PINOY MEDIA CONGRESS (An ABS-CBN Affair)

November 27-28, 2006
Miriam College
Source:Bikoy.net

ENTRANCE DOOR/OPENING

Some of my collegemates and I attended the 2nd Pinoy [Youth] Media Congress at Miriam College the whole days yesterday and last Monday. It was really much more of an ABS-CBN propaganda event, really. I don’t mind. It gave us an insight into how things work in ABS-CBN, with all the icing of course. Almost the entire roster of ABS-CBN executives, from the Lopez siblings who own ABS-CBN, to Maria Ressa, head of news & current affairs, to all the heads of the different subsidiaries that make up the biggest media company in the country. It was a rare opportunity to hear them speak and promote their organization to representatives from almost all the mass communication schools in the country, and for us to have the opportunity to ask them questions ourselves. was surprised to realize how many hundreds of colleges and universities are teaching Mass Communication. There were almost a thousand student and faculty representatives at the Congress. With just a handful of media companies, how the hell can all of us be absorbed in the industry. With such a competitive environment, I can understand why some people can get easily frustrated with the prevailing trend.

LOPEZ SIBLINGS

The stereotype of Mass Comm students is that of one who wants to be a newscaster. Which can make me cringe, really. Hindi naman hayok sa camera ang mga nag-aaral ng say, Journalism or Film or Communication Research. That’s not even the path I want to take (as to what my plans are, I’ll share some other time).

CHARO SANTOS-CONCIO/BOY ABUYDA in his "BOOT"

Everyone disliked us there, by the way. They were so antagonistic against UP students. One time, one student from UE came up and asked the human resource panel, (it went something like), “Why do you discriminate applicants based on the school he went to? Bakit palaging taga-UP?! ‘Pag hindi taga-UP, mababa kagad ang chance?!” Then everybody roared in applause. As in, with the “whooo!!” and “yea!!” Sheesh. Then another student came up and said “Totoo bang mas matimbang ang [educational] background kaysa sa sipag at tiyaga?” What the hell. Everybody applauded again, like it was some anti-UP rally. Well, it’s probably really frustrating (for some) that majority of the media personalities you see on TV come from UP. But I’m sure they are all there based on individual merit and hard work, not based on school. It just so happened that they came from UP. The human resource person rebutted that everyone goes through the same application process anyway! If you don’t make the cut, it’s you, not the name of your school or others’. And these are people in front of the camera. I’m sure thousands of ABS-CBN’s five thousand employees aren’t from UP.

BAD MOOD LUCHI CRUZ-VALDEZ

It might have not helped everyone’s animosity against us that our professor was very straightforward with his “fierce” questions directed at Gabby Lopez and Karen Davila. That was guts, man. Facing up to ABS-CBN executives, with labor issues and other issues with their programming. They were all valid points by the way. But when Karen Davila, who’s a UP alumna too by the way, calmly yet sarcastically answered back, everyone started applauding like it was some cockfight.

ABS-CBN ENTERTAINMENT PEOPLE

I know its chic and fashionable to criticize media with all their failures. But I have high regard for people like Maria Ressa, Luchi Cruz Valdez and Charie Villa. We have to be reminded that media is a business too. I’d personally cut them some slack for what they do. Different speakers repeated some things over the two-day Congress,

“We’re as frustrated as you! How we wish we could also give you Probe at primetime. But you won’t watch it, what can we do?!”

“It’s useless preaching to an empty church.”

“If you don’t like the program, turn it off and write to us.”

“If it’s such a bad program, why does it rate high?”

“We are not part of 80% of Filipinos who live in poverty. What you, or we, don’t like, they do.”

Basically, whenever they are criticized, they turn the table upside down and ask audiences the same question. “If you hate the program, why were you watching it?” kind of thing. Which I understand. We’re all slaves to market forces. It’s a delicate balance between providing audiences what they want and what they need. Give them what they need, like educational programs and documentaries, but they won’t want or watch it. Give them slapstick entertainment, but it’s not what they “need”. A balance has to be set.

ABS-CBN RADIO PERSONALITIES

Our professor said this though, “We have abused the audience-reason too much to justify bad programming.”

I hope the next Pinoy Media Congress could be sponsored by GMA.

Bianca Gonzales rocks, by the way! I just had to have my picture with her. I’m a Bianca fanboy now.

PIX SOURCE:justthatbad.multiply.com

ANIME CLASH '07 NARUTO VS. SAMURAI 7

I bet, next year tagalized anime scene will be a fight between a ninja and modern day samurai's.Here is a glimpse about our action heroes before their much awaited comeback and debut.(click image to enlarge)

VS.

NARUTO

Title: Naruto
Based on: Naruto Manga Series
Created by: Masashi Kishimoto
Debut: October 3rd, 2002
Finale: The series is still being made
Naruto (ナルト, Naruto? romanized as NARUTO in Japan)is a manga by Masashi Kishimoto with an anime TV series adaptation.Its main character, Naruto Uzumaki,is a loud, hyperactive,adolescent ninja who constantly searches for approval and recognition,as well as to become Hokage, who is acknowledged as the leader andstrongest ninja in the village.The manga was first published by Shueisha in 1999 in the 43rd issue of Japan's Shonen Jump magazine.
VIZ Media publishes a translated version in the American Shonen Jump,and has translated roughly a third of the series. Naruto has become VIZ Media's best-selling manga series.The anime series, produced by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex, premiered across Japan on the terrestrial TV Tokyo network and the anime satellite television network Animax on October 3, 2002, and is still being aired. Viz also licensed the anime for North American production.

SUMMARY
This above average and well done anime follows the story of Uzumaki Naruto,a boy trodden upon in his village. The village however, is a special village dedicated to the arts of Ninjutsu, and many powerful ninja's emerge from it. Born and infused with a demon nine tailed fox, Naruto was hated with passion by many of the older villagers, and even their children picked up on it and started to hate him as well. Naruto however, felt loneliness and sadness in his life, a pain that isn't normal. He wants to be acknowledged and pledged on becoming Hokage, the title of referring to the strongest ninja in the country. But he has a long way to go. And will meet many people he calls friends in this world of ninja's, where allegiances shift quickly as lightning. Join Naruto on his journey on becoming Hokage, or perhaps even greater.Currently, Naruto is already licensed, so maybe you're lucky and are able to watch it on your local cable television. Also don't forget about the manga, the comic book that started it all. Something worth reading, so by all means, you shall not regret it. Volume 7 of the manga has recently won a Quill Award for best graphic novel in North America.In TV Asahi's latest top 100 Anime Ranking, Naruto ranked 34th on the list.

SYNOPSIS
A long time ago, a demon fox with nine tails appeared. When a tail was swung, it would destroy a mountain and cause a tsunami. To counter it, the people gathered ninjas. One ninja sealed the monster in a life or death battle and died. That ninja was known as the Fourth Hokage... and with his death, he sealed the powers of the Nina-Tailed Demon Fox into the body of a young boy... This young boy's name is Naruto. Naruto hopes one day he can become Hokage. Most people in the village dislike him and consider him a pest. Naruto causes havoc in order to get attention, since he is ignored due to the fact that people think he is the demon fox itself. After failing the Genin exam, Naruto is tricked into stealing a scroll to become Genin. He ends up in severe danger but Iruka, his teacher, comes to saves him. It ends up that Naruto saves Iruka from possible death and for that, he is upgraded to an official ninja where he begins his journey to become Hokage!

DOWNLOADS:
NARUTO MOVIE 1
NARUTO MOVIE 2

SOURCE: www.narutocentral.com

SAMURAI 7

Title: SAMURAI 7
Based on: Akira Kurosawa's 1954 movie The Seven Samurai
Created by: Akira Kurosawa
Debut: June 12, 2004
Finale: Dec. 25, 2004, 26th Ep.
Samurai 7 (サムライセブン, Samurai 7?) is a 2004 Japanese anime series,produced by GONZO and based on Akira Kurosawa's classic 1954 movie The Seven Samurai. The series was directed by Toshifumi Takizawa and its music was conducted by Kaoru Wada and Eitetsu Hayashi.There are 26 episodes, each costing around ¥32,500,000($300,000USD)to produce.The series premiered across Japan on the anime satellite television network, Animax, as an exclusive high definition CS-PPV broadcast, and was also later aired by the network across its other respective networks worldwide, including Southeast Asia, South Asia, Latin America and other regions. FUNimation has acquired the dubbing rights for the North American release. It is airing in America through the Independent Film Channel (using FUNimation's dub) since April 2006 and in high definition on Dish Network's Animania HD channel. It has also been broadcast across Canada by specialty channel Razer and across Hong Kong by TVB Jade.

SUMMARY

Samurai 7 tells the story of a friendly rice village, Kanna, with a significant problem. Every year during the harvest, a group of bandits, known as the Nobuseri, come and steal away almost all of the rice that had been harvested that year. Not only that, the Nobuseri are becoming more demanding, now taking women and children in addition to rice. The elder of Kanna has declared that to protect the village they must hire samurai and fight against the bandits. However, they have no money and thus must find samurai willing to protect the village for the price of all the rice that he/she can eat. He sends three members of the village out to the city to begin looking. And thus the journey begins...

SYNOPSIS

After a long war far in the future, things are far from perfect. Losing to mechanized samurai the people are paying the price. Gangs of these Nobuseri plunder the villages of their rice,leaving the people with nothing, not even enough to live on.One village, Kanna, has had enough. With nothing to lose they decide to hire real samurai, the only ones that can defeat the Nobuseri, with the rice they have left. A young farmer Rikichi, the water priestess Kirara, and her younger sister Komachi leave their small village to find seven samurai that can help them.

PRINCESS HOURS "GOONG"

Princess Hours (otherwise known as The Palace or Goong) is a Korean Drama, which had its first season start on 11 January 2006. It was distributed by MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation). It is based on Goong (manhwa) by SoHee Park, which has run for 12 volumes so far (as of June 2006). Portrayed by Yoon Eun Hye, Shin Chae-Gyung is a very effervescent, normal high school girl. She attends the same school as Lee Shin, the Crown prince of Korea. Chae Gyung's grandfather was best friends with the previous Emperor. To honor his friend, the previous Emperor dictated that Chae Gyung is to become the Crown princess.

Although she often seems immature and irritating, she is a kindhearted,
innocent, honest person. Often called "Pig" by her younger brother,
Chae-Gyung marries Shin to save her family from bankruptcy. Her initial
reaction to Shin is one of irritation and fear but she eventually falls
in love with him.
The crown prince of Korea, Lee Shin, as portrayed by model and actor Joo Ji Hoon,
is seen as a smug, indifferent, insensitive young man. After getting rejected by his
girlfriend,he gets forced into marrying Shin Chae Gyung. At first, he was irritated
by hernaivete and enthusiasm, but as he recognizes how genuinely sweet she is,
he begins to openhis heart to her, and falls in love. Throughout the series, it becomes
obvious that inside,he's just a sensitive, warm, kind young man.
He also owns a teddy bear, which is used as a focal point throughout the series.
Kim Jeong Hoon plays Lee Yul, Shin's younger cousin. Yul returns from a long stay
in England with his mother, a former actress, and the widow of the former crown prince.
The opposite of Shin, he is warm, kindhearted, sweet, and romantic--an instant hit with the girls.

DOWNLOADS:

PRINCESS HOURS OST1
PRINCESS HOURS OST2

source:http://yeehan.wordpress.com/2006/09/08/princess-hours-goong-pictures/

PACQUIAO "THE DESTROYER"

****************************************************************************
The Pambansang Kamao has again brought glory to the Filipino people.
Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao won by KO in the third round of his final
battle with Mexico's Erik "El Terrible" Morales. Pacquiao knocked his
opponent thrice before an eighteen thousand strong crowd at the
Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacman remains the World
Boxing Council (WBC) International Super Featherweight Champion.

According to sports analysts, Pacquiao quickly defeated Morales
because of his lightning moves and his punches that landed in
bunches, which made it hard for the Mexican to recover. His coach
Freddie Roach also believes that even though Manny's vicious left
ended round three, the boxer's developed right hook was the main
reason behind his victory. Even Morales admitted that the
Pacman's `just too fast and too strong.'

Pacman will be taking home $3 million and is looking forward to a
match with WBC World Featherweight Champ Marco Antonio Barrera. He
has made every Pinoy around the world proud, including President
Gloria Arroyo who said that Manny continues to be the country's hero
and the bearer of the Filipino dream. Manila City too, is preparing a
grandiose welcome for the boxing hero. Manny could not thank every
one who prayed and cheered for him enough. He can't wait to return
home and share his win with his kababayans. He's also excited to see
his daughter, Mary Divine Grace, for the very first time.

Article source:www.ABS-CBN.com

SINO ANG TATAPOS???

Dont miss the much awaited event of the year.


Isa lang ang tanong ng bayan...
SINO ANG TATAPOS???

GMA 7 VS. ABS-CBN + AGB-NMR

Letter from ABS-CBN

Greetings from ABS-CBN!

In the past few days, you might have come across a letter signed by a GMA Marketing and
Productions executive addressed to clients -advertisers and agencies like yourselves.
This letter challenges theintegrity and professionalism of AGB-Nielsen Media Research,
theindustry's ratings provider, and ABS-CBN, the country's leading broadcasting group.

In the face of a rambunctious competitor over the last few years,we have opted to
keep our silence, choosing instead to focus on improving our content and enhancing
our service to our clients. We believe that you, our valued clients, have been witness
to the fruits of our efforts in improving our hold over our audience and bringing delight
to you through our efforts to give client-oriented servicing.

However, given this letter that directly questions our company's integrity we believe
that it is time for us to respond.

On The Issue of Cable vs. Non-Cable Ratings
Our competitor has raised the issue of the difference between cable and non-cable
ratings saying they find it difficult to believe that there would be such a big difference
in the viewing of programs in households from these two groups.

Their lack of understanding comes from their stubborn assumption that there are no
differences in the situation of viewers whether they come from cable or non-cable homes.

There are many demographic and other variables that make the situation of viewers from
cable different from those of non-cable homes. We would also like to add, that similarly,
there are differences in the situation of viewers from Metro Manila and the Suburbs.

One of the significant differences that define cable or non-cable and Metro Manila or
Suburbs viewers has to do with the low-band frequency of ABS-CBN. The signal of ABS-CBN
goes through Channel 2,this is the lowest among low- band channels. All Channels from 2 to
6, because of their low-band frequency are vulnerable to noise such as those generated by
use of electricity and telecommunications activity. Noise generated does not generally
interfere as much with the reception in areas in Metro Manila which are closer to our
transmission tower, but they interfere with reception (making it snowy or distorted)
in areas further away such as the suburbs. With the increased use of electricity and
telecommunication equipment in the past few years, the noise generated has become
significant. Thus you will note that ABS-CBN performs significantly better in Metro Manila
than in the Suburbs.

Even in Metro Manila given its size, the reception of Channel 2 is not completely immune
to noise, especially houses located in the fringes (north and south). However, among cable
homes, the connection through cable, takes away the vulnerability of ABS-CBN's reception
from noise, especially in instances when ABS-CBN is assigned to a channel 8 (in Destiny,
ABS-CBN is still assigned to a low-band channel 6). Thus, among cable homes, the playing
field is level - ABS-CBN's reception is equal to that of any high-band channel. With a
level playing field - the only variable now becomes quality of content.

In Metro Manila where the handicap of a low-band channel is not as great as the suburbs,
you can see our performing significantly better than in the suburbs. Among Cable homes
where the playing field is level - you see the proof of our superior content.

We have always known that given our single mindedness in improving our content,
our performance will shine on a level playing field. We see this also in Iloilo City.
For many years in the past, we have lost to competition in Iloilo because the signal
reaching Iloilo came from Bacolod, making it weak and putting us at a disadvantage in
terms of reception quality. However, once we put up our transmitter in Iloilo in the
4th quarter of 2004, we quickly dominated the area.

What ABS-CBN is Doing About Issue of Reception

The issue on ABS-CBN reception is limited to areas that are serviced by our Metro Manila
transmission tower. These are basically fringes of Metro Manila and the suburbs.
However, outside these areas where we have relay stations and local transmission towers,
we perform very well.

We have both short term and long term plans to address the issue of reception in the
fringes of Metro Manila and the Suburbs. We have done communication campaigns for
correct antennas.You will have noted our plugs for "Baron" antennas. These types of
antennas address the noise issue and give us level playing field. We have done antenna
drives (even given free antennas) in some areas. However, the long term solution to our
reception issue will come from our introduction of Digital TV. We will be introducing
Digital TV starting next year.Under this platform,the issue of reception will become moot.

On ABS-CBN Having Prior Knowledge of Ratings

Our competitor alludes to a text message sent out by one of our Sales Executives to a
few friends that seemed to indicate that we have prior knowledge of ratings.

The ABS-CBN executive did NOT have prior knowledge of the overnight ratings for
October 4.The executive sent an informal (not an ABS-CBN release) text to a few agency
friends on Thursday (Oct. 5).Inadvertently thinking that both Tuesday and Wednesday ratings
wereout, she referred to the data on hand as ratings for Tuesday and Wednesday. For the
record,the only data available on Thursday was data from October 3 (Tuesday).
The Wednesday and Thursday numbers came out on Friday (Oct. 6).
There was no advance information. No mole unfairly leaking ratings results to us.
The Sales Executive has already apologized profusely for her mistake, which inadvertently
seems to have led to such an irrational response.

Issues with AGB-Nielsen Media Research Our competitor raises the question of over sampling of
homes defined by certain demographic variables including cable homes. The AGB-Nielsen Media
Research panel over samples the AB and C homes in order to allow advertisers targeting the upper
and middle class ability to plan their media campaigns adequately. Because of over sampling for
the upper and middle class, there is in effect over sampling of cable homes since the incidence
of cable subscription is higher among these classes.

Over sampling based on some key demographic variables, as long as there is proper
downweighting upon data processing to correct it, is an acceptable statistical practice.
The core sampling design that went into the establishment of this panel was approved by
the industry's Television Research Council (TVRC).

We too have our issues with AGB-Nielsen Media Research. But when we have issues,
we discuss these with them and show them solid analysis to support our claims. Almost a
year ago, we approached AGB with proof, based on a credible third party research, that their
Cebu panel was no longer showing results that represent the truth. They made their own
independent checkand survey. Upon establishing that not so ideal actions from another
party resulted to their panelsno longer representing reality, they closed down their provincial
panels. They have since put up anew panel in Cebu, and among those of you who have seen the
results from their new panel in Cebu,you will see proof that ABS-CBN has never lost its dominance
in Cebu.

We have other issues with AGB-Nielsen Media Research and we continue to discuss these
withthem. We do not believe though that a hysterical response will better resolve issues
thananalytical discussions.

We know that not all our issues with AGB-Nielsen Media Research might be resolved, and
wehave in fact been the first to sign up with another third party for national TV ratings.
If we had a mole in AGB,we would not have initiated the entry of another TV ratings provider.

ABS-CBN Focused on Improving Content and Better Service

Over the last few years, we have listened to our audience more, tried to understand them
better, and improved our content.

In Metro Manila, where our reception handicap is not substantial, you will see the great
strides we have made given the response of our audience. We lead in the rest of the Philippines.

We have also gone back to solid/fundamental programming - providing our audience with
programs that make them feel, look inside themselves, think about their values and celebrate
their humanity.You will see this in the breadth of our offering which is aligned with our
mission to Serve the Filipinos and not pander to their escapist tendencies.

Look at what we have achieved. We are competitive among the highly sought after female
20+ who affirm themselves and their values with such powerful offerings like Bituing Walang
Ningning,Sa Piling Mo,Maging Sino Ka Man and MMK. Filipinos from all walks of life find embracive
acceptancein Wowowee. We are helping raise better children by bringing value laden programs
like Wansapanatym,Noypi, Super Inggo and Pedro Penduko. Young and old examine themselves
through lives reflected inPinoy Big Brother and Pinoy Dream Academy and find thrill in seeing
people test their limits in game shows like Pilipinas Game Ka Na Ba and Kapamilya Deal or
No Deal.Empowered males (who are more likely employed) respond favorably to empowering
Current Affairs shows like XXX and SOCO and content driven news programs like
TV Patrol World and Bandila.

And we have achieved all these because our will to serve is guided by our principles of
Honesty, Integrity and Professionalism, and supported by our value of Partnership.

Our valued clients, we continue to affirm our commitment to service - to the Filipino People
and to you.
We in ABS-CBN take our values seriously. We can do no less for we are the network -
In the Service of the Filipino Worldwide.

Maraming Salamat po.

Very truly yours,

JOSE AGUSTIN C. BENITEZ, JR.
Head, ABS-CBN Channel 2 Sales

-------

Letter from AGB Nielsen Media Research

November 3, 2006

To our valued partners in the industry:

In a letter dated 16 October 2006 sent to advertisers and media agencies,
GMA Marketing & Productions President & COO Mr. Manuel P. Quiogue expressed GMA's
"critical concerns" about our television ratings data.

The focus of GMA's "critical concerns" was the big difference in the viewing of certain
GMA programs between cable and non-cable viewers and between Sky Cable/Home Cable
subscribers and other cable companies' subscribers.

Time and again, we have explained to GMA what we think are the possible causes of the
aforesaid difference in viewership. As early as 2003, we gave our response to the Television
Research Council which managed the study for the industry and gave its own response to GMA.

We even consulted GMA in 2005, along with other partners in the industry, when we set up
a new audience measurement panel for Mega Manila following the merger with Nielsen Media
Research. Significantly, even after 100% of all cable panels were replaced, the data differences
for cable viewing remained approximately the same.

Understandably, there will be occasions when not everyone will be pleased with our TV audience
measurement results; some will be very disappointed. But on other occasions our broadcaster
clients can bevery happy with the ratings data. Interestingly, those same broadcasters never
question the results when their programs perform well.

" We stand by the integrity of our data. AGB Nielsen Media Research
abides by the Global Guidelines in TV Audience Measurement (GGTAM)
endorsed by expert practitioners in television audience measurement
worldwide. Our reputation as the world leader in TAM has been built
on a commitment to independence, reliability and transparency. We
will not change our data to assuage the concerns or suit the needs of
any client."

Mr. Quiogue's letter stated there was "cause for alarm" and referred to a text message
allegedly sent by an ABS-CBN sales executive reporting, even before we released our Oct. 4
data, that ABS-CBN's programs beat those of GMA's. In his letter, Mr. Quiogue claimed:

"Interestingly, when the ratings for Wednesday were released two days laterwe were
surprised to see that the ratings cited by the ABS-CBNsales executive were substantially
correct."

As subscribers to the same data, you can validate for yourselves GMA's claim. I reiterate
and confirm what I said in my email reply to Mr. Quiogue, and I quote: "ABS-CBN's claim
that they have the October 4 data is absolutely false as we haven't released any data yet
and have only started to produce it today."

As you may know, we launched the AGB Nielsen Media Research NUTAM service on
26 October 2006-the same day GMA's letter (dated 16 October 2006) was reportedly sent to
advertisers and media agencies.

The NUTAM (National Urban TV Audience Measurement) service provides the industry
with an expanded panel across 90% of the national urban regions of the Philippines, which
effectively gives its users a clear picture of viewing outside Metro Manila. This changes the
television landscape and the manner in which advertisers will allocate their TV investments to
achieve cost efficiency and maximize reach. With this larger geographical measurement
coverage, a greater level of accountability and confidence in television as a primary advertising
medium is achieved.

The NUTAM service is a testament to our steadfast commitment to deliver an improved
television audience measurement service. It ensures that the advertising industry in the
Philippines benefits from the world's best practice in TAM research.

We measure, and report. Nothing more, nothing less.

AGB Nielsen Media Research will protect and defend its reputation to the full extent
of the law.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

MAYA F. REFORMA
General Manager
AGB Nielsen Media Research Phils. Inc.