Like more skilled direction and production techniques (Why not? The young Bisayan director RD Alba is Hollywood-based and trained and whose credits include assistant directorial duties in the award-winning "Panaghoy sa Suba"). Like Visayan star power in the cast (Budoy Mirabiles of Junior Kilat has sort of established cult status among young people through his music, so it was good a move to convince him what's with the audience demographics for the 5:30 PM timeslot comprising of young adults slash students). Like the fast-paced storyline (a strategy that writer Jurey Mirafuentes says is taken after the restricted running time of Koreanovelas).
But forget about the production values. The network is worth commending for consistently producing Cebuanovelas, whether they rate or not. ABS-CBN Cebu entertainment production head Donna Ocampo admits that more often than not, they don't at all rate or sell as much as national programs. Let's face it: there still exists that "culture of centralism" that smothers local initiative, but at least through these local productions, Cebuano creativity and culture find expression in local television.
So, has the production of Cebuano dramas bore any impact on the local entertainment scene? Donna Ocampo said that it has given avenues for Cebuano talents to be trained, to be seen, and to be stars in their own right. "It is a commitment to showcase local talent. In the national scene there is already an overcrowding of talents, considering the fast turnover of fresh and new faces." She added, "The production of local shows has also served as a springboard for the careers of a number of big stars in Manila."
Nevertheless, an interesting scenario, Budoy had presented to us, when we once visited the set of "Milyonaryong Mini" in Bohol. He said that, with the presence of abounding talent, local productions should get inspired by the current craze over foreign materials like Korean dramas modified through dubbing for local comprehension and acceptance. While "Milyonaryong Mini" is currently shown in Cebuano speaking regions, it is an exciting prospect, indeed, when regionally made productions in their original form (i.e. actors won't have to be forced to lose their accent and speak in Tagalog) would broadcast nationally. (Or again, because if my memory serves me right, a Cebuano production called "Isabel" made it to Manila some years back, but sadly, failed to sustain the interest.) Anyhow, to get to that direction (again) should be something worth seriously considering and working on.
Meantime, Ocampo said that Cebuanovelas would "continue to thrive as long as there are wonderful stories to tell." I'd say too, as long as mother networks make the effort to always (and increasingly!) devolve resources. And as long as televiewers make it a conscious decision to throw in support behind what's homegrown.
For comments, email nmtomada@thefreeman.com.ph.