#tvcritics

Llegas a tu casa cansado y lo primero que haces: te sientas en tu sofá y prendes el televisor, porque, no hay nada mejor que relajartedespués de un día de trabajo ¿no? Puedes pasar un rato tranquilo viendo lo que te gusta y volver a tu vida tranquilo. Lo primero que ves “Traficante de drogas asesinado en balacera entre…” ¿Más muertes? Cambias de canal y ¡toda la pantalla se llena de gente semidesnuda corriendo y bailando! Sin duda es uno de esos nuevos programas de competencia en los que equipos de mujeres y hombres con cuerpos idealizados por los medios se exhiben para ganar un poco de fama y un sueldo sobre el promedio. ¿Qué más puedes encontrar a primera vista? Probablemente varios “reality shows” repitiendo formatos extranjeros y que claramente manipulan gran parte de lo que pasa. Por suerte existen los noticieros ¿no? Pues obsérvalos atentamente y todas las noticias destacadas se pueden resumir en morbo, corrupción y farándula. Tenemos también una cantidad exagerada de trágicas telenovelas desbordadas de dramas amorosos.

¿Acaso actualmente la sociedad está en riesgo de una degeneración? Examinemos caso por caso.

Primero veamos los reality shows que principalmente muestran competencias entre equipos. Esto en principio no tiene nada de malo, el problema radica en que dentro de estos programas, que por cierto son en horarios televisivos para todo el público (incluyendo niños), se enfocan constantemente en los cuerpos de los concursantes, quienes usan poca ropa. Además está claro que  manipulan los sucesos del programa para conseguir mayor rating, siempre hay relaciones entre participantes y luego un escandaloso rompimiento en público, escena que se repite con frecuencia. ¿Qué podemos concluir? Estos programas les enseñan a los niños y jóvenes que lo físico es lo más importante y les dan estándares de belleza alterados que degeneran la percepción de las personas, en ciertos casos tan drásticamente que causan vigorexia o anorexia. Además muestran a las relaciones como un entretenimiento que puede ser tomado a la ligera en vez del tipo de relación íntima, de confianza y respeto, sobre la cual se construyen las familias.

El siguiente caso es el de los noticieros. Como se mencionó anteriormente las noticias destacadas están en la mayoría de casos relacionadas al morbo, la corrupción y la farándula. Se da prioridad a actos aislados de crimen y se indaga con morbo hasta saber los detalles más irrelevantes. En cuanto a las noticias políticas, en vez de mostrar los proyectos en desarrollo, asuntos internacionales y situaciones políticas internas en general, se concentra en los incontables casos de corrupción que suceden dentro del gobierno. Estos, aunque deben ser tomados en cuenta, no deben acaparar toda la atención de las cámaras. Por ultimo están las noticias “culturales” que deberían enfocarse en la gran diversidad étnica, artística, gastronómica, y muchas más que hay en nuestro país. Desafortunadamente solo se concentran en la farándula, en escándalos entre personajes famosos y en inmiscuirse en sus vidas privadas para poder crear chismes. Esto sucede a tal punto que hay un segmento de noticias designado a lo que sucede dentro de los reality shows mencionados anteriormente.

Tenemos también una cantidad exagerada de telenovelas que abusan de las tragedias amorosas y se basan en el chisme y los escándalos para llamar la atención del público. De nuevo promueve un gusto por la intromisión en la vida de otros a través del chisme.

Es lamentable observar que los canales nacionales muestran principalmente estos tipos de programas, los cuales en vez de promover algún valor o conocimiento en particular, se empeñan en degradar los que actualmente ya existen a tal punto de convertir lo que consideraríamos incorrectos, socialmente aceptables. ¿Es esto lo que queremos que vean las futuras generaciones? Se está perdiendo el agrado por la cultura y por estar actualizado de información relevante y actual que influya tanto en nuestras vidas como en el país o incluso el mundo. Los valores se están reemplazando con la promoción de vicios y conductas nocivas tanto para un individuo como para la sociedad en la que se desenvuelve. Debemos luchar para mejorar, y la única forma es uniéndonos como nación y priorizando los programas que nos muestran contenidos de mejor calidad. De esta manera se reducirá el rating de los programas mencionados anteriormente y las compañías televisivas se verán forzadas a adaptarse a los nuevos gustos de la sociedad.

Sugiero como solución una queja pasiva (ya que las protestas y ataques no llevan más a que a violencia y discusiones) que incluye criticar abiertamente el contenido de los programas pero de manera que no se inciten conflictos, dejar de ver estos programas para que su rating disminuya y por ultimo promocionar material de calidad para que este llegue con facilidad a las empresas de televisión y estas lo desarrollen y transmitan. Si nos unimos como población podremos cambiar esta situación. 

*Cabe mencionar que esta crítica no se dirige a todos los programas de  televisión nacional, sino a los que muestran contenidos inadecuados,  mediocres, morbosos o de cualquier otra índole que promueva pensamientos  y comportamientos nocivos para la sociedad. Es por esto que no niega la  existencia de programas de alta calidad con contenidos valiosos en diferentes  aspectos y que merecen reconocimiento por su profesionalismo mediático.

Mapangahas..

Mapagmatyag..

Ito ang Matanglawin!

Whenever I hear those phrases, only one man comes to mind.

Born Alejandro Ilagan Atienza, eldest of two, on January 6, 1967, he is more known to us as Kuya Kim, our friendly resident weatherman, yet he is much much more than that. Kuya Kim studied in a seminary before he entered University of Sto. Tomas and took up Education in 1983 because of his love of learning and imparting knowledge. But behind that heart for education, there is another calling that he cannot ignore, and that is the love for theater arts and film. So Kuya Kim moved to the University of the Philippines and majored in Film.

After finishing his studies, Kuya Kim became a theater actor, then in the year 1987, he showed his athletic side when he taught aerobics and weightlifting in his first TV show Muscle in Motion on RPN 9 followed by Sports Review which run from 1991 to 1993 on the same station. His first stints on ABS-CBN are Ultraman and Maskman (1993) as voice dubber.

When the walking encyclopedia, Ernie Baron passed away, Atienza replaced him as the weatherman of TV Patrol in 2004. Even the late master weatherman referred to him as his rightful heir and asked him to love the job he loved.

He was given his own segment in Magandang Umaga, Pilipinas which is Animalandia and stayed till the show was reformatted into Umagang Kay Ganda.

Being a son of the former Manila Mayor, Jose Atienza, Kuya Kim also tried his luck on politics. He was a councilor of the fifth district of Manila from 1995 to 2004. But Kuya Kim admitted that he was only in it just so someone would take his father's place.

Since he was a child, he loves taking care of pets. There came a point where in his house seemed like a mini zoo, so he donated his other pets to Manila Zoo. And with this love, he was given his own TV program, Matanglawin which started airing on March 24, 2008. This show seemed to have brought Kuya Kim to the pedestal for he won countless awards and recognitions like the Star Awards for Television Best Educational Program Host three times and Best Educational Program for four consecutive years. The show was also awarded as Best Science and Technology Program and Best Magazine Program of the 17th KBP Golden Dove Awards and in 2008; they receive the Anak TV Seal Awards. His unquenchable thirst for entertainment was brought to a different level when he joined Showtime, which is now the variety noontime show, Its Showtime.

Kuya Kim is happily married to Fely Hung, president and founding member of Chinese International School Manila (CISM) Foundation, and had three children namely Jose III, Meimei and Eman with her.

Where will you see a TV show in the country that incorporates three languages: Chinese, Filipino, and English? Brought to us by the Fil-Chi Media Productions, Inc. and Net25 and a nominee for one of the Best Lifestyle Show in the 25th Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for TV, Chinoy TV is a unique and innovative magazine TV program which showcases the vibrant culture and lifestyle of the Filipino-Chinese community in the country, especially in the Luzon area.

It airs every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 in the morning and has different segments namely, Chi Chow which showcases the latest and hottest restaurants around; Chi Active which shows sports, travel, recreation and technology; Chi Access which features the Chinese events in the Metro; Chi Profile which features the successful Filipino-Chinese from politics to business; and Chi Style, which shows the latest Filipino-Chinese fashion. They have about a dozen hosts who speak Chinese, Filipino, and English so if you know all three languages and are interested, send out your resume to them.

I thought that the CHI stands for Chinese since it is a Filipino-Chinese program. Well, I was wrong. The CHI stands for good life and energy which means that we should enjoy life at its fullest. I’ve watched several episodes of the program and the segment that I have liked so far was the Chi Chow. I would wish that I would be the host so that I could eat the delicacies that they are featuring. They have featured the top three shabu-shabu in the metro, the organic cooking of Chef Tatung, and many more.

  Chinoy TV, together with some partners, organized the Chinoy Hao Bang 2012 last January 22, 2012 to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Water Dragon at the SM Mall of Asia. They gave away lots of prizes and also organized the first ever Chinoy Strip, an event where every guest who registers would be given a map to follow and they would win prizes and a chance to win a trip for two to USA when they finish it. I participated of course and I had fun and a loot bag to go with it. Unfortunately, I didn’t win any of their raffle prizes. Maybe next time. The fireworks after the event really amazed me. It feels like I was under a night sky filled with vibrant flashing stars. It really ended with a bang.

  The program might be boring for some segments but one can learn a lot from the show. Anyone could also learn to speak Chinese, not only Mandarin but Cantonese and Fookien as well. It is a good for the eyes and the mind to see something new every now and then.  Try watching Chinoy TV and see for yourselves why it is unique.

TV and radio broadcaster Anthony Taberna never imagined getting to where he is now for he entered the media industry just to sustain his Mass Communication studies at New Era University at the age of 17.

  His dad suffered a mild stroke in September 1992 and the 37-year-old TV and radio personality needed to find a job to help his parents. He planned to work in Jollibee but chose to work as part time writer when he heard of a job opening in DZEC, operated by Eagle Broadcasting Corporation. He was first asked to translate to Filipino an editorial published by Inquirer. Good thing he came from Nueva Ecija, and writes and speaks Tagalog profoundly. Two days after his application, the news manager of the station asked him to come back.

  Anthony, or more popularly known as Ka Tunying (his father’s nickname that he chose to use after his father’s death in 2002), got his job in DZEC as a part-time news writer, then he became a news producer, and later on a station’s field reporter. He transferred to DZMM in 1997, ABS-CBN’s radio station and became its field reporter. Three years after, he joined Gerry Baja in the radio program Ito ang Radyo Patrol, which led to their current tandem program Dos por Dos that airs every Monday-Friday from 5:00-6:00AM and 5:30-6:30PM.

  Aside from Dos por Dos, he is part of Umaga kay Ganda (UKG) where he had a Punto por Punto segment; XXX (Exklusibong, Explosibong, Exposé), an investigative program with Julius Babao and Pinky Webb; and Ako ang Simula, a weekly show that aims to bring long-term change to people with Karen Davila and Atty. Pochoy Labog. He anchors Iba-Balita ni Anthony Taberna, a weeknight on Studio 23 that delivers latest news around the Philippines and airs his opinions at the same time. In addition to his daily programs, he does exclusive interviews and reports in TV Patrol and Bandila.

  He is often heard giving Fookien time checks in his radio program Dos por Dos with Gerry Baja. But Ka Tunying disclosed he doesn’t have a Chinese blood but he learned a bit of Fookien from a Chinese ex-girlfriend.

  This broadcaster received several awards and recognitions. He was the first recipient of the 2005 KBP Golden Dove Award Best Reporter award. Ka Tunying was the first to air the ‘Hello Garci’ recording and the ‘mother of all tapes’. Also, he was awarded as 2010 COMGUILD Best Male Field Reporter of the Year; 2009 Outstanding Radio Anchor by the VACC (Volunteers against Crime and Corruption); 2009 Young Professional Awardee for Broadcasting and Journalism; 25th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Male Newscaster for Iba-Balita ni Anthony Taberna and Best Morning Show Host for UKG; and 8th USTv Students’ Choice Awards Male News and Current Affairs Host.

  As much as he wanted to celebrate his career’s success, the promising broadcaster admitted his work took its toll on his life as a family man. Having little time for his wife and two kids is the biggest downside of his profession. And to make up for the loss, he devotes his Saturdays and Sundays as sacred time to be with his family. He and his wife took advantage of long vacations like Holy Week or holidays to bond with their kids.

Although Ka Tunying has done several interviews with prominent personalities and people from all walks of life, he wished to interview US President Barack Obama. He would arm himself with much English. And his first question to Obama? “Do you have any regrets running for president?” The strong-willed broadcaster is very fascinated with Obama’s story, from his rise to power

  Just like any journalists, Ka Tunying fears death threats especially for his wife, Rossel Velasco-Taberna, co-owner of Outbox Media; and two beautiful daughters Zoe, 3, and Helga, 1. But he took these as part of his profession. He once thought of giving in to his wife’s plea to quit his job. “Pero naisip ko, ano nalang ang itatawag sa akin, pag nalaman ng mga tao ang pagtiklop ko sa isang challenge?” He added that if he won’t complain about the corruption and other pressing problems in the country, his kids would suffer in the end.

  Amidst the death threats he received through text messages, snail mail, email, and indirectly through common acquaintances, he still stands by his hard-hitting yet humorous commentaries.

TV5, formerly known as ABC 5, is a major commercial TV network owned by business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan. Since it was re-launched last August 9, 2008, TV5 has been reported as one of the top 5 TV networks based on AGB Nielsen survey. Is TV5 going to be a new competitor of ABS-CBN and GMA-7?

  ABS-CBN and GMA Network, Inc. claim respectively they are number one in Mega Manila and nationwide viewership ratings. They both showcased mass-oriented TV shows, reality shows, and others. But what if TV5 joins the roster, who will emerge as number one?

TV5 became well known when it was first aired as “Shake Mo TV Mo” and gained ratings because of their most watched TV show, the tagalized Spongebob Squarepants.

  Since 2010, it began its competition with ABS-CBN and GMA-7. At first, I thought that TV5 will turn out as a different TV network, like a breath of fresh air. But it soon became a clone of the two biggest TV networks.

  We all know that in a competition, once your competitor launched something new, you have to launch a better one. That is what GMA and ABS-CBN do. They see to it that when the other station airs a new show, they will conceptualize and create the same theme that will beat the ratings of the other network. They adapt each other’s TV shows to see which will gain more viewership ratings. But as TV5 grows into a bigger network, they start to mimic GMA-7 and ABS-CBN to keep its ratings in close ties with the two giant TV networks.

  They adapted everything: the musical variety shows, comedy sitcoms, public affairs  programs, fantasy series, showbiz news and cartoon shows. TV5 also created anew of its station tag into “Kapatid” the same with ABS-CBN’s “Kapamilya” and GMA-7’s “Kapuso”

  Another, we can’t deny that TV5’s stars and celebrities just came from either GMA-7 or ABS-CBN. They seldom produce their own stars. In other words, TV5 seems to be a mixture of the two bigger TV networks.

  When it comes to primetime, you can easily see the mixture of ABS-CBN and GMA stories merely because some of the story writers and the actors were from the two other stations. Since the two were established a long time ago, the stars can adapt the environment of the network. With their transfer to TV5, they bring with them the acting skills they got from the network they came from.

  I hate how TV5 airs foreign movies and cartoons dubbed in Filipino. Yes, maybe kids will understand the language, but for grownups, to the truest sense of the word, it’s “corny” as what they call it.

  If they do not stop copying the themes and ideas of the other networks, they will lose their identity. Filipinos are looking for an alternative viewing experience since the two other networks are merely competing with each other. But as I see it, TV5 cannot offer a fresh and new viewing experience to the audience since they are “copying” ideas from the two. So is TV5 a new competitor, an extension, or a clone TV?

One of the most renowned channels that already built its foundation in giving its viewers an intensive research and eye-opening episodes on the social issues that we have today is the- GMA 7, and one of its award-winning and credible programs in terms of informing the public is the I-witness.

I-witness is a documentary show of the GMA News and Public Affairs, airing every Monday evenings. It bagged honors from PMPC Star Awards for Television, UP Gandingan Awards, Lasallian Scholarum Awards, USTv Student Choice Awards, New York Festivals, Catholic Mass Media Awards, MTRCB TV Awards, and George Peabody Awards for several years.

Throughout the time, the I-witness provided its viewers such intelligent discoveries and education that calls for our empathy to deserted people and places in the society, and two of its episodes which received awards last year are the documentaries entitled “Paraisong Uhaw” and "Pasan-Pasan".

Sandra Aguinaldo’s Pasan-Pasan

The I-witness was hailed by the Catholic Mass Media Awards as the 2011 Winner for Best Educational Program through its episode "Pasan-Pasan" hosted by Sandra Aguinaldo. This “Pasan-Pasan” is also awarded as the Outstanding Televised Feature on Youth and Education of The Lasallian Scholarum Awards in September 2011.

This episode is a story of brotherhood, love, perseverance and loyalty between family members. It’s a story of an 18-year old crippled child named Pablito who suffers “osteogenesis imperfecta” or brittle bone disease which caused him to cannot walk, eat and bathe with his own.  In spite of this situation, Pablito was never considered to be the burden on his family. His supportive brother, Jason, gives him chances to experience what the world could offer with Pablito - education for his brighter future. Day by day, he was carried by his brother in going to school, thinking that his dedication to carry his sibling could give Pablito the better life.

The story tells an undying commitment and love to every family member. It shows how the help of one another could bring happiness and success especially to the member of family who has disability.

This episode also opened the eyes of those fortunate people who experience going to school and playing with others with their own. This story provided everyone the mindset about the education as a way to surpass challenges and to bring us a good future. This story would really inspire people especially those who has the same condition with Pablito- the persons with disabilities.

Kara David’s "Paraisong Uhaw"

In 2011, the I-witness won on the New York Festivals as the 2011 winner for Bronze World Medal for documentary "Paraisong Uhaw" hosted by Kara David.

It’s an hapless story of the people of the Sampad, Masbate who depend in a well for their source of water.  Unfortunately, Sampad being a desert-like town, the well they used to get water was always in mixture of mud. This surreal way of living provided nothing but fierce droughts to the town.

Contrary to this, it cannot be denied that every day, we are living in a world which provides everyone clean and potable water. In the case of the Sampad people, living in this place have no choice but to consume this mud-like and mud-tasted water without minding the illnesses they can get with it.

It’s also a story informing everyone how important the saying “Every drop of water counts”, particularly to the people of Sampad.  This story calls for the priority of the government to provide the children a more convenient way to access for water without spending their whole time to dig for well just to have clean water. The local government must provide them stable sources of clean water and prioritize their safety and health.