Mega mini-Mega

I was invited to four events a couple of weeks ago and wouldn’t you know it, the Sharon and KC mystique lives on, stronger than ever. The astounding thing was that of the four events, three were focused on KC, heir apparent to the title of Commercial Queen (or Princess) if ever there was such a title.

First there was KC’s Ph launch at Ratsky’s Morato; with KC’s fresh, unsullied image meshing nicely with raising the consciousness of young girls on feminine hygiene. At Rockwell’s Fernando’s a few days later, Colgate had Sharon for a lunch, which announced her participation in a national outreach program that aimed to "Kill All Cavities." With the Philippine Dental Association working hand in hand on the project, Colgate was staking its claim as the leading toothpaste brand that’s imbued with social consciousness. That same night, Famous hosted a Human despedida party for KC. Now that she’s also a VJ on MTV, you had the situation of KC squared on MTV; Montero and Concepcion, hosting a segment of MTV’s show, Be Seen. Following night, and dreading Cuneta overexposure, I still made it to Palmolive’s Circle of 10 event at the Tavern, which featured… ok, no prize for guessing KC! And look out, I hear there’s one or two more commercials with KC on their way.

Some people were questioning the fervid commercial interest in KC, speculating on the talent fees she was amassing with all the endorsements, wondering if it was a case of "so much, so soon." They even queried her qualifications for such "demand" and interest. At 18, it is safe to say that other than her eminent qualification of being Sharon’s daughter and having dabbled in theater, singing and dance, there really wasn’t much more to this IS student who’s off for a year in Paris. In fact, given that she would be away, the traditional way of thinking would have dictated that she was a poor choice, unable to follow through or sustain campaigns with any physical presence. But you know, with KC, conventional wisdom flies out the window.

Sharon, and now by extension, KC, are in a class all to themselves. Sure, there may not be much to put in the CV of KC; but the inescapable fact remains that "Daughter to the Megastar" still outweighs "Socialite" by miles. The recall, the avid interest on the part of the public, the fascination; they’re all there to behold.

Early last year, during the height of the Kristine-Jericho soap opera, I had the chance to shoot the couple for People Asia at the Power Plant Rockwell. The Makati crowd would stop, stare a bit, then move on.

Fast-forward to a week later, and shooting KC at the Rockwell Human store, I have people lined up along the shop window and even on the third floor balcony, excitedly viewing the proceedings. You know how boring actual shoots are? Well, lolos and lolas would stay put for over half an hour, young boys would scramble for better angles and pray they’d catch her eye and office girls would linger, attentive to her every move and gesture. It was then that I clearly realized just how much magic there was in this then 17-year-old. Aware of the attention she was generating, KC would wave and smile at the crowd and they’d throw back a charge of appreciation that was palpable to even a cynic such as me.

The great thing at this point is that KC is the genuine article. Sharon’s daughter could be a spoiled brat and still be an attention getter; but thanks to the kind of values Sharon has continued to foster in her elder daughter, KC remains a real pleasure to talk to. To this writer, she’s respectful and polite, and always ready with a genuine warm greeting. Watch out world, Frankie’s growing up real fast!

‘SANA’

On the invitation of Philip Cruz, Gina de Venecia’s eldest son, I attended the State of the Nation Address (SONA) two Mondays ago. Coming a day after the all-day special, the Oakwood soap opera "Ok Ba Ang Room Service," I was anticipating a sense of urgency on the part of these assembled officials and lawmakers of our country. But in the hope of maintaining a sense of normalcy, it was more "Business As Usual," with the TV lights and camera flashes competing with the glittering jewelry adorning the necks and ears of the women and the fingers and wrists of the men.

As the President was speaking proudly of her administration’s accomplishments, I was struck by a deep feeling of ennui. What State of the Nation Address will ever find the President apologizing for his or her administration’s roller-coaster performance, or simply promising to do better? No, it will be a cold day in hell before we get to see that. But running through my mind during this SONA was a long list of "SANA’s." Really, I look around the ASEAN region and while I know every country has its own peculiar set of problems and difficulties, why do we seem to be mired in the quicksand of perpetuity, cursed to keep reliving the same disasters and quagmires of previous administrations. If it’s "One Step Back, Two Steps Forward" for our fellow Aseans; with us, it seems to be five steps back for every one forward, and at our backs the precipice just keeps getting closer.

Fast forward a few days and we get reports on how miffed the President was over the seeming lack of support and gratitude from the Makati business community over the peaceful settlement of the constitutional crisis. Sure, she may have been justified in griping; but you know, at this point, maybe so many are jaded over the perennial problems that beset our little corner of the world.

For a number of entrepreneurs and businessmen I spoke to, it was simply a case of "SANA" there was stability and a sustained healthy business climate. Sure, the President came through on resolving the situation. But she may have missed the point, as the concern was over why the situation even arose! If there is kernel of justification to the gripes and disgruntlement of these junior officers, someone has been "asleep at their post."

People now talk in tones of how next year’s elections may be our nation’s last chance; and we’ve heard that refrain before. It’s a tune we’ve been hearing for some time now; but you know, somehow, it rings truer than it ever did before.

(E-mail me at peopleasia@qinet.net)