I heart you, 60 times

When I first interviewed the K Pop band U Kiss on Party Pilipinas’ pilot episode, I didn’t quite know who they were. On my Channel V music cable show that documents the “heat chart” of things now and things to come, in true Gino de la Paz seer style, I made a rundown of the K Pop bands that Pinoy fans will soon go crazy over. Lo and behold! That time is now.

Thank God for my Oriental genes and for my forever-changing hair (never-ending thanks to Henri Calayag), I am forever the one assigned to cover this pop cultural beat, not only here for Supreme but also for your nightly double dose of entertainment tidbits, Tweetbiz (shameless plugs in the first two paragraphs, yes!). And since it’s freak season, I’ve been quite fortunate to chitchat with modern geniuses such as Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert and all the K Pop bands that have been frequenting Manila. Yes, their lady-like looks, mish-mash fashions and eyeliner makeup are such a hit with Pinoy fans here.

Speaking of the fans, one can never really second-guess what the “market” likes. It’s an ever-evolving taste that you’re either attuned to, or you’re not. The solution? Offer a buffet of treats (don’t all Pinoys love buffets?) and have something for everyone. Sprinkle some with spice, add more than a spoonful of sugar — and add a lot of heart. With all of that, hopefully, they’ll end up loving you, as Mary Poppins sang, “in a most delightful way.”

Pardon my being in a musical mood — I am still hung over from the trip-hop this past week. From the double whammy interviews of Korean pop sensations to the amazing 60th anniversary show of top network GMA 7 to Party Pilipinas in 3D, my visuals have had a juicy overload of poses, pouts and all that preening — not that I am complaining. I am back to my snap-happy self, and happy to be sharing with you all these moments, and more.

Being with the Korean cubs was a cinch, since I’m really used to being with artists from here or outer space. But backstage at the Araneta Coliseum was different. With over a hundred (or more) stars with more than a thousand other egos and alter egos, the excitement was palpable. I knew I wanted to be there. Okay, I will admit it: I want to be like Kuya Germs (before). I want to be like Boy Abunda (now). And it’s not about the fame or the money. Watching the show from the sidelines to the frontlines, you can see how happy the people were while watching their favorite stars sing, dance or play a part just for them. I think nothing is more inspiring than seeing other people happy. And if you can play a part in making other people happy, then you are blessed.

Connectors Of The Happy Heart

Being in media, we are the connectors of that happy machine. That’s why you know when you see a “heart” sign, it’s an assurance that people put in their heart (and soul and more for some!) just to make your life at that moment (and hopefully even beyond) better than how it was, say a few minutes ago. I am a child of the print medium but I grew up watching and wanting to be on television — who didn’t? After I realized that there was really no Santa Claus, I tuned in to Uncle Bob every Saturday and waited for him to greet me every year on my birthday.

I blame Elvira Manahan, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, and even Fides Cuyugan-Asencio for making me a nocturnal creature. I watched Two for the Road, Penthouse Parties (and secretly wished they’d revive it, with — ahem, ahem — me in it!) and even A Little Night Music from when I was a kid (I found it more entertaining than Armida singing in a bukid, no offense, Tita Midz).

We had no other form of entertainment (or distraction — since I wasn’t a fan of video games) then. So I was glued to the boob tube from Superbook and Flying House — and then, of course, special mention to That’s Entertainment, everyday edition — to the flag ceremony past midnight, signaling the end of the day’s programming. Around that time, my father would come home (from work or partying, I never asked) and seeing our family was complete, I could then peacefully sleep.

From a kid who watched every show on the GMA Network to now being among its many artists, workers, corporate executives, and fans who come in and out of its studios almost daily, how do I feel? For one, the studio where I tape my shows was where the legendary Inday Badiday weaved her magic and where German Moreno honed the talents of the Lea Salongas and Billy Crawfords of the scene. And on Sundays? I watch (and host, too) with awe at the brand-spanking-new studios at the GMA annex as the best and the brightest in entertainment show the Philippines and the world how talented we Filipinos are.

I look around, and I see happy people. At the end of the day, after all the ratings have been counted and all the egos counter-checked, it’s really how proud you are of the work you’ve done, of the teamwork that happened, of the magic that unfurled in front of an audience, beamed to a whole nation, nay, a whole world of proud Filipinos.

That’s where having a “heart” makes a true difference. Happy 60th anniversary, Kapuso!

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The GMA 60th Anniversary TV special airs on Sunday night — tell me what you think at twitter.com/iamtimyap.