janep.org | the singapore and sydney blog

penny October 7th, 2007

[Pen editing so the post makes much more sense]
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I didn’t think I’d get used to Aussie tellie (shortened form of television). I guess it’s mostly because it’s a lot like british programming? We Pinoys had our bit of Benny Hill and Mr Bean at home, so the humor can be a bit familiar. But not all of it is of that tone of humor, don’t get me wrong!

I have here a bit of commentary on some Aussie shows I get to watch sometimes on the tellie [I wish I could just get used to the shortening of words, "bogan" as Ali calls it. I love hearing them talk that way hehe] I know I shouldn’t have any time to spare [believe me, I don't!], what with all the work that comes with a phd. But then, guilty pleasure is primetime mindless shows on the tellie. I didn’t do any ‘research’ so I could be talking about ‘franchised’ shows here. Anyhow… If my supervisor sees this list… I am soooo dead [I swear, I don't get to watch them all the time!]

Sunrise - this is a morning show on the Seven Network, much like the Pinoy “Magandang Umaga Bayan” or “Unang Hirit”. There are a couple of other morning shows in the other channels but I’ve seemed to become more familiar and at ease seeing the hosts in this program than others. I can’t seem to exit the flat without a glimpse of the local temperature flashing on their screen folio.

Thank God You’re Here - Channel Ten. a kind of reality bit that challenges comedians to do improv on scenes pre-arranged for them. The first line of every scene is always “Thank God you’re here!… (blah blah)” and the actor would have to figure out what’s going on and do punch lines on the spot. A very clever show.

Rove - Channel Ten. The show is much like Letterman without the band, but plus the host Rove McManus that can be endearing, creepy and addicting. The humor is poppy in a way but then is quite informative especially when I miss watching showbiz news. This is where I heard about the Britney dance and that youTube video with the guy bawling “Leave Britney alone!”

Temptation - Probably the only show worth watching in the Nine Network? I like watching it when I’m stuck alone with dinner, which happens rarely now. Anyhow, it’s one of those game shows that’s fun to answer to and kick in the air towards the contestant’s face when they couldn’t get the answer. The questions are tough though! And the prizes are astounding. Cars, jewelry, trips… Well at least to me they are

Australian Idol - Channel Ten. [shivers] Heavens to Betsy… I never imagined myself to ever be a reality junkie. Actually, I’m not. I only find myself watching a teeny bit of Amazing Race, Survivor and American Idol. But then, it’s about waiting for Mark Holden award a touchdown and Kyle Sandiland chatter like a man-beyatch [again, in an endearing, creepy manner]. And there’s talent too. One thing, and I think I can say the same for all other Idols, it kinda sucks to watch towards the end, coz most of the guys are already quite good singers/performers, and it’s hard to see them get eliminated. And in that sense, it’s too entertaining!

So You Think You Can Dance - Channel Ten. this is just starting out, but I’ve been seeing the American airing and it looks fun! I watched the season with Benji Schwimmer emerging as winner. By next year it’ll be Australians swinging onstage. It’s much like Dancing with the Stars, though they’re not celebrities, but they could be professional dancers I think. The premise is much like Idol, only dancing.

The Chaser’s War on Everything - ABC. A satire that I get more news updates from. When I first watched The War, I was astonished at how vulgar they can be with their politics-bashing. I like the show, but for some reason I just can’t stand Chas. Members of the show are being called to court now for the naughty stunt they pulled on APEC this September 2007. That stunt involved the following: a motorcade, Canada, fake ids and stickers, Osama bin laden.

Rock Wiz [did I spell that right?] - Channel Ten or ABC? I’ve seen this show but once but it was thrilling! Some rock personalities come aboard for a quiz show, and it can be funny and awesome! I love how they go back to the classics, and it’s so fun to relate to the songs of legend!

Of course there are the other tellie series: Prison Break [Seven], House [Ten], Heroes [Seven], Numb3rs [Ten]… and the Simpsons! [Ten]

I’m going to have to settle watching TV shows in little chunks now, especially having missed ALL the premiere episodes in the past several weeks! [AArrrgh!] If only I can let people imagine just how tired I had been each night!? I waited patiently for the premiere of House, only to fall asleep after 10minutes into the episode… on the lounge couch! Bugger…

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Oh let me just add that there is also a Pinoy news broadcast [ABS-CBN] that I try to catch each morning at 6.50am. Though often I miss it either coz I wake up at 7.25 am (the airing ends 7.20) or because I jump in the shower at 6.30 and just forget about it. There is also a Pinoy cooking show on Sunday afternoons, and a Pinoy Music show on Saturday afternoons. Both of these shows are community-based, so they’re not really fancy enough to be noticed easily. But it’s nice to tune in at times, to see some Pinoy skin on Aussie media.

• Rant , Raves , Sydney , TV
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