Breaking TV monotony

True, local television is saturated with soap operas, showbiz-oriented talk shows and reality programs, but there are also thematic, locally-produced (meaning, not localized versions) shows that should break TV viewing monotony. Too bad, these shows are only a handful and most of them air very late at night that they don’t merit the degree of viewership that they deserve. So, if you’re looking for unique and quality TV content, try tuning in to these shows. 

Reunions. This is a family-oriented, feel-good QTV program that tracks down missing family members and reunites them with their loved ones. In one episode, one woman in her late 70’s lost touch with her parents and siblings in Negros for more than 40 years after insisting on leaving home to find her luck in Manila. Longing for a reunion, but with decades of no correspondence out of shame of being unable to improve her life in the big city, with no idea where her family was, and with no money to afford a ticket home, she sought help from the program. Once reunited, she said she was ready to die. When she finally got reunited with her siblings, no wrinkles and old age could keep them from recognizing each other. So overwhelmed was she with the tearful welcome and at the sight of her long-lost family that she passed out and nearly had a heart attack. This was just one of the touching stories of the more than 300 people who have gone missing and were found and returned to their loved ones through Reunions. Have a hanky ready when watching this program.

SOCO. It’s not of CSI-caliber that maximizes deduction and science. Nevertheless, Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO)—hosted by senior ABS-CBN reporter Gus Abelgas—is based on real-life police investigations of heinous and sensational crimes. It provides video documentation of the actual investigation undertaken by the forensic experts of the PNP Crime Laboratory. What I like about this show is how it explores all angles of the crime. I hope though the show can do more psycho-analytical approach to criminal profiling to add more thrill to this program. 

Born To Be Wild. This is one show that tackles subjects (wildlife and environment) that, in Philippine TV, requires some getting used to. One favorite episode was when one of its hosts, the veterinarian Dr. Ferds Recio (the other half of the tandem is mountaineer Romi Garduce), travelled all the way to Calauit Island in Palawan, wherein inside its Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, a group of giraffes were suffering from myasis or lesions caused by the larvae of flies. Doc Ferdz took on the physical challenge of treating the ailing giraffes, even if it meant chasing after them to disinfect their wounds.

Balik-Bayan. Aside from its travel format, what got me hooked on this QTV show is its concept of bringing celebrities back to their hometowns. Literally retracing their roots and humble beginnings—from their old neighbourhoods to former classmates and teachers—leaves the celebrities more unguarded unlike when being interviewed on showbiz-oriented shows. Drew Arellano is a fun host as well.

One Proud Mama. This program isn’t like typical profile talk shows that usually feature both celebrity parent and child. Instead, it features famous personalities’ non-celebrity mothers who are such characters themselves. Hosted by singer Jaya, it gives viewers privileged and confidential information on several of the country’s most high-profile celebrities direct from who knows them best—their mothers. One recent episode featured the mother of Patani, the Survivor castaway from Camotes Island who can now be seen on Unang Hirit, Eat Bulaga, among others.