Kris-Joey issue in proper context

To deny that we are showbiz is not only silly but dangerous.

If this persists, we will continue to elect the most "showbiz" into the most powerful positions of the land.

There is so much disdain from people who feel that since the Kris Aquino imbroglio has made it to the headlines, media have committed another bloody aberration by making this top news.

After the celebrity industry has evolved into a sophisticated business operation, the most heavily taxed in fact, showbiz still does not enjoy the regard and the esteem that society accords the legal, the medical on the banking and finance industries.

There is still a pervading notion that when you are a moviestar, you are a nincompoop.

But this is also not to say that these notions don’t carry an iota of truth. But to insist on this general perception is fatal.

Because people have a tendency to condescend on showbiz, and by doing so, they make the celebrity industry one of the most powerful forces in Philippine society.

Why should one disregard the importance of a sector that affects everyone? Why should we condescend on movie stars who attract the crowds for politicians during electoral contests? I think we need to assess what show business has become in present society. What is its role and influence? Perhaps, it’s about time that people realize that showbiz is not just tsismis, it is many things — it can be Kris and Joey, and it can hit the headlines, it can sell candidates, it can make people cry and angry, it can inspire, empower and almost always entertain.

Don’t you think for all its flaws and inanities (which industry is flawless, anyway?), showbiz deserves some respect?

And when you look at the Kris-Joey controversy with seriousness and not condescension, you may just deal with it in the proper context. You will talk to your children about lessons one can learn from this experience. And people can debate on the various issues that surround this emotional drama.

And since when did the issue of Jose Pidal been more deserving in the news than a showbiz story in the magnitude of the Kris-Joey controversy:

1. Text messages are getting funnier. Example: "Don’t judge Joey because he is not a book!"

2. Kris’ commercial endorsements have stood by her in this most difficult time of her life.

3. Aside from Noy (Tarlac Rep.Noynoy Aquino) and former President Corazon Aquino, Kris’ Ate Ballsy was at the Pasig Regional Trial Court quietly supportive of her youngest sister. Rina Teopaco, her favorite cousin is always there, through good and bad times.

(PS. I would like to thank Doris Bigornia who was enjoying her day off last Sunday but still kindly accommodated our request on the Buzz for her to be at Times St., as the reporter who would lead us into the interview with Kris. She has been getting very positive feedback everytime she guests on the Buzz which is unfortunately rare. But to Doris, thank you and may you remain the number one news reporter in this country. And thank you for always being generous to the Buzz!)

Tribute To Kris

And here are excerpts from a letter sent by Bimbim Otani of Fukui, Japan in relation to the Kris-Joey brouhaha: I admire Ms. Kris Aquino for her strength in revealing everything. Tunay ngang anak siya ng isang bayani and I want to call her Bayani ng Kababaihan. Kris is known for always telling the truth. Sometimes she tells too much. Parehong kinaiinisan at hinahangaan namin si Kris dito. Ngayon pa ba siya sasabihan ng sinungaling?

To Ms. Kris, you are beautiful and smart. The right man will come. I wish and pray for you.

Late Nite Catechism

Bahaghari Productions Inc., the company behind Bagong Buwan and Illusione announces their latest coup: the Manila premiere of the international hit comedy Late Nite Catechism on Oct. 3 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, Makati. This off-Broadway hit has been dubbed "simply hilarious" by Fox TV and thousands others who laughed at themselves in this interactive comedy show. Actors/directors Bibot Amador and Baby Barredo alternately star and direct as the irrepressible nun who teaches an adult catechism class to a room full of students. (Call Ticketworld at 891-5610 for tickets.)

Tessie At Comfort Room

Who could forget her signature characters like: Amanda Pineda, Margarida, Meldita, Bonnie Buendia, Glorya Aray Ku, Agent Sinadsad Binabad Cottonbud and many more? For more than two decades now, we were entertained with these hilarious characters brought to life by Tessie Tomas. Teysi as she is called by millions of Filipinos who can’t get enough of her morning antics is performing tomorrow at the Comfort Room Comedy Bar in Jupiter St. Makati. This is the second run of the show and I heard that the first one was a smash hit. So better call 8979411 and have fun you deserve it.