Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Manansala: The Latest Craze
By Orman O. Manansala
My Two-Centavo Worth
LET THE TEEN GAMES BEGIN. After watching the end of the mundane world of the celebrity housemates, my expectations for the Teen Edition of the overly famous Pinoy Big Brother of ABS CBN have been tempered. I mean, what could top Rustom Padilla's revelation and Keanna Reeves' murdering the English language? And there's the obviously programmed voluntary exit of that starlet whose name escapes me now. PBB has definitely jumpstarted the careers of unknowns and has-beens. Jumpstart it did but sustaining careers is a different story. Look at what's happening to the first batch of housemates. Doing the unexpected didn't help either. Shaving her hair didn't do wonders to Aleck Bovick's dead career. And let's not even mention the careers of Christian Vasquez and Rustom (again!). Will the magic work this time? Let the teen games begin.
-ooOoo-
PICTURE PERFECT SMILE. I was glued to the television screen when PBB Teen Edition aired last Saturday. I was concerned that the Gensan representative was going to be an embarrassment! But when he took off his helmet and beamed that killer smile -- I heaved a sigh of relief! We have a winner in GERALD ANDERSON, aptly tagged as Amboy Hottie ng Gensan. A three-time MVP in the local Summerkadahan, Gerald is a varsity player of the Holy Trinity College. His parents separated two years ago and he has a younger brother. Gensan must be routing for this Amboy. Who wouldn't be? With his picture perfect smile, he got the most votes from the lady-housemates as the most crushable among the guys. I just hope that he plays his cards right. That joke that he was gay was uncalled for. Careful there, Gerald.
-ooOoo-
THE GREAT DIVIDE. Those from affluent families immediately shared common stories and preferences while those from lower middle class families kept to themselves -- just smiling timidly. The intellectuals were willing enough to mingle freely with their peers. Bam, the boyish komedyante from Parañaque, easily won hearts as Mr. Friendly. His warmth was all over the place. The leaders were trying to find their place too. Toothy Fred, the perfectionist Hunk from Parañaque, was quick to volunteer when Big Brother asked for one. Go easy, Fred or you'll be on top of everyone's list for eviction. Mimi, ang astig ng Davao, is too straightforward for comfort. She better watch her back. Nina, the sosy Assumptionista from Makati is on top of the guy's list as girlfriend-material. Everything seems to work out perfectly but after the smoke cleared, you'll notice the great divide between the princes and paupers. Breaking down just on the second day, Claire, the barrio lass from Bukidnon, couldn't control herself from crying and admitted she finds it difficult to fit in. As expected her housemates, like a swarm of bees, gave her every encouragement possible. Aldred, the valedictorian from Pasay, opted to cry his heart out all by his lonesome. The poor guy was seemingly having a hard time pleasing his housemates. Aldred, rule no. one: Never even dare please everyone.
-ooOoo-
THE LATEST CRAZE. Unlike the Celebrity Edition, this edition has touched many a raw nerve. Among teenagers, they see themselves in each of the housemates. It is like reliving their teenage angst all over again. For us adults, it's like rooting for your favorite basketball player -- wishing them luck and hoping they don't fall when they go for their magical lay-up. Watching your favorites survive the day is like hitting a homerun. My lady friends are going gaga over all the boys -- they even have nicknames for each of them. It's like having your own teddy bear to take care of. Like it or not PBB's Teen Edition is the latest craze in town. And Gensan is definitely in the groove.
-ooOoo-
FOR ANYONE WHO CARES TO LISTEN. When we fared dismally in the latest survey on the most competitive cities, my good friend Bro. Willy Lubrico, NDDC President immediately took note of what CAN be done. I am listing them down for you my loyal readers. Here goes nothing. (1) Provide Advisory Council to the Mayor with no political affiliation. Regular meetings of this Council should be conducted. (2) Change some leaders of some offices with those who could plan and show leadership. (3) Develop Best Practices in different areas of concerns. (4) Improve waste collection and maintain cleanliness. (5) Strengthen leadership in the city. Assess the performance of people in key areas. (6) Beautify and provide security to the essential parts of the city like the plaza, lion's beach, public market. More trees and flowers should be planted along the rods going to the airport. (7) Develop public rest and recreational facilities for the people to enjoy like parks, zoos, resort, etc. These places could also generate jobs and income. (8) Market the city for investors and tourists. (9) Manage peace and order well using the media. (10) Improve the participation of NGOs in the city in planning and decision-making. (11) Improve business dynamism in the city. (12) Provide planning, monitoring and evaluation scheme for projects and activities. (13) Visit different cities in the country for benchmarking. (14) Develop local tourism and name tourist destinations.
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(May 1, 2006 issue)
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