My Advice to Kris Aquino

Who am I to advise Kris Aquino, who yet again cried on The Buzz on March 14, 2010? She does not know me. I am sure she has already received a lot of advice from her own family and loved ones. What she does with all that counsel and advice I really don’t know.

If she would allow me to tell her what I want her to hear without her interrupting me, I would say the following: “It’s not wrong to defend yourself and your loved ones especially if there’s much criticism hurled at you. But your tearful confession on TV still revealed pride. Never broadcast your goodness and virtues in the name of defense. You confess that you’re not a liar. That’s good. But only God sees completely your heart. You may have revealed many truths but what about those things you have not revealed? You are a big star in show business and showbiz is ‘show’. You admitted in one TV interview that you are a tattler. And a ‘tattler’ is one given to tattling or idle talking. Your tongue has cost you and even other people so much pain. It’s about time you need to offer your tongue to the Lord. Praise Him instead with your lips. But that would be hard. You cannot serve both God and the showbiz mammon.”

On Showbiz Gossip

Everything has to be loud. News headlines have to explode. Hosts should be consistently emphatic. There is no point anymore of being subtle. Everything should grab everyone's attention. Even the most trivial info attains a certain degree of relevance by the way it is aired.

But I must not complain. This is what today's showbiz gossip is all about. It must boom. It must create excitement. Gossip has ceased to be hushed. Idle talk, hearsays and rumors do entertain but hardly spirit-lifting. Some showbiz talk show hosts suffer from a diarrhea of the mouth.

Our Youth Today

I have been witness to a couple of reality TV auditions here in Cebu City. I remember being both astonished and disgusted by the sight of countless young men and women all craving for fame. I said to myself, "Money is Fame's twin. No wonder."

What disgusted me was what has become of our youth's desires. They just love to become instant celebrities. They just love getting the money. Personally I deplore the youth's lack of interest in culture, arts, history, science, literature, languages, theology, humanities and other disciplines, which to me are essential in equipping the youth in bettering our condition as a nation.

Many people say the Philippines has a lot of excellent talent, especially in the field of entertainment. That is true. But entertainment does not and cannot strengthen a nation.

MELAI

How would I describe Melisa Cantiveros, the Big Winner of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Double Up edition? Obviously she is not beautiful. Not much to look at. Her big curly hair, ugly teeth and mobile lips never escape me. Her motor mouth is often in sync with her facial expression and hand gestures. Refinement, elegance and polish. They're not found in this girl. But, she's got character. She's funny, crazy and over the top. Local showbiz now seems to cash in on her recent popularity. Melai should start acting wise. When projects start coming, saving money should be her top priority. People may soon get tired of her and her teeth. By the way, she reminds me of Elizabeth Ramsey.

KRIS AQUINO

Kris Aquino is called local TV's Queen of Talk. I am one of those who believe that Kris is articulate and outspoken, which are her winning attributes as a TV host. But she has shown many a time that she lacks the ability to be gracious and tactful. Much criticized by those with higher sensibilities, Kris remains very popular. But the Queen of Talk badly needs to be reminded of delicacy and discretion. A punch on the mouth may help her wake up, I suppose.

Piolo Pascual

Piolo Pascual has never publicly admitted that he is gay. And many people love to tag him as one. This is the price of celebrity. As public property, Piolo can only bleed. People have the right to express what they think of him. Gossip is dirty. Showbiz gossip is very dirty. Its malicious repetition does not ensure the surfacing of the truth. If Piolo is found out to be really gay, this will turn into another showbiz trivia that can never contribute anything of great value to our culture. Surely another celebrity will be forced to "out".