OPINION: EDU MANZANO, THE EASY TARGET
MANILA, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 (STAR) FROM THE STANDS By Domini M. Torrevillas - Here’s a simple way to get instant publicity: identify a person whose popularity is at an all-time high, and publicly criticize him. After all, if you’re going to push yourself up by pushing someone down, you might as well choose tall shoulders to get maximum height. Whether the condemnation backfires or not (especially if the personality is well-loved), this tactic will still ensure the proverbial 15 minutes of fame.
Sadly, Edu Manzano is turning out to be the perfect target for such promotional stunts. He’s probably the hottest ticket in television right now, courtesy of his hosting duties in “Umagang Kay Ganda,” “Pilipinas Game K N Ba,” and a new, engaging game show called “1 vs. 100.” That means millions — I mean millions of Filipinos are viewing him twice a day, six days a week.
Obviously, nothing can be said about Edu’s drawing power and mass appeal. Given this, a quick-thinking congressman decided to go on an all-out publicity blitz questioning his capabilities and aptitude as chairman of the Optical Media Board. For a truly quotable quote, the distinguished gentleman from the south made sure to include the TV host’s own line against him: “Edu, game ka na ba?” How could the media resist?
Of course, in the comfort of an armchair or shouting safely from the stands, it’s easy to tell others how they should do their jobs. Because of Edu’s continuous visibility, it’s not far to wonder how he has time for all his responsibilities. Fortunately for the public (and unfortunately for video pirates), the solution is not at all complicated.
The Optical Media Board (OMB) office at Scout Limbaga Street is literally a stone’s throw away from the TV station where Edu fulfills his “Umagang Kay Ganda” duties. The morning show ends at 8:30 a.m., and he clocks in at the OMB by 8:45 a.m. — earlier than a lot of executives I know. As for his game shows, they are taped on schedule during evenings, well past official hours.
If Edu’s time management skills need further validation, his achievements prove that he gets it done. Last year, Edu was a Consumers’ Choice & Dangal ng Pilipinas Awardee for Government Service for his Anti-Piracy Crusade. Internationally, the Beijing Cine-Asia Convention lauded him as the Asia-Pacific Copyright Enforcer of the Year. He was a former president of the Actors Guild, and it was under his administration where benefits such as full academic scholarships, computer training, lifetime emergency medical services, SSS, Medicare, housing loans, and health insurance were instituted. His term as vice-mayor of Makati City was also highly distinguished, with awards of recognition given by the National Press Club and the Consumers Union of the Philippines.
Speaking to him the other day, I found it hard to believe that this was the same person who dresses up in ’70s costumes and dances regularly to a tune called ‘Papaya.” He was explaining how piracy and intellectual theft basically kills the spirit of innovation and global competitiveness in our country, and he sounded more like a professor than an actor while making his points. We were at one of his all-time favorite establishments, Goldilocks, and he readily used the bakeshop as an example. Goldilocks is a Filipino company that is truly world class, due in large part to their continuous innovations, Edu began. “Just imagine how much time, effort, and money they spend creating wonderful cake designs and licensing cartoon characters to be used as decorations. But there are many small-time bakeshops who just blatantly copy their designs and use the exact same figurines without paying copyright fees. Is this any way to reward originality? What kind of message does that send?” he lamented.
Regrettably, many people see Edu Manzano hamming it up in the small screen and assume that’s all there is to him. But the reality is that he’s one of those individuals who strives for excellence and hits his peak efficiency zone in whatever he does. Whether hosting a game show, serving as a public official, or pushing an advocacy, he makes sure to give it his all and be the best he possibly can be.
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If their schedules will allow it, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice-President Noli de Castro will lead this year’s Alay-Lakad Para sa Kabataan Day tomorrow, September 2, at Rizal Park (Luneta). Other government officials, civic leaders and business groups are also expected to attend tomorrow’s 35th “Alay Lakad.” Frank Evaristo, Alay-Lakad president, says this year’s theme, “Lakad Bayan Para sa Kaunlaran,” is an expression of the Alay-Lakad Foundation Inc.’s support for the disadvantaged. Proceeds of the fund-raising walks go to educational assistance, skills training and livelihood programs for out-of-school youth. Some 50,000 beneficiaries have benefited from the walk.
This year’s host civic organization is the Philippine Jaycees under the leadership of Jaycees president Glenn Santos, with John Luga as chair of the national coordinating committee for Walk 2007. For inquiries, call the ALFI national secretariat office at 5231539 or 5226134.
Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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