Excessive number of commercials scored

DE CASTRO. No side comments, please.

RITA Malbarosa, housewife: “I am amazed at the barrage of product promotions, teleserye trailers and celebrity testimonials in between segments of a popular drama series. The daily installment is divided into four segments. In between segments are the advertisements crowded at five- to seven-minute intervals. I conducted a time and motion study, and within each interval, 15 products, three teleseryes and celebrity plugs for the show were presented!

“The products include shampoos, diapers, powder, sanitary napkin, medicine, milk, spaghetti, beauty products, soup cubes, etc. Each of the four segments was punctuated with endorsements. Essentially, for a 45-minute show, only 30 minutes were devoted to the plot!

“Can you imagine being bombarded with these commercials and plugs four times over 45 minutes? Definitely, it detracts from the continuity of the story. Can’t we have a regulatory board for the excessive commercialization of TV shows?”

Other views:

Rina Villanueva, producer/director: “This is in reaction to the much talked-about incident that involved President Noynoy Aquino: Noli de Castro should refrain from giving opinions and side comments when he delivers the news. He already has a radio program with a commentary format on dzMM. Delivering the news on TV is a delicate service that aims to inform the public sans speculation. Doing that while reporting the news could mislead viewers.”

Astra Naik, concertgoer: “Sarah Geronimo showed she was a real trouper when she continued performing even after she fell down the steps during her July 21 concert. Her next show is definitely something to look forward to. Let’s support local artists and patronize their shows!”

Victor Principe, student: “The throng of people who trooped to the screenings of Cinemalaya entries proved that the indie festival has developed an increasing number of followers. Tickets were sold out, not only for the crowd favorites, but also for the less popular films. It’s also heartening to note that a number of entries are now being shown in commercial theaters. Kudos to the independent filmmakers—and long live, Cinemalaya!”

E-mail [email protected]