Bright feathers in their caps

Just in time for its 33rd anniversary, “Eat Bulaga” has come up with its latest and most surprising coup—it’s the only Filipino TV show to have its format “exported” to and franchised in Indonesia!

That’s right, the Indonesian version of “EB” is now being telecast in Jakarta, with its exuberantly “pang-masa” spirit, and its signature features and portions tweaked and adjusted to suit Indonesian viewers’ tastes.

In general, however, “EB’s” madcap and mass orientation has been kept, as well as its unique combination of sassy entertainment and heartfelt public service, especially its “Pinoy Henyo” guessing game and its daily foray into barangay neighborhoods to gift lucky residents with all sorts of prizes, in cash and in kind.

It’s both interesting and instructive to note, however, that introductory excerpts of the Indon version show that some features have been “softened” or “homogenized” to pass the broadcasting standards of that more conservative country.

Generally gone are the sexy dancers in wee bikinis that are frowned upon by some viewers even here in the Philippines. Which goes to show that “EB” can still entertain without that inappropriate display of sexiness and semi-nudity—at noontime!

Perhaps the original “EB” show can take its cue from the Indon copy and be similarly more circumspect and cognizant of the fact that many children are watching it, so their sensibilities should be protected and deferred to?

In any case, we congratulate “Eat Bulaga” for its latest and quite unexpected experiment in the profitable “exportation” of its popular format, which can apparently work its magic not just in the Philippines but in neighboring countries as well! From Manila to Jakarta—and then, the world? “EB-New York,” here we go!

Top winners

Congratulations are similarly in order for Monet Silvestre, Krina Cayabyab and the Baihana band, top winners of the recent Boy Katindig Jazz Competition. Silvestre won Best Original Jazz Competition for “Puso’t Pag-ibig.” Krina capped the Most Outstanding Instrumentalist trophy, while her band, Baihana, was awarded Best Jazz Band. Even better, Baihana (Krina, Melinda Torre and Anna Achacoso) will join Katindig at the World Youth Jazz Festival in Putrajaya, Malaysia in May 2013.

More good breaks for Baihana: The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab presents “Love,

Baihana” at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 24 at the Music Museum. The female trio “specializes in bebop and jazz standards and sings just about everything in their own kind of way.”

For tickets, call 637-9840, 914-5055 or 0917-9096484 or visit Ryan’s music school at the lower level of Robinsons Galleria, Edsa corner Ortigas, QC. Let Anna, Krina and Mel entertain you (fabulously) with their own brand of wit and charm! Don’t miss this special show!