Wrong move

Author: Bong De Leon
Column: Check It Out

TRADITIONALLY, entertainment programs post higher ratings than public affairs shows. This must be the assumption of ABS-CBN when the network decided to move "Maalaala Mo Kaya" to Saturday primetime and pitted it against GMA's "Kapuso Mo," Jessica Soho! Unfortunately, it looked like a wrong move as "KMJS" has beaten "MMK" in the ratings. Last July 19, KMJS posted a rating of 26. 9% against "MMK's" 19. 9%, based on data from AGB Nielsen for Mega Manila.

We cannot help but wonder how this time, tradition did not seem to apply to ABS-CBN's programs. The fact that "KMJS" presents high quality and up to date human interest stories that the viewers really like could have done the job.

INSPIRING LADY MAYOR

IT'S so inspiring to know youthful lady Mayor Madeleine Alfelor-Gazmen of Iriga City (Camarines Sur in Bicol). Its population may only be 130,000 with 36 barangays but her job is herculean because of her goals for her constituents. It is so hard to find a city like Iriga which is generally peaceful where people still pray the Angelus a when the bell rings at 6 p. m.

Mayor Madeleine is the middle child of three siblings by former congressman of the second district of Iriga and one time assemblyman, the late Ciriaco Alfelor who was known to be a very generous man.

His daughter was pressured to listen to the clamor of the people. Madeleine was a fresh Humanities graduate (a dean's lister for two years in U. P. ) when she first tried politics. She run for board member and won hands down. And when the Iriga mayorship needed a new Alfelor to fill it in, she was groomed by her party and easily got the seat. Now on her second term, it looks like the people of Iriga aren't ready to let her go.

Meanwhile, as a Humanities graduate, her instinct for art speaks well for Mayor Madeleine. She has been voted Public Information Officer of the League of Cities of the Philippines and represented the organization in a UN-funded assembly of the United Cities in Local Governance in Thailand recently. It was attended by mayors and governors from all over South East Asia . Vital issues as environmental protection, drug problems and disaster management were tackled.

The League of Cities of the Philippines headed by Mayor Benhur Abalos of Mandaluyong (who was represented by Mayor Gazmen) luckily got elected in a 12-member executive board giving the league the opportunity to react regularly with other members of the board on pressing issues that conform governance.

Subsequently, the local government of Iriga City was bestowed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources the Sarangaya Award of Recognition of LGU Iriga environmental Program . Mayor Gazmen received the award in behalf of the people of Iriga. The Sarangaya Award is the highest given by the DENR to individuals and organizations with outstanding environmental programs on waste management, watershed management, reforestation, livelihood, clean and green program and community development.

INTERTWINED LOVE STORIES IN A CRUISE SHIP

REMEMBER The Love Boat? It was a hit foreign TV show that brought so much excitement for hopeless romantics in the 80s. Now, a Pinoy movie is set to open its gate to adventures of life, a very unforgettable one via I. T. A. L. Y. ( I Trust and Love You), a story which happens in a grand cruise with people of intertwining destiny and love stories.

It stars Jolina Magdangal, Dennis Trillo, Rufa Mae Quinto, Edgar Allan Guzman, Eugene Domingo, Mark Herras and Rhian Ramos. They play people who work aboard a cruise ship called Costa Magica. See them as they exploit their aspirations, dreams, sorrows, joys, soul searching and love. The movie takes pride in shooting in three continents, which include romantic and breathtaking cities such as Rome, Venice, Milan, Napoli, Genoa, among others.

MEN OF THE 80S GO NUTS

GO down memory lane and enjoy the best music of the 80's immortalized by popular singers Raymond Lauchengco, Louie Heredia, Gino Padilla and Randy Santiago as they join "Nuts Entertainment" on GMA7 this week.

Watch them as they sit together on Balakubak for a night of revelations and fun.

Meanwhile, the games continue with Team A: Alfred Vargas, Mike "Pekto" Nacua, Say Alonzo, John Feir vs Team B: funnymen Ariel and Maverick, Paolo Paraiso and sexy girls, Jen Rosendahl and Jana Roxas.

The two teams are up for new games for tough yet fun-filled weeks.

These are the games to watch: Don't touch the Verde, Matandang Pananong, Wall Lang 'Yan with guest hosts, Keempee de Leon and international action star, Jacky Woo.

ALJUR JOINS Bubble Gang

GMA7 is giving its support to Aljur Abrenica. The network believes he is not only loaded with sex appeal but he really has got good looks and talents.

The former StarStruck survivor is now a certified star. He plays lead in the movie, with Kris Bernal under Regal Entertainment. This week, watch him on "Bubble Gang" as he displays his knack for comedy. Give him a year or two, this handsome, tall and mestisong Kano from Pampanga will go places, we bet.

Meanwhile, joining Aljur in "Bubble Gang" this week is funny lady Tuesday Vargas. The regular stars of the number one gag show are Michael V, Ogie Alcasid, Wendell Ramos, Boy 2 Quizon, Diana Zubiri, Maureen Larrazabal and Rufa Mae Quinto.

Source: People's Journal