On Talent Competitions

If I would have my way, I would like to put an end to online voting especially for talent competitions. I want qualified judges to make the final decisions and not the people. This was the case when cellular phones were not yet ubiquitous. The verdict should be left to the judges and not the texters. Talent contests are not popularity contests. The majority is not always right. (Consider the public officials we have elected.)

Also, talent contests should not be made platforms for one’s sad history and circumstance. I want a talent competition to be drama-free. I’m sure I have just expressed here a very unpopular sentiment. But I must stress that ‘popular’ sounds like ‘mediocre’.

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.