Okay, round two on this topic-baby.
As mentioned in my very first post, the early Philippino newspapers were meant to modernize the islands' inhabitants. But as the newspapers grew to aid Filipinos in reading and writing in English, the English-only papers were geared toward the American businessmen.
The pivotal role of the media, I think, is divided much like the United States. While papers such as the
The Manila Times informs the Filipino public of newsworthy items, a giant fascination with movies, celebrities, and brand names exist among the islands.
One example of the media delving into relevant stories is a show called "Imbestigador." This serious and investigative program tackles topical issues such as socail networking, corruption, and prostitution in the Philippines.
(If you find it difficult trying to understand the youtube video, you are not alone. Basically, this segment revolves around consequences of the social networking site, Friendster, being hacked. Some users have had thier passwords changed, messages edited, and personal information accessed.)
On the other hand, Hollywood and popular music has a strong foothold in Phlippino culture. For almost every popular television show in the United States, be it American Idol or Ugly Betty, there is a Pinoy version probably roaming out there somewhere.
It's a little sad, I think, but it is popular. And I can't say much for this performance, but, hey, those EB Babes are pretty attractice: