Sam's ShortTakes Unlimited: October 2007

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Hear Again

I was able to watch the edited international version of Desperate Housewives on Studio 23. The cutaway was done in such a manner that if your ears are not that sensitive, you'll miss it entirely. At least they did something even when the damage has been done.

Last night, I was exchanging text messages with my Padi Ric Lozano. We share the same sentiments about how pathetic the local broadcast media has become. Even Jo Osabal compares the new breed of djs to peddlers of fish in the wet market. Gone were the days when we get to hear witty jocktalk, nice music, clean segues, smooth on-air transitions and English speaking deejays. We can't help but compare this sorry status quo to our glorious radio lives. To accuse us of going downhill or sourgraping would be unjust. Why? For these reasons: we were part of the pioneering team of ABS-CBN's FM Radio Station in Naga City, dabbled into the hectic world of ABS-CBN news (both local and international), breezed thru promos, events and activities, and made our radio station (that's Star Radio!) Number 1 after only 6 months. That's an achievement still unbeaten to this day. It was always fun, fearless and fab. A legacy worth holding on to.

Or not.

So, what lead to this slow demise of responsible broadcasting? Ric pointed out that "you can't help but feel used by some people in the biz. No one gets paid. Panudok is a way of life". (Panudok is "money in exchange of on-air favors"). Etc.

If that's the case, I'm still wondering why our local KBP is not making its presence felt? Or maybe show some teeth and bite on this crappy-ness? What ever happened to responsibly owning the airwaves and being responsible to your listeners? Will envelopmental broadcasting ever end? What are those songs being played on the radio? Why the heck can't these so-called new deejays even speak simple, basic and straight English?

I know that I'm just a fish in this big pond of local radio biz. So I am doing myself a favor, including the unwilling victims who've fallen prey to the merciless attacks of those who call themselves new deejays. Please spare us. Stop the mindless and endless on-air chatter. Play on...responsibly. Afterall, the music never stops playing even when all the deejays have long gone home.

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Thursday, October 04, 2007

Desperate' apology over Philippines slur

Yahoo News, Thu Oct 4, 6:46 AM ET

Makers of hit US television series "Desperate Housewives" have apologised for a slur against Filipino medical workers that caused an uproar in the Southeast Asian country.

The apology was sent to Philippine broadcaster ABS-CBN's bureau in the United States and aired in the Philippines on Thursday following protests by the Manila government.

"The producers of 'Desperate Housewives' and ABC Studios offer our sincere apologies for any offense caused by the brief reference in the season premiere," cable news channnel ANC quoted the statement as saying.

"There was no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines," it said.

The episode showed actress Teri Hatcher, who plays Susan Mayer, asking during a medical consultation to check "those diplomas because I want to make sure that they're not from some med school in the Philippines."...

My Take: FAIR ENOUGH.

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DESPERATE SUSAN AND HER RACIAL SLUR

Here's something for all bloggers out there. This is my edited version. You can read more of our (mine & Zar's) posts via: distanciaamiga.blogspot.com ... Happy blog hopping y'all!

By now, you've known about Teri Hatcher's uncalled-for dialog in Desperate Housewives. Yeah, the same dialog which caused an uproar amongst Pinoys here and overseas. Eventhough the people behind the network have been apologetic, I can only say that it was such "an irresponsible act to disguise creative genius". Well, that's just my thinking. So sue me!

I've always thought that really good Hollywood (or home-grown) actors (even 40-somethings-making-a-comeback) are smart enough to research on their scenes beforehand. Why is it that a supposedly sexy (well?), smart (huh?), classy (hmmm?) Hollywood actress got away with it? Somehow, not entirely. Pinoys are proud beacons of good genes, talents, skills, hard work, perseverance, loyalty, honesty, patience. Even taking on the responsibility of taking care of others all over the world. In case they don't know, the EXECUTIVE CHEF for the White House (yep, she cooks for the First Family there) is a Pinoy. And Chef Cris holds the distinction of being the only Filipina with such an esteemed post in the US' White House. The fate of America's First Family is literally in her hands (by way of breakfast, lunch, dinner and functions).

We don't deserve this treatment from anyone, you know. Paninira para kumita at para mag-rate ang show? Total crap.

Excerpts: Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - A scene in TV's "Desperate Housewives" that used Philippine medical education for a punchline prompted angry calls from viewers, an online petition demanding an apology and criticism from Philippine officials.

In the season premiere that aired Sunday on ABC, Teri Hatcher's character, Susan, goes in for a medical checkup and is shocked when the doctor suggests she may be going through menopause.

"Listen, Susan, I know for a lot of women the word `menopause'" has negative connotations. You hear `aging,' `brittle bones,' `loss of sexual desire,'" the gynecologist tells her.

"OK, before we go any further, can I check these diplomas? Just to make sure they aren't, like, from some med school in the Philippines?" Susan fires back.

PS. In my book, that was so KAKAINIS. Don't blame me when I say that I don't really like Desperate Housewives, hehehe.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Arce




"Only The Natural...Always".
Such a catchy tagline for a really delicious treat - Arce Dairy Ice Cream. It started out as a family business. And like any other business, Arce was not spared from being bought by another ice cream company, Selecta. Arce then became known as Selecta. Some time along the road, loyal friends of the Arce family started asking if their favorite ice cream would ever make a comeback. And it did made a comeback! The original Arce is once more, making waves in the ice cream industry.

Important: Just for the sake of comparison, Arce uses ONLY real fresh fruits and cow's milk, unlike other ice cream brands which use full cream milk and artificial flavorings. The result: A delightful-melt-in-your-mouth concoction! You can even smell, see and taste the difference!

This delightful experience led to Geri's business idea. Together with her sister and my high school best buddy George, they went ahead and opened up the very first Arce store in Naga. Slowly but surely, the initial plan of bringing a high-end ice cream brand within reach for the NagueƱos and helping out in the family's finances... is already turning up its sweet corner. From the trickle of 500 pesos to 1K a week, their Arce Dairy Ice Cream store is now churning out a better ROI. There are now 2 Arce stores in Naga City, at the Avenue Square and at Robertson Centro. You won't miss its logo with shades of green, gold and white. Take your pick from its wide array of classic, regular and special flavors. Among chocolate, cookies and cream, strawberry, ube (purple yam), melon, blueberry, caramel, rocky road, choco peanut, mango, durian, among others. Vanilla remains as the bestseller. For the health buff, you can even get a scoop of green tea!

So, if you're craving for an extraordinary ice cream experience, make it Arce's Dairy Ice Cream - Available in sticks, scoops, cones, cups, pints, quarts, half-gallons or gallons. It's naturally good for you.

How about a scoop of Arce Dairy Ice Cream TODAY?

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