SOUNDING BOARD is an outlet for opinions on good and crazy things going on at home (wherever I may be). All are welcome. You are not expected to bring anything except your common sense & sense of humor.
'If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get one million miles to the gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside.'
-Robert X. Cringely (from geek wisdom)
A YEAR after making available the Viva Hotbabes in her presidential campaign rallies, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has created a new government post for movie and record producer, Viva Entertainment big boss Vic del Rosario, as presidential adviser on entertainment. This was disclosed yesterday by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita who said Del Rosario has promised to parlay his influence in the local entertainment industry, including reporters who cover the beat, to brush up the President's image in tandem with the country's leading media moguls and spin doctors.
"Mr. Del Rosario has been designated presidential adviser on entertainment and in gratitude, he said he would show that he can do something with those involved in entertainment in bringing out the good things about the government,” Ermita said.
I agree that the entertainment industry needs a boost especially in terms of the generally alarming values it propagates, not to mention the sensational reporting which seems to have become a fad. I agree too that the President may need an adviser for this type of work. However, she could have been less obvious that this is another one of those "let's-show-them-we're-doing-something" or worse, payment of political debt given Del Rosario's support during her campaign trails.
When asked about the reason for Del Rosario's appointment (aside from his support during the campaigns), the president remarked that she doesn't know except she knows that Del Rosario is a vetaran of the entertainment industry. Gheez, talk about presidential decision-making, huh. What's next? Lucio Tan to be appointed as Presidential Adviser for Business?
One may be more alarmed about what type of values Del Rosario will unleash. Maybe we'll be seeing more "VIVA Hot Babes" gyrating on TV while singing those songs that have double meaning.
