Mixed emotions

VALDES. Brings ’70s music to pulsating life. FILE PHOTO

Recent and current developments on the entertainment scene trigger a decidedly mixed brew of  emotions, from ecstatic to excruciating:

Clearly on the positive side and vibe is the welcome news that Mitch Valdes’ latest fun-filled show, “Wow, Pare!,” will have a repeat run by eager-beaver popular request, at the Teatrino, Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan, on Aug. 30 and 31. Aside from dishing wittily and feistily about “dissa and data,” Mitch will bring ’70s music back to pulsating life.

The icing on Mitch’s already yummy musical-comedy cake is the fact that she will be backed up by the one and only Mel Villena and the AMP Big Band.

We’ve been a fan of Mel’s group for a long time, but we love the band even more  now after  working with them on our “Katy!” musical at the CCP and Meralco Theater. Their bright, brassy playing added a lot to our show, as we’re sure it will to Mitch’s repeat act, which is a hit in its own right.

Tickets to the Viva Live Inc. production may be accessed by calling 891-9999 and 721-6726. The Aug. 30 and 31 shows are for the benefit of the Edu Manzano Cancer Wing of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center and the Philippine Judges Association’s Legal Defense Fund, respectively.

Disturbed

Meanwhile, we’re disturbed by research findings that reveal the negative influence of television on some “pilot” communities that were comparatively studied on point of aggression levels—before TV was introduced to those small towns, and after it had established itself there as the prime source of information and entertainment:

The comparative, “before and after TV” studies showed that, after two years of television viewing, kids registered rates of increased physical aggression—at an alarming rate of 160 percent!

These and other studies’ similar findings should give parents and teachers pause, and motivate them to more carefully monitor what their young wards are watching on the tube.

TV workers should also be chastened by this proof that their shows’ depiction of aggression have a strong negative impact on children’s behavior.

Inspired

Contrastingly, we’re inspired to recall the good deeds of the late Jesse Robredo by commemorative events marking the observance of his first death anniversary this month.

A documentary on his contribution will be distributed to partner schools of the Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines (CEAP); a “Tsinelas Walk for Jesse” will be held on Aug. 11 at the QC Memorial Circle, and a “Lead Like Jesse” seminar and other observances are also scheduled.

In addition, Epy Quizon had shared with us the good news that he’s been tapped to direct a Robredo docu and a film about the inspirational leader’s last days. Epy pledges to come up with the best possible productions, to inspire young people to serve the country as fully and unstintingly as Jesse Robredo did.

Outraged

At the other, “excruciating” end of the emotional spectrum, we’re outraged at some actors’ belief that their lack of talent can be compensated for and “airbrushed” away by aggressive PR campaigns to the contrary.
Alas, not all of the PR funding and media connections in the world can deceive viewers and objective reviewers into believing that a bad actor’s thespic ear can be instantly transformed into a beautiful silk purse!