“Hindi si Noy Noy and gumawa ng paraan, kayo and dahilan kung bakit ngayon magtatapos na ang pagtitiis ng sambayanan,” [You (Filipino people) are the reason why our sufferings will end, and not because of Noy-Noy.] the newly sworn 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines, Simeon Benigno “Noy-Noy” Cojuangco Aquino III, said in his 20-minute-inaugural speech.
June 30, 2010 marks another historical moment as the nation embraces a transition of governance from Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) to Aquino.
The battle cry of the last election: “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,” was highlighted in Aquino’s, who preferred to be called P-Noy, speech.
P-Noy pledged that he will serve as a model for good governance, saying that a fraudulent and deceitful administration is a hindrance to the nation’s development.
He also vowed to take action in health services, educational system, and other poverty related crises of the country for the next six years.
Midnight appointments and red tape problems, which indicate the controversies of the last administration, were also declared to be diminished when he is seated at the palace.
Aquino sworn in Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales while Brgy. Chairman of 2nd district of Tarlac City, Eugenio Perez, carried the bible.
UNITED YELLOW
The Quirino grandstand became a sea of yellow fans as an estimated 40,000- 50,000 supporters gather to witness the oath taking.
Green, red, and orange groups of last elections came to support the victorious yellow team. “Green team” bearer, Gilbert Teodoro was seen among the audience.
Apparently, P-noy’s last election tandem, Mar Roxas, who lost against the newly sworn in Vice President, Jejomar Cabawatan Binay, was absent. However, former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada were in attendance.
Estrada, who placed second after Aquino in the last automated elections, supported the inauguration saying that the late president Corazon Aquino, Noy’s mother, was at his Barasoain church oath taking.
The Aquino sisters—Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, and Kris, together with their immediate families were present, all wearing their yellow outfit. Noy’s girlfriend, Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad, was also seen in the gathering.
106 international delegates and foreign media men also attended the rites.
Other artists who supported P-Noy’s candidacy were also present-- Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velazques, Gary V., Jed Madela, and Christian Bautisa among others perform in the program hosted by Juana Change and the APO Hiking Society.
“Bagong Pilipinas,” written by Alcasid and Noel Cabangon is said to be the theme song of P-Noy’s administration. International singer Charice Pempengco meanwhile led the National Anthem.
SMOOTH TRANSITION
After 3447 days of governance, GMA stepped down to presidency, but not to giving up her political power. Arroyo won as a Congresswoman in second district of Pampanga.
The outgoing president was met downstairs of the Malacanan palace buy the then-incumbent Aquino, which symbolizes the smooth transition of their powers.
The presidents together went to Quirino grandstand, GMA however did not attend the inauguration rights for she had to fly to Tarlac to sworn in as a Congresswoman.
HOPEFUL PINOYS
The thousands of witnesses who sport the “Laban” sign are hopeful that a “Bagong Pilipinas,” is to come.
An after party in Quezon City Circle was set to end the “historical moment.”
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
REALITY CHECK
Hidden cameras around the four corners of the room, trapped in an island for 39 days with nothing to consume but some scattered seashells-- survival is the name of the game. Bungee jumping, eating cow’s liver, and swimming in mud full of snakes--fear is definitely not a factor. This is reality TV.
NewClassic
Reality show is a type of documentary program which deals with ordinary people’s reaction and emotion towards invented and fabricated situations. However, reality TV is not to be confused with documentary shows. It is distinguished from documentaries in a sense that the said show has a “set up” concept and as much as possible the characters ignore the cameras around them. Subjects of reality TV may be given directions off-screen but the point is to perform as natural as possible. Although the genre has long existed, the term “reality show” was used to describe these types of programs only in 2000. It has various types and covers wide range of formats like dating contests, game shows, social experiments, and makeovers.
The hit television program “Big Brother” is a prime example of reality TV. The show was developed by Dutch Johannes “John” de Mol, one of the men of Endemol production. It features a group of strangers living together for three months while they remain isolated from the outside world. They have no privacy and are under constant surveillance. The said show was franchised worldwide including here in the Philippines. The program was, in fact inspired from George Orwell’s book “1984.” Big Brother is an omniscient and omnipotent fictional character in Oceania, a totalitarian state where everybody is under total surveillance via telescreens. Hence, the word “Orwellian” was coined to mean “under scrutiny.”
British producer Mark Burnett, on the other hand, created more prominent reality shows. He conceptualized “Eco Challenge,” a race between teams of strangers who competed against each other in several challenges. The said program aired in 1995 and triggered the emergence of other types of reality shows. The success of “Eco Challenge” resulted in the production of “Survivor,” which debuted in 2000 and is about a group of strangers who strive to survive in an island for 39 days under different circumstances, like immunity games, and competitor alliances in which the “sole survivor” will be named. The said show was dubbed as the mother of all reality shows, because the popularity of “Survivor” signaled the green light for the production of other reality programs.
What sets reality shows apart from other usual television programs is their nature to be actual, exact, and natural. They are real and unpredictable. Although its “realness” is debatable, the concept of genuine reaction of characters is definitely a plus factor. There are characters who audience has and will come to admire and personalities others will inevitably love to hate. Their actions and emotions seem authentic. The “realness” of the program hooks the viewers. Reality TV has seemingly become the answer for hungry viewers who crave for something out of the ordinary.
PinoyIngenuity
The warm reception of viewers worldwide towards reality shows triggered the creation of their local versions. Philippine television networks have produced reality shows like “Pinoy Big Brother,” “Survivor Philippines” and “Fear Factor.” They were altered to suit the needs of Pinoy viewers. The challenges and everyday task however, are not exactly copied but merely inspired by the originals. The twists and turns of the said local versions come naturally as the shows progress.
Even before the trend of franchising international programs started, Philippine TV has adopted shows from abroad which led to the production of our very own reality programs. “The Weakest Link,” an American game show, inspired the concept of “Game KNB?,” one of the longest running television programs in the country. “Fear Factor” on the other hand influenced the concept of Eat Bulaga’s segment “Sige, Ano Kaya Mo? (Sak Mo?).” The program showcased the participants’ abilities to endure unusual situations such as eating chili, ripping off the coconut husk using one’s teeth, and other out of the ordinary features one could think of. The same format goes for Manny Pacquiao’s “Pinoy Records.” Another hit program “Extra Challenge,” a mixture of “Survivor” and “Fear Factor” presented how challengers compete with each other and face their fears.
What’s New?
Despite the popularity of reality shows, the “staying power” of television programs, whether reality show or not, is based on its ingenuity and originality. Loy Braun ABC Entertainment Chairman, have said that “the days of believing that because it is an unscripted reality show it’s going to get good numbers (ratings)…are over.” The network executive added that reality shows will always be part of primetime schedule but will never dominate it again. What is top-rated today can be a flop tomorrow. The “staying power” of a show depends on its consumers. It is a challenge then to reality show creators to inject new ideas that would continue to entice viewers, since these do not have the longevity of some programs people have come to know.
Philip Zimbardo, psychology professor at Stanford University, criticized that reality shows are “misleading.” He then conceptualized his own version, “Human Zoo” which aired in Discovery Channel. The show, which is more of a psychology experiment, was produced to understand the behavior of the volunteers in a novel situation and to highlight how participants behave in a certain situation.
The unpredictability of reality show means that the situations of the characters are not supervised. Aspiring artists also join the show to enter showbiz and jumpstart their careers. Joining reality shows has become the key to fame and fortune. Most participants become household names right after the program.
CrazyforPerceivedReality
Despite the criticisms on reality shows abroad, there have been positive feedbacks towards reality-themed programs locally. Pinoy Big Brother ended its 5th year, the “Big Brother” teen edition with a bang. According to Philippine Entertainment Portal, “Survivor Philippines, first season” received an average of 30% audience ratings over the estimated 17% of ABS-CBN teleserye “Kahit Isang Saglit” last November 10, 2008. The frenzy over Pinoy reality shows has just begun based on this trend.
What people see on boobtubes however, does not reflect reality – at least their own.
Televiewers are insatiable. They want something that will satisfy their wants, their preferences change every time. It’s drama over reality shows today, tomorrow may the other way around. The changes of viewing habits of audience inevitably results in franchising or producing new programs. But in the mean time, grab your remote control and watch reality shows. Do they satisfy your need for good all entertainment? Or are these shows just another unworthy replacements to traditional-themed programs? Real or reel. Whether they gradually fade into history or continue to evolve as a unique TV genre, hungry viewers, after all, are after the entertainment they bring. The reason audience patronize these shows is because they are “entertained” by the emotions of real people under contrived conditions. Some may relate or see their selves in these programs. Reality shows can be upsetting or even inspiring, but the fact that real emotions and real people are presented in these shows, the viewers’ appetite for authentic drama continues and can be as addictive as those script-based and highly conclusive dramas. Who knows, better genres are still in store. What viewers need though is reality check. Assess what you see on your boobtubes. Check your reality.
NewClassic
Reality show is a type of documentary program which deals with ordinary people’s reaction and emotion towards invented and fabricated situations. However, reality TV is not to be confused with documentary shows. It is distinguished from documentaries in a sense that the said show has a “set up” concept and as much as possible the characters ignore the cameras around them. Subjects of reality TV may be given directions off-screen but the point is to perform as natural as possible. Although the genre has long existed, the term “reality show” was used to describe these types of programs only in 2000. It has various types and covers wide range of formats like dating contests, game shows, social experiments, and makeovers.
The hit television program “Big Brother” is a prime example of reality TV. The show was developed by Dutch Johannes “John” de Mol, one of the men of Endemol production. It features a group of strangers living together for three months while they remain isolated from the outside world. They have no privacy and are under constant surveillance. The said show was franchised worldwide including here in the Philippines. The program was, in fact inspired from George Orwell’s book “1984.” Big Brother is an omniscient and omnipotent fictional character in Oceania, a totalitarian state where everybody is under total surveillance via telescreens. Hence, the word “Orwellian” was coined to mean “under scrutiny.”
British producer Mark Burnett, on the other hand, created more prominent reality shows. He conceptualized “Eco Challenge,” a race between teams of strangers who competed against each other in several challenges. The said program aired in 1995 and triggered the emergence of other types of reality shows. The success of “Eco Challenge” resulted in the production of “Survivor,” which debuted in 2000 and is about a group of strangers who strive to survive in an island for 39 days under different circumstances, like immunity games, and competitor alliances in which the “sole survivor” will be named. The said show was dubbed as the mother of all reality shows, because the popularity of “Survivor” signaled the green light for the production of other reality programs.
What sets reality shows apart from other usual television programs is their nature to be actual, exact, and natural. They are real and unpredictable. Although its “realness” is debatable, the concept of genuine reaction of characters is definitely a plus factor. There are characters who audience has and will come to admire and personalities others will inevitably love to hate. Their actions and emotions seem authentic. The “realness” of the program hooks the viewers. Reality TV has seemingly become the answer for hungry viewers who crave for something out of the ordinary.
PinoyIngenuity
The warm reception of viewers worldwide towards reality shows triggered the creation of their local versions. Philippine television networks have produced reality shows like “Pinoy Big Brother,” “Survivor Philippines” and “Fear Factor.” They were altered to suit the needs of Pinoy viewers. The challenges and everyday task however, are not exactly copied but merely inspired by the originals. The twists and turns of the said local versions come naturally as the shows progress.
Even before the trend of franchising international programs started, Philippine TV has adopted shows from abroad which led to the production of our very own reality programs. “The Weakest Link,” an American game show, inspired the concept of “Game KNB?,” one of the longest running television programs in the country. “Fear Factor” on the other hand influenced the concept of Eat Bulaga’s segment “Sige, Ano Kaya Mo? (Sak Mo?).” The program showcased the participants’ abilities to endure unusual situations such as eating chili, ripping off the coconut husk using one’s teeth, and other out of the ordinary features one could think of. The same format goes for Manny Pacquiao’s “Pinoy Records.” Another hit program “Extra Challenge,” a mixture of “Survivor” and “Fear Factor” presented how challengers compete with each other and face their fears.
What’s New?
Despite the popularity of reality shows, the “staying power” of television programs, whether reality show or not, is based on its ingenuity and originality. Loy Braun ABC Entertainment Chairman, have said that “the days of believing that because it is an unscripted reality show it’s going to get good numbers (ratings)…are over.” The network executive added that reality shows will always be part of primetime schedule but will never dominate it again. What is top-rated today can be a flop tomorrow. The “staying power” of a show depends on its consumers. It is a challenge then to reality show creators to inject new ideas that would continue to entice viewers, since these do not have the longevity of some programs people have come to know.
Philip Zimbardo, psychology professor at Stanford University, criticized that reality shows are “misleading.” He then conceptualized his own version, “Human Zoo” which aired in Discovery Channel. The show, which is more of a psychology experiment, was produced to understand the behavior of the volunteers in a novel situation and to highlight how participants behave in a certain situation.
The unpredictability of reality show means that the situations of the characters are not supervised. Aspiring artists also join the show to enter showbiz and jumpstart their careers. Joining reality shows has become the key to fame and fortune. Most participants become household names right after the program.
CrazyforPerceivedReality
Despite the criticisms on reality shows abroad, there have been positive feedbacks towards reality-themed programs locally. Pinoy Big Brother ended its 5th year, the “Big Brother” teen edition with a bang. According to Philippine Entertainment Portal, “Survivor Philippines, first season” received an average of 30% audience ratings over the estimated 17% of ABS-CBN teleserye “Kahit Isang Saglit” last November 10, 2008. The frenzy over Pinoy reality shows has just begun based on this trend.
What people see on boobtubes however, does not reflect reality – at least their own.
Televiewers are insatiable. They want something that will satisfy their wants, their preferences change every time. It’s drama over reality shows today, tomorrow may the other way around. The changes of viewing habits of audience inevitably results in franchising or producing new programs. But in the mean time, grab your remote control and watch reality shows. Do they satisfy your need for good all entertainment? Or are these shows just another unworthy replacements to traditional-themed programs? Real or reel. Whether they gradually fade into history or continue to evolve as a unique TV genre, hungry viewers, after all, are after the entertainment they bring. The reason audience patronize these shows is because they are “entertained” by the emotions of real people under contrived conditions. Some may relate or see their selves in these programs. Reality shows can be upsetting or even inspiring, but the fact that real emotions and real people are presented in these shows, the viewers’ appetite for authentic drama continues and can be as addictive as those script-based and highly conclusive dramas. Who knows, better genres are still in store. What viewers need though is reality check. Assess what you see on your boobtubes. Check your reality.
Hidden cameras around the four corners of the room, trapped in an island for 39 days with nothing to consume but some scattered seashells-- survival is the name of the game. Bungee jumping, eating cow’s liver, and swimming in mud full of snakes--fear is definitely not a factor. This is reality TV.
NewClassic
Reality show is a type of documentary program which deals with ordinary people’s reaction and emotion towards invented and fabricated situations. However, reality TV is not to be confused with documentary shows. It is distinguished from documentaries in a sense that the said show has a “set up” concept and as much as possible the characters ignore the cameras around them. Subjects of reality TV may be given directions off-screen but the point is to perform as natural as possible. Although the genre has long existed, the term “reality show” was used to describe these types of programs only in 2000. It has various types and covers wide range of formats like dating contests, game shows, social experiments, and makeovers.
The hit television program “Big Brother” is a prime example of reality TV. The show was developed by Dutch Johannes “John” de Mol, one of the men of Endemol production. It features a group of strangers living together for three months while they remain isolated from the outside world. They have no privacy and are under constant surveillance. The said show was franchised worldwide including here in the Philippines. The program was, in fact inspired from George Orwell’s book “1984.” Big Brother is an omniscient and omnipotent fictional character in Oceania, a totalitarian state where everybody is under total surveillance via telescreens. Hence, the word “Orwellian” was coined to mean “under scrutiny.”
British producer Mark Burnett, on the other hand, created more prominent reality shows. He conceptualized “Eco Challenge,” a race between teams of strangers who competed against each other in several challenges. The said program aired in 1995 and triggered the emergence of other types of reality shows. The success of “Eco Challenge” resulted in the production of “Survivor,” which debuted in 2000 and is about a group of strangers who strive to survive in an island for 39 days under different circumstances, like immunity games, and competitor alliances in which the “sole survivor” will be named. The said show was dubbed as the mother of all reality shows, because the popularity of “Survivor” signaled the green light for the production of other reality programs.
What sets reality shows apart from other usual television programs is their nature to be actual, exact, and natural. They are real and unpredictable. Although its “realness” is debatable, the concept of genuine reaction of characters is definitely a plus factor. There are characters who audience has and will come to admire and personalities others will inevitably love to hate. Their actions and emotions seem authentic. The “realness” of the program hooks the viewers. Reality TV has seemingly become the answer for hungry viewers who crave for something out of the ordinary.
PinoyIngenuity
The warm reception of viewers worldwide towards reality shows triggered the creation of their local versions. Philippine television networks have produced reality shows like “Pinoy Big Brother,” “Survivor Philippines” and “Fear Factor.” They were altered to suit the needs of Pinoy viewers. The challenges and everyday task however, are not exactly copied but merely inspired by the originals. The twists and turns of the said local versions come naturally as the shows progress.
Even before the trend of franchising international programs started, Philippine TV has adopted shows from abroad which led to the production of our very own reality programs. “The Weakest Link,” an American game show, inspired the concept of “Game KNB?,” one of the longest running television programs in the country. “Fear Factor” on the other hand influenced the concept of Eat Bulaga’s segment “Sige, Ano Kaya Mo? (Sak Mo?).” The program showcased the participants’ abilities to endure unusual situations such as eating chili, ripping off the coconut husk using one’s teeth, and other out of the ordinary features one could think of. The same format goes for Manny Pacquiao’s “Pinoy Records.” Another hit program “Extra Challenge,” a mixture of “Survivor” and “Fear Factor” presented how challengers compete with each other and face their fears.
What’s New?
Despite the popularity of reality shows, the “staying power” of television programs, whether reality show or not, is based on its ingenuity and originality. Loy Braun ABC Entertainment Chairman, have said that “the days of believing that because it is an unscripted reality show it’s going to get good numbers (ratings)…are over.” The network executive added that reality shows will always be part of primetime schedule but will never dominate it again. What is top-rated today can be a flop tomorrow. The “staying power” of a show depends on its consumers. It is a challenge then to reality show creators to inject new ideas that would continue to entice viewers, since these do not have the longevity of some programs people have come to know.
Philip Zimbardo, psychology professor at Stanford University, criticized that reality shows are “misleading.” He then conceptualized his own version, “Human Zoo” which aired in Discovery Channel. The show, which is more of a psychology experiment, was produced to understand the behavior of the volunteers in a novel situation and to highlight how participants behave in a certain situation.
The unpredictability of reality show means that the situations of the characters are not supervised. Aspiring artists also join the show to enter showbiz and jumpstart their careers. Joining reality shows has become the key to fame and fortune. Most participants become household names right after the program.
CrazyforPerceivedReality
Despite the criticisms on reality shows abroad, there have been positive feedbacks towards reality-themed programs locally. Pinoy Big Brother ended its 5th year, the “Big Brother” teen edition with a bang. According to Philippine Entertainment Portal, “Survivor Philippines, first season” received an average of 30% audience ratings over the estimated 17% of ABS-CBN teleserye “Kahit Isang Saglit” last November 10, 2008. The frenzy over Pinoy reality shows has just begun based on this trend.
What people see on boobtubes however, does not reflect reality – at least their own.
Televiewers are insatiable. They want something that will satisfy their wants, their preferences change every time. It’s drama over reality shows today, tomorrow may the other way around. The changes of viewing habits of audience inevitably results in franchising or producing new programs. But in the mean time, grab your remote control and watch reality shows. Do they satisfy your need for good all entertainment? Or are these shows just another unworthy replacements to traditional-themed programs? Real or reel. Whether they gradually fade into history or continue to evolve as a unique TV genre, hungry viewers, after all, are after the entertainment they bring. The reason audience patronize these shows is because they are “entertained” by the emotions of real people under contrived conditions. Some may relate or see their selves in these programs. Reality shows can be upsetting or even inspiring, but the fact that real emotions and real people are presented in these shows, the viewers’ appetite for authentic drama continues and can be as addictive as those script-based and highly conclusive dramas. Who knows, better genres are still in store. What viewers need though is reality check. Assess what you see on your boobtubes. Check your reality.
NewClassic
Reality show is a type of documentary program which deals with ordinary people’s reaction and emotion towards invented and fabricated situations. However, reality TV is not to be confused with documentary shows. It is distinguished from documentaries in a sense that the said show has a “set up” concept and as much as possible the characters ignore the cameras around them. Subjects of reality TV may be given directions off-screen but the point is to perform as natural as possible. Although the genre has long existed, the term “reality show” was used to describe these types of programs only in 2000. It has various types and covers wide range of formats like dating contests, game shows, social experiments, and makeovers.
The hit television program “Big Brother” is a prime example of reality TV. The show was developed by Dutch Johannes “John” de Mol, one of the men of Endemol production. It features a group of strangers living together for three months while they remain isolated from the outside world. They have no privacy and are under constant surveillance. The said show was franchised worldwide including here in the Philippines. The program was, in fact inspired from George Orwell’s book “1984.” Big Brother is an omniscient and omnipotent fictional character in Oceania, a totalitarian state where everybody is under total surveillance via telescreens. Hence, the word “Orwellian” was coined to mean “under scrutiny.”
British producer Mark Burnett, on the other hand, created more prominent reality shows. He conceptualized “Eco Challenge,” a race between teams of strangers who competed against each other in several challenges. The said program aired in 1995 and triggered the emergence of other types of reality shows. The success of “Eco Challenge” resulted in the production of “Survivor,” which debuted in 2000 and is about a group of strangers who strive to survive in an island for 39 days under different circumstances, like immunity games, and competitor alliances in which the “sole survivor” will be named. The said show was dubbed as the mother of all reality shows, because the popularity of “Survivor” signaled the green light for the production of other reality programs.
What sets reality shows apart from other usual television programs is their nature to be actual, exact, and natural. They are real and unpredictable. Although its “realness” is debatable, the concept of genuine reaction of characters is definitely a plus factor. There are characters who audience has and will come to admire and personalities others will inevitably love to hate. Their actions and emotions seem authentic. The “realness” of the program hooks the viewers. Reality TV has seemingly become the answer for hungry viewers who crave for something out of the ordinary.
PinoyIngenuity
The warm reception of viewers worldwide towards reality shows triggered the creation of their local versions. Philippine television networks have produced reality shows like “Pinoy Big Brother,” “Survivor Philippines” and “Fear Factor.” They were altered to suit the needs of Pinoy viewers. The challenges and everyday task however, are not exactly copied but merely inspired by the originals. The twists and turns of the said local versions come naturally as the shows progress.
Even before the trend of franchising international programs started, Philippine TV has adopted shows from abroad which led to the production of our very own reality programs. “The Weakest Link,” an American game show, inspired the concept of “Game KNB?,” one of the longest running television programs in the country. “Fear Factor” on the other hand influenced the concept of Eat Bulaga’s segment “Sige, Ano Kaya Mo? (Sak Mo?).” The program showcased the participants’ abilities to endure unusual situations such as eating chili, ripping off the coconut husk using one’s teeth, and other out of the ordinary features one could think of. The same format goes for Manny Pacquiao’s “Pinoy Records.” Another hit program “Extra Challenge,” a mixture of “Survivor” and “Fear Factor” presented how challengers compete with each other and face their fears.
What’s New?
Despite the popularity of reality shows, the “staying power” of television programs, whether reality show or not, is based on its ingenuity and originality. Loy Braun ABC Entertainment Chairman, have said that “the days of believing that because it is an unscripted reality show it’s going to get good numbers (ratings)…are over.” The network executive added that reality shows will always be part of primetime schedule but will never dominate it again. What is top-rated today can be a flop tomorrow. The “staying power” of a show depends on its consumers. It is a challenge then to reality show creators to inject new ideas that would continue to entice viewers, since these do not have the longevity of some programs people have come to know.
Philip Zimbardo, psychology professor at Stanford University, criticized that reality shows are “misleading.” He then conceptualized his own version, “Human Zoo” which aired in Discovery Channel. The show, which is more of a psychology experiment, was produced to understand the behavior of the volunteers in a novel situation and to highlight how participants behave in a certain situation.
The unpredictability of reality show means that the situations of the characters are not supervised. Aspiring artists also join the show to enter showbiz and jumpstart their careers. Joining reality shows has become the key to fame and fortune. Most participants become household names right after the program.
CrazyforPerceivedReality
Despite the criticisms on reality shows abroad, there have been positive feedbacks towards reality-themed programs locally. Pinoy Big Brother ended its 5th year, the “Big Brother” teen edition with a bang. According to Philippine Entertainment Portal, “Survivor Philippines, first season” received an average of 30% audience ratings over the estimated 17% of ABS-CBN teleserye “Kahit Isang Saglit” last November 10, 2008. The frenzy over Pinoy reality shows has just begun based on this trend.
What people see on boobtubes however, does not reflect reality – at least their own.
Televiewers are insatiable. They want something that will satisfy their wants, their preferences change every time. It’s drama over reality shows today, tomorrow may the other way around. The changes of viewing habits of audience inevitably results in franchising or producing new programs. But in the mean time, grab your remote control and watch reality shows. Do they satisfy your need for good all entertainment? Or are these shows just another unworthy replacements to traditional-themed programs? Real or reel. Whether they gradually fade into history or continue to evolve as a unique TV genre, hungry viewers, after all, are after the entertainment they bring. The reason audience patronize these shows is because they are “entertained” by the emotions of real people under contrived conditions. Some may relate or see their selves in these programs. Reality shows can be upsetting or even inspiring, but the fact that real emotions and real people are presented in these shows, the viewers’ appetite for authentic drama continues and can be as addictive as those script-based and highly conclusive dramas. Who knows, better genres are still in store. What viewers need though is reality check. Assess what you see on your boobtubes. Check your reality.
REALITY CHECK
Hidden cameras around the four corners of the room, trapped in an island for 39 days with nothing to consume but some scattered seashells-- survival is the name of the game. Bungee jumping, eating cow’s liver, and swimming in mud full of snakes--fear is definitely not a factor. This is reality TV.
New Classic
Reality show is a type of documentary program which deals with ordinary people’s reaction and emotion towards invented and fabricated situations. However, reality TV is not to be confused with documentary shows. It is distinguished from documentaries in a sense that the said show has a “set up” concept and as much as possible the characters ignore the cameras around them. Subjects of reality TV may be given directions off-screen but the point is to perform as natural as possible. Although the genre has long existed, the term “reality show” was used to describe these types of programs only in 2000. It has various types and covers wide range of formats like dating contests, game shows, social experiments, and makeovers.
The hit television program “Big Brother” is a prime example of reality TV. The show was developed by Dutch Johannes “John” de Mol, one of the men of Endemol production. It features a group of strangers living together for three months while they remain isolated from the outside world. They have no privacy and are under constant surveillance. The said show was franchised worldwide including here in the
British producer Mark Burnett, on the other hand, created more prominent reality shows. He conceptualized “Eco Challenge,” a race between teams of strangers who competed against each other in several challenges. The said program aired in 1995 and triggered the emergence of other types of reality shows. The success of “Eco Challenge” resulted in the production of “Survivor,” which debuted in 2000 and is about a group of strangers who strive to survive in an island for 39 days under different circumstances, like immunity games, and competitor alliances in which the “sole survivor” will be named. The said show was dubbed as the mother of all reality shows, because the popularity of “Survivor” signaled the green light for the production of other reality programs.
What sets reality shows apart from other usual television programs is their nature to be actual, exact, and natural. They are real and unpredictable. Although its “realness” is debatable, the concept of genuine reaction of characters is definitely a plus factor. There are characters who audience has and will come to admire and personalities others will inevitably love to hate. Their actions and emotions seem authentic. The “realness” of the program hooks the viewers. Reality TV has seemingly become the answer for hungry viewers who crave for something out of the ordinary.
Pinoy Ingenuity
The warm reception of viewers worldwide towards reality shows triggered the creation of their local versions. Philippine television networks have produced reality shows like “Pinoy Big Brother,” “Survivor Philippines” and “Fear Factor.” They were altered to suit the needs of Pinoy viewers. The challenges and everyday task however, are not exactly copied but merely inspired by the originals. The twists and turns of the said local versions come naturally as the shows progress.
Even before the trend of franchising international programs started, Philippine TV has adopted shows from abroad which led to the production of our very own reality programs. “The Weakest Link,” an American game show, inspired the concept of “Game KNB?,” one of the longest running television programs in the country. “Fear Factor” on the other hand influenced the concept of Eat Bulaga’s segment “Sige, Ano Kaya Mo? (Sak Mo?).” The program showcased the participants’ abilities to endure unusual situations such as eating chili, ripping off the coconut husk using one’s teeth, and other out of the ordinary features one could think of. The same format goes for Manny Pacquiao’s “Pinoy Records.” Another hit program “Extra Challenge,” a mixture of “Survivor” and “Fear Factor” presented how challengers compete with each other and face their fears.
What’sNew? Despite the popularity of reality shows, the “staying power” of television programs, whether reality show or not, is based on its ingenuity and originality. Loy Braun ABC Entertainment Chairman, have said that “the days of believing that because it is an unscripted reality show it’s going to get good numbers (ratings)…are over.” The network executive added that reality shows will always be part of primetime schedule but will never dominate it again. What is top-rated today can be a flop tomorrow. The “staying power” of a show depends on its consumers. It is a challenge then to reality show creators to inject new ideas that would continue to entice viewers, since these do not have the longevity of some programs people have come to know.
Philip Zimbardo, psychology professor at Stanford University, criticized that reality shows are “misleading.” He then conceptualized his own version, “Human Zoo” which aired in Discovery Channel. The show, which is more of a psychology experiment, was produced to understand the behavior of the volunteers in a novel situation and to highlight how participants behave in a certain situation.
The unpredictability of reality show means that the situations of the characters are not supervised. Aspiring artists also join the show to enter showbiz and jumpstart their careers. Joining reality shows has become the key to fame and fortune. Most participants become household names right after the program.
Crazy for Perceived Reality Despite the criticisms on reality shows abroad, there have been positive feedbacks towards reality-themed programs locally. Pinoy Big Brother ended its 5th year, the “Big Brother” teen edition with a bang. According to Philippine Entertainment Portal, “Survivor Philippines, first season” received an average of 30% audience ratings over the estimated 17% of ABS-CBN teleserye “Kahit Isang Saglit” last November 10, 2008. The frenzy over Pinoy reality shows has just begun based on this trend.
What people see on boobtubes however, does not reflect reality – at least their own.
Televiewers are insatiable. They want something that will satisfy their wants, their preferences change every time. It’s drama over reality shows today, tomorrow may the other way around. The changes of viewing habits of audience inevitably results in franchising or producing new programs. But in the mean time, grab your remote control and watch reality shows. Do they satisfy your need for good all entertainment? Or are these shows just another unworthy replacements to traditional-themed programs? Real or reel. Whether they gradually fade into history or continue to evolve as a unique TV genre, hungry viewers, after all, are after the entertainment they bring. The reason audience patronize these shows is because they are “entertained” by the emotions of real people under contrived conditions. Some may relate or see their selves in these programs. Reality shows can be upsetting or even inspiring, but the fact that real emotions and real people are presented in these shows, the viewers’ appetite for authentic drama continues and can be as addictive as those script-based and highly conclusive dramas. Who knows, better genres are still in store. What viewers need though is reality check. Assess what you see on your boobtubes. Check your reality. #
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