JOHNNY, BE GOOD
A kindred spirit, a partner in the trade, a friend of long- standing— Johnny Litton takes the stand as Maurice Arcache asks the questions
Do you miss our television show? Don’t you think I was your perfect co-host?
Yes, very much! Maurice, do I even have to answer that? The answer is obvious. We created a segment especially for you, Arcachat. Plus Maurice, 13 years together in one show is longer than many marriages we know. The fact that we lasted that long means we did very well.
You flirt a lot. Are you all bark and no bite?
Actually, it depends on who I flirt with. If she’s pretty and cooperative, then it’s all bite. Lately, it’s been all bark.
Have you ever been slapped over your fl irtatious jokes?
Fortunately, never, as my jokes, believe it or not, are decent. It’s only the interpretations that are quite risqué—but remember, it’s not me who interprets.
Can you reveal your secret love?
Between us, it’s something that my tongue enjoys. Again, before you misinterpret, it’s exquisitely brewed coffee, and because of my younger days, I am a deli person.
We have covered the social scene for eons. What’s a rumour about me that you heard but never told me about?
Do I have to answer this? OK, alright. There is that rumour that you ar e a much better host; that’s why I never told you since you are my friend for over 55 years and, after all, it is just a rumour. Ha! Ha! Ha!
Like me, you are a social icon. Why do you think that is so?
Because we both love people. We see and include in articles the positive aspects of our friends [half full, not half empty.
What, to you, is the best and the worst about Philippine society?
Unfortunately, some of the better aspects of Philippine society are disappearing much faster than I hoped— palabra de honor, breeding, manners, and promptness. The worst is that there are some people who want to be part of society but do not have the basic social manners. It’s like joining an exclusive club: members are expected to follow the rules. Society expects all its members to do the same.
You are surrounded by so many people who want to be in your column. Is social climbing okay with you? Where do you draw the line?
Actually, I do not mind social climbing if it is aimed at impr oving one’s self; but I do not like pretentious people who always put a price tag on material possessions. Also, social climbing has a price involving good taste and class—discipline, arriving on time, keeping abreast with the news, a widening of vocabulary, intelligent conversation, and yes, even manner of dressing.
“Actually, I do not mind social climbing if it is aimed at improving one’s self; but I do not like pretentious people who always put a price tag on material possessions ”
What do you like best: W riting? Emcee-ing? TV hosting?
I love all three but it’s a close race between emceeing and live TV hosting. It is a challenge to face an audience live without a scriptwriter and emcee for an hour and keep being spontaneous. The same with TV hosting; I prefer to adlib than to follow a script because it is mor e natural.
Will you ever retire?
I guess, yes, when the Big Boss up there calls me. One never r efuses Him.