaon I trailer



Season I introduces Dexter a pretentious serial killer which through flashbacks was learned to be a sociopath trained by the father who adopted him. Dexter abides "Harry's Code" that to never kill without a purpose, to kill only the people who deserve it. That is also the reason why I, as a big sci-fi and movie geek to cheer for him because he so much reminded me of Batman. A vigilante who handles criminals which the law can't put behind bars or who culprits who can actually slipped through the law. Dexter has also lost his parents just like Bruce Wayne and a dark past which made him who he is. The only difference is Dexter ruthlessly kills. There are people out there who uses their power to strike pain, chaos, and sorrow on the hearts of many, feed on the misery of others, committing inexplicable crimes but are able to evade the so called long arms of the law, deep inside we want them to be punished, feel the pain that they have caused their victims... just to die. Well, hopefully I don't get incriminated with this statement or associated as a psycho or anything but that is me. Like how a kid look up to a superhero, but with Dexter it is a completely different case.

Season I pits Dexter Morgan who lurks in the shadow as a serial killer vigilante against a more sensational serial killer labeled as the Ice Truck Killer. A series of compromising scenarios and direct challenges to the devious Dexter which made him shine through the season. Even being portrayed as a heartless and empty sociopath, Dexter has shown great character development which made this ride to season one an enjoyable one. A big surprise was revealed at the end of season one which will connect everything and will make you crave for more vigilante gory violence. If you haven't seen the series yet I recommend you to try it.

Dexter is an antihero, a sociopath, a murderer which is unforgivable on the eyes of God and intolerable under the law. A very unlikely character to be a hero but somehow they managed to make him appealing. The reason to the mass appeal is probably because it is based on a novel by Jeff Lindsay entitled "Darkly Dreaming Dexter". An award winning novel which transcended its success to the premium small screen, Dexter has garnered many nominations and won more than a handful of awards from the Emmy Awards for television. If this is not more than enough to give a sneak peak then I don't know what is... well, unless your not into the genre.



People roared and hailed at the success of the serial killer. How was this possible? You can only find out if you see the very first season of Dexter.

... or you can just search for the episode summary online, but come on! why spoil your self when you can have a great adventure with Dexter.

Manny Villar on ABS CBN's Bandila Hot Seat - Answering the Filipino Netizens Timely Questions

One of the leading Presidential candidates this 2010 Philippine Presidential elections, Manny Villar answers most of the timely issues concerning him and his presidential candidacy on his Hot Seat interview on ABS CBN news program's Bandila last April 30, 2010. If you missed the Bandila's Hot Seat interview on Manny Villar, then watch it here:

Hot seat: Manny Villar - (Part 1)



Hot seat: Manny Villar - (Part 2)





Bandila has created a good initiative to help the Filipinos on deciding who to vote this coming 2010 elections, through a segment in their news program called the Hot Seat. The Hot seat segment features questions from various Filipino netizens via Facebook, which would later be collected, documented and chosen (by the people of Bandila) to be asked by the news anchor to the featured candidate of the day. Questions and interaction at Bandila Facebook page hit a record-breaking three thousand four hundred questions coming from Facebook users upon Bandila's announcement that Manny Villar would be the featured candidate on the Hot Seat the day before that. A testimony of either the popularity of the candidate or the news program, and that Filipinos are still actively participating on various discussion concerning the future of our country through the Philippine elections.

Thanks to this Hot Seat interview on Manny Villar, I now see him on a more lighter perspective. Questions regarding the challenges in the presidential campaign of Manny Villar is answered by the candidate in a very classy and humble manner... a very traditional politician's approach, if you will ask me. Even with a limited amount of time (30 seconds) to answer each of the questions, Villar still managed to clarify most of the questions, controversies and propagandas against him.

Villar has a small complain against the traditional media (like news programs and various publications) that he shared on the hot seat interview. Traditional media focuses too much on the controversies, black propagandas against him or even his rival which in turn is "allegedly" traced back to him has seemingly villainize the candidate. Well, Villar can't be blamed because there are indeed instances that traditional media has become a one-sided party even how much they claim to be neutral or unbiased; one of which is the prolific reporting about the results of various social media surveys which by the way is a form of political brainwashing and mental conditioning.

All in all I found the Bandila's Hot Seat interview with Manny Villar to be pretty informative and enlightening. Somehow he gained my sympathy after the interview, but that does not necessary mean that he has my vote as well. It is with these types of initiative where traditional media deserved the praise from concerned Filipinos, helping them decide if they have chosen the right candidate or to educate those who haven't chosen one. The 2010 Philippine election, as I said in my previous posts is a very crucial turning point to our country. Let us not waste our one vote by being swayed off by the popularity contest, survey results, and political backlashing amongst candidates. Let's put an extra effort in knowing each candidates through watching interviews, debates and campaign rallies which we would later weigh, and if and only if he symbolizes all the necessary requirements of being the Philippine Head of State then let us help him get there.

TV5 Trade Launch - Revolutionizing Philippine Television for the "Bagong Pinoy"

March 25, 2010 (Thursdayday) - marked the celebration and relaunch of the now considered "chain breaker" and a new key player to break the Philippine television industry's duopoly, TV5 (formerly ABC 5) the TV5 Trade Launch at World Trade Center. Luckily yours truly was able to witness this monumental relaunch and breakthrough in the Philippine television scene and where it all starts...



The TV 5 Trade Launch event is the second major television related event that I have attended, and the second time I have entered the majestic World Trade Center in Metro Manila. I left Dasmariñas City (Cavite) at around 4:00 in the afternoon and arrived at around 5:20 in the afternoon which was once again so early. On how it looked that time I could feel that it was going to be a BIG which was later confirmed as local celebrities started appearing group after group to celebrate TV 6's momentous relaunch. I managed to took some snapshots around before the actual event even start...





Well sadly my two year-old camera is a bit busted (probably from all the beating it experienced in the past, whut?!?) so I wasn't able to capture much of the event but I still managed and found a way to get some.



I took the chance to take a photo together with one of the TV5's news anchor, Jove Francisco.

We were first entertained by some interesting production numbers as everyone waits for the main event. Eventually the show started at around 8:30 in the in the evening with Paolo Bediones and Ryan Agoncillo hosting the TV5 Trade Launch. TV5's new shows have been improved and targeted for the new generation Filipino television viewers or the "Bagong Pinoy". Tired of the the same repetitive and boring television program block? Then switch to TV5 as they will break away from the boring television norms, something which is to be blamed with the duopoly of the two Philippine Television Corporations.

The hosts introduced a Sponge Bob mascot to introduce the TV5 Kids block which features famous Nickelodeon shows and Japanese Animations. Animega (TV5's afternoon to primetime block) has already featured great series and which will feature more animated series which are specially targeted to the Bagong Pinoy anime enthusiasts. Some of the anime shows which will run on TV5's Animega are Clannad and Inuyasha, which will join the already running anime series Tora Dora, Haruhi Suzumiya, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The biggest news tis that TV5 will be the new home of the classic and popular kid's show Batibot.

Juicy's Alex Gonzaga and IC Mendoza, together with Amy Perez of Face to Face introduced the new afternoon block offered by the new and improved TV5.

Cookie Chua, Jet Pangan and Luke Mijares serenaded the audience with themes songs from the Korean series which will be broadcasted locally (dubbed) at TV5's Gusto Ko Noon. My Wife is a Superwoman, Smile Honey, First Wives Club and High Kick are some of these Korean imports which will are included at the Gusto Ko Noon block.



The TV5 news and public affairs also has new faces and new competitive new block now that Erwin Tulfo, Sheryl Cosim, and Luchi Cruz Valdez joins the original TV5 news team of Martin Andanar, Jove Francisco, Amelyn Veloso, and Cheri Mercado. Paolo Bediones also joins them with U.S.I. or Under Special Investigation which features interviews and various challenges to some of Philippine's public and prominent figures. Maverick and Ariel comes back to TV5 with their Totoo TV, Chris Tiu with Ako Mismo, Sapul, a new morning show for TV5, and Lupet the Discovery Series are some of the promising new shows which will compete with the big guns of news and public affairs on Philippine Television.

The three Princes of TV5: Oyo Boy Sotto, JC de Vera, and John Pratts.



Tuesday Vargas went out of the stage just when everyone thought that The Diamond Star will be the one coming out. Well, the great thing about it is that Tuesday gave a very entertaining performance and introduction to Ms. Maricel Soriano. She gave a great Tribute for she herself being a big Maricel Soriano fan.



Ms. Maricel Soriano finally arrived at the stage to promote her drama special in Bigtime Primetime's 5 Star Specials.



A Toyota Vios was given to a lucky audience who guessed the right amount of the car together with all of the miscellaneous objects placed inside the car. If I am not mistaking the overall amount was P1, 050 000.00. Sadly I came three hundred thousand short on my guess but maybe not my time (to have a car) yet.

TV5's Weekend Winners were next where performances from Lucy Torres together with her fellow hosts and celebrities of their new Sunday variety show P.O.5.

Ruffa Gutierez together with Dolly Carvajal and Cristy Fermin were on stage to promote Tv5's new showbiz program Paparazzi. When showbiz intrigues hosts are on stage then expect some bad blood, rumor starting and other controversial one liners.



The biggest surprise fro the night (and the most entertaining one) is when you see the three kings of Philippine comedy in one network. Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and the Dolphy delivered a classic but still entertaining "Wala ka sa lolo ko" and "filipino to English translation" skit on stage. I found my self still laughing at their punchlines which could either mean I am so retro/corny or they still haven't lost their touch.



Pidol's Wonderland is the new Bigtime Primetime comedy sitcom of Dolphy on TV5, Joey de Leon will then have the House of Not comedy game show (if my guess is right) together with Wow Mali, and Vic Sotto still is on Who Wants To Be A Millionnaire.



After that Paolo Bediones and Ryan Agoncillo unveiled TV5's New Station ID "Para Sa'yo Kapatid". Watch this TV5 Trade Launch "Para sa'yo KAPATID" new TV5 New Station ID courtesy of The Blocker Online:



I have always wished that Philippine television companies could be more open to the public and gives more variety of shows. T.E.N. The Evening News was the first news program on TV5 who actually listened and shared the sentiments and views of the Filipinos through their online channels like Facebook. And now, TV5 will break the same old repetitive prtogramming block and duopoly of GMA and ABS CBN. There is a new player in town, TV5 with their mission to bring entertainment, news and education to the Bagong Pinoy.

My Personal List of the Top Scariest TV Shows Locally Aired in the Philippines

October 31, 2009 (Saturday) - A day before Halloween, and two days after my one month "blogcation" (blog free vacation) I am back this time enlisting my personal list of the top scariest shows of all time (or probably my time). So let's compare our list and see if you have your favorite creepy show on my list.



The Crypt Keeper from the Tales of the Crypt Keeper a special character feature on CMAQUEST: Character Special Feature No. 03: The Crypt Keeper from The Tales of the Crypt

The Outer Limits

I could vividly recall some of the episodes of this shows but one thing is certain that time, it gave me the chills in watching some of its episodes back in the late 90's to early years of 2000. It was locally shown here in the Philippines back then via ABC 5 (popularly known today as TV5).

Here is the intro for The Outer Limits



The Outer Limits was a popular sci-fi tv series remake of the same title from the 60s and feature the paranormal and beyond. Good doesn't usually triumphs over evil in this series as seen in each episodes twisted endings.

Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction

This popular US TV series was locally aired here on the Philippines at around the early 2000 (as far as I recalled) and featured bizarre and scary cases which ask the audience if whether the cases they've shown per episodes are based from actual events or just from the creative minds of their writers.

Here is the intro for Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction which summarized what I've stated earlier:



The X-Files

"I want to believe" and I believe that this is one of the best of the best there is which have become a cult classic and favorite. An inspiration to many new US sci-fi shows today. The X-files deal with wel the x-files, mysterious cases from the archives of NBI. This series had run and rerun locally through RPN 9 (popularly known today as C/S 9) and its last season on Studio 23. Of course who can forgot this nostalgic opening theme for the X-Files:



Tales from the Crypt

Tales from the Crypt features different horrific stories narrated by the undead named the Crypt Keeper. Each of his tales teach moral values in a horrific fashion that there are deadly consequences on one's decisions. While the stories may give you the chills, the Crypt Keeper usually gives comedic breaks after each commercial breaks.

Here is the Tales from the Crypt Intro:



Tales from the Crypt was shown on late 90s locally on RPN 9. The series have given birth to the already dead Crypt Keeper. The popularity of the show has created two movies and an animation based on the franchise. I own a game and watch of the Tales from the Crypt back in the 90s as well. One of the first games I officially had.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Each of us just wanted to be the scared out of our pants and that is why we usually want to hear other people's personal tales or encounters of the beyond. This is what the premise of Are You Afraid of the Dark? is. A group of teenagers called the Midnight Society gathers every night to tell each other tales of horror. Though not really based on actual events, some of its episodes sure was scary (well, probably because I was just a kid and all that time)



Are You Afraid of the Dark was locally shown in ABS CBN (Kapamilya Channel) and is considered to be a fantasy horror television series for children like the next one on my list...

Goosebumps

Was also a good horror fantasy children TV series back in the 90's. It was locally shown in GMA 7 (Kapuso Channel) together with the live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV Series Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation.



Well, this is all I could recall or what I've watched back then that gave me the chills. I didn't place a ranking as this may caused a debate onto fans or followers of a specific series so there are the list of the top scary TV shows aired in the Philippines. If I didn't include a specific series it is probably because I haven't seen or followed that series or completely forgotten about it. So what are the scary shows in your list?

Happy Halloween of 2009 guys.