Star Magic protocol plus a case of misbehaving models

I was a bit slighted last Saturday, when after almost seven years of covering local entertainment, I was confronted with a situation I used to rub elbows with when I was still starting in the industry. This was when a road manager of an unpopular star (that’s the star’s status for now because I don’t know her), initially blocked me, Troy Ciar and Roger Serna from interviewing her ward. We had to explain to her what the interview was for and for which publication. I did not mind those questions, because it is protocol. What made my blood boil was when she asked: "Ano pong mga tanong?" Excuse me, if that’s protocol in Star Magic, it's BS!

Why do they have to screen questions especially when the star concerned is neither controversial nor famous? The thing is, this "protocol" is very inconsistent because three Saturdays before that encounter, we were face to face with the controversial Albie Casino and his handler from Star Magic did not ask what our questions were for her talent. We just laughed and joked around which ended with me saying, "I won’t ask questions which answers I already know." Right, I did not bother asking Albie questions involving Andi Eigenman or what’s between them now because I already know the answer: No comment.

I don’t waste time because my orientation as a police beat reporter for five years taught me to ask questions on issues which the public are not yet aware of and to throw them quick before the lawyers of these suspects arrive and tell them to zip their mouths. And I fully understood since then that a "no comment" answer is next to dumbness and/or laziness.

A smart subject does not say "no comment"; rather, he/she explains why there can be no official statement for the press, yet. There is always an explanation, and there should be no shortcuts by saying "no comment". That is an insult to the public, that’s being a snob.

So back to this star's road manager. We told her it’s for profiling. Then she asked that question I’m very allergic to: "Ano pong mga tanong?" I was tempted in saying "when you are told it’s for profiling what questions should you expect?" Instead I humored her by saying "hindi naman pwede ang sexy questions di ba?" because she is only 15 years old. So she gave in and said with a smile, "protocol lang po." Darling, it’s profiling; meaning, its basic questioning. In news writing it’s called the Five Ws and 1 H.

Maybe she was really just doing her job. And maybe we did not go through that protocol before because we are friends with some road managers who come to Cebu every now and then with their famous talents that are considered hot properties of the network. Or maybe she did not do her job right because her ward is not popular yet so she should make friends with the press to endear her talent to the public. Or maybe she does not believe in the power of the regional press to make or break a talent.

After having been in this industry for almost seven years, my observation is that, most road managers and handlers from either network act as if they are the star, as if they are the ones famous. And there are road managers and handlers who will answer the questions asked of the star. That’s very insolent. Please come in only when the star asks you to answer on his/her behalf. That means your help is needed. But if not, just listen in and politely interrupt when you think the answer of your talent to a sensitive question will put her/him in jeopardy. That’s basic.

Haven’t you guys heard of the phrase, "straight from the horse’s mouth?" That’s basically why we want to interview your ward because that would make an article credible. This means, do not tell us what and what not to ask because that is insulting to both parties.

In our end, that is like curtailing the freedom of the press by screening questions. To your wards, it means they are stupid; that they should not be asked because they will most likely give stupid answers. Stars should be allowed to speak from the heart because that would make them more beautiful and human. In short, just brief your stars, not us.

Finally, Cebu press are not starstruck, we are not fanatics, so just tell us right away whether we can the interview or not. Just a simple yes or a no would suffice. Bear this in mind, there is always a story to write, with or without an interview. So let’s talk, let’s negotiate straight to the point, minus the diva attitude.

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Is it true famous Cebu based models spent two nights at a police station last weekend due to an argument that ensued at a high-end bar over a lost case of drinks which resulted to a commotion? That the friends of these models and beauty queens (who have competed in various national tilt) also spent a night at the police station just to keep them company? Should this be true, you are such a disappointment! You are a clear headache to your agent. An argument over a case of drinks? It’s not chic and fab! It’s oh so cheap! Whoever thought that modelling includes barhopping and partying is dumb.

I believe as models you should never go out often to continue to exude that air of mystery or else you would be overly exposed and look haggard in public during your shows. As models, you should stay true to its meaning: Model in character and attitude. Who will look up to models involved in some cheap argument over a lost case of drinks? I got your names. Some of you I supported in your respected competitions before. Some of you I admire. Please behave next time you go out!