Let me begin by pointing out that any TV show would always want big stars in it all the time. During my Showbiz Lingo days, we always got the big names to sit as guests in our panel, but – along with it – a whole slew of little-known stars who were just starting out in the business. Cristy Fermin, in fact, playfully coined some terms for them: barya, variables (or baryables), coins-coins and jukebox. Every time these bit players would file into the studio, Cristy and I would exchange knowing looks and she would mutter under her breath, "Coins-coins" and we would break out into suppressed laughter. It was a mean kind of chuckling only the two of us understood.
As the weeks, months and even years progressed, however, we eventually came to realize the importance of these "variables." With the big-name stars, we had to tiptoe our way through delicate and sensitive issues. But not with the "coins-coins." We could pound them ruthlessly with the ugliest tabloid issues and not worry about their managers lod-ging a complaint against us with ABS-CBN management.
Of course, this smacks of discrimination. Just because they were minor stars, we felt free to shred them to pieces on national television. But then, we also realized that most of them welcomed it because that gave them the opportunity to get talked about – and this is of extreme importance in the world of show business, especially for those who are just starting out in the movies. I know we were not being scrupulous, but that’s how things are in the world of entertainment.
In time, Cristy and I often welcomed the presence of these "variables" – particularly on those episodes when Mr. or Miss Superstar is in no mood to talk and clams up during the entire length of the panel discussion and the "coins-coins" are there to save the day.
And so, on to my list of favorite interviewees:
• Lea Salonga –With Lea living up to her spic ‘n’ span image, there is absolutely nothing to ask her in terms of scandals in her life. Occasionally, she comes home with the news that she has a new boyfriend, but that’s about it. But in spite of her personal life being "dull" (by showbiz standards), I still enjoy interviewing Lea because you know that she is extremely bright, highly talented and yet so accommodating (Mommy Ligaya Salonga is equally so). And yes, I still get awed by the fact that, wow, I am talking to a Tony Award winner.
• Donita Rose – I am not an MTV fan, so I am not extremely impressed (although I should be because I know that it is quite an achievement) by the new status of Donita Rose. But even before she became an international celebrity, Donita had always been one of my favorite interviewees. For one thing, she is really nice and sweet - and this is no put-on. She is really a good person.
Donita is not the type who easily gets offended by pointed questions thrown her way. You can even ask her about ex-flame Gary Estrada and she’ll answer you in the nicest tone. But the best thing I like about her is that she has remained her humble self despite being a big name abroad.
• Eddie Garcia – Action stars are usually boring interviewees. But Eddie Garcia is not just an action star. He is Mr. Versatile; he is also excellent at comedy and drama.
Like Lea Salonga, there is no scandal in Eddie Garcia’s life. But I still enjoy interviewing him because he can surprise you with witty answers even to stock questions.
Every time I have to sit down with Mr. Garcia for an interview, I always see to it that I give him importance (not that he asks for it) because of his stature in the business. Besides, from his end he also gives the show importance by showing up on time (or sometimes even ahead of time) in formal coat and tie at that. Now, who says that professionalism has died in this business?
• Sunshine Dizon – The girl is smart and can parry off sensitive questions without being smart-alecky. Early this year, I had an on-air chat with her and she won everyone over to her side when she talked about life after ex-beau Polo Ravales.
• Matet de Leon – She can talk about her family problems, her rebellious streak and how she got into drugs in the most humorous fashion. (She even makes fun of her own prominent forehead.) Extremely bright and witty, there is no dull moment with this once self-confessed problem child.
• Ali Sotto – She had a despedida interview with me in Startalk when she left for Mexico two years ago and I had a bienvenida interview in the same show when she came back for a visit several months later. I have to tell you that I loved every minute of those interviews with her – and so did she.
But the problem with me interviewing Ali is that we know each other so well that we often end up discussing on TV things only the two of us know about. In her farewell interview, for instance, we kept laughing our heads off before the camera and yet even people in the studio (including the Startalk staff) were clueless as to why we were having so much fun. Now, I know why most doctors don’t operate on family, friends and relatives.
• Annabelle Rama – She must be everyone’s dream interviewee. She is funny, outspoken and, not to mention, still beautiful to look at. With Annabelle, you only have to ask one question and she’ll finish the interview for you. Maybe TV producers should give Annabelle her own talk show. And when that day comes, I don’t think television will ever be the same again.