Etiquette for content thieves
When my scoop about my good friend Benjie’s big reveal about his son Kobe quitting pro-basketball came out in this column and my DollywoodPH YouTube Channel, many websites picked it up without giving due credit and passed it off as their own work.
After working in this crazy biz for three decades, it’s appalling that newbies/wannabes don’t have the decency to give credit where credit is due. Zero media ethics, 100 percent for the views. That’s the name of the game these days. How sad that virality has outshadowed credibility. One content thief even had the audacity to copy what I wrote as reference to Benjie, MVP… Most Valuable Papa… Talk about not doing your assignment. If plagiarism were a crime, there would so many repeat offenders. Mind your manners please.
I’m calling out these shameless content thieves on behalf of my colleagues in the legit entertainment media who have also been victimized by copycats. As a colleague of mine said, “Welcome to the Club.” It’s so disgusting that plagiarism seems to be normalized already because of social media. Anybody can just grab another person’s writings/musings. We all need to make a living, but in trying to gain views and monetization, let’s not lose respect for others and their work. The dire situation makes me and my colleagues feel like doing a reenactment of Sharon Cuneta and Cherie Gil’s iconic movie scene as we shout in unison, “You are nothing but a trying-hard second-rate copycat.”
As my mom, Inday Badiday, used to say, “In a world full of copies, here’s to the originals.”
Rhen & Joseph’s cool collab
Joseph Marco and Rhen Escaño are stealing hearts (and ratings) as they portray Zeke and Aemie in “My Husband is a Mafia Boss,” currently the No. 1 series on Viva One. The adaptation of the Wattpad sensation by Yanalovesyou centers on the unexpected romance of multi-billionaire Zeke and the charmingly clumsy college student Aemie.
The first six episodes were non-stop kilig providers and a solid laugh trip. Now in its mid-season, more twists are coming up as the mafia world plays a bigger role in the story. Let Zeke and Aemie show you how loving someone out of need can turn into needing someone out of love.
Here’s my chat with Rhen:
What part of Aemie would you like to keep even when the series ends?
“Her ability to see the good in people despite everything she’s been through. She has such a pure heart and chooses kindness even in difficult situations. I admire how she loves wholeheartedly, forgives sincerely and never loses her optimism. And also, for being a ray of sunshine to everybody.”
If your partner has a deep dark secret like Aemie’s husband, how would you handle it?
“Trust is a big thing for me. People have their reasons for keeping secrets. So, he must help me understand why he hid it from me. If he is sincere, willing to be honest and committed to rebuilding trust, then it’s worth working things out.”
How do you resist Joseph’s charms to keep your relationship professional?
“What people see onscreen is the result of teamwork, professionalism and the effort we both put into our roles. We are there to tell Aemie and Zeke’s story as truthfully as we can. We can never predict the future. But right now, what we have is a great working relationship.”
What’s your reaction to what Joseph said that you are ‘wife material’?
“He is right (laughs).”
New Star Search
The search is on for the next IT Girl/Guy in “Viva’s Next Big Star.”
Streaming on Viva One (with new episodes every Friday), get access to exclusive features and behind-the-scenes footage.
Here are the finalists: Miguel as “Sweet Cheerful Boy Ng Davao”; Kurt, “Gamer-tista Ng Rizal”; Mish, “Hobby Hoarder Ng Davao”; Lougee, “Charming Tiktoker Ng Caloocan”; Jaycee, “Popstar Ng Laguna”; Calvin, “Martial Artist Ng Parañaque”; Mina, “Rising Superstar Ng Muntinlupa”; and Jamie, “Shy Sweetheart Ng Bulacan.” The winner must have that certain je ne sais quoi.
Serving as judges-mentors are Cristine Reyes, Jason Paul Laxamana and Mac Alejandre. Watch how raw talents are molded so their full potential will be unfolded.
Here are quotes from Cristine (C), Jason Paul (JP) and Mac (M):
C: “My advice to the finalists is to enjoy the process and be true to yourself. Authenticity goes a long way. No need to show off. Embrace your weaknesses.”
JP: “We are looking for someone who stands out as soon as he or she enters the room and turns magical on cam. The finalists must be willing to hone their craft and not waste any opportunity.”
M: “Even if the three of us have different opinions, we give value to the dreams of the contestants because we were dreamers, too, when we started out in the biz. They need someone to believe in them and hold on to in order to achieve their dreams.”
C: “The finalists remind me of the time I joined ‘Starstruck.’ At first, I thought kalaban ko yung ibang contestants. Then I realized ang kalaban ko ang sarili ko. I was the first one to get eliminated. It made me question my worth, but it fueled me to grow.”
JP: “There’s always that controversy in reality shows that the contestants who come from a rich family are more likely to win because they have the money to vote. But we trained them hard, and the viewers will see that. Pag napamahal ka sa masa, taong bayan ang boboto sa’yo. Talo ang mayaman ‘pag nakuha mo kiliti ng masa.”
M: “Win or lose, may the contestants use their learnings even in their personal lives. Joining showbiz is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.”
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