Ladies and gentlemen, this is a very rare day when I find myself concurring with members of our local media, many of whom I openly disdain. Indeed, as some of you probably know, I usually go out of my way just to bash the local media and their constituents. However, just recently, my apprentice called my attention to an incident that happened in a fairly recent episode of Pilipinas Got Talent.
Apparently, a dance group composed of young students performed their routine in the hopes that their efforts would allow them to win a considerable prize of 2 million pesos, which could be equivalent to a rough estimate $4500. The dance group intended to use the money to improve their school which, all in all, seems like a noble goal in its own right. Unfortunately, the group performed so horribly that it was very unlikely that they would win anything. Indeed, some members of the audiences watching the performance were quite disappointed in the rather unflattering performance of the young dance group.
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Vice Ganda, yes that Vice Ganda, went on to tell the dance group that: “This is Pilipinas got talent, not Pilipinas got awa!” Yet, even when he made it clear that the group had lost the competition and that their performance was deplorable, he also made mention of providing them with some help and that there are also those in the studio who would be willing to extend to them some form of financial aid. Despite their willingness to help however, it was very apparent that Vice Ganda as well as the other judges in the show were very disappointed and went as far as to remind the group that no matter how sad their circumstances were, they were in a “talent show” and were supposed to show off their talents and not a “pity show” where they could win through the pity of the audience with their sob story.
As I’ve no doubt already mentioned, I do not like noontime shows and I especially don’t care very much for Vice Ganda’s alleged “humor”, however I must commend him as well as the other judges on Pilipinas Got Talent for being more mature and discreet in their decisions this time around. Indeed, as I’ve mentioned before, just because you don’t like someone or because you oppose what they stand for doesn’t mean they lack any redeeming qualities. Respecting one’s enemies and honoring them for the good that they do will allow you to improve your standing with them and altogether make headway for the greater good of society.
I certainly hope that more discerning decisions like the one made by Vice Ganda recently will trend with other similar talent shows. The time has come to raise the standards for our society and leave behind a culture that relies solely on people’s pity to get by. I think it’s time for the Filipino people to become talented achievers rather than remain as a rowdy community of beggars and swindlers of both fortune and fame.
I HAVE RETURNED TO LAY WASTE TO OUR ENEMIES!
Oh, Pilipinas Got Talent is still ongoing despite Ai-Ai going back to her TV studio.
You know what, I though the show is Pilipinas Got Voice since all past winners are all singers.
Oh well, Filipinos love to sing . . .
And they train their voices using videoke. XD
Local talent shows should learn from Asia’s Got Talent. Lining up the finals are not just contemporary singers, rock band and dancers. Apart from them there are the group that performed shadow play, a group that performed traditional music using traditional instruments, a group that performed traditional dance mixed with modern dance, a couple performing acrobatic ballet dance, an opera ballad singer singing classical songs, a young group that performed Broadway dance and a talented guy who produced superb classical music using harmonica.
The Filipinos who mostly joined Pilipinas Got Talent, unless they are curious to different kinds of music, arts and dances, their knowledge on talent are limited to what they see in their entertainment channel or on what’s popular in their social media. Also, the winner is decided by sms/social media (FB, Twitter) votes. Again, majority of the voters are also mostly exposed to talents they see in their local channels and social media and would associate themselves with the social status or life story of the contestants that is also their basis for judging.
Unless those who have other exemplary talents and those who can distinguish real talents who also have knowledge on various performing arts be the judge, you can expect another singer or a modern dance group to win. XD
Indeed a surprise..
Never expected something like ‘this’ would be your cup of tea. I’m more impressed now.. 🙂
Anyway, yeah, I agree..
I stopped watching talent shows because I do not find the judges’ sincerity in their comments..
Sugar-coating doesn’t help anyone.
I mean, I’d rather that they tell me (if I’m a contestant) that I suck NOW, but have the POTENTIAL in the future.
Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius.