More theater actors needed for screen roles

WINNING A singing competition is no longer a surefire way to a successful singing cum show biz career. This is the observation of Lorna Pagtalunan, a housewife: “I can cite the experiences of singing tilt winners, like GMA’s Jonalyn Viray and Gerald Santos and ABS-CBN’s Jerome Sala, Laarni Lozada and Sam Concepcion, whose careers didn’t take off despite frequent exposure on their networks’ television programs.

“Ironically, some of those who didn’t quite make it are the ones whose careers are on the upswing, like Christian Bautista, Bugoy Drilon and Charice. Sadly, among past singing champions, no one comes close to Nora Aunor, Regine Velasquez and Sarah Geronimo. Nora and Regine won their ‘battles’ sans the now-common text voting.

“Maybe this is asking too much, but can the TV networks do away with commercialism and bring back experts in the singing field as judges? It might be the only sure way to produce the next singing superstars.”

Other observations:

Ed Guzman, theater enthusiast: “It’s nice to see underrated but talented theater actors being given roles on primetime TV, like Noni Buencamino, Shamaine Centenera, Malou de Guzman, Irma Adlawan and Eugene Domingo. I wish more theater actors will be given a break.

Yolly Mendez, housewife: “I’m no fan of Tito, Vic and Joey, but I make it a point to watch ‘Eat Bulaga’ whenever I can because of ‘Pinoy Henyo.’ It makes me laugh and shout each time participants fail to name the object, food, places or people being guessed. This portion is one of the reasons why ‘Eat Bulaga’ is still the noontime show to beat.”

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