JAS fix

More than six years ago (2002), I wrote a piece on the jagged landscape of philippine soaps. Just like any other observer, my commentaries were not devoid of impartialities.  A mere decade earlier in 1992, soaps were merely afternoon staples on Philippine tv. Then came La Traidora from Venezuela on RPN. After valeria and Morrel tied the knot in the jungle, primetime on Philippine television, which was dominated by news programs and sitcoms, changed its algorithm in 1996 with the vengeful and confrontational Mexican soap Marimar (played by Thalia) still on RPN 9.

With Marimar thrashing the competition, ABS-CBN moved the diary riddle of  Mara Clara  to primetime. The ever-suffering Mara then transformed into the good-natured Esperanza and the rest of the wannabes followed suit.  But even before  Mara Clara  made its presence felt on primetime,  GMA-7 was already showing Villa Quintana with Donna Cruz as the lead. At that time, I couldn't feel Villa Quintana's impact at all, as though nothing was happening so we'd rather watch the news.

In the present landscape, soaps dominate and the foundation of a showbiz career.  Cinema is too costly, relegated to second fiddle status. Viewing a soap is hardly an exercise in brain function. There's always a love triangle, a love twist, a love so endearing it travels through time. More than likely, we know how it is going to end. Most story lines are highly incredulous. Some writers indulge on too much whim, too much flair rather than keeping it compact and simple.  The tube is inundated with too many remakes and fantasy series. the scenes are replete with confrontational acting -- characters bawling, slapping, drowning in shouting arguments. I don't believe in the manifestation of bad manners, even on this escapist pursuit. It's high time to bring out to fore the practice of values education, learned and inculcated in school or taught to us by our elders.

Like the weather, soaps are a conversation piece amongst one's peers. But I solely focus on JAS whenever I'm able to receive transmission. While a peek of Iisa Pa Lamang  was to marvel  on how Gabby C. could be passed off as Claudine's childhood contemporary, so it shoudn't be offered to me as part of my entertaining snack. One of these days, TV's movers and shakers will realize that the pinoy mind isn't made of rubbish and local television will come up with something substantial, not just the main meal ticket for the great pretenders.

For the Philippine remake of  Marimar, it's the role of a lifetime.  I'm not a fan.  But I would look back at the video above with fondness.  All the girls who auditioned will carve a successful path and those with talent and charisma will prevail.