Cheap Gimmick: a reaction to the PBB* issue

(to those who are attuned to Philippine current entertainment (etc) events)

*http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/226769/lauren-dyogi-tweets-frustration-over-pbb-morality-issue

1. PBB double-up has started but it has not generated a strong rating from viewers nationwide.
No wonder, the management wanted to do all it can (just like any other stations) to lift the lever
up to top the ratings once again. Fortunately, instead of making waves it has caught fire through
a controversy not made by MTCRB but by the station itself, that is, before even showing the
apparently controversial “flag dance” they announced it first in their prime time news to catch
the attention of viewers and it sounded like (not the exact words form the news – “housemates
maghuhubad sa isang fan dance.”) Who would not be curious of it? Who in his good state of
mind would not question it? Of course, PBB is a game but it is also aired on TV. And not only
that, because it is a game, the contestants will opt to do what the producers wanted them do or
else they will be booted out of the house (translated as--no million pesos prize, a house and lot
and an instant slot in showbiz). Isn’t that manipulation of the people in the house, which is by the
way though in legal age, young people?

2. I’ve watched the American version of BB online from day one to its final announcement of
winner. The games were really challenging, the housemates really are so witty so as to outdo the
strongest competitor (just like in any other game), there were partnering also as “relationship”
were developing each day, but I tell you, the games and challenges bring out the best for each
competitor’s character so much so that if one is a quitter, it will surface; and so it happened. But
challenging young people to be naked in front of a national television and even in cable TV is
purely manipulation. Young people will always take almost all the challenges posed at them, I
know that by heart since I am a youth minister by profession, but I just hope it will be more
constructive. The life of these young people in PBB house will not end in that house.

3. Another point of interest that I want to stress watching the American BB is how they edit the
show. It is a reality show, and I know, that there are also strange happenings inside the house but
here is where the station’s judgment comes in whether it will show or not clips which are decent,
suggestive of immorality, or even racism (which is a strong issue for them). And watching all the
episodes this year, I was even surprised that they are more decently creative than us Filipinos in
editing, producing and showing what is educational.

4. The media can be a friend or an enemy when it comes to re-engineering culture. The freedom
of choice should still be a guided choice, not just any other choice. A person left to decide and
choose without the guidance of a higher nature is more superficial than the concept of unguarded
free choice. We can always be advance in the way we welcome morality but F.G.S. let us not
forget the basic values of what humans should be – decent, modest, naturally pure, and capable
of being his best without sacrificing superficial challenges in exchange for a price.

5. One of the humblest things a person can do is to beg. And in the past weeks, we have seen so
much of our fellow Filipinos who were forced to beg because of the need to basically survive.
Filipinos are hardworking people, poor but with dignity. But sometimes due to tragedies, or the
much blamed poverty, or corrupt cultural system a lot of our fellow Filipinos succumb to be
controlled by people who can give them fame, power, money, position, or let us not think deep,
even the food that they need to eat each day. In one way or another, there is a system of
manipulation happening everyday.

6. Whether in TV, or at work, or anywhere as long as people are in need, there will always be
people who will do whatever they can to top the ratings, to seemingly educate us to the right
thinking (on whose basis by the way? directors? agnostics?) or re-engineer culture and remove
little by little our sure guide who is of higher nature and being (God and his teachings).

7. Talking of choice, let us now make some decisions, if there is a station that is giving an
opportunity for you or a family member, in particular your son or daughter, and asking them to
strip in front of national TV as a challenge and that is just OK with you… isn’t it you too are part
of the manipulators? Salivating for short time leisure in exchange for your values and principles?

8. We will never be a true follower of Christ following others mind or principles or re-
engineering; we needed the mind of Christ to be a disciple. Jesus has all the right to teach
because he is the way, the TRUTH and the life. And as Filipinos, let us not forget our identity as
disciples of the TRUTH.