Goodbye, reality search, hello ‘reality hosting’
By Jayson B. Brizuela
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:47:00 07/14/2008
MANILA, Philippines—There’s a new phenomenon on late-night TV that’s keeping more and more Filipinos awake: live, text-based game shows.
Aired on ABC 5 and ABS-CBN, the shows are easy to miss — or dismiss— especially if you prefer watching more familiar cable channels.
A closer look, though, may get you hooked.
First of all, there’s the prospect of winning. The games are easy— various word, letter, or picture puzzles are flashed on-screen for viewers to solve. To join the contest, viewers only need to text in special codes for the chance to answer the puzzles on-air.
Spontaneity
The spontaneity is also interesting. The shows feature unknown hosts, are almost devoid of production values, feature no sexy models or skimpily clad back-up dancers, and don’t seem to have a script.
And the ultimate TV blasphemy? There are no commercial breaks.
You can imagine how daunting non-stop broadcast can be for a host. Well, not all, it turns out. If there’s anything that keeps ABC 5’s “Text 2 Win” (Mondays to Sundays, 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.) interesting, it’s host Faye Fernandez.
Her candor, masa appeal and oftentimes comic way of anchoring are the program’s main points of interest.
A big part of her job involves convincing viewers to text in. She has an arsenal of approaches. She’s alternately a jovial friend, persistent cajoler, well of encouragement, or a reprimanding neighbor for those who refuse to heed her call. Whichever mode she picks, she keeps a straight face.
Priceless moment
“Hello. Ikaw ang kinakausap ko. Oo, ikaw. Walang ibang tao dito. Tayo lang. Kaya mag-text ka na. Sino ang gustong manalo? Ikaw ba? Ikaw? Gusto kita bigyan ng pera. Kaya mag-text ka,” she would say, looking at the camera with the most serious face.
It’s a priceless TV moment. Goodbye, reality talent searches, hello “reality hosting.”
The show has its downsides, though. Because the camera has nowhere else to go but the host’s face, it can get boring. The set has fake views of the city and disparate furnishing. Also, Faye could do with a more clever stylist and a bigger wardrobe.
ABS-CBN’s “Games Uplate Live” (midnights) is more technically proficient. It’s flashier, with animated backgrounds, upbeat music, and feels like a music video program.
Similarities
Like “Text 2 Win,” “Uplate” has the same contest mechanics. But that’s as far as similarities go.
Host Jaymee Joaquin’s style is very much like that of a video jock. Plus, she’s nicely made-up and styled. (She’s actually a radio jock, DJ Laila of WRR 101.9 FM.) She’s good at ad-libbing, is very relaxed onscreen and seems far less prone than most to make amateurish quips or awkward statements.
She has another advantage: “Games Uplate Live” has breaks in the form of ABS-CBN program plugs.
The show, which recently ended its fourth season, also has brisk pacing. But it also has drawbacks. Because there are less chances for spontaneous comedy, the only reason you’ll watch, is if you want to join the contest.
Why they thrive
Still, it doesn’t seem all too bad, especially because, like its competitor, “Games Uplate Live” is basically just about making money from cellphone downloads. Which explains why these shows survive — and thrive — even without advertising support.
Who knows? This format may actually evolve into a new way of generating income for other TV shows.
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