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When I wrote about homosexual predators and some athletic directors, and schools being in the same league, I had assumed that the bulk of response would be from mothers airing concern about their children. Little did I expect that it would be men who would speak out the loudest.

Curiously, the men pointed out something that I myself did not make a connection to. Each and every male reader who responded by email and SMS specifically suggested that I also write about the same kind of people who also exploit minors wanting to be in the entertainment industry and the world of beauty pageants.

They all expressed their disgust and outrage in how these sexual or “commercial” predators scour the countryside in search of the beautiful and the ignorant. How they “invest” and “develop” these children by entering them in beauty pageants in town fiestas, parades and inter-scholastic pageants.

Yet behind the so-called beauty of the pageant, many know of the transactional arrangements between talent scouts and “Dirty old men” and even dirtier local politician who fund and invest on their chosen “scholars”. Unfortunately being a scholar in this context is the equivalent of being a kept girl where minors are given the perks of a concubine.

However we look at it, these scholars are victims of statutory rape.

That people in media has made a joke of the term “scholar” ni Congressman reflects the widespread practice and indulgence in what is suppose to be a criminal act. Sadly even Mayors, Governors and businessmen engage in the crime.

But rather than do something about it, we crack jokes. But sometimes the jokes backfire.

I know of a well-known businessman who proudly paraded his young conquests for many years. He privately made jokes about how young girls made him feel years younger. One day, he bumped into a Kumpadre at a bar. It was there he learned that his very own daughter was his Kumpadre’s “scholar”.

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So why is nothing seriously being done to regulate beauty pageants, monitor beauty contestants and talent scouts? It is nice to hear how the Binibini this or the Mutya that or the Ms. Air benders are committed to promoting world peace and protecting the four elements but what about doing something to improve and regulate the plague on society that these contests and pageants have indirectly brought to life.

I am not faulting or blaming the pageants for the mess, but if anyone should be concerned about how beauty pageants have been turned into “tournaments of the flesh for cash”, I sincerely believe that the major beauty pageants should come together and take a united stand and act on the matter.

In like manner, the MTRCB should concentrate more on the social impact and development of programs for television rather than conduct their own version of the FAMAS or Film Festival.

If it is not within the authority of the MTRCB to regulate or protect the interest of minors in media, then it’s about time that someone did something to regulate and monitor how “Minors” are recruited, contracted and treated by their Talent scouts, managers and the networks.

That we actually allow TV networks to put up beauty pageants featuring children makes you wonder where our hearts really are about protecting children and minors. It’s been a while since I saw such garish and disturbing shows but just like fashion, it never really stops.

That we do not strictly enforce guidelines and requirements that would insure the continued quality education of talents and actors/ actresses clearly tell the world that our laws have become nothing more than mandatory homework’s that Congressmen and women have to pass but are not implemented.

The truth of the matter is that TV networks have an incestuous conspiracy with some “talent scouts and mangers” that give them free reign to either develop or destroy talents. So just like Pontius Pilate the network bosses wash their hands and turn away while a pack of Hyenas prey on the ignorant and the young.

After reading my piece on the predators and slavers, Senator Tito Sotto went out of his way to meet up with me and determine how he could address the problem. I expect that the good Senator will soon be coming up with a resolution to protect minors in the field of athletics.

In the case of “talent scouts” and “talent managers” perhaps it is high time that all persons in this particular field should be placed under a regulatory agency. Whether you manage athletes, entertainers and the likes, it is high time that they be registered, licensed, and all their “talents” declared particularly minors. It may seem such a small solution to a tidal wave, but it is a start and a way of filtering the professional from the predatory.

As we regulate and register we can also place controls and insurance measures such as performance or security bonds that duped or abandoned talents can rely on. Time and again, I have heard of talents and performers who were simply abandoned by managers or contractors once the crooks got payment for the show or an event. 

Without doubt, I am certain that Senator Tito Sotto will make his move. The question is what can “you” as a reader and concerned Filipino do to create awareness and action? Please be a blessing to the children.

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