It has been a great year for most people, and for those who felt it sucked, poor them, they don’t know what great really is. I am referring to those who chose to nitpick instead of looking at the positive side of things; those who are colorblind and can only see gray and nothing else, or those who always feel they are carrying the weight of the world.
In show business, although the color has not been one of rainbow, there has been hints of bright hues amid the blur.
The Kapuso network (GMA 7) for one has been at the forefront of several causes and the series that the network had aired (or still airing) touching on those have contributed to the awareness of certain issues e.g. Onanay (on little people), My Special Tatay (on intellectually challenged individuals; Karibal Ko Asawa Ko (on transgender individuals), though these programs don’t necessarily tackle the problems themselves.
The Kapamilya network (ABS-CBN) remained unwavering in broadcasting high quality programs that are charming visually and allowed for innovation contextually like the series Halik, Ngayon at Kailanman, Los Bastardos, while continually adapting foreign formats to suit the Filipino taste in viewing with shows like PBB Otso. The network also holds to shows that continue to make it soar in the ratings game, like the three-year-long FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano that will definitely extend till perhaps the middles of 2019 or even beyond.
Both networks have made wonders with stars to make them the shining stars of 2017, like Yam Concepcion and Yen Santos, now household names (thanks to their daring scenes with their leading men Sam Milby and Jericho Rosales), of the online trending Halik.
The Kapuso also did wonders for the previously unnoticed Kyline Alcantara who the network cast as the villainess in the rather absurd series on twins Kambal Karibal. In 2019, the network is launching her as the lead star of a new soap. Also, the Kapuso network found another ammo to keep its rival at bay with the launch of the little person Jo Berry to play the title role in the series Onanay. However, unlike Peter Dinklage of the Game of Thrones fame, Berry’s fame could be shortlived unless GMA 7 can find the appropriate material to make her a mainstream star in its ephemeral cosmos of star wannabes.
ABS-CBN has been solidifying its online platform with the relaunch of iwantTV now known an iwant.ph, which many observers say can be its back up (or one of them) in case Congress (in deference to the President who has been at odds with the network) won’t renew its franchise to operate the network. After all it has SKYCable and may operate something similar to Netflix or Prime Video as an alternative. In fact it has tested the audience’s reaction to its iwant.ph site with the launch of Glorious (Dreamscape Digital) with Angel Aquino and Tony Labrusca and so far the movie-made-for-the-web seems to have been embraced by the Kapamilya followers.
In music, not much has made an explosive impact among the pop music fans as the material that had come out of the recording studios are neither brilliant nor utterly dreadful, but merely passable to the average audience.
Perhaps the most delightful news was the triumph of Catriona Gray at the 67th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand on Dec. 18. She is the fourth Filipino woman to win the international beauty pageant crown after Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margie Moran in 1973, and Pia Wurtzbach in 2015.
Also ringing bells for many Filipinos, especially for those in Balangiga, Eastern Samar, are the bells that have been in the possession of the American Army since they were taken from the town in 1901. The bells were returned to the Philippines on Dec. 11 and are now in Balangiga.
So, a new year unfolds tomorrow. And we will see what 2019 will have in store for us observing Philippine show business from where we are in the city.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Wonder Di spreads love this Christmas
Donning a Wonderwoman outfit, with “Superman” no less, Daiana Menezes spread the Christmas cheer to 73 boys at the Haven for Children.
Despite her hectic schedule, the Brazilian actress, model, and TV host volunteered to feed the children at the center, in a Christmas Giving Party organized by JCI. Her Wonderwoman costume was perfect for her and the 7 to 13-year-old boys considered her and her friend who was wearing a Superman costume, true superheroes.
“I am blessed to be here to entertain them, talk to them, hear their Christmas wishes, and feed them. In real life, we are all superheroes, trying our best to help,” says “Brazilipina” Daiana, who is also a graduate of the New York Film Academy.
Daina also donated clothes and toys, while JCI donated beds, Toys, clothes, food, rice, sugar, and milk.
“The boys need someone to look up to. And in these times of all bad news, they certainly need a ray of hope that Ms. Di brought today,” says social welfare worker Syra Huiso.
The Haven for Children was founded in 2004 to provide healing and empowerment to former street children 13 years old and below who are exposed and recovering from substance abuse.
Aside from volunteering at Haven, Daiana’s big heart also takes her to other child centers, orphanages, and public schools, to spread love and the Christmas spirit around. Daiana is also an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and education.
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