We hear Kris Aquino say “Kapamilya, deal or no deal?” countless times on TV, and probably, in just as many times as Kris Aquino says those words, we also hear our countrymen yell out “Wowowee!” I have nothing against game shows and variety shows. It is only that I have become very disturbed by what the Filipino people’s tolerance for these two shows say about the country and its people.

I have two points on this. One, I think the growing number of viewers and people applying to be studio contestants of these two shows is saddening. Well, maybe not for ABS-CBN, because that is what TV networks run on – ratings, lots of viewers and the like - but it is saddening because it tells us just how desperate our fellowmen are, and how our country is drowning in poverty. I specifically remember that one day when I strongly believed in this – the day the stampede at Ultra killed seventy-three. It was, to me, a big reality check. That big bunch fought to get into the Ultra, to get to see Willie Revillame, and most importantly, to win instant money. The Filipino people have become so desperate that they would jump at any chance – any instant chance – to get money. Two, I think the both of the hosts are not doing a very good job. I think they have both been wrapped and caught up in their “successes” as TV personalities that they have been transformed into arrogant celebrities. I do not know if TV producers and directors notice or they intently let foul remarks from the hosts pass. I know they are considered the higher end in our society, but that does not give them the right to deliberately, or unintentionally, imply discrimination in their field.

It is nice that most of the Filipinos have something to look forward to during their lunchbreaks and their evenings, but it is for what reason they are tuning-in that I worry.