The Bacolaodiat-Kapuso Stars are Serious Artists but Mum on Industry Query

see gallery >>

Ehra Madrigal, Michelle Madrigal, Isabel Oli, Bubbles Paraiso and Sid Lucero came like fiery asteroids from outer space last January 20, an understatement actually to describe the striking radiance of the Ilonggo "Bulalakaw." They are the GMA TV Kapuso artists who rode the fluvial "starry starry" Kapuso float to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival with thousands of Bacolodnons.

Earlier, the Bacolod print media were given the chance to a press briefing with the GMA Kapuso Stars. The setting was informal therefore not all were interviewed, but those who were reached did very well. NDB has to be clear to them on the other hand that it is interested in industry direction and they are all considered major players. They are indeed serious artists,but have to conform to the system of posing for "mens’ magazine" and branded "sexy stars."

Starting with the basic, Michelle Madrigal was very kind to volunteer that they have no particular message for the Chinese community of Bacolod except to voice the greeting "Kung Hei Fat Choi" and none of them wore Chinese costume but the four lady Kapuso stars were all aware of the occasion. A little laughter ensued.

The mood and direction of the interaction has to shift. Queries about the entertainment industry direction long been asked by the thinking class of Bacolod was put forward. There had long been a clamor that generally, "Movie and television series themes of today are replicas of the Rogelio de la Rosa genre with no significant novelty twists." Almost all themes of the Manila Film Festival entries last December were predictable and some were recycled, was another challenge.

None of them gave reaction believing that this would compromise the television company they are working with. GMA Senior Manager for Corporate Communication Jojo Aquio stood by them and dubbed the question "sensitive." Ehra Madrigal, however, articulated the sociological-relational dynamics of the producers, writers and the Filipino viewers in general. In effect, she said, what you see works with the market choices and tastes. The silence grew deeper when challenged, "Good movies breed good viewers."

Isabel Oli coldly grinned at the question and forced herself to stop "texting" while being interviewed. Translating her Tagalog reaction, "The question is unfair for the industry where I belong. I have no comment and let us hope for the best." The Isabel Oli "hope" reverberated and she continued her "no comment" mode when asked, "What can the Filipino viewers do in the transformation of hope to reality?"

Less time was spent with the seeming hyperactive Sid Lucero who freely spoke his mind "without fear of losing his job." Brought to his attention was the historical error committed by writers of "Amaya." He himself could not make sense why the ending was the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan when Amaya was set in ancient Visayas presumably in the Kinaray-a areas. He agreed that the Visayan genius in ship building was not highlighted at all. It’s a pity, the Kapuso stars had to leave for the fluvial parade. Interaction with Sid could have been exciting.

Sid Lucero encouraged local viewers to send critique through the e-mail. He opined that Teleserye writers are listeners as well.*