[OPINION] PBB Unlimited: Pinoy Version Of THE MUPPETS SHOW! {Comments Off}
I started watching PBB1 two years ago when I saw how teens, their talents and their true personalities were showcased during PBBTC2010.2 It led me to believe that Pinoy Big Brother was a reality show that allowed its housemates to LEARN from their experiences inside the house, and be able to enrich their lives as they go back to the real world. But the longer I watch the show, it has become more of a spectacle of cheap entertainment than it can ever be a show that promotes good values and learning.
Take for example the showcasing of a certain “loveteam” whose female counterpart is supposedly “taken” or has a boyfriend in the outside world. Avid followers of the show saw how Pamu used her “boyfriend” as a reason why she could not entertain Seiichi’s infatuation for her. Kuya himself even showed a segment during one episode where Renz’s (Pamu’s BF) voice was put on an overhead speaker while Seiichi and Unad had their heart-to-heart talk. It was and still is admirable of Seiichi to have respected that fact of Pamu’s life and made it a point to not bother her anymore. But here comes Kevin, and Pamu is more than willing to entertain his advances? The worst part of it all is the show’s glorifying this behavior on national television, for all the youth to witness. With Pamu’s show of obvious flirtation with fellow housemate Kevin, even when she admittedly is in a committed relationship, what kind of values can young viewers gain from it? How is Pamu any different than Wendy? What’s the purpose of “teaching Wendy a lesson” when you let Pamu’s disgraceful and tasteless behavior slide? Doesn’t it make sense to teach Pamu a lesson as well? In Pinoy culture, aren’t her actions referred to as immoral and unacceptable? Or does the show’s view on morality change, depending on what sells or on how the show’s ratings are doing?
Take another example: Purposely “airing” the housemates’ shortcomings causing undue embarrassment. Let me be more specific by saying that Seiichi was outed in a very embarrassing manner, and by no less than a celebrity!3 In that segment, Juday4 was obviously briefed as to what and who to target on. While true that hiding food inside the clothes cabinet is unsanitary, but to be called out on it by a celebrity is beyond embarrassing, especially for someone like Seiichi who is just starting to discover his Filipino roots. There is no shame in keeping food that is rightfully his–he barely eats during meals, and chooses to give up his share in favor of his fellow housemates. And getting an extra piece of banana or a couple pieces of bread is already a crime because he chooses to save it for later when he’s hungry? Why is it so wrong for him to do that; but for others to over-eat during meals and repeatedly snack throughout the day, like Kevin and Tin, it’s considered acceptable? What double standard!
When the PBB staff took Seiichi in as an official housemate, the director and staff knew of his language barrier—something that has always been a source of insecurity for him. Kuya himself knows of Seiichi’s low self-esteem… but how does he help him? By embarrassing him in front of the other housemates as well as tens of thousands of people watching on livestream and national/international television (TFC). Whatever happened to the “Big Brother” who is supposed to be the one who guides the housemates? The “KUYA” who the housemates are supposed to trust? That persona has now become the devil’s advocate.
If certain behavior is unacceptable, then by all means correct it. But please, do it privately without embarrassing people! That’s the purpose of having a CONFESSION ROOM, right? Let’s put it this way, if YOU (referring to the show’s director and staff) were placed in the same position as your housemate, and you were called out for doing something wrong, wouldn’t you prefer to be talked to in private rather than in public, and by a celebrity at that? Don’t you people have feelings, too?
PINOY Big Brother… a show that supposedly showcases what the Pinoy can do and become. A show that supposedly allows its participants the experience and opportunity to learn and become better people. But with the recent turn of events, the show has become more of a reality muppets show. The only difference is, the muppets are played by REAL people with real FEELINGS. PBB gives new meaning to the saying “All the world’s a stage, and all of us merely players.” I just hope the director, it’s writers and staff can go to bed at night feeling good about exploiting the housemates’ vulnerability and trust. But then again, they’re protected by such a thing called “NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS”—a document that legally allows them to manipulate people, abuse basic human rights, AND make money out of it! It must be nice having that power… and being glorified bullies.
To all those still aspiring to become future housemates: If you want the one-time opportunity for 15 minutes of fame, and a lifetime of shame… join Pinoy Big Brother! ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!
