The question in “Debate with Mare and Pare” was, “do the Gloriagate jokes and gimmicks help in the midst of the crisis?” Comedians Mr. Shooli, Tita Cory, Pareng Sherap, and Ate Glo—the first was a talk show host while the last three were impersonators of former presidents Corazon Aquino and Joseph Estrada, and current president Gloria Arroyo—were at the discussion bringing their humors. But even with the comic atmosphere, they were able to give viewers a serious answer. Yes, we do need those jokes as summarized by hosts Winnie Monsod and Oscar Orbos. The hosts’ points were short and clear: It is acceptable in our society because it’s one of the Filipinos’ coping mechanisms and it is hard to imagine without these types of jokes especially with the dragging political affairs in the Philippines.
Gloriagate jokes have become the coping, if not escape, mechanism of Pinoys in the middle of political crisis in the country.
Although to laugh at important issues has a taint of “escapism”, the trait is something that must be positively noted about the Filipinos. Through the jokes, we regain the energy that was drained after heated but sometimes pointless arguments. Really, it entails a special level of sanity to be in a place flooded with information on damning conversations from dubious sources, within a corrupted political system, in the middle of series of oil and basic commodity price increases, while below the satisfactory economic benchmark, over the lands of divided nation, and just before the threats of “world-class” terrorists. The comedians, anyway, were quick to remind that even though they make fun out of the country’s misfortunes, they do want the people to seriously go beyond the masks of laughter and solve the nation’s existing problems. They wanted to start the whole world laughing but nobody wants to realize or see it late that the joke was on every Filipino. Some comical notes:
- Cory can’t help on having another people power because she’s busy preparing for her daughter’s wedding on February next year, which will also likely draw huge crowds and attention.
- Mr. Shooli tells that many opportunistic politicians should be equated to our national heroes. Treat him like Rizal and let them be shot at Luneta.
- Sherap asks Ate Glo for a ring if ever she will be forced out of her position. He will gladly welcome her to the club.
- Ate Glow did not trust Sherap when he said “I’ll think about it,” when he was asked of his hopes in going back to Malacañang.
Suddenly I’m wondering where are the minds behind “Mongolian Barbecue” and “Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata”, it’s again time that we need many of their type of antics. And finally, I wanted to share my TOP 8 audios and videos in the Philippines’ recent history and why they are famous, who made them famous, or how did they become famous.
#8. Ethel Booba and Alex Crisano’s sex videos Who: The Buzz
#7. Mother of all Tapes Who: Former NBI Director Samuel Ong. Why, how: The source of “Hello Garci” CD’s.
#6. “Hello Garci” Ringtones Why, how: The people who must have made it thought the mixing was great and placed it in the Internet.
#5. La Salle Scandal sex video Why: It involves Lasallians. Who: The Ateneans. How: Those Blue Eagles!
#4. Dumaguete Scandal sex video Why: C’mon, it’s sex. Who: Quiapo vendors. How: It was a sure hit among college students.
#3. Piolo Pascual’s sex through phone video Why: Surprisingly, Piolo Pascual had sex with a female. How: Through the phones of the person right beside you. Who: “S Files,” to counter the Booba-Crisano expose of The Buzz.
#2. I’m Sorry Video Why: President Arroyo has to address her country regarding the “Hello Garci” recordings
And the #1 audio and video in the Philippines’ recent history, why they are famous, who made them famous, or how did they become famous: Hello Garci audio recordings in CD Why: Was claimed to be proof of President Arroyo’s cheating last election. Who: I don’t know. How: Ask the political opposition… or better yet, ask Press Secretary Bunye.