Reaction Paper on Alternative Dispute Resolution

By: Merlyn M. Casibang Jr.

June 10, 2022

TV5's "talakserye" Face to Face has stirred public interest and

support since its debut episode last March 22. The program, known
for pitting feuding parties with the hope of reaching reconciliation in
the end, is hosted by Amy Perez. 
 
Nothing perhaps best represent TV5's claim of offering alternative
programming than the so-called first "talakserye" on local television
titled Face to Face.
Face to Face, as described by main host Amy Perez, "brings together
two opposing parties in a forum that aims to resolve
misunderstandings by providing advice from counselors and opinions
from the audience."

The intriguingly offbeat talk show tackles various real-life issues

perceived too touchy for television viewing. Episode titles such as
"Babae Ipinagpalit ni Lalaki sa Isang Bading," "Santa Salbahe," and
"Rebelasyon: Ayaw ko na sa Aking Karelasyon" are not really the
type of subjects commonly viewed on local television.
Other topics discussed include two mag-kumares fighting over their
respective sari-sari stores competition, a guy engaged in a
confrontation against three lesbians, an abused mother fighting
against her annoying son and daughter-in-law, an angry group
composed of gay beauty queens protesting over a stolen title, and
much, much more.

The program aims to resolve the heated conflict with the assistance
of the Trio Tagapayo comprised of legal counsel Atty. Persida
Acosta, spiritual adviser Fr. Gerry Tapiador, and clinical psychologist
Dr. Camille Garcia.
Adding color to the show are the segments "Face-Off," "Facebuking,"
"Just Face It," and Amy-nan"—where the host express her own
thoughts about the issue on hand.
MOTHER OF REALITY SHOWS. But while others eventually patch
things up, some unfortunately refuse to reach an agreement both on
and off cam.
"As much as we want all of our subjects to reconcile, wala din naman
kaming magagawa if they don't want to," Amy mentioned to PEP
(Philippine Entertainment Portal) during an interview conducted at
Alex III restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.
Fans of the show labeled it as a worthy "guilty pleasure" while some
likened it to a tragic car crash one just couldn't help but look at. Face
to Face—in a time where reality shows are abundant—come across
as the most genuine among the lot.
The scenes unfolding are no different from what's happening inside a
cramped barangay hall or a small court room in any town or city.
"Only that there's a camera documenting all the drama and tensed
exchanges going on between the subjects," said Amy.
Amy acknowledged Face to Face's novelty feature as its top selling
point. But there's nothing surprising in terms of public interest in
watching feuding parties slugging it out for everyone to see.

"The mere fact that Filipinos love boxing only goes to show na
gustong-gusto nating nakakapanood ng bangayan. Pero hindi naman
ibig sabihin na puro bangayan ang mapapanood nila sa Face to
Face. Kasi more than the arguments and gusto talaga namin is 'yong
idea na nakakapag-usap 'yong bawat party, nailalabas nila 'yong
problema nila and they're given the importance knowing na nakikinig
ako and nakikinig 'yong Trio Tagapayo. Ngayon 'yong
pagbabangayan nila that is something you cannot dictate kasi
emosyon na nila 'yon, e. That's how they feel," explained Amy.