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“Maybe we like the pain. Maybe we’re wired that way. Because without it, I don’t know; maybe we just wouldn’t feel real. What’s that saying? Why do I keep hitting myself with a hammer? Because it feels so good when I stop. “

-Meredith Grey

Project Runway Philippines

       IMHO, PRP is by far, the best among reality tv shows adapted locally. It was able to stick to the original concept and at the same time infuse our own culture.       The people selected to represent the show did justice to their roles. Jojie Lauren as a “mentor and tormentor”  fits the role more than anyone else would. You couldn’t wish for a more credible and helpful teacher. Rajo Laurel and Apples Aberin-Sahdwani were excatly what the contestants needed. They know what and when to praise, and who and how to push people to their limits, at least this is as far as fashion is concerned. And oh, Theresa Herrera is a dream. With her poise and bearing, articulation, she’s one of those Filipinas who makes me proud to be one.

      The show also stayed true to its word when it said it’s a nationwide search as the contestants selected came from literally different parts of the country, not to mention from different age groups (her her!). There was only one qualifying factor, Talent. The participants all have that and more. Each episode showcased each contestant’s range, strengths and areas they could still improve. The challenges, albeit similar to past challenges of the Project Runway US were incorporated with our own scene that made each episode better than the last.
     I am just surprised that though the Department of Agriculture has made a showing of indigenous materials to be used for fabrics in one of the episodes, there hasn’t been much support from the government. Was it just my imagination or were’nt we trying to boost our economy by building up on the nation’s tourism. Fashion design might not be one of those tourist spots but it will remain a tourist attarction. And cuirrently, it’s tourist attraction yet to be explored much in the country. Let’s hope we don’t let go of another Monique Lhuillier who made her name outside the country. Here’s to hoping after this first season, people in specific posts would forward much more needed support to push this industry, and make it internationally acclaimed. We already have the talent, they just need to provide the means. Who knows, it is not impossioble to be another Paris or London.
    I am not exaggerating when I say the first season is a success. I just hope this sets a standard to succeeding ones instead of being the opposite. I am off to watch the replay of the first of the two-part Finale. And yeah, if anyone is wondering, I’m rooting for Veejay, he may not be the most popular choice, but I have my reasons. One of those ishe’s got that ability to make his client feel beautiful when wearing his design. And really, from a designer, what else could you ask for?

just wonderin’

        Never thought I would be fond of watching noontime shows. But things changed eversince I got a fixed graveyard shift. For vampires like us, 12:00 noon is the more relaxing time to spend glued on the tube. When the HBOs and StarMovies of good ol’ cable are playing crappy films, my sister and I had no choice but to tune in to local networks. Eventually, we got hooked on Wowowee (go ahead, insert coñotic ewwws here). Laugh all you want but hey it’s quite funny, amusing is actually the politically correct term. People on the show go real to thy heart’s content, sing their lungs out lod and dance like there’s no tomorrow. There’s the common notion they are there for the money, but having watched the show for more than a year now, I could say I don’t think so. They are there for the sake of being there. Being there makes them happy. And if that tags them Jologs for the rest of their lives, it’s obvious they couldn’t care less.
       Shows got a lot to be proud of actually. Apart from giving hope, and yes money/aid to anyone who asks, it’s given birth to a number of talents whom otherwise would not be given a chance. Add to that it’s feat of uniting the OFW crowd. Maybe it’s way cheesy, but nobody can deny it’s way Pinoy.
Having changed schedules, I don’t get to watch much of the show now. Though I’ve grown some issues since I last got the chance to glimpse some episodes. Why are the dancers’ wardrobe gettin’ bolder and bolder? Kids do still watch them. Why are the participants getting younger and younger? Parents out there, you really have to let your youngs do the cash bustin’? And lastly, the show’s host been coming up with a hit single after another. I mean, who buys ‘em? When his patrons are the local masses, are they expected to spend hard-earned and much-needed dough to get the original copy and fight piracy?
       Nonsense really. It wouldn’t kill me if they do. Just wonderin’ though.