Wishing on a star

I had been thinking what to write for my column over the past weeks and sadly, I did not come up with a topic that I liked. However, last week, I finally stumbled upon a topic which should interest readers.

Send in Jasmine Trias! Add in a bit of Hero Angeles and the Star Circle Fab Five. Sprinkle a pinch of Sarah Geronimo, Mark Bautista, Christian Bautista, Sheryn Regis and Erik Santos. A dash of Mark Herras, Rainier Castillo, Jennilyn Mercado, and Yasmien Kurdi and what do you get? A pandemonium which should be enough to overthrow the 1986 People Power revolution. And I must say – it is insane.

Imitation as they say, is the highest form of flattery. Given that, American Idol might as well use Cherie Gil’s lines when it comes to judging the latest slew of Filipino TV shows: "You’re nothing but a second rate, trying hard, copycat!"

Our TV shows are raking in the ratings that have sky-rocketed. These shows have actually become a craze among local TV viewers. After all, our local competitions have copied their foreign counterparts unabashedly.

Spice it up, why don’t you? What’s a Pinoy series without the drama? Roll up the curtains, and send in the Kleenex boxes. Add zing to it by the reality factor. Aside from the rehearsed song and dance numbers, smiling and posing on cue, we lovers of chismis would do anything to see what goes on behind the scenes.

Our star searches have the right blend of emotional appeal and ka-showbizan in them. Fans see their bets, all dreamers and fans themselves trying their luck in showbiz. The rags-to-riches, ugly duckling-to-swan, and frog prince stories are examples of how much we enjoy seeing these people become stars before our eyes. These sob stories make viewers relate to the contestants as if he/she were a family member, classmate, or kabarkada.

Filipinos love watching competitions, matches and duels. Be it Miss Universe, the NBA Playoffs, boxing fights, singing competitions, Miss Gay Philippines, even Miss Barangay Tatalon! Just take a look at the fans of showbiz’s newest royalty.

We are intoxicated by these contests – as if they were the newest designer drugs. Come to think of it, fame is. Seems like everyone wants to be a star. Never was the price of fame cheap. Never does it come easy. Nothing could be sweeter than fame and fortune. ‘Yan ang Pinoy. Showbiz is the name of our game. Celebrities win elections, they shape history, they are the highest paid and the best-looking Filipinos around.

And the price to pay?

Let our new breed of stars decipher. It’s their world to explore. They’ve dreamt and believed. Now the question is, will they survive? Will the magic still continue? Your guess is as good as mine.