On-air Lingo and Behavior of GGV

            The truth about variety programs is that we enjoy watching it. We appreciate them -- the comedy bars in our locality and talent shows on television. We always seek different ways of relaxation and entertaining ourselves.

          One of the late night shows of ABS-CBN is Gandang Gabi Vice and we can’t deny the fact that it garners a good number of viewers. It is aired every Sunday night and is rated as Strong Parental Guidance (SPG). The episode last October 12, 2014 is a little bit tacky. The host, Vie Ganda, mentioned his passiveness when it comes to sex. He also gave emphasis to the phrases “Ginaganun mo sa leeg? Kasama ang ulo?” Article 28 (On-Air Decorum) of the Broadcast Code of the Philippines said that proper decorum must be observed by the persons in a program. He further exemplified the topic by mentioning, “Maliit lang ‘yung kamay mo, eh yung ulo malaki?... Ah malago ‘yung buhok?”Article 25 (Sex, Obscenity, and Pornography) and Article 27 (On-Air Language) stated that vulgar and indecent languages are prohibited especially double meaning words. Hosts, emcees, talents, guests, participants, and audiences must behave in a way that is considered acceptable to the audience. And what is surely pleasant to the public is when you speak politely without hurting other people’s feelings.

             The host even impersonated someone with a speech defect in saying the phrase "Wǒ ài nǐ” ("I love you" in Chinese) and I felt humiliated for all the people who are experiencing this condition. It is detailed in Article 23 (Mentally and Physically Challenged Persons) that we must respect all people’s race, religion, color, ethnicity, gender, and physical or mental disability.

            In like manner, he also replied an offensive term because of the age issue introduced by his guest. The part was censored but was still aired. This show is SPG but it doesn’t mean that you’re already free of saying what you want. TV personalities and producers still have limitations and accountabilities about the topics coming out of the screen.

            Likewise, name-dropping is not favorable because some people will buy the joke but some will take offence. In another episode (September 14, 2014), Vice Ganda brought up certain names when he teased his guest’s dream name. There are episodes when he asked his visitors about virginity and when he repetitively hurdled on the lap of his guest.

                  In these instances, we have to take an extra precaution in saying words or taking actions especially that you are being watched by lots of viewers. Many people sit on their couch at night hoping for good programs on television and many parents let their children watch unattended. There’s nothing wrong with extending laughter to your audience. However, one should remember that television may be a way for the Filipino people to escape temporarily from reality but in reality, it still has a big influence to the minds of the audiences.

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