Newscasters’ unprofessional excesses scored
MARISSA NGAN, businesswoman: “I have stopped watching local news programs, because I get irritated by the obligatory drama and frenetic tone of our newscasters as they deliver news stories. Their ‘rapido’-style delivery unnerves more than it impresses!
“Aside from preachy editorializing, we’re also irritated by shameless product endorsements. There isn’t even a cursory attempt to send subliminal mes- sages. This practice is very unprofessional!” Other notes: Alvin Esnabe, balikbayan: “A number of critics have heaped praises on ‘My Husband’s Lover,’ forming a consensus that its
significant love story is imbued with heartbreaking intensity by its lead actors, Tom Rodriguez, Dennis Trillo and Carla Abellana. The mixed comments are a sad statement of the ‘ invisibility,’ as well as phobia, of the homosexual experience in the mainstream media.
“The teleserye is basically about two souls who fall in love with each other. How differently readers take the story is a reflection of their own values, attitudes and hangups. Finally, here’s a teleserye that doesn’t treat homosexuality as fodder for comedy and tackles its intriguing themewith maturity!”
Musical programs
Ricardo Gozos, businessman: “I’m a fan of musical pro- grams on TV. As a child of the ’70s, I remember staying up late to watch ‘Uncle Bob and Friends.’
“In the ‘80s, ‘Ryan, Ryan Musikahan’ focused more on OPM. I hope a similar program will be produced soon, because I’m getting tired of watching reality singing tilts!”
Au Dizon, televiewer: “I think ABS-CBN is running out of new plots for their teleseryes. The recently concluded ‘Ina, Kapatid, Anak’ had babies being switched at birth. They’re using the same gimmick on ‘Muling Buksan Ang Puso,’ where Cherie Gil’s character was forced to switch her baby with Agot Isidro’s because of its serious illness!”