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Reality bites. (Really, it does.) starring Niña Jose, Bianca Gonzales, Ace Aceron, Jennifer Mendoza, and those who watch them 3 5 13

From celebrity status and back Pinoy Teen Edition’s Niña Jose talks about her experiences, and #1 living after the show. 3 Cover photo by And the parents speak up Henrik Batallones Edgar and Annalyn Bernal, parents of Starstruck’s Kris Bernal, relates on sup- porting their child. 5 The impulsive birthday present Close-up To Fame’s Ace Aceron on how a birthday present to himself became one of his best experiences. 8 Trying the first time Starstruck reject Jennifer Mendoza talks about what she went through, and how she coped with the decision not to include her. 11 printedshale Examining reality’s popularity Henrik Batallones Why do people watch reality shows? DLSU’s Dennis Erasga provides an 13 editor explanation on viewer habits and . Kristina Balingit, Danica Cohu, Mimi Esteban, John Pangan, “You know, I’m your biggest fan” Burton Raya, Kaymee Santos Here’s what the fans think and do about their favorite reality stars. 15 contributors Email comments to Watch out—Big Brother is back [email protected] or ’s Bianca Gonzales talks about her term in the house, and visit http://shale.wordpress.com the new show that’s coming up. 16

 printedshale March 2007 Niña Jose de- scribes herself as witty—”I’m like Aubrey Hepburn,”

she says. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED From celebrity status and back Niña Jose talks about her stint on Pinoy Big Brother, dealing with fame, and how it all works out in college. by Danica Cohu like her friend, and that she’s just an parents are separated. Although her ordinary, college girl just like every- father gives financial support, it still Greetings from almost all directions one else. wasn’t enough. Since her grandfa- came and were given back to almost Niña’s full name is Mary Clare ther died and her mom doesn’t have everyone on the tenth floor of the Niña Jose. She used to be an As- a job, she felt the urge to help her Andrew Gonzalez Building after I sat sumptionista but is currently study- mom by taking up a summer job. down with Niña Jose for a little chat. ing at De La Salle University taking Her mom suggested she join Pinoy With this, I couldn’t help but notice up an undergraduate degree in Inter- Big Brother, so she went to the audi- that she seemed to be everybody’s national Studies. She recently turned tions. As fate would have it, she was friend so it got me wondering why I eighteen years old last August 26. picked out of the line and so she was got the impression that she’s a snob She rose to fame by joining Pinoy Big chosen as a housemate. Her mom when I first saw her onPinoy Big Brother Teen Edition. Well, the story was okay with her being in showbiz. Brother Teen Edition. Maybe it’s my behind how she got to be a house- However, her dad being the strict stereotyped way of giving an impres- mate in the said reality TV show is parent that he is was against it be- sion on people with pretty faces. much more fascinating. At first, she cause as many would say it, “Show- But she somehow proved me wrong just needed a summer job because biz is a whole lot crazier world.” But because even at the very beginning she wanted to help her mom out still, Niña stood her ground and of the interview, she made me feel with their financial problems. Her went into show business.

March 2007 printedshale  Niña said that her experience on Pinoy Big Brother was fun and totally unforgettable. She said that after getting herself into show business, she grew more matured and tougher. As we all know, in showbiz, you will be swarmed with a lot of issues may it be a rumor or not. If the rumor is true, then, she explains it. But if it’s not, then, she simply ignores it. She even quoted Gretchen Barretto by COHU DANICA saying, “Merong mga isyung pinap- her two best friends were around as With her best friends, from left: An- atulan at meron ding isyung tinatawa- I interviewed her, I asked them if ton Magsaysay and Zane Sobejana. nan at pinaglalaruan lang.” they felt even the slightest insecu- When I asked her a more personal rity. Then, again, the three of them I asked her this trivial question and showbiz question, she reacted had the violent reaction going. Her since I myself would like know the a little violently. Wondering what I friends said that if ever fans approach truth behind it. I asked whether asked her? Well, I simply asked her her, they just step out of the way and the text service of ABS-CBN called whether she liked all the people she let Niña do her thing. KTXT was real or not. KTXT is a worked with. At first, she merely Another confession Niña said in text service wherein the celebrities said, “No. I don’t want to comment the interview was when I asked her themselves text you directly from on that anymore. All I can say is that whether anyone hates her. Then, she their cell phones. And, yes, she I don’t.” I pursued the answer further told me a story about this girl who confirmed it with all honesty that by saying she need not mention was also a La Sallian who made her it’s all true. It was really her. She names but it would be good if she feel insulted. She looked at her from even told me what some of the fans can give scenarios of why she doesn’t head to toe, and then said, “yuck!” text her. They even text her to go to like the people she worked with. I asked her if she did something some links wherein she will see their She eventually said that “they are wrong to the girl. She said that she messages for her and their cell phone bitches… most of the actresses bitch doesn’t even know her. Thus, she numbers. Sadly, her KTXT is not about other actresses then when concluded that she must be envious updated regularly because her cell they are in front of the actresses they of her because why else would this phone is broken. So to confirm it, I bitched about, it’s as if nothing hap- girl have reacted in such an insulting subscribed to that service and it was pened… they are plastics [sic]…” manner. indeed true because no message from She said it with a tone as if she was I later asked her what the differ- her came to me that night. mad. I concluded that she must ences in her as a person were after As a final question, I asked her be pertaining to someone but was Pinoy Big Brother, and her best to give me one adjective that would restricted to what she must say so as friends, Zane Sobejana and Anton best describe her and why. “Witty,” to save herself from trouble. Magsaysay, affirmed her by saying she said, “because I am like Audrey Other topics were also discussed that she’s still the same fun, bub- Hepburn.” Then, both of her friends like how were her friends like after bly, and sweet person that she used laughed with her. she became a celebrity. As anyone to be only tougher now. There was Surely, Niña has a lot of wit. And can predict, her true friends re- no change at all. I then asked her if I were part of the press, she’ll defi- mained the same way towards her. whether she had a favorite house- nitely be one of the favorites of the However, there are those people mate among all housemates. She an- press because of her bubbly, amiable, whom aren’t close to her and yet af- swered by saying she has no favorite and accommodating personality. She ter Pinoy Big Brother, they suddenly because she liked them all equally. is, without doubt not just a pretty made her feel, as Niña would put They were all special to her in their face but also a pleasant person. She it, “pa-close” (feeling close). Since own different ways. sure is a star in the making! •

 printedshale March 2007 KAYMEE SANTOS KAYMEE Edgar and Annalyn Bernal are supporting their daughter Kris’ aspirations all the way. And the parents speak up As Kris Bernal tries her luck on the reality talent show Starstruck, her parents Edgar and Annalyn support her—and keep the family together. by Kaymee Santos 14, now there are only 8 of them knew what she wanted to be. Unlike left. other children who easily change Kris Bernal, seventeen years of age, Does she have what it takes to be their mind as they grow up, Kris is is just like any other person who the next “Ultimate Survivor”? There’s really determined and decided to dreams to be a star. She, like all the only one way to find out. Let’s get to pursue her dream. “Yun ang ambi- other people who want to pursue know her with the help of the two tion niya, to be an actress,” Kris’ dad their dreams lined up and auditioned people closest to her heart, the ones shares. According to her parents, for the new batch of Starstruck, the who have been with her ever since she’s a certified fashionista. Maarte“ artista search contest in GMA-7. she was born, the ones who have kasi siya eh, mahilig mag-damit at But unlike the thousands of people been with her through thick and tsaka yun talaga ang gusto niya, gusto who were denied and were not given thin, happy or sad, the reason why niya maging famous,” her mom the chance to fight for their dream, she is here. These people are none explains. Kris luckily got in and up until now, other than her dad, Mr. Edgar and This dream of hers was not that still continues to fight her way to mom, Mrs. Annalyn Bernal. hard to reach for Kris grew up to be reach her long-time dream. From 80 a very beautiful and lovely lady. As a preliminary contestants, cut down to There from the start proof for that, even before she joined 30, and again reduced to the Final Ever since she was little, Kris already Starstruck or any other contest, many

March 2007 printedshale  would come and approach her and ask for her autograph and picture taken. Many people think she was already an actress. “Pag nagma-mall kami or lumalabas kami, maraming nakakapansin kung artista ba siya kahit hindi pa siya artista noon. Last summer pumunta kami ng States, sa airport yung mga tao doon pinagkagu- luhan siya, akala artista siya,” her dad tells. The fulfillment of her dream started two years ago when she and her sister were in a mall. A saleslady approached them and said that there was a contest for Clean and Clear. The saleslady said that Kris and her sister were pretty and asked them if she could take a picture of them. HTTP://WWW.STARSTRUCK.TV Kris and her sister thought that Kris Bernal, in a publicity shot for GMA’s Starstruck. there’s no harm in trying and de- cided to give the saleslady a chance. “Pag nagma-mall kami or lumala- A few weeks later, somebody called them and said that they won the bas kami, maraming nakakapansin contest. The prize? They were an kung artista ba siya kahit hindi pa instant cover models of Meg maga- zine, April 2005 issue! Not only that. siya artista noon. Last summer pu- They also received P100,000 in cold cash! munta kami ng States, sa airport yung mga tao doon pinagkaguluhan A dream comes true It was then followed when she siya, akala artista siya.” entered Holy Trinity University of Edgar Bernal Asia for college. At the university, she joined a pageant and of course, won. She was given the title, “Ms. “Noon nakakasama ko siya [sa] mall, Trinity”. “Encouraging talaga yung ngayon hindi na kasi busy na, hindi sa Trinity na beauty pageant. May question and answer, may competi- na namin siya masyado nakakasama tion ng mga damit damit, so doon ko sa family outings kasi lagi siyang na-discover na aba may talent pala ‘tong anak ko! Siya ang nanalo! Sabi nasa GMA. Matutulog kami wala ko, i-try mo ang Starstruck. Hindi siya kasi nasa GMA tapos gigising siya naging mahiyain eh, bibo siya sa mga question and answer,” her mom yung iba pupunta na ng school tu- narrates. log pa naman siya.” That’s why after finding out that her daughter has the talent and Annalyn Bernal

 printedshale March 2007 touching gift – a refrigerator magnet. The magnet says,mothers are angels that help children learn how to fly. “Nafe-feel ko siya. Baby pa eh, pa- embrace-embrace. Minsan hiwalay kami ng higaan lilipat sa akin. Sasabi- hin niya, ‘mommy hug’ tapos tatabi siya sa akin,” her mom recounts. “Noon nakakasama ko siya [sa] mall, ngayon hindi na kasi busy na, hindi na namin siya masyado naka- kasama sa family outings kasi lagi siyang nasa GMA. Matutulog kami wala siya kasi nasa GMA tapos gigis- ing yung iba pupunta na ng school tulog pa naman siya,” her mom explains. Even if there have been a lot of changes ever since she joined Starstruck, her family understands KAYMEE SANTOS KAYMEE KAYMEE SANTOS KAYMEE From a saleslady approaching her, Nevertheless she remains the baby the situation. “Dream niya talaga eh, Kris (at left) landed on the cover of of the Bernals. Photos of her, like kaya sinuportahan namin,” her dad Meg magazine—her first shot at this, appear on different picture narrates. fame. frames around the house. And even if all the attention is after seeing the Starstruck advertise- als of Starstruck. But the school gives focused on Kris at the moment, her ment on , Kris’ mom was her some consideration since she is siblings understand their condition personally the one who encouraged a very smart and diligent student. and do not show any sign of jeal- her daughter to join. Besides, Kris’ “Nanghinayang yung mga teachers ousy towards their sister. Instead, already had enough exposures and kasi ang galing galing niya daw. Top they give their all out support by experiences that will surely help her daw siya sa Zoology.” The school asks campaigning for their sister. From in Starstruck. As for Kris, of course here to comply with some projects flyers to Internet announcements, she didn’t think twice because this and requirements and to submit the whole family really exerts their was really her dream. them until March, before the school own efforts in helping Kris reach her year ends. So, schooling is not a dream. Miss Beauty and Brains problem at all. “Anyway matatapos Kris’ parents gave this advice for Kris doesn’t only excel in the hearts na rin yung Starstruck,” her dad says. other parents whose children also of men but also in her studies as When she doesn’t have too much want to enter showbiz. “Habang bata well. Who would have thought that things to do, she sees to it that she pa i-develop nila ang talent ng anak this gorgeous ‘Ms. Trinity’ whose does her school projects on her free nila. Kung dream talaga ng anak mo, suitors are extremely hard to count is time. all we can do as parents is really to taking up nursing and even made it support the dream. Hindi yung pera to the Dean’s List in the first semes- The baby girl of the Bernals eh. It’s more of the dream,” her mom ter of her first year in college? Per- Kris is the baby of the family. Even clarifies. Anyway, they said that in haps that’s why guys can’t help but though she is not the youngest and case everything fails and Kris doesn’t like her. Beauty and brains, she has she is already seventeen years old, win, she can still go back to her it. What more can you ask for? she is still very childlike. She is really studies. And that is still their full re- As of now Kris decided to stop very sweet particularly to her mom. sponsibility and obligation as parents school temporarily since she has Actually, Mother’s Day of last year, to send her to school and guide her been busy with tapings and rehears- Kris gave her mom a simple but very all throughout. •

March 2007 printedshale  HENRIK BATALLONES Ace Aceron now continues his studies at De La Salle University in Manila. The impulsive birthday present For Close-up To Fame’s Ace Aceron, his birthday present to himself was more than an experience. by Henrik Batallones wild card stage, and before that, was realized that shooting for Close-up apparently ahead among other con- To Fame would take up so much of Contacting Ace Aceron for this testants in terms of SMS votes. his time. He was even forced to drop interview was quite easy. He isn’t Despite all that, it was hard to six units during the time the show exactly how you would define some- actually do the interview. He al- was on-going. one as “well-known”, but it probably ready agreed to it, but for some All that, for a birthday present he helped that he was my classmate for reason, the flurry of examinations gave himself. Upon seeing the plugs two subjects last term. Before that, I he and his classmates—he’s taking for the program airing on television, knew him as one of the contestants up European Studies in De La Salle he decided that he’d do just that. for Close-up To Fame 2, the talent University—meant we couldn’t find He kept it a secret from his parents, search which aired on ABS-CBN in the right time to meet. Which also who are both based in Iloilo, until he the middle of last year. And he didn’t proves that despite all of this, he’s received news that he got in. Little win that either, although he was still very much into his studies. In did he know he was in for one big voted back into the competition’s fact, he was sort of shocked when he adventure.

 printedshale March 2007 Close-up To Fame wasn’t his first appearance in a television talent show, having joined (and lost) a VJ search for . Nevertheless, he got in, from among three thou- sand aspirants to twenty-four final- ists. The program, which was hosted by Heart Evangelista and , was to search for new faces who will appear in an advertise- ment for Close-up toothpaste. (The eventual winners of the competition, Ara Hanesh and Reb Sibal, appeared in the toothpaste’s Christmas adver- tisement.) Set like a reality show, the contestants had to undergo different challenges, looking for, among oth- ers, a person’s “idol factor” and “kilig factor”. And all of this intimidated HENRIK BATALLONES Ace, at least initially. The experience was very memorable, Ace says. “Ang kilala ko lang ata sa mga judges, si Dina Bonnevie,” he said. The other two judges, which includ- Expecting that the program would ed film director Jose Javier Reyes and keep him busy during summer, it a “surprise judge” each week, were to pass judgment on their perform- stretched up until the start of the ances. Ace particularly recalls an term and beyond. The shoots were incident with guest judge Tim Yap, who wasn’t impressed with his per- particularly stressful, he said. formance and gave him some nasty things weren’t as easy as they seemed na, tapos ako, nagpalit na ng damit,” grilling. The same was felt towards on the television. For the first chal- he says. “Uwing-uwi na nga ako nun the other contestants and, of course, lenge, the segment producers had eh!” Eentually he got talked out of it, towards the guests. each contestant do something they and pushed through. Also inevitable is him meeting think they’re good at. “Tinanong nila It also didn’t help matters that new friends, although initially it ako kung saan ako magaling,” Ace the talent search continued well wasn’t the case. Close-up To Fame’s recalled. “Ang sabi ko, ‘I can’t dance into June, right in the middle of his segment producers created twelve or sing, but I can speak well.’” So, first term in DLSU. “It’s unfair,” he pairs out of twenty-four contestants; he was asked to do a short hosting thought. Expecting that the program he was paired with fellow contestant clip, “at konting dance,” he said with would keep him busy during sum- Aimee Villarico, and things weren’t a chuckle. mer, it stretched up until the start immediately all well. “One time Even more, there are those behind of the term and beyond. The shoots gusto niyang buhatin ko siya nung the scenes that would really pres- were particularly stressful, he said. shoot,” he said, keeping a smile in sure them to do stuff—maybe even “Magsh-shoot kami from 6 am to his face. Eventually they would be shout at them, to some extent. In the 3 am,” he said. Eventually the long close, and he’d be close with the beginning of the competition, Ace shoots, and the long commutes other contestants, some of which recalls, he almost backed out at the from his classes to his shoots, led keep contact with him up to now. very last minute, on the day of the him to drop some of his classes. But But stress came in, and soon shoot itself. “Lahat naka-all-white that didn’t prevent him from being

March 2007 printedshale  noticed by classmates. One time in speech class his teacher would men- tion that she saw him on the show, but that was the farthest it got, he said. And there are also observations he can’t help but mention. There are some idiosyncracies in the show that makes the entire “reality show” con- cept a bit mesleading. “Hindi lahat ng reality show, parang reality show,” he said. One time, he recalls, what he thought would be a continuous HTTP://WWW.CLOSEUPTOFAME2.COM shoot for the time when the contest- The Close-up To Fame contestants wear red... ants receive a makeover, the staff had them do a reshoot of a scene where they walk to the location. Another one was about a spa treatment that never came, probably only done out of promotional consideration. Even another one, which struck me the most, was one challenge where some of the male contestants had to break something and use their charm to get them out of paying for it. When one contestant struggled to do just that—he broke something particu- larly expensive, Ace said—the staff HTTP://WWW.CLOSEUPTOFAME2.COM had an actor “save” him by “paying” ...and white. Ace almost backed out at this point. for the damage. But, the experience was worth it. Aside from the people who suddenly has a handler giving them different taking criticisms as constructive. become “close” with him after seeing offers every now and then; in fact, he That’s exactly the reason why he now him on television, there is the pay he and a few others tried to get into the counts Jose Javier Reyes as an idol of got from the program, and the good current season of Starstruck, but were his; his comments on the show were memories that came along with it. unsuccessful. (He was even surprised contructive, he believes, and now he Watching the advertisement where that Reb didn’t make it despite win- can take such criticisms in stride. Of winners Ara and Reb eventually ap- ning Close-up To Fame; he reckons, course, there was the help of friends, peared, he can’t help but remember though, that previous exposure was who simply found it cool that one all the memories and experiences a factor.) of them got on the television, and he’s had with his stint on the pro- And, as he studies and continues his parents, back in Iloilo, who gram. He’s still intent on finishing to practice his speaking abilities in got around to voting for him, and his studies and eventually finding a things such as school projects - I’ve convinced the others there as well, job, but he wouldn’t mind joining seen him perform a role in a play to vote for him. How many boxes another one of those contests. In the for Literature class and he does of Close-up they had to buy to vote case of Close-up to Fame, he wasn’t a very good British accent - he’s for him, he’d rather not divulge. Oh in it for the winning, but mostly for gone through with one lesson he well. That’s another story in itself, I the exposure. Now, each contestant particularly learned from the stint: guess. •

10 printedshale March 2007 KRISTINA BALINGIT Jennifer Mendoza is now a student at the College of Saint Benilde in Manila. Trying the first time Starstruck reject Jennifer Mendoza talks about her auditions, not making the cut, and moving on. by Kristina Balingit in the field of acting. In stage, when has extra curricular activities such as the director says action, she acts a volunteer for the Social Action Of- People have negative notions when naturally that everyone would forget fice, Lasallian Ministry Office, and it comes to being rejected or things that “it is indeed just acting”. a member of Chefs in Progress, an related to it, but Jennifer S. Mendo- Acting is not only the thing that organization in the CSB. za has the opposite. She accepts the she does excel but also playing the Let’s get to know more about price of everything she does without piano and singing. Playing the Jenny as she unfolds a memorable holding grudges or regrets to any- piano was her hobby since she was chapter of her life . body including herself. four years old. This passion of hers Acting is one of the passions of paid off when she became one of What motivated you to join Star- Jennifer, or Jenny, a sophomore stu- the members of the Piano’s Theater struck? dent taking up Hotel and Restaurant Guild of the . She had My family motivated me to join Management in De La Salle–College attended several sessions of voice Starstruck. The parents who I grew of Saint Benilde. She was a member lessons over the years which had up with are not the real parents of of Drama Club in High school and honed her as a singer in Interna- mine. I discovered I’m an adopted played one of the main characters tional concerts particularly in United child at an age of four. As I grew in the play “Twinkle”. Her talent in States and Canada. She also knows up, I constantly searched for ways on acting was discovered through school how to balance her school and extra how to repay the parents that have plays which left everyone including curricular activities. For the past five brought me up since I’m a baby and her teachers amazed that this timid- terms of her life in CSB, her GPA since I had an experience in acting, looking girl has much more to show would not be lower than 2.9. She I thought that this could be a break

March 2007 printedshale 11 for me. I was actually inspired by “Honestly speaking, I did not feel the life story of Jennylyn Mercado. sad or anything related to it. I did Share something about your experience while you were audi- want to make it but I said to myself, tioning in Starstruck. auditioning is already a fulfillment.” Gosh. There’s so many to tell. First of all, there were about hun- Jennifer Mendoza dreds if not, thousands of applicants telling you that you did make it mercial of the said program. I did that day. The audition was set to to the cut off? not want my friends to know at first start at 8 am so I was there already Honestly speaking, I did not feel but they were very supportive of me at 6 am to fall in line but it started sad or anything related to it. I did when they knew and were happy for around 11 am already. At 11:00, want to make it but I said to my- the step that I have taken. organizers of the audition started to self, taking the risk of auditioning is let the people go inside the walls of already a fulfillment. I accepted the What advice would you give to GMA. We were asked to go to this result whole-heartedly because in those like you who wish to show small room where you get to show the very beginning I did not expect their talents on national televi- your talent, may it be singing, acting something. I should know how to sion? or dancing. stand for what I have decided to do All I can say is that when you audi- The judges (which were not the no matter what the results would be. tion, be as simple as you can be. same set of judges that viewers get to I did not have regrets of auditioning That was my mistake because when see on TV) would ask the contestant because I know I did my best. And I auditioned, I was wearing heavy what are his/her talents. If he/she besides, there were like a thousand make-up and I really looked pre- could sing, then sing. If he/she is applicants that day which gives me a pared because of what I have worn. good in acting, then act. If dancing less chance of getting in. Yasmin Kurdi, who was one of the is his/her thing, then dance to the final four inStarstruck batch 1 wore music that they will play. If you feel In your opinion, what are the just simple clothing and light make- that you could do all the three, do standards of the judges which up when she auditioned. The judges it. Since I love to sing and act, I did you were not able to meet? were probably looking for someone both. Probably the looks. I think that in who is definitely beautiful without While I was showcasing my talent, the said competition, judges were the help of cosmetics. And also when there was this small TV in front of not really looking for the talent of auditioning, one should remember the judges which enables the them the person but rather his/her physi- to give your very best and set aside to tell whether the one auditioning cal features. As you may notice, there your shyness. looks good on TV or not. I think are some who get into the fourteen that this is very crucial to the one finalists that have the looks but do What are the lessons that you auditioning because if he/she does not have the talent. I also do not have learned? not look good in that small screen, have the height to be a star because I Definitely a lot but in a gistI learned he/she would automatically not be only stand 5’1”. that though I was not able to make accepted. The audition did not take it, it should not be taken as a burden more than five minutes. The result What was the reaction of your but a challenge for me. was not that instant. One would family and friends? know if he/she got accepted if he/she My family was supportive in a way Do you have any plans of joining receives a call within a week. I did but my mom was not in favor of or auditioning on other shows not receive any. me getting into show business. My like Starstruck? friends did not know that I au- For now, none. My main priority How did you feel when after a ditioned. They just knew when a right now is to finish my studies week you did not receive a call friend of mine saw me in the com- with flying colors to get a good job. •

12 printedshale March 2007 Dennis Erasga at his offices in

DLSU Manila. RAYA BURTON Explaining reality’s popularity De La Salle University’s Dennis Erasga explains why people watch, and avidly follow, reality shows. by Burton Raya I interviewed Mr. Dennis Erasga the University of the Philippines. from the De La Salle University Reality TV is a genre in television Manila’s Behavioral Sciences Depart- immediacy programming which is popular ment, which is mainly concerned According to Mr. Erasga, people among viewers. In the Philippines with the study of society and human enjoy watching be- we can see these programs in dif- social interaction. He graduated cause it is unmediated and anything ferent sub-categories of reality TV. from the University of the Philip- could happen because participants Pinoy Big Brother, Kapamilya Deal pines with a degree of Bachelor of aren’t limited to a certain script or or No Deal, Starstruck, etc. Why do Arts Major in Sociology. He also commands from the director. The people love watching such shows? holds a master’s degree in Sociology viewers want to follow the events And what are the effects of these and a doctorate degree in Environ- that would transpire, or they see a shows to viewers and participants. mental Science, both coming from certain participant in which they

March 2007 printedshale 13 oneself in, or events would occur in the show in which one can relate with. They want to see the per- sonal lives of the participants, things which we aren’t used to seeing. Un- like soap operas which are scripted even to the minutest detail. Different shows are targeted for different people, some shows have a small target audience like The Ap- RAYA BURTON prentice in which only the educated would enjoy watching, but reality People get addicted to the show shows such as Pinoy Big Brother or and they want to catch every epi- Philippine Idol has a big scope be- cause everybody from the A-D class sode because it portrays “reality”, would be able to enjoy it. it portrays everyday life. It sends The effects of these shows on the viewers vary. People get addicted realizations to the viewers when to the show and they want to catch something happens in the show every episode because it portrays “reality”, it portrays everyday life. which already happened to them in It sends realizations to the viewers real life. It makes the people sup- when something happens in the show which already happened to port a certain participant because them in real life. It makes the people they see a mirror of themselves or support a certain participant because they see a mirror of themselves or the like a participant because of the like a participant because of his/her qualities. his/her qualities. probably would change the way they participants, most of them comes Favorites act. Participants of such shows are from different places, families and Usually the favorite of the masses able to manipulate the impression academic backgrounds, and different is the ones who come out on top they make on other people, which attitudes and personalities. Putting or would be able to win the show. is called impression management, them together in a certain show Like in talent searches, the masses which is a big factor among the forces them to relate with the rest of would always support people from audience. There are also other people the participants, and gives them an their own. They have this mindset who are true to themselves and don’t opportunity to use their impression that why give that chance to the put on a mask on, but this is usually management in which they could rich participants when they already the exception, because of the Haw- also deceive their fellow participants, have money. So they support their thorne Effect which changes the par- especially during eliminations. participant, and their numbers vastly ticipants’ behavior when they know But no matter what, even if they outnumber the rich. It also has a they’re being observed. The latter picked a person to eliminate, they cultural aspect; Filipinos want their would come out after about a week still break down in tears or become choice of participants to experience or so when the participant will get momentarily sad because of the difficulties before winning the show. used to people looking and would bond the participants have shared So we support the oppressed. even forget that there is a camera. in such shows. The moment they These shows play a big effect on Participants also get to relate joined the show, the participants the participants. It would, or most with people better. Being chosen as became their immediate family. •

14 printedshale March 2007 “You know, I’m your biggest fan” Every star must have a dedicated following. Meet some of those who have had favorites from reality show stars. by John Pangan

“I’m your biggest fan! Can I have your autograph?” These are but a few statements a regular fan would say when he or she comes face to face with a reality star. But what is it in JOHN PANGAN these reality personalities that fans JOHN PANGAN find appealing? James loves . Mitch loves Philippine Idol. “I like Marky Cielo because of fan ako ng kahit sinong Starstruck by befriending the manager and in his cute, physical appearance” as survivor, kasi love ko ang show na ‘to, effect, gets free passes whenever she Sars would note. She believes that puro challenges” According to him, wants to visit. the cute exterior of Marky Cielo in it does not matter which contestant Taking the devotion to the next Starstruck is something in which she wins or loses or who becomes a sole level, Mitch once endorsed in one prefers. survivor, because to him everyone of her school class to vote for Gian Speaking of appearance, another did a good job out there, and he sup- Magdangal, runner-up of Philip- notable issue here is that Icka’s dad ports his fans to the best he could. pine Idol by giving off flyers to each would favor Asian girls like Sandara He does this by simply watching student. She finds Gian as “a livewire Park (of Star Circle Quest) and her Starstruck on television or going to idol being able to sing, dance and act Korean nationality and Iwa Moto (of the GMA studio when it is time for at the same time and give his [over- Starstruck) and her Japanese roots. elimination night. all] performance on stage. [He is] While she does not ultimately favor Other fans go for reality stars with young and has [a great] potential.” local reality stars, her dad does. good and powerful voices. James Of course, he does not only prefer Bert Garcia is a true Rainier and his devotedness to Pinoy Dream Gian, but also another runner-up Castillo fan from the time Rainier’s Academy contestant Yeng Constan- of Philippine Idol, Jan Nieto. The “smile” became popular. He noted, tino’s “” meant that reason behind this, as Mitch would “A smile could win you a lot of fol- he liked Yeng’s voice and vibe. Aside explain is because “he’s open-minded lowers”. He also stressed the impor- from Yeng, James also noted Mau and [still] learning more things… tance of charisma and your overall Marcelo’s powerful voice when Mau and that he’s new in the music in- projection that makes you stand out sang her heart’s content in the fFinal dustry”. above the rest. showdown of Philippine Idol. With all these information, it is Some fans would go for the At times, fanatics would not clear to us that each fanatic would younger generation. Ariane and her simply like these reality stars, they have his or her difference in per- preference for Star Circle Kids Quest would follow them! According to ceiving a famous reality star. Some stars Nash Aguas and Sharlene San Tina, she has a friend, Reina, who is would choose the exterior appear- Pedro said that her reason for liking such a big fan of Jennylyn Mercado ance, while others would go for the them is that “they’re cute, young and (sole female survivor of the first sea- talent potential”. Whatever the rea- talented”. son of Starstruck) that she goes to the son may be, it is very important that Some fanatics like reality stars GMA studio for Jennylyn’s shooting. without these fans supporting their that are contestants in one big reality Tina also notes that her friend gets favored reality stars, they would not show. Neill proudly says this, “big close to the sensational reality star be there to entertain the public. •

March 2007 printedshale 15 Watch out—Big Brother is back Former housemate and now Pinoy Big Brother host Bianca Gonzales opens up on her life in the show. by Mimi Esteban my own and if I could live out of my comfort zone. Kuya is back. On February 25 at When you passed the audi- 9:30 in the evening, armed with tion, what preparations did you more challenging tasks and stricter make? rules, the Pinoy Big Brother will launch its second season at the None! Well, more of preparing my- Concert Hall beside the PBB house. self to be away from my loved ones Fourteen compete strangers will MIMI ESTEBAN and other things like my phone, the Bianca Gonzales hosts the second TV… enter the blue and yellow house and season of Pinoy Big Brother. live a bizarre lifestyle for more than What are the major changes gate to popularity. a hundred days listening, confess- in your lifestyle after Pinoy Big Others may say that it would ing to, and obeying the orders of the Brother? be impossible to achieve all these one and only mysterious voice of Big A lot the same and a lot different. Brother. – fame, popularity and self-discov- ery, but Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity More work, more people recognize Judging from the success of the me. past season and the two special edi- Edition runner-up Bianca Gonzales tions namely the Celebrity and Teen was fortunate to grab it all in one What do you do when you’re not Editions, it will be no surprise to blow. This smart young TV host, fulfilling your showbiz commit- learn that millions and millions of who turns 24 this March, started her ments? people here and abroad will again, career as early as 17 years old. Aside Resting at home, hanging out with eagerly watch it to spy on every from being one of the hosts of the my family and friends and going out move and word that will be done upcoming PBB Season 2 together of town. and uttered by the housemates. with , Mariel Rod- What would be your advice to Winning this most true-to-life riguez and Jason Gainza, she has also the new housemates of Pinoy Big reality show and receiving the “Big co-hosted several shows including Brother? Winner” title is no joke. Over- Breakfast and Y! Speak. And before To have their sense of direction and whelming prizes are at stake so that, she has already done a couple purpose with the experience… to getting nominated for elimination of product endorsements and pic- always pray for God’s guidance and is the last thing each of the house- torials for magazines like Candy, protection. mates would want to get. Just like Seventeen, Meg and Chalk. She has other reality shows, someone has to been working her way up in showbiz for a while and with each task she Despite all the controversies that go so that others can get the chance welcomed her from the moment of winning the ultimate prize. Then accomplishes, she has proved herself to others while keeping her feet on she went out of the PBB house, and again, fame is not the sole reason while she deals with situations in her why most of the housemates want to the ground, just like what she did in the PBB house. career and personal life, she remains get in. Some see this as an extraor- strong. I believe she has already dinary opportunity to try living the Why did you audition for Pinoy proven her best in the world but life PBB has to give; some see this as Big Brother Celebrity Edition? with her honestly amazing attitude a perfect setting for them to discover I was really the reluctant housemate! and optimism, she will surely flour- themselves; while others see this But in the end, I said yes because I ish more, not just on TV, but as a once in a lifetime chance as an open wanted to see how it would be on simple yet stunning individual. •

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