Vent: Wowowee
I have a confession to make: I hate Wowowee.
I think it sets Filipino’s back and cheapens our culture. I understand they’re helping others but at what cost? So they can laugh at their stupidity, make fun of others who speak funny English? (I’m sorry, Willie, but your English isn’t that great, either. I can totally make fun of you, easily.) What about those who pour their heart out to sing a song only to be made fun of because it’s sintunado (off key)?
And what’s up with scantily clad women shaking everything their momma gave them and showing their crotches to the camera? Little girls are actually watching this show and these are the people they will be looking up to! I remember someone telling me that someone actually complained to Kris Aquino that some of her clothes were too revealing, but no one is complaining about these women?
I always think about how others represent themselves culturally. Sad to say, that my culture seems to be dying. While other Asian countries pride themselves of their heritage, even sending their American born children to chinese/vietnamese/korean language classes, Filipino’s want to get rid of theirs. My family had TFC and GMA for awhile and 80% of the shows presented were spoken in very broken English. Songs that were sung were American songs. Contrast that to the Japanese or Chinese TV stations where it was fashion forward (non-sleazy) and priding themselves with music that is in their own language.
Culture can really be shown in music. One of my favorite Filipino band is Bamboo and I wish they would feature these bands in network TV. But when they feature these bands on TFC, there’s some “hunk” who can barely sing, singing their song alongside them. As if to say, “no, you’re not good enough for TV, someone ‘known’ has to sing with you.” For example everytime I see Nyoy Volante when we had TFC, someone else would be singing his song with him. Why? I do not understand this. Not even the Japanese do this!
I heard there are a lot of up and coming bands in the Philippines but they are never mentioned on Network TV. It’s such a shame because I really think Filipino’s can rival Japanese rock. (I listen to a lot of Jrock/Jpop by the way) You really don’t need to know the language, music is very universal.
That being said, I think Filipino TV needs a great makeover. There is a disconnect when it comes to the “artists” and what real Filipino’s are. When you watch Wowowee or other shows, you see overly bleached skin women and in the background brown skinned Filipino’s. Just so you know, Americans think you’re too pale. They would tell you to get under the sun. (but this is another Vent post.)
Sad to say, but I was watching Wowowee with my Italian/Mexican American boyfriend and I was a little embarassed with it. Why can’t they show non-sleazy, less degrading, less offensive talent? I know there are a lot of talented people in the Philippines and all over the world. Why can’t we show our children this instead of 2 hours of nonsense, booty shaking, strip tease?
Just a thought.
but atleast they help people.. u know
i TOTALLY agree with this.
DITTO!
YEAH. Cabaret show!
True. I am “Wowowee free” for almost 2years. I started to hate that show whenever Willie sings. HE DON’T EVEN MEMORIZE HIS FREAKING LYRICS.
