Viewpoint | Media Critic Compilation

This website contains all critics about different media platforms written by the students of Bachelor in Journalism 4-1D in partial fulfillment to the subject course Media Literacy and Studies .

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Kilatis International (KiTV) Philippines: A Dream Come True, Self-Satisfaction

Few years ago, Sixto Baflor Lagare (Kit Kilatis for his program) felt the need to establish an Internet TV as the trend of technology gone emergent in the social networking sites. At first, he put a website in the Internet (www.kitv.ph). Then, a good friend of him challenges him that his program will be put into live streaming. And last, as they say, the rest is history.

Kitv.ph launched its first airing on October 1, 2011 known as Kilatis International Television (KiTV) Philippines.

Sixto Lagare’s advocacy to impart knowledge to the public is the main reason why he pursued the Internet T.V. As a radio commentator, he believes that more audience will be reached by his Internet TV. Major partst of Luzon have reached by its radio station while the live streaming catered the needs of the masses abroad.

The budget of the program will depend on the owner of live streaming. Cost includes the equipment to be used in the programs, the Internet connection, rentals and others.

Kitv.ph also showcases various programs and segments. They have this “Manila Cowboy”, a music program that mostly country music is played. The host also sings live. There is also Ed Rosales the “Machine Gun” whose format tackles different issues of the local barangays and municipalities and its crime. To address these issues of a specific local government unit, Rosales calls for the immediate official to deal with their problems. Juvy de Guzman’s program, on the other hand, promotes different talents of Filipino and he is also good in singing. They invite guests from the local government. It is entertaining and the same time educational.

The Internet TV also assists help especially to the people who encountered problems abroad especially from those in Middle East. They have volunteer correspondents there. They also join with the local government to solve the problem immediately.

He believes that the young generation can also do things for his country. He considers the famous ode of Jose Rizal to the youth, “Ang kabataan ay pag-asa ng bayan”. He encouraged young people to volunteer in the program because he believes that they can contribute for the common good of our society.

As long as there’s a program like the KiTV, Kit Kilatis will continue to serve the masses because of the unconditional fulfillment it brings to him.

Bernadeth Bueno

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Online Versions of Newspapers, TV and Radio: A new trend or a new threat?

Isn’t it amazing how the Internet has rapidly become a part of our everyday lives? From our personal needs like communicating to our work and school-related tasks like researching, internet can indeed be considered a necessity.

We saw the internet boom and, whether we admit it or not, everything had been more convenient since then, especially when it comes to the transformation of traditional media.

Gone were the days when newspapers specifically meant reading on paper and when television and radio shows only meant one time airing – either you watch it on time or you miss it.

Nowadays, thanks to the internet, these kinds of media can be accessed anytime and anywhere we want even without spending an extra centavo. Newspaper pages are now turned simply by clicking. Like environment advocates would say, it would be a great way to save the environment because online newspapers means there would be a lesser need to cut down trees and process them to be pieces of paper. Catching up with our favorite television shows we missed during work daysis also now possible. You don’t even need to have a recorder to be able to do that. Consequently, listening to music does not require carrying a bulky stereo set anymore.

Indeed, even media storage these days does not require you a big room or dozens of filing cabinet, all you need is a computer and an internet connection.

However, as much as there are advantages, online versions of traditional media also have its disadvantages. In the recent years, there is an evident decline in the rate of newspaper readership and, in turn, many newspaper publishing companies are briskly moving on the verge of bankruptcy. Even television viewership and radio listenership was not as high when internet was still an unknown media.

As time goes by, more and more people prefer the more convenient means of accessing newspapers, television and radio. While it can be considered a successful trend for the so-called new media, this phenomenon is taking its toll in the traditional media – serving more of a threat.

Online media can be more convenient but we can’t afford traditional media either.

Sadly, it seems to me that this is also becoming more of a battle between the two different medium (which will only be over when one of them has been totally extinct) when, in fact, they can help each other to flourish in their own ways.

Rica Marie Fernandez

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Online Diary: A share of thoughts, feelings, and more..

Since the introduction of the Internet, every article, be it news and other stories published is considered a blog. As how many people define it, a blog is simply a collection of someone’s personal experiences; an online diary or a journal.

What’s the difference?

During my high school years, I used to own a diary. But when I had discovered about blogging it became easier for me to share my thoughts and everything seems to be as easy as pie. During the age of the online media, people, young or old have the access to every website published in the web.

Since I started blogging, I have used different blog sites as a place to post my ideas: Blogger, WordPress, and Tumblr.

1. Blogger.

Blogger was created by Pyra Labs, which was bought by Google in 2003. Generally, the blogs are hosted by Google at a subdomain of blogspot.com. Blogger have been popular among bloggers. It allows every user to post unlimited items. In September 2009, new features were introduced including a new interface for post editing, improved image handling, Raw HTML Conversion, and other Google Docs-based implementations.

Blogger offers a template editing feature, which allows users to customize the Blogger template. While Google Adsense offers users to have some extra income simply by having hits and visits on their blog.

2. Wordpress.

WordPress is a free and open source blogging tool and content management system (CMS) powered by Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) and "My Sequel" (MySQL). WordPress is currently the most popular CMS in use on the Internet. It was first released on May 27, 2003, by Matt Mullenweg as a fork of b2/cafelog.

It has many features including a plug-in architecture and a template system. Unless you’re a professional web designer, WordPress is the most complicated blog site. I have never maintained my WordPress blog since I cannot fully understand its features.

Unlike Blogger, themes at WordPress are being sold. But if you’re just an ordinary blogger and you want to make it easy when you blog, do not use WordPress.

3. Tumblr

Tumblr is a microblogging platform and social networking website that allows users to post text, images, videos, links, quotes and audio to their tumblelog. It was founded by David Karp in 2007 with Marco Arment as the lead developer.

One of its popular features, the Tumblr Dashboard contains all the posts from the people you are following, which can be reposted via ‘reblog’. Another feature is Ask button wherein people can send you messages and questions anonymously or not, depending on your chosen settings.

I’ve been an active Tumblr user since November 2009 alongside Facebook. Tumblr became my companion and because of its unique features I had never ceased using it.

All things have disadvantages, blogging isn’t always fun. In blogging, people can exercise their freedom of speech. But same goes with the regular writers, the freedom of speech and expression have its own limitations. You can blog or write whatever you want, but always remember, think before you click.

Sharmeyne Bontigao

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3 IDIOTS: REFLECTING ITS SMART WAYS

“All is well!” as the most important message brought by this Bollywood movie goes. This film imparts a non-threatening discussion of our daily life as if it’s going to be our last day here on Earth.

3 Idiots are not really about being an idiot but being an opposite of it. One can attest that this movie is reflective and profound, at the same time it’s hilarious. The movie either entertains or enlightens us. It makes you feel optimistic and at the same time forces you to think hard about some of the issues plaguing our country. Whether it’s tackling corruption on politics, religion, or the way we treat our elderly, the film taught us to use our own role in the society to move mountains. Rather than let the cultural diversity divide our unity, their stories use that diversity as strength to overcome our won individual weaknesses.

The film is meant to criticize the educational system; the creation of robots and ambitious parents who insist their child do something they do not want, even if it means losing the child. 3 idiots takes light-hearted but pointed punch in the education system, raising pertinent questions about the relevance of learning, the obsession to high grades, and the dangerous aftermath of parental pressure to pursue traditional belief.

The movie, I must say is an all-in one movie. The movie carries a full package of drama and learning. It entertains, it makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it makes you think, it makes you sing and dance, it makes you fall in love and it makes you learn and dream.

It touches mainly on students suicides; parents pushing students into a field they are not devoted on; students silently trying to excel in something they are not passionate about; enthusiastic students who learn by just memorization without knowing the meaning what is going into their head, and also human emotions of how when a friend fails, you feel sad but when the same friends top in college, jealousy takes hold.

All these aspects and more are beautifully woven into the movie.

Everyone can relate in this movie I can relate on the characters’ situation. should I say the ‘killing pressure’ they are I really appreciate the simple but not that especially college students. In many ways, I know and understand what ‘pressure’ ortalking about and even ‘fear’ sometimes. So typical story. And I’m so inspired with some remarkable dialogues such as: “This is college, not a pressure cooker.” After hearing that line, I realize that it is right. This is a funny line but reflective inside.

I think this is much bigger than just the film, it’s a cultural phenomenon. The movie will affect and change the society about how we like or dislike it, whether it bores you or make you proud, as long as you’ve thought for yourselves, and allowed the idiot in you to awake for a bit.

This is the film that showed alternating emotional highs and lows, a catch point, an invincible hero, and perfect knowledge of when to break into song or the interval. It has combined characters, a well-weaved narrative of the meaning of true education, the joy of learning and of course, friendships. Aside from being a highly amusing comedy film, it’s also a wonderful showcase of optimism.

The best thing about this film is that it gives a social message in a very finematter. It makes parents realize that they should not force their children as far as their professions likings are concerned. It gives clear picture of our education system. We keep on studying what is given in books and some time not even realize the actual meaning of the sentence given in books.

The film in the end is a broad entertainer that plays to the gallery, well-intented but sadly mixed-up. As we all realize later in this film (and in our lives): everyone turns out fine eventually.

This is the sort of movie you’ll take home with a smile and a song on your lips and realizing the true essence of education.

Bernadeth Bueno

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A pleasant view of the hawks eye: the Life of Kuya Kim Atienza

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.

Shiela Marie Manuel

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Editor's Note: Working As A Team

As a kid, I used to hear the saying that, “Two heads are better than one.” That it’s better to rely on another person in accomplishing things. Because by doing things together, more will be attained, taking in for consideration that everything is times two: the effort, inspiration and action. At a young age, my mom inculcated in me the value of teamwork and how it amazingly brings best results in any endeavor.

As I grew older, the more I appreciated the idea of sharing your abilities and gifts with others. Not only does it shorten the way to achieving your goal but also tests your capacity to adjust with various human behaviors. Let’s face it, no matter how noble or sincere our intentions are, there will still be oppositions that sometimes makes us blow our top. That’s life. But the essential lesson here is learning how to blend well with other people who share the same goal with you.

Again the cliché, “No man is an island.” True. Life is too short not to realize our need to co-exist with our fellow human beings. Sometimes, it’s our pride that hinders us from giving our share in the game. Especially if we know we have the ability to solve things alone. But we ought to remember that not all the time it works. There will always be an instance when we’ll need assistance from other people.

It’s not really hard to cooperate. Yes, that’s the magic word! Cooperation like faith can really move mountains. Especially these days when everything is fast-paced and everyone’s living a rat race whether you’re a student, employee or even plain housewife, sharing our best gifts makes things done easier. It will surely be heart-warming to attain success knowing that everyone in the team did his or her own part.

Genuine success can’t be totally credited to just one person. In this temporal world, everyone and everything contributes to all the good things happening around. Everything follows the rule of symbiosis. One more thing, isn’t it fun and enriching to work with someone towards the fulfillment of the same dream? One of the worst feelings is to be alone and definitely, no sane person will like to be in such state.

In this requirement for Media and Literacy Studies subject, the unifying theme is teamwork. This is completely mirrored in the cover story involving the uintessential writer Ricky Lee. Even if he’s the celebrated scriptwriter who worked for Himala, Moral, Jose Rizal or the Natatanging Gawad Urian for 2003, he was unpretentious to say about his hardships before when he willingly lent us time to interview him at Loyola Heights, Quezon City. He didn’t try to upstage his answers. The result is just overwhelming.

The same can also be said of the other two great interviews (and a rare chance also) we have: Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino member Rolando Tolentino and Rappler.com chief editor Marites Vitug. After all these years, they’re being looked up to in the industry as respected critics. Tolentino, being also the current dean of the UP- College of Mass Communication, and Vitug, who wrote the controversial book Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court, proved that my thesis in making these interviews possible explored new material for next Journalism seniors who will soon make this final requirement.

Lee, Tolentino, and Vitug. When these three luminaries merge forces, what can be expected but only the best? As a team, we feel we have the finest topics to offer. Turning through the pages is the sole proof.

Enjoy reading folks!

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THE BEATLES: The Fab Four of the 60s

The Beatles is the most celebrated music act in the 20th century with their best-selling albums and singles, numerous awards and recognitions, and distinct influence and legacy in the music industry.

The band’s journey started with John Lennon in Liverpool, England when he formed a skiffle group called the Blackjacks with his friends from Quarry Bank School in March 1957. But they changed their name to The Quarrymen after discovering a respected group was already using the name. Then Paul McCartney joined the group after he and Lennon met in July 1957.

The following year, McCartney’s friend, George Harrison, auditioned to Lennon. Although Harrison was only 14 at that time, he became the group’s lead guitarist after about a month of persistence. Two years later, Lennon’s school friends left the group to pursue schooling at the Liverpool College of Art. Lennon’s art school friend Sutcliffe became part of the band in January 1960, who suggested of changing the band’s name to “The Beetles,” until they changed their name to “The Silver Beatles,” and to “The Beatles” in the middle of August.

The all-male rock, composed of John Lennon (rhythm guitar, vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar, vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar, vocals), and Ringo Starr (drums, vocals), had their first performance on 17 December 1960 at the Casbah Coffee Club in Liverpool. They auditioned for Decca records but were rejected because “groups of guitars are way out.” Later, record shop owner Brian Epstein became their manager. Their first single, Love Me Do, made it to the British chart and reached number 17. Most of The Beatles songs were written by Lennon and McCartney.

One of the highlights in their career is their 1st appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show where the said show garnered over 70 million people viewing. Another is their performance at Shea Stadium in 1965. They’ve set new world record of having 55,600 concert audience and revenue, a first time in the history of popular music anyone had played in a proper stadium as opposed to a theater or concert hall.

For a decade of being active in the music industry, The Beatles has done 27 studio albums, 4 live albums, 57 compilation albums, 21 extended plays, 55 singles, 10 video albums, and 37 music videos. They are tagged as the best-selling musical group of all time with over one billion units sold worldwide, as estimated by EMI.

The Beatles became notable for their songs “Yesterday”, “In My Life”, “Let It Be” and “Hey Jude”.

Aside from these, they have sold more albums in the United States than any other artists, as certified by Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). They got 7 Grammy Awards from the American National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, 15 Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors.

During their stint as an all-male rock band, they were awarded with 6 Diamond albums, as well as 24 Multi-Platinum albums, 39 Platinum albums and 45 Gold albums in the United States; and 4 Multi-Platinum albums, 4 Platinum albums, 8 Gold albums and 1 Silver album. Also, they have received the following recognitions: Appointed as Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1965; 1971 Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for the film Let It Be; inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988; included in Billboard’s list of the all-time top-selling Hot 100 artists, in line with the US single charts’ 50th anniversary celebration where the band ranked first; and being part of Time magazine’s compilation of the 20th century’s 100 most influential people in its December 1999 issue.

Like any other artists, there were still The Beatles songs unreleased including Carnival of Light, an experimental piece recorded on 5 January 1967 for The Million Volt Light and Sound Rave; a 27-minute jam of Helter Skelter; and Grow Old with Me, a Lennon’s composition the three Beatles worked on in the early ‘90s prior to the Anthology release.

They may have disbanded in 1970, but the “Beatlemania” that Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr started still lives on.

Jordeene Sheex Lagare

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The Drama of the Radio Industry

A woman with dedication to her listeners…

A woman of love and respect…

A woman who has marked its name to the broadcasting industry…

When I was young, I used to listen to a radio drama that has caught my everyday routine of relaxation. I used to listen with some advices of an anchor thru the letters of its listeners. She was actually my so-called “Charo Santos” in the local radio broadcasting.

The woman I am talking about is Fidela “Tiya Dely” Magpayo. A woman who made her way to radio dramas, popularized the Filipino songs a long time ago, and established her status as newscaster, commentator, radio dramatist, writer, singer and producer during her time.

To date, she became the well-loved counselor of listeners in her radio programs Mga Kasaysayan sa mga Liham Kay Tiya Dely, and Ang Inyong Tiya Dely and with all her great contributions, she was considered to be the “First Lady of the Philippine Radio.”

As a worker in the program of DZRH 666 KHz, she was said to be a veteran anchor who loves her work, till her last moment before she suffered stroke. She still pursued to work in her radio program to help her listeners, to open their eyes about how life is worth fighting for.

I always take a moment to lend my ears in her program every time I hear her name being mentioned on air, “…Tiya Delyyy..” Then I just find myself so serious tuning in to the drama of the characters. I realized that some of the stories being aired discussed more of the reality in life.

After that, I just find myself taking a moment to contemplate with her advice to the listeners. The drama from the letters of her listeners was enlivened as she give advice to the letter sender. She was the icon of such a great fighter who wants to help and strengthen those people, not only her letter sender but those with the same situation of the stories they aired. She shows empathy as she gives advises, and you would feel it as you listen to her uplifting advises.

If you would listen to her program, you would notice that she gives with wisdom which also portrayed a refined woman who has encountered lots of experiences and has become a model of standing up for life’s problems and challenges. You would realize her love and respect for people. As according to the report of Inquirer, she has been personally reading the 20 to 30 letters that she received from fans every day -- letters that sought advice concerning problems both major and minor.

No doubt, she was loved by many people because of she touched many lives with her advises. She has become part of every heart of her listeners, and of the Filipino heritage that we have today and of course, the radio broadcasting that we have. It can never be denied that I personally adore Tiya Dely for her dedication to her listeners. She has been an icon of many people, and she could be considered to be an inspiration to everyone.

Raffy Bibera

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Love: On-air

I heard several people complaining about my-boyfriend-cheated-how-do-I-move-on or my-boyfriend-left-me-how-do-I-forget-him cases consulted in FM radio stations and it makes me wonder why these segments trended and became emergent nowadays.

The main reason why people glued to love segments is because the jocks give advice in a funny way and at the same time, the listeners can get a lesson from their advices. Not all advices from the jocks are for fun. Oftentimes, they can also get serious.

Most FM radio stations place their love segments on 1-3pm and 9pm-1am time slots because during these times, people start to relax. Based on my analysis, most people tune in to radio before they go to sleep so to relax their mind, or another way for them to fell asleep.

On the poll that I conducted online, I found out that the most listened love segment on radio is Papa Jack’s True Love Confessions and Wild Confessions aired on 90.7 Love Radio from 9pm-2am.

I’m not a big fan of Papa Jack. But I admire him for his ability to persuade listeners to call and seek advice from him on-air. I tried to listen to his segment and when I tuned in, he spoke in general. What I mean is, he gives advice not only for the caller, but also for the people experiencing the same problem. Papa Jack is frank. He says what he has to say to the caller. Sometimes, I find him offensive, but in the end, he chooses the right advice for his callers. One thing I also love about this segment is that they allow people of different ages to call and narrate their stories on-air. Because of this, the jock has to give his advice on-air without any scripts. He has to analyze the problem and give advice on-the-spot.

Unlike on other love advice segments, they get the love stories from emails and text messages. As a listener, it’s better if you hear the story from the sender itself because you can feel more sincerity. But I’m not saying that segments with this form of getting love stories are boring. There are some who can manage to put expressions and emotions to the letter while reading.

One example is DJ Diwata of 91.5 Big Radio. Her love advice segment entitled Dear Heart airs from 1pm-3pm. She reads the stories from emails, with feelings and gives advice in a funny manner but with sense. Same goes with DJ Matt Tsubibo of 107.5 Win Radio’s segment “Itanong mo kay Matt Tsubibo”. They give advice through well known jokes but at the end of the segment, they give serious advices.

DJ Sisa Usisa of Win Radio and DJ Big Brother Bear from Big Radio gets their stories from text messages. In a short text message, they can dig deeper and analyze the problem in a manner of seconds. In short, they give advice to different people in one segment.

Love segments start to become a hit on radio stations, slowly becoming madness to listeners and start to become parallel to the music slots. How about you, why do you think love segments start to rise on most FM stations?

Sharmeyne Bontigao

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Reflecting the Brilliance of Brillante Mendoza: Lola

Lola, a film multi-awarded here and abroad by the undoubtedly brilliant, Brillante Mendoza in 2009 will teach you that family comes first and that a mother’s love never fails. The movie was starred by one of the greatest actress of all time, Anita Linda as Lola Sepa; PUP’s very own Rustica Carpio as Lola Puring and Ketchup Eusebio as Mateo, the suspect and the grandson of Lola Puring.

The story tells of the struggle of two grandmothers in a stormy season to raise money for their respective grandsons; one for her grandson’s bail and the other for her grandson’s funeral. They proved that no matter how frail they seem, they will fight for their loved ones. It all started when Lola Puring’s grandson, Mateo hold ups and accidentally killed Lola Sepa’s grandson. The latter filed a complaint at a police station and later learned that the perpetrator is already in the lawmen’s custody and then she decided to continue the fight for On the other hand, Lola Puring tried her best to get Mateo out of the prison. Then she went to a pro-bono lawyer to seek help but she was advised to make an amicable settlement with the victim’s family instead because the case is without bail.

The sequence of the story may seem slow at points but, for me, that’s what made me want to finish the movie. I was raised by my grandparents so it clearly has an effect on my being. I had felt the selfless love of the elderly, especially if you are the beloved “apo”. The message of the story had a huge impact on me and based on my opinion, it has accomplished its purpose.

Everyday, people struggle to have food on the table; they are even pushed to the point wherein they are “kapit sa patalim”. Based on what I saw on the film, it directly tells us of how the justice system of the country runs. That money has the capacity to make the law upside. The story made an appeal to my reasoning; I realized that there is no need to prolong the agony of both sides if the problem can be settled right away. But there is still a part of me that says Law must still be above all. But this movie makes me believe otherwise.

It is indeed entertaining and appealing to the emotion. Seeing how two grandmothers work hard to attain what is rightfully deserved by their loved one. The film for me deserves a nine-star rating. Though it is slow pacing, the story seems to get a hold of me. There are of course a few “tweaks” but it has managed to give my eyes a feast of what really a Brillante Mendoza creation is all about.

Shiela Marie Manuel

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JOSE MARI CHAN: AN EXCEPTIONAL OPM ARTIST

A Chinese-Filipino singer and an excellent song writer, Jose Mari Chan is considered as one of the foremost music writers of the Philippines after dominating the FAMAS Awards and Awit Awards during the height of his musical career.

Jose Mari Chan first appeared on the local scene as the host and singer of a television show called "9 Teeners" of ABS-CBN in 1966. His first hit single was "Afterglow", released in 1967 and was able to release his very first album in 1969 entitled Deep in My Heart. For less than four years from 1970, Jose Mari Chan was able to compose more than twenty songs for movies that earned him different recognitions and nominations at the FAMAS Awards.

No wonder, Jose Mari Chan was tagged Joe Mari, Mr. Music Man. He was also considered the "Filipino Jimmy Webb" – an American song writer, composer and singer; an artist to have ever received Grammy awards for Music, lyrics and orchestration- because of his compositions that usually are romantic and of his unique way of collaborating lyrics to sweet music. He is so exceptional that The Philippine Association of the Record Industry's (PARI) Awit Awards, country's equivalent of the American Grammy Awards, had conferred him Lifetime Achievement awards.

Jose Mari Chan also represented the Philippines in the World Popular song Festival in Tokyo, Japan in 1973, where his song "Can We Just Stop and Talk A While", made it to the final entries. On 1989, his album Constant Change was named the Album of the Year by Awit Awards, which eventually reached Double Diamond Record in terms of sales and took high patronage in international countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.

His album Christmas In Our Hearts was released and reached triple platinum status in 1990 and eventually, he became the first recording artist who achieved Double Diamond Record Award for this album. His 2001 album "A Heart's Journey was named Album of the Year by Awit Awards. And in 2005, Jose Mari Chan had again, proven that he's an exceptional lyricist as he was chosen to compose the song "We're All Just One", the official theme song of the 200 Southeast Asian Games.

On his 40th year, Jose Mari Chan compiled 21 of his favorite songs in one album entitled "Love Letters and other Souvenirs" carrying its single "How Do You Fall In Love". And just last Year, Jose Mari Chan released his 13th full length album, The Manhattan Connection: The Songs’ of Jose Mari Chan, with which songs were re-imagined by music producer Gershovsky. Jose Mari Chan has captured the heart of Filipinos and other Asians because of his unique way of transforming this old world into a young, romantic one through his ballad songs.

That is why even after so many years, his music is still being played over different radio stations and some of the Filipino artists, like Christian Bautista, who revived some of his original well-renowned singles. Truly, the romanticism and the desire for ballads among Filipinos live in our hearts even though high-end music and foreign songs are already dominating the mainstream music industry.

Aside from being a great singer/composer, Jose Mari Chan is also a businessman, who graduated a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics at the Ateneo de Manila University in 1967. He is a father of five to his wife Mary Ann Ansaldo.

Mary Ann Villaflores

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The Only Master Rapper

OPM Legend. Artist. Fighter. Family guy. Francis Michael Durango Magalona also known as Francis M. was an inspiration to Filipinos through his music. He was the first Filipino rapper known for combining rap with Pinoy Rock. He released the albums, Yo!, Rap is Francis M., Meron Akong Ano!, Happy Battle, and others. Most of his music criticized the common ills of the society and let people be aware of politics and its problems.

When I was a kid, I watched the television series, “Bayani” which features the heroes of our country. I heard Francis M’s song “Mga Kababayan” which I instantly liked because of its meaning: the pride of being a Filipino. It is the same for “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy”. Although I only heard a part of it, I relate to the meaning of its lyrics.

I would see him while watching television singing together with other artists like Joey Ayala, Heber Bartolome of Banyuhay, Ryan Cayabyab, Mike Hanopol of Juan Dela Cruz Band, Andrew E., Michael V., Death Threat, Eraserheads, Krazykyle, Gloc 9 and Parokya ni Edgar.

Kaleidoscope World turned as one of his best singles when it won the 1996 Awit Award for Best Produced Record of the Year. I liked the song though I only remember this line, “Every color, every hue, is represented by me and you...” which for me means that everybody is unique and had different roles in life.

He started a clothing line , FrancisM Clothing Co. (FMCC) and a foundation with Ely Buendia (they were both having health problems in 2009) called Heartist Foundation, which aims to help Filipino artists with health and financial problems.

After Francis Magalona was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, he and his wife used the album name, “Happy Battle” as a reference to his fight against cancer. Instead of getting the attention of the media because of it, he preferred privacy with his family. He was selfless for what he said, “What I’d rather talk about is how we can solicit blood donations to replace the supply that I have consumed in the hospital.” Other people would not bother about how much blood they have consumed in the hospital as long as they live.

He died due to multiple organ failure on March 6, 2009.

He would be remembered as a good friend, a father, a fighter to his family and friends. The public remembers him as a great singer, the King of Philippine Rap, the Father of Pinoy Hip Hop, and someone who inspired them because of his music. The only Master Rapper. 

Elaidia Liz Oliveros

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CHINOY TV

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.

Elaidia Liz Oliveros

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Anthony Taberna: Fears death threats but take it as a challenge

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.

Jordeene Sheex Lagare

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TV5: Competitor or Clone?

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?

  Sharmeyne Bontigao

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Beating the Odds of Commercialism: Manila Kingpin against Modern Films

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story is an official entry for 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival, which is far above other typical MMFF movies. The film likewise reflects its “rarity” to its director, Tikoy Aguiluz, who famously helmed the 90s film Segurista.

The Making

Manila Kingpin is a true-to-life story of the legendary Nicasio "Asiong" Salonga (played by Jeorge Estregan), Tondo's notorious gang lord way back when hoodlums dominated some parts of Manila. It looks like the purpose of producer in financing this movie is not merely to entertain and expect a blockbuster hit, but to prove that local cinematography is not defined by how colorful or high tech the quality of effects is, but by how the entire production make a different taste of movie, especially at this time when mainstream movies are dominated by love stories and comedy-drama with generic titles. Venturing for this kind of movie is a risk, simply because Philippine action movies had long before left down in 1990s. The attempt of making the entire movie black and white is a challenge, but suited well to the 1950s setting, with which filmmakers should be given the credit in giving each frame a nice look despite the absence of color. Another, I appreciate how the entire production made the setting so real; from the costume to the set designs down to how actors played their characters as well.

The opening scenes of the movie shows how Salonga had fight his bloody way to rise to power and reign as King of Tondo. He was tagged as the Robin Hood of Tondo for he used to rob the riches to give to the poor and protects his neighbors from more abusive muggers, which show the nobler side of Salonga. Although, majority of the film showcase fight scenes and ruthless gang wars, the film also takes a peak at his personal life; Asiong Salonga as a husband, as a father, and as a brother. The film has a lot of stories to tell that the filmmakers had difficulty narrowing them into two hours. The result was the phasing of the sequences is not quite well done. There are some scenes that jump from events to events, making it hard for me to follow the continuity of the story.

  Controversies

Manila Kingpin has been Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board. Before it has been released on big screen, the film was buzzed by certain issues. The first issue was when Carla Abellana was not allowed to promote the movie produce by Viva films and Scenema Concept International because of the conflict with her exclusive contract with Regal which Carla has also an entry (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow). It's what the producers called "conflict of interest". This, I say, is a "conflict for profit", very wise indeed for the part of "businessmen".

The second issue is with Manila Kingpin's director Tikoy Aguiluz who sought for legal actions to take out his name in all the film's promotion. And that is all because the editing and musical score was changed without his knowledge, which I think is too absurd reason. Making a film does not solely rely on one person. Doing film is a group labor and I think changing such for the betterment of the film does not mean by passing one's authority. Director is a director, but one must also be open for suggestions or corrections.

An Award Winning Film

Sweats were rewarded, controversies were out taken after it has been recognized in the 37th MMFF Awards Night. The film festival’s only action movie in black and white screen won eleven awards namely: Best Picture, Best Screenplay (Roy Iglesias and Rey Ventura), Best Supporting Actor (John Regala), Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award, Best Cinematography (Carlo Mendoza), Best Original Themesong (La Paloma by Ely Buendia), Best Musical Score (Jessie Lazaten), Best Sound Recording (Mike Idioma), Best Editing (Jason Cahapay and Ryan Ordun), and Best Production Design. Interestingly, Gary dela Cruz was credited as the Best Director after Tikoy Aguiluz quitted on the film.

Mary Ann Villaflores

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Uncovering the stories of I-witness

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.

Raffy Bibera