Twist and Shout!

DAY 5- July 13, 2010

Week 2

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“Twist and Shout” is a musical game show hosted by Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera on ABS-CBN. It has different obstacles that were situated to distract the contestants while singing. The said program received good ratings for exposing the most natural expressions of the featured artists on the show.

Since the Public Relations Department of ABS-CBN is responsible for establishing rapport with the press people and prospective advertisers, Sir Jan (PR writer) immediately responded to the request of The Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) for the show’s candid photos. PDI said that they will publish it for the article they made about “Twist and Shout”.

This has paved the way for me to be an “official photographer”. “,) I was tasked to cover the taping of “Twist and Shout” to air on July 17 and 18, 2010. Little did I know that I would have to cover it by myself because Sir Ryan (Corp Comm Photographer) was absent on that day. The next thing I knew, I was already in the studio holding the department’s Canon DSLR . ",)

Sir Jan (my immediate head) introduced me to the staff of the show and to some artists who were already in the studio to rehearse their song pieces. I was able to meet The Pilipinas Got Talent finalists including, Kaye of Ezra Band, Sherwin Baguion, Ingrid and Markki Stroem. It was an “artista overload” for me, but the most memorable part was that I finally saw Martin and Gary V live on the stage and just a few centimetres away from me.

The taping ran from 1:00-9:00 PM, rehearsals and breaks are already included. Between the gaps, the audience are instructed on how they can win the same price the guests would bring home. The audience also have a chance to win cash while watching the show live. When the first episode was finished, there was a 1 hour break allotted for the audience to leave the studio while the utility cleaned the area and restored some props. During this time, I assisted Tita Chips (field cashier of “Twist and Shout”) who is responsible for the monetary concerns of the said show. She documented the winners for the episode. As Tita Chips opened her bag, I was able to see the bundles of money that were in it. OMG. Buti hindi siya nahohold-up :D

Moving on, I felt more relaxed and more at home during the taping of the second episode. By that time, I already know where to place myself without thinking if the camera might pan on my side. Good thing the staff were kind enough to make me join them on their perfect spot, the ideal place for me to take nice shots.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take picture with Gary V because after the second episode he already left. So just to satisfy my desire to have a picture taken with an artist, I just asked for a picture with Markki Stroem. I would like to admit he is more admirable in person because he’s so down to earth and he has a really nice body. I super liked when he changed his shirt off-cam, I witnessed how the audience stared at him while he’s taking his shirt off. Cheers to the abs! :D

P.S. As much as I wanted to brag about my performance as a photographer, the "amateur" pictures I have taken were at the department's DSLR. I will try to get a copy from my boss so I can officially brag about it. HAHAHA!! :D