Q1 - Use Value vs. Exchange Value

Filipinos really love watching films. And Filipinos love making films as well. Top-notch producers Star Cinema, Regal Films, Viva Films, GMA Films and other film-making productions in the industry always come up with new movies almost every two weeks to a month, offering different genres, different (or can we say almost similar) stories. But at the end of the film, there are always two questions that come out of our minds -- Did we enjoy the film? And is the film worth paying-for?

Last Monday in our Pop Culture class, we discussed the Theory of Commodity Fetishism, and we emphasized more on the USE VALUE and EXCHANGE VALUE. Use Value would refer to the usefulness of the good for the one who consumes it, and how practical it is for us to buy it while Exchange Value is the money that a commodity can command to the market or the cost depends on its popularity or scarcity of that commodity.

Obviously, for Philippine TV, we cannot actually analyze its value in Use and Exchange because it is free, as long as you have a TV set in your house, then money won't be an issue (unless you're a TV addict like me and that consumes your more than half of the Meralco bill.). But Filipino films are in a different case.

Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin movie poster. This
1993 film stars Maricel Soriano and
Zsa-Zsa Padilla with Gabby Concepcion

Let us use, for that matter, one of the most popular genres/plot lines in the industry today - the 'mistress' films. These films have been existent already in the early times - with titles such as 'Langis at Tubig', 'My Other Woman', 'Nagalit ang Buwan Sa Haba ng Gabi', 'Relasyon' and 'Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin' - until now in the modern times - 'A Love Story', 'A Secret Affair', 'The Bride and The Lover', 'The Mistress', 'No Other Woman' and 'When the Love is Gone' (which is actually a remake of Nagalit...). A Secret Affair, The Mistress and No Other Woman were certified box office hits reaching more than a hundred million ticket sales. But is spending an almost-200-peso ticket worth it?

Well, for me, I am a fan of these films and I can say that it's worth it. After all, I am a fan. I can endlessly watch these films and after I buy the ticket and watch the movie, once the DVD copy is released, I would buy it too. BUT for the non-fans, would they watch those kinds of films? We are not sure. I am not sure. People have different preferences and we cannot question that. Also, people have different priorities. But as I watch those films and read reviews, I can really say that they are worth the money I paid for. These films have the same genre, but they tackle different issues. They don't offer the same acts and stories...or do they?

No Other Woman is a 2011 mistress movie produced
by Star Cinema and Viva Films

Let's take No Other Woman and A Secret Affair as an example. Many regarded A Secret Affair as a 'part two' of No Other Woman  basically because Anne Curtis and Derek Ramsay are starring in the film again and another affair will be tackled. But when you watch the film, it's different. No Other Woman is about a woman fighting for his husband after discovering that the husband has an affair with another woman, while A Secret Affair is about a woman who did not come to her wedding after having a cold feet, and later on, discovers that her fiancee had an affair with her sorority sister after the cancelled wedding. The two films had different and realistic endings too. In NOW, Cristine Reyes (the wife) and Derek Ramsay (the husband) moved on and stayed married after a catfight with Anne (the mistress) while in ASA, Anne Curtis (the girlfriend) rejected the second wedding proposal of her boyfriend Derek Ramsay after realizing that she cannot trust him anymore. Another difference is that in NOW, the characters are already married while in ASA, the characters are not. So I guess, watching both films in the cinemas are okay and worth it, since the cast in both films gave an impressive acting as well plus they are worth to be called as films.

If there are movies that are not so-worthy of watching, maybe those are the films that do not bring any message to the viewers, but only to showcase that they can produce or make something to show to the public. But can you question the moviegoers? Of course not. After all, movies are created to entertain. But if at the end of the film, you'll ask yourself where did your money go, think again. It's your decision after all, not the moviemakers.

So, from the latest films that you've watched, most especially that MMFF had just finished its run, are they worth of your time, or not? I was able to watch two, and I can say that the other movie's worth it, while the other is... not? Hahaha! And if you'll ask me what the movies are? Secret! :)

Images courtesy of Wikipedia and Pep.PH

Flashback: Encantadia

PART 1

Several years ago, a fantasy show or "Fantaserye" was created by GMA-7 called "Encantadia", it is said that "Encantadia" is the most grandest, biggest and most expensive production on Philippine Television and it lasted for almost a year.

"Encantadia" consists of 4 kingdom, Sapiro, Lireo, Adamya and Hathoria, but later becomes 5 on the 2nd book that was called Etheria. The story revolves around 4 sisters named Pirena, Amihan, Alena and Danaya, each of them protects an element, Pirena controls fire, Amihan can manipulate air, Alena can command water while Danaya has the power over earth. 

Sapiro, Lireo and Adamya joined forces against Hathoria and its king Hagorn, for they are eager to have all the power and have the gems of the four elements so that they can rule over Encantadia. 

Q3 - Americanization

As we all know, the primetime soap "Ina, Kapatid, Anak" of ABS-CBN did run well, having a lot of viewers, followers inside and outside of the country, the show lasted for like eight to nine months.

On our group discussion, we all approved that the show "Ina, Kapatid, Anak" showed americanization. To some viewers, the show's concept is somehow new to them for the show talks about surrogate mother and the effects on the family that made them curious. What made us picked this show is that the story revolves in violence and family war which everyone is aware that almost all "Pinoy teleserye" consists. The extension of the show made the story very draggy and predictable because it became a typical serye and we blame the people for it because the more violence and blood in the show, the more viewers it gets, it's just people watch the show for having a kidnapping, car chase, the forever shooting of one of the main character just to save the other main character scenes. So we guess that the writers followed what the viewers wants to see in the show and I think it may be a good and a bad idea at the same time.

But what we appreciate and love in "Ina. Kapatid, Anak" is that the filipino loving spirit were still present despite of all the killing and stuff. The modern elements they used such as in vitro fertilization and the shoe company and its symbolisms.

GMA's New Show: Rhodora X

This 2014, GMA Network presents a teledrama that has a new concept and new take on Philippine TV Programming - Rhodora X.

Rhodora X isn't just a simple teleserye that we used to see and watch in our TV Screens. It is about a woman diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), which was previously known as multiple personality disorder - who will be played by Starstruck season 1 Ultimate Female Survivor Jennylyn Mercado. In an article written by columnist Rey Pumaloy in PEP.PH, Jennylyn said that her character Rhodora was able to acquire DID because of her traumatic experiences when she was a child, and so another character in her persona will appear - Roxanne. Roxanne will do the things Rhodora cannot do.

Joining Jennylyn in this new series are her former loveteam and fellow Starstruck 1 ultimate survivor Mark Herras, Starstruck 1 First Princess Yasmien Kurdi, and Mark Anthony Fernandez. Rhodora X is scheduled to air January 2014 on GMA Telebabad.

This is another exciting soap for us to see this 2014 because this is something that has not been done before on Philippine TV, plus it is a reunion for Starstruck alums Jennylyn, Mark and Yasmien. And we should also take credit on its teaser which made the show more promising. And here is the teaser of Rhodora X:

However, what should we wait for is if it will do good in the ratings game and if the Filipino audience will accept this new type of show. As for my opinion, it is something to watch out for because of its different concept. And will it make a new record in Philippines' Pop Culture? Let's wait and see once it airs on January.

ABS-CBN's New Shows for 2014

Recently, ABS-CBN launched teasers for their upcoming shows this 2014 which will first quarter this year - Mirabella and The Legal Wife.

Mirabella stars Julia Barretto in the title role, for her launching soap. Joining her is Enrique Gil and Sam Concepcion as her leading men with Pokwang, John Lapus, Mylene Dizon, Diego Loyzaga, Miss Gloria Diaz and many more. This will be directed by Jerome Chavez Pobocan (of Mara Clara) and Erick Salud (of Aryana) and written by Joel Mercado and Noreen Capili. According to entertainment site Pep.PH, Mira Bella is about a girl who was cursed. We just have to check out the show what curse is that and how did she get it.

Here is the teaser of Mirabella:

The Legal Wife, on the other hand, is a family drama which stars Maja Salvador, Jericho Rosales, new Kapamilya actor JC De Vera and the primetime comeback of Angel Locsin. It also stars Rio Locsin, Mark Gil, Neri Naig, Joem Bascon and Christopher de Leon among others. It is directed by Rory Quintos and Dado Lumibao (both from Princess and I) and written by the team who created Guns and Roses headed by Generiza Reyes. What we have to wait for is why the soap is entitled The Legal Wife and what are its differences from the usual kabit movies and teleseryes we have seen over the years.

Here is the teaser of The Legal Wife:

Both shows were supposed to air last quarter of 2013, with Mirabella replacing Juan Dela Cruz and The Legal Wife replacing Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin (according to some reports), but due to some circumstances, management has decided to air both shows on the first quarter of 2014. Despite the promising teasers with great casting, what we also have to wait for is how both shows will differ from the rest of the shows being aired right now and most especially from the shows aired with almost similar genre and concept. And moreover, how will the mass culture audience accept these shows? Will they do good in the ratings game? We will know the answer once both shows premiere this January.

Anyway, we also have to tune in for ABS-CBN's New Shows such as the remake of the Koreanovela Pure Love, You're My Home (which stars Dawn Zulueta and Richard Gomez), Moon of Desire, and the adaptation of Mars Ravelo's Dyesebel.

As for me, I will watch these shows, how about you guys? :)

Q1 - What is Popular?

Two Thursdays ago, the other bloggers Ina and Mart did an interview (because I was absent :D) on what is popular for the students around our school, St. Paul University Manila. They were able to interview 5 students who were asked on what makes something popular and how are they influenced by these popular things around.

For the first question, they were asked what makes something popular and how do they know if someone or something is popular. Common answers would be if that someone or something is talked about. One interviewee answered that if a lot of people follow him/her on Twitter, he/she is popular. Another answered that gadgets, blogs and the internet makes something popular. But basically, all answers would lead to one thing --> if that someone/something is the talk of the town.

However, for the next question, which was how are they influenced by these popular things, the 5 interviewees had different answers. The first interviewee said that she is being influenced not just by these popular things, but by her friends who are into these popular things. An example that she gave was K-Pop. Her friends listen to K-Pop music, so out of curiosity, she would also listen to these songs. And maybe eventually, she will get used to listening to K-Pop. Another interviewee said that she bases her behavior by what's within. An example that she gave is what happened in Tacloban. Since it was the talk of the town and we all know that it was really devastating, proved by the news and pictures shown on TV/Internet, she was influenced to donate relief goods to those heavily affected by the typhoon.

I guess by reading all their answers, they all lead to one thing, that trends are really set by media. Most answers would mention something about TV, gadgets, internet, etc., which are all part of media. Media is really powerful that it can influence others, from their perception of popularity is to what do they think is popular for them.

TV and Film, in their own distinct ways, also influence people. In TV, ratings define what is the most popular Television Show, and in film, the Box Office Results determine how popular a movie is. And both lead to one thing, that people also decide what is popular for them. But again, how can they choose to watch this certain TV show or Film? Obviously, by watching their trailers, looking for reviews and latest news, viewing their posters or knowing who the actor or the director is. And of course, you can access all these things in media. Reading the newspapers, surfing the internet or watching the TV can give you the vital information that you need.

That's why you really have to tune in to our blog, because we will really give you what's in and out, what's the latest and the most popular in Philippine TV and Film. And of course, we will together reminisce what had been popular for the past few years and generations. :)

Flashback: TGiS

Just recently, ABS-CBN’s afternoon teen comedy show Luv U won as the best Teen-Oriented Show at the PMPC Star Awards for TV and is still enjoying its run every Sunday after premiering last February 2012 (which makes the show already running for 1 year and 9 months). This just proves that the Teen-Oriented format in Philippine TV is still effective with the audience. But before we have Luv U and Dormitoryo (on GMA Network), the first one that really captured the Pinoy Teens’ attention was aired during the 90s.

It was in August 1995 when boring Saturday afternoons were made colorful and exciting. Top film-producer Viva Films (by its TV counterpart Viva Television) and GMA Network conceptualized a new program especially-made for the teens. It was entitled as T.G.i.S or Thank God It’s Sabado! The cast was composed of now known-actors in the industry Angelu de Leon (as Peachy) and Bobby Andrews (Wacks) who was the phenomenal love team of the show (and that time as well!) They were also joined by Michael Flores (Mickey), Raven Villanueva (Cris), Onemig Bondoc (JM), Rica Peralejo (Mich), Ciara Sotto (Rain) and Red Sternberg (Kiko). The program was about a set of friends facing together life’s challenges as High School teens – like studies, vices, popular hobbies that time, and love.

Only a few thought that the show would be a big hit. Raven Villanueva, in an interview, even said that one of the hardest parts was during the first few episodes of the show because they don’t know if people would accept their show and if they will have sponsors, etc. But surprisingly, it became phenomenal. The barkada’s first movie together, “Takot Ka Ba Sa Dilim?”, was a blockbuster that even a movie version of TGiS was spawned, and became a hit as well. Moreover, rival network ABS-CBN also had its own teen-oriented show, Gimik (stylized as G!M!K).

Because of the rising popularity of the show, GMA and Viva decided to transfer the barkada to primetime, which became Growing Up. This time, the barkada faced more mature problems as they reach their College Life. They were joined by other actors Donna Cruz, Jake Roxas, Bernadette Allyson, Diego Castro (who came from the rival show Gimik), Mariel Lopez and Ryan Eigenmann. It was first aired Monday nights then later transferred during Wednesday nights.

Maybe now, your question is, what happened to TGiS? Ciara Sotto did not actually join Growing Up because her character Rain was still in High School, and so she was joined by a new batch of teen actors Antoinette Taus, Dingdong Dantes (then Rafael Dantes), Polo Ravales, Chantal Umali and Chubi del Rosario. Kim delos Santos and Idelle Martinez, who were part of the supporting cast of TGiS, also became the flag carriers of the show. Later on, Sunshine Dizon, Dino Guevarra and Anne Curtis joined the cast. TGiS 2 and Growing Up cast members would appear in both shows in some episodes.

No wonder TGiS (both batches and even Growing Up) was a hit, it had a plotline that every teenager can relate to. Besides that, it also used the popular music of that time, and that of the 80s. The show’s original theme song was Dyslexic Heart by Paul Westerberg. The songs It Might Be You, You Should Know By Now, Open Arms and As I Lay Me Down were used as theme songs for the love teams. Also, they had memorable music videos and opening billboards. Glad to say that I was able to find video clips of TGiS/Growing Up’s Top 10 Music Videos, TGiS 1/VGrowing Up's Opening Billboards and TGiS 2's OBB.

Currently, GMA, TGiS Batch 1’s director Mark Reyes V, and TGiS writer Kit Langit conceptualized a continuation of Growing Up which was Teen Gen. The cast was composed by a new bunch of teenagers with TGiS’ phenomenal love team Angelu de Leon and Bobby Andrews. The show was a continuation of their love story as it did not finish that good in Growing Up after Peachy, Angelu’s character, and Wacks, Bobby’s character are set to get married. However, at the last minute, Peachy did not show up at the wedding. It’s because Angelu that time got an unexpected pregnancy. Teen Gen also became a hit, but not that of TGiS’. It only ran for 28 weeks.

TGiS is being re-aired on Fox Filipino every weeknights. However, it’s down to its last week. And to reminisce, here are some video clips of TGiS.

Honestly, if there is one thing I really get jealous of with the 90s generation, it’s that they have this show. Yes, teen-oriented shows may still exist now but TGiS and even Gimik are still better than of today’s teen shows.

Videos Courtesy of Tgis Thankgoditssabado and ArdiAquino on Youtube
Images Courtesy of Google