The season 1 of the top-rating morning TV show Showtime has been recently concluded as its first grand champion emerged. Since it’s airing during mornings and either I’m still asleep or on way to school, I haven’t followed the episodes of the show. Yet, Showtime does not fail to entertain me every time I have a chance to be hooked on. I wasn’t aware who competing finalists were until I watched the “grand” grand finals but I am pretty sure that my eyes would enjoy the feast of talents because of the critical judges.
Personally, I enjoyed Showtime more than Pilipinas Got Talent even the latter’s production and its cost are enormous. There are several reasons for my such liking and thus this post.
One is the judges and ultimately when no Kris Aquino around. Tommooh, right? Before I explain my respect to Vice Ganda, the resident judge of Showtime, please watch this particular moment.
When contestants appeal to viewers and to judges with their life drama which by the way is always picked up by any “reality” competition on TV, I somehow and to a point that I really don’t care! This is the message every spectators and wise text voters should ponder. One might find themselves in the rugs-into-riches fantasy from these contestants. But then again when the show calls for a talent, we should seek for the talent and not just the entertainment out of emotions. [Although I may not be right at the season 1's conclusion that bring glory to XB Gensan with their dramatic effort but the case is still debatable and would be discussed later.]
The good thing about Vice Ganda is she’s setting aside the background of the hopefuls and comment on what’s being present on foreground. The wit, the punch lines and trademark moments of hers help the Showtime to maintain high ratings. In return, Showtime and the Madlang People love her back. Who would love a judge who keeps on mentioning her brother’s candidacy even the show reached the finals?
Secondly, the selection process of Showtime redefines the meaning of X-factor. In comparison, many would have the same sentiments with regards to the finalists of Pilipinas Got Talent. This is due to the sieving factor used by the judges – star quality! If PGT is really after the genuine talent, then Jeline, who plays a number of musical instruments, should be declared as the grand winner. In Showtime, variety becomes the ultimate factor regardless of what aura the group is radiating. Showtime highlights the prestige of a production number brought by the talent of the group.
And since there’s no power that lies from the SMS of viewing public which is usually whitewashed by regionalism and sympathy, a reputable jury of 5 members (and a whopping 40 at the finals) produced better results.
The Pinoy taste and festive mood like what Wowowee has in Showtime is more like-able than a franchise show. You can feel it whenever the theme song is being played and the Madlang People wave with the floor directors and hosts. And maybe, I also got so tired of the norm scheme of reality shows where contestants are voted out per elimination and the step-ladder, which has been previously used in talent search such as Tanghalan Ng Kampeon, became more exciting that you are anticipating for a greater clash towards the end.
Fourth reason is the popularity that brought the copycat spinoff Diz Iz it and the MTRCB’s take on Rosanna Roces. Two things you get when you’re on top – imitation and criticism.
And finally, the Ultimate Showdown at the Showtime Grand Finals is the best grand finale of any TV contest I’ve seen. It knocked down any PBB’s Big Night in my opinion. I was in shock and awe when 40 of the most memorable Hurados got reunited and judged the last battle of the season. It was indeed a bigtime show assembled. And you can’t just give a nod to one group, because all of the finalists have proven that they are worthy of the coveted final spots to one million pesos. I really like what they did on the recap. It was really breathtaking! The flashing of 40 scores excited the Philippines.
If you’re to ask me my bet, just right after the show ended, I felt XB Gensan robbed Philippine Island Assassins of crown out of drama and last performance syndrome. So I decided to watch their performances. And guess what…
I’ve switched! XB Gensan is better than Philippine Island Assassins. But I ended up with choosing the second runner-up Boyz Unlimited as my top favorite after seeing this performance.
I guess it really depends on how you’ve seen the three. The cameras may miss some angles which the judges have captured and felt. But definitely, XB Gensan, Philippine Island Assassin and Boyz Unlimited, no matter how cliche this is, are all winners and champions. And if I may add, runners up usually take a greater and bigger stage at the end. Take Christian Bautista and Charice Pempenco as examples right? So this is not the end for all. 9.875, 9.700 and 9.625 are statistically tied when margin of errors such as Mahal’s judgment exist.
The second season of Showtime immediately commenced last Monday and is once again ready to bring a good show better than those on primetime!
