Appropriate terms in newscasts urged

GERONIMO. From shy teenager to beautiful woman.

Kathlyn Sta. Maria, televiewer: “News anchors should stop using the word bakbakan instead of pakikipaglaban when reporting about encounters between our armed forces and secessionist groups in Mindanao.

“Bakbakan conjures images of boxing matches (in which combatants clash for sport), action movies and shooter games, where the stakes aren’t as high. While less incendiary, laban is much better at conveying the grim reality that people are putting their lives on the line for their country or cause.”

Other notes:

1. Grace Renandez, senior citizen: “I look forward to watching ‘Dream Dad’ every evening because of the natural acting styles of Zanjo Marudo, Ariel Ureta, Gloria Diaz and Ketchup Eusebio. Beauty Gonzales isn’t just a beauty—she’s also wholesome and likeable.”

Gilbert Guy Ferrer, teacher: “As a singer-performer, Lani Misalucha is excellent. She can sing classical songs and rap! Watching her perform is truly a memorable experience!”

Dolly Logronio, housewife: “Sarah Geronimo’s transformation from a shy teenager to a beautiful woman has amazed me. This extends to her singing style these days—it’s more heartfelt, and there’s less birit. She’s hardworking—so, now that she’s in her mid-20s, I hope that she’s just as happy in her love life. It’s high time for Sarah to prioritize matters of the heart.”

Jim Inot, accountant: “The lives of the so-called Fallen 44 are good material for a true-to-life film project. True enough, former Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito seems to be fast on the draw in this regard: As his project’s poster suggests, however, he seems to be portraying one of the policemen—who were nowhere in his mature age bracket. Shouldn’t films cast age-appropriate actors?”

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