I am not a big fan of any variety shows in Philippine television ever since I started to understand what I am watching on TV. Though over the past decade and even today, there are those variety shows that are quite entertaining and funny. Some of them have contests in which contestants will win cash prizes. In fact this has been the trend of the majority of the variety shows aired in Philippine television mostly in noontime daily. That’s why I already find watching television in the morning to the afternoon boring and sometimes I don’t waste my time watching those television shows. But there is one morning show in the Philippines that caught the attention not only me but the entire “madlang people” in the Philippines because of its entertainment and production value, the level of competition and the humor of those who are involved in the said morning variety show.
The morning show that I’m referring to bears with the title SHOWTIME, a show that allows every Filipino to showcase their talents and show to the world how talented Filipinos are. The show had its pilot episode last October 24, 2009 and just yesterday, they already had their 100th episode. Showtime is a show where group of 10 to 25 members showcase their talents on any area whether dancing, singing theatrical acts even bands are allowed to join. The key to win is very simple; groups will just to entertain the “madlang people” and the 5 judges or “hurados” who will judge their performance headed by stand-up comedian Vice Ganda. Everyday from Mondays through Fridays, 3 groups who passed the audition will showcase their talents and 1 repeater or those groups who didn’t pass the audition will be given the 2nd chance to perform. If the “hurados” liked their performance, then the repeater’s performance will be scored by the “hurados”. Winner/s will receive 50,000 pesos and will have the chance to compete for weekly finals held every Saturday. Winners of the weekly finals will again compete from the other weekly finals winners at the end of the month for the monthly finals. Winner/s of the monthly finals will qualify to the grand finals that will be held soon.
There are a lot to watch from this show that will surely make you amazed, laugh, cry, and even learn. First, it is very good and proud to see the different talents our fellow Filipinos have that could be considered world class and can be compared to some international acts like the Jabbawockeez. Though the majority of the groups are dancing, there are also groups that incorporate singing, even spoof a movie or music video just to make their performance the best. Second, it is very touching and inspiring to hear or see how these groups were formed, what are the trials they overcame just to continue and pursue their dreams. Third is the energy of “madlang people” in the studio. The opening of the program involves the audience dancing to the theme song of the program which is very good to see where at time of financial crisis, we Filipinos still find ways to make ourselves happy in simple ways. Not only that, the audience are given a score card to score the performance to a group and have their comments of the performance. In short, the show allows its audience to take part of the fun and entertainment and not just the hosts or the contestants. Fourth is the fun factor. This is one of the reasons why I love watching this show. The “hurados” headed by Vice Ganda and even the hosts displayed a huge sense of humor. Even if the show is aired live, Vice Ganda still had many punch lines pertaining to the contestants, the hosts or its co-judges. Who will miss this line “may nagtext”, “may nag-fb”, and “may “nag-tweet”? I’m sure any fans of the show won’t. Last but not the least and what made me even more amazed and interested with the show is the trivia given by Matanglawin himself Kuya Kim Atienza on anything that the performing group has had; whether it is the props, the costume, or even the place where they came from. I don’t even think that a trivia portion can be incorporated into a variety show. Not only have you enjoyed the show you also learn from the different trivia.
Overall, Showtime gives “madlang people” a combination of fun, entertainment with a bit of learning. Showtime proves that people can still enjoy without any money involve, just pure entertainment. The show is hosted by actor comedian Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, Matanglawin Kuya Kim Atienza, Teddy Corpuz and Jugs Jugueta of pinoy bands Rocksteddy and Itchyworms. Another great show from the Kapamilya network ABS-CBN.
Watch Showtime from 10:30 to 12:30 P.M Mondays to Saturdays and witness a great and purely pinoy talent.
YOUR SHOW, YOUR TIME ITS SHOWTIME
