Jan-jan and the Power of a Cult

(Posted on March 29, 2011)





Just watched the interview of 6-year old Jan-jan's Father. He defended
Willing-Willie pointing out the kid was not traumatized by the
incident at all. On the contrary, he became more lively and energetic
after being highlighted in the show. The dad was even beaming with
pride mentioning he was the one who taught the poor kid how to dance- well, how to dance like a male prostitute for that.
What troubles me is the fact that the Dad was telling the truth.
DSWD's Dinky Soliman articulately expressed how Willy prodded the kid
to dance almost 6 times in spite of the fact that he was already in
tears. She adamantly pointed out it was a clear violation against the kid. I believe so.

The problem is does the family, the friends and the community where
the kid belongs to believe so. I can only speculate.
The people who were offended and stood up for the child are mostly the educated, the well-off, the illuminated. People who against heaven and earth will fight not to let their child go within smoking distance to
a person like Willie- or at least the values he represents. People who against heaven and earth would not give a damn to be an audience at Willie's show even if you pay them.

But most of the people who watch and participate in Willing-Willie
come from a totally different mindset. They see "Willing-Willie" as a
thriving and life-saving cult, with Willie as the agent of God's
instant blessings and the show's airtime as their 15 minutes to fame.
After the kid left the show I can only imagine his parents proudly
hugging him upon arrival at home for being given such grand TV
exposure. All his extended family probably came to visit to share with
the happenings and probably bragged to their neighbors that the kid
was their relative. With the 10k that Janjan got probably the whole
family went to SM to watch a movie and eat at Jollibee spending what's
left of the money to some cheap toys and perhaps a new set of clothes.
After appearing in the show probably Janjan became a legend- even a
hero to the Baranggay where he lives in. He got the nod of lord Willie himself therefore attention from the majority of his community would be inevitable. As cherry placed on top of a cake, the issue catching fire in the media also meant more TV interviews for the parents- especially the Dad- glaring spotlight and all. It would also give the family another chance to appear at Willing-Willie-but this time to come at the latter's defense. And Willie, mastering almost to perfection the art of manipulation, surely made the family feel good about themselves- even projecting them in a heroic light-for taking such a noble stand (I really hope he gave them extra cash for that). For some people who came from nothing, such trade-offs are everything.

Jan-jan himself was also asked whether he was traumatized by the
incident and as we all know and predicted he answered No. But what's
more troubling is the fact that the kid was indeed telling the truth (well at least for now). In our side what happened to him was infamy, on his it was Good Fortune.

So end of the story, no complaints will be filed. Willing-Willie will
be off the hook again with Willie gracefully surfing even soaring
through the waves of extra publicity.

For what its worth, I'm glad some people stood up against what
happened even if the person and the family involved feel otherwise. As
a TV Personality and as a Human Being, Willie having the upper hand is
responsible to be sensitive and considerate to his guests who- because
of their dire financial needs- are vulnerable to do all sorts of
things to earn. "For the sake of entertainment" is never a valid
excuse to trample basic respect. And whether the recent media uproar
would create a specific disciplinary action against him not does not
matter. What matters is people stood up for their convictions (even if
it seemed like a lost cause) and cared. Such trickles of goodness
would eventually find it's way to lasting change.

But I guess aside from Willie, Culture also played a big role. Unless
people's view on "how to have a better life" (or to be more accurate,
their "religious faith for the quick fix") change I don't think we'll
have a shortage of Willies anytime soon.

I'm just curious how Janjan would feel when he sees this video 12
years from now- granted that the net has the power to immortalize
certain actions be it respectful or otherwise. Will he be proud of
what he did? The sad part is- without a changed mindset rising above
those of his family and peers- he just might be.

Broadway Musical "Next To Normal" Hits Manila

(Posted March 14, 2011 at 4:08pm)






Watched "Next To Normal" twice.
The first time made me cry. The second made me retrospective.

I'll share with you one of my favorite Scenes.

* Diana (the lead character) whose worsening bipolar disorder is threatening to steal what's left of her sanity and her family is now trying to reconcile with her only daughter Natalie whom she had emotionally ignored for 16 years.

DIANA: We tried to give you a normal life. I realize now I have no clue what that Is.

NATALIE: I don't need a life that's normal that's way too far away but something next to normal will be okay. Yeah something next to normal that's the thing I want to try. Close enough to normal to get by.

DIANA: We'll Get By...

The lyrics struck a familiar chord because growing up I've dreamed of having a normal life.
As a young kid my painting of a "normal" life would be to have a mom and dad at home, perhaps to have two hands, to be financially comfortable.
Of course I got what's next to normal.
Coming from a broken family I was raised almost singlehandedly by my ultra-religious aunt (both of us just smile now at the good old days).
I also lost my right hand (which became my one way ticket to Disabled rights at school) and was scrimping seemingly eternally from one monthly budget after another.

Now that I've gotten older (and yes i say "older" with extremely shaky conviction) I see normal in a different way. Apparently the things that were next to normal were the ones that got me through in life. The difficulties and even the eccentricities made me appreciative of the things I have and can have. At the end of the day, I got by. We got by. And for that I'm grateful.

"Next to Normal" ended with no happily ever after in sight. Each of the characters had to resolve to move on with life via their assigned misfortunes making the story all the more refreshing. Life after all is not about perceived normalcy but rather more of harsh realities. And the faster you accept it the more equipped you are to make the most out of it. As such, even if I don't share the exact same problem with the characters it's spirit hit close to home.

So yes Next to Normal is a must see for all lunatics out there (including myself). With great music flowing from a heart wrenching story executed flawlessly by a truly world-class ensemble, it became more than just entertainment, it became food for the soul.

ASAP Sessionistas 20.11 Live at the Big Dome!

(Posted Feb 6, 2011)




Watched "ASAP Sessionistas 20.11 Live At The Big Dome" last night and I would have to say the group is still as hot as hell (of course I meant in a good way). My favorite would have to be Aiza Seguerra's version of "Tell Me" & "Narda" and Juris "Forevermore" (all songs arranged by the fantastic Marvin Querido). Both artists have the most distinct, crystal clear, angelic and heartfelt voices I’ve ever heard. In spite of the fact that the said songs were already sang by other singers multiple times before yet Marvin Querido managed to arrange it in such a way it became fresh and inspiring. He captured the greatness of Aiza and Juris as artists and nailed it in the songs and the end product- for lack of a better word- is just heavenly.
Richard Poon the Crooner serenaded the crowd with his big band music and as he descended the stage of Araneta the crowd roared as if Piolo appeared from nowhere. Well what can I say, as far as sex appeal and handsomeness are concerned- in the “sessionistas’ world”- he can surely pass as a good second to Aiza.
Duncan was a revelation vocally. The song choices were perfect for him. Sitti was still reigning Bossa while Nina remained true to being the only “Belting soul siren” in the group. *Side Note: when Nina sang “Got to Be There” I tell you the truth, she compiled all the high notes in the library and put it all in one song.
I love the fact the most of them bring something different, something uniquely their own on the table. As a group they are a musical powerhouse but individually they represent the best in their respective genres which makes this franchise as exciting as it is.
Kudos to Director Dido Camaro, MD Marvin and the rest of ASAP Live. Many thanks and congratulations also to our dear friend Olive Zarate- You owned the night like the fourth of July ;) Great job ;)

Starstruck V "The Final Judgment" at the Araneta Coliseum

(Posted Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 2:43pm)

I was at the second row from the front as we witnessed the final stretch of this talent search unfold last Sunday at the Araneta Center.

There were 5 left.

And yes the one who won as the Male Ultimate Starstruck champion happened to be the least of them all... Steven.

Im not writing this to cast a personal slur against him. I'm sure he's a great and nice person- and yes probably million miles nicer than me. But I'm coming from a very superficial, shallow and external point of view that ordinary gawkers like me- who doesn't care about personal character when watching television- have.

When we watched the talent portion, he was clearly not the best dancer nor singer ("Average" would have been bearable) and he doesn't even speak fluent filipino (which, of course, historically will not be a big deal in showbizland granted you're "superbly-out of this world- drop dead-gorgeous" which clearly is Not the case). By the looks of it, its hard to imagine how he even managed to be part of the top 5. Apparently, what he has on his side though is tremendous online/text votes. That was enough to squash seemingly better opponents to grab the ultimate prize.

As for the others, how I wish Diva Montelibano would have sung live and had gotten a better choreographer (G-Force caliber). With her sculpted body, exotic bronze skin and sexy dance moves- she can be the country's "Rihanna"- a better localized version compared to Lady Gaga's "Jolie" (I won't go to detail on this one)...

As for Sarah the female winner, yes we saw it coming ;) Her wholesome mestiza-looks reminiscent of a starting Kristine Hermosa with an average singing voice sealed the crown.

On the other hand, Enzo Pineda- the son of influential Eric Pineda- business manager of Manny Paquiao- being the youngest of the male candidates got the best place as 1st prince since losing the top title will devoid him of nasty rumors of power mangling. Being 2nd place will also free him of the high expectations of proving your worth as the ultimate champion- the same high expectation that will now haunt Steven- and yes also Ejay Falcon of PBB Teens- in the face of very obvious stronger runner ups.

Rocco, the most photogenic and seemingly most showbiz ready (and "showbiz hungry" as per the judges- and yes I quoted that with a positive intent) among the candidates fell to third place. Even after tearing his shirt apart in the finale of his production number (a feat that Jake Cuenca has mastered due to incessant practice during his Cover Boys days)- it wasn't enough to clinch him the title. Granted that there were "yabang issues" thrown against him mid throughout he season, this should serve as a humbling experience for him, not just because he lost- but because he lost to a "seemingly" talentless Steven... Come to think of it, in that angle, there might be divine purpose why Steven won...

It was fun watching Starstruck V... But with the recent turn out of winners (which seems to be a product of niche text/online voting) I'm just wondering... Is the popularity of Starstruck waning- in the same rate as Raymond Gutierrez is gaining weight- with each passing year?

Then again we all know that reality shows are always just the start... With the advent of intense and powerful competition from PBB's Melai and Jason who came out just a week before Starstruck... The bigger challenge is who will dream, believe, SURVIVE long after the show.

Now that my friends is the real show ;)

Movie Review: "Ang Tanging Pamilya"

(Posted Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 10:28pm)




After watching "Kimmydora", I believe the standards for local comedy films were set to a higher level. Every funny film I watch I now compare unknowingly to Direk Joyce & Eugene's masterpiece.

I've already watched the trailer of "Ang Tanging Pamilya" and I felt by just watching it I've already seen the best of the entire film. In fact, I was expecting the usual slapstick and the likes. But when I watched the film last night at their premiere night at Megamall, I got more than what I was expecting for. To start with, Erap and Aiai proved to be very convincing- even endearing-as a couple. Erap was sport enough to make fun of his english deficiencies and Aiai on her part seemed to have mastered and perfected the comedic-mother role. Storming in with a big surprise was Mommy Dionisia who in her first movie acting gig was able to keep up and at times even match with Ai-ai. Their animosity towards each other in the film had magical chemistry. Even if Mommy Dionisia was occasionally struggling with the lines and seemed to be exerting much effort in some of the scenes nevertheless she made a lot of people laugh. There's something in her personality thats very charming it shines through the silver screen... making her technical shortcomings somehow immaterial.

Sam Milby, on the other hand, was very daring in the movie in the sense that he was able to play around with his character. What otherwise could have been a very "Safe" boy next door role he in some scenes was able to turn to something wacky and hilarious. One of my favorite scenes was when Sam called a cheap shot by asking Toni to be intimate with him over the net resulting to him getting beyond what he dreamed of... hahaha (its better if you watch this scene yourself). Sam's version of some scenes from "In My Life" and "And I Love You So" were also very witty and craftily done leaving a lot of people laughing to the bone.

But more than the humor, what I loved in the film was the strong message it brought. Both Erap and Sam's character were examples of men consumed with trying to save the world. They always find themselves in the middle of emergency situations: from pregnant woman suddenly giving birth to inner city gangsters starting a riot. But in the process of aiding others they turn their back on the people who need their help the most... their family.
In the end, both men realized that even if they gained the favor of the world yet lose the love of their family they're lost. So the movie ended with them putting their love first and foremost where they belong.

In the advent of indie-films tackling the dark sides of human nature, its nice to come across movies celebrating the bright side of life. "Ang Tanging Pamilya" through its comedic approach celebrates age-old values that define what a family should be. And in times like these, a lot would benefit getting a good reminder and a good laugh :) :)