Coincidence Or Fate

The question whether OST Dreamers winning it big in Tawag Ng Tanghalan is a "coincidence" or "fate" is making the rounds among  It's Showtime TNT-niatics and music connoisseurs.

Well, I don't blame some people for talking about it, and let us give credit to It's Showtime think tank for doing a good job planting some mental or psychological mumbo-jumbo (I know they didnt do it on purpose) when OST Dreamers (Avery Lagoring and Christian Tibayan) in the TNT  Duet 2 teaser caught the bouquet thrown by outgoing champions (JM de la Cerna and MarielleMontelano). Parang ugaling Pinoy sa mga weddings.

Again, was catching the bouquet a coincidence, or was it fate giving signs that Avery and Christian would be the next champions? 

Was their win written in the stars - predestined, fated, unchangeable, and beyond anybody's control? Does it have astrological coloring ... or was it influenced by cosmic and celestial bodies?

A lot of people, even at home, joined the bandwagon of pure speculation. My friend has already attached special meaning to it when she saw Avery catching the bouquet at the show's promotion ... and now that the duo won ...she was too proud to point that out, "See ... ayaw lang ninyo maniwala. Tinawag ninyo pa akong superstitious."

The question of whether an event is a "coincidence" or "fate" refers to the human tendency to interpret unexpected, meaningful, or highly significant events. It explores the boundaries and the yardstick that separates RANDOM CHANCE and PREDETERMINED DESIGN.

To define the two ... Coincidence refers to a remarkable, accidental, or unplanned alignment of events without a direct causal connection. It is a situation in which events happen in a way that is not planned or expected.

Fate implies that the event was predetermined, inevitable, and guided by a higher power or cosmic purpose, regardless of actions taken.

To know the difference ... if you view an event as having a deeper, meaningful, or inevitable purpose, you call it FATE. If you view it as a random,, unexpected, or uncaused event, you call it a COINCIDENCE. 

My inquisitive friend asked me (makulit talaga) kung ano ang tawag sa mga taong may predisposition to question whether the event (just like OST Dreamers winning TNT) is a coincidence or fate.

Well, these people are not actually astrology or horoscope zealots ... nor are they superstitious ... nor are they the occult diehards - the ghastly, the grisly, and the gruesome. 

Google has these categories:

1. Fatalist - They believe that everything that happens is already decided and inevitable, often leading to their sense of acceptance.

2. Believers in Synchronicity - Coined by Carl Jung, this refers to those who view meaningful coincidences as connections between the inner and outer world, hinting at a larger purpose.

3. Intuitive Pattern Seekers - Psychologically, this tendency is often linked to "patternicity" or "apophenia"—the human brain’s inclination to find meaning, patterns, and connections in random events to make sense of the world.

4. Spiritually Or Religious Inclined -  Many interpret strange happenings as signs of a greater power at work. 

Going back to TNT, the finalists were world-class and first-rate singers and performers.

I love the OST Dreamers - Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-ibig (humihikbi at nagmamakaawa), Jezzian - Bawat Daan (puso at tinig na palaban), Pangmala-COUSIN (just superior and phenomenal)

Too bad Dugong Bughaw -Miah Tiangco and Eunice Encarnada didn't advance to the top three. Their rendition of Banal Na Aso ... Santong Kabayo defies gravity. In my book, they could have tied for third place.

Kiko Learns His Lesson

"You are the richest man in the country, and you still want more?"

Minsan napatulala na lang ako sa mga points of view and lines of reasoning ni MeowMeow. For a young congressman, I was astounded and taken aback. A person of his age could think that way, compared to ordinary mortals who often fall short and are reluctant to express their thoughts. He never fails to deliver that 1-2-3 punch - powerful rhetoric that aims to strike at the jugular.

Kiko Barzaga no doubt is a chip off an old block ... his father was Elpidio Barzaga, who also served as Congressman for Cavite's Fourth District. He was a prominent critic of ABS-CBN during the 2020 congressional hearings and voted to deny the network its new franchise.

He was fiery, scorching, and unrelenting in his diatribes and criticisms, and his efforts played a significant role in the legislative process that led to the non-renewal of the network's permit.

Kiko, on the same breath, bears a resemblance to his father in character and temperament. But unlike his father, he borders on being reckless and impulsive (he bites someone's head off and jumps someone's throat ... and acts/speaks on impulse without thinking of the repercussions and the rationality of his actions.

Telling Enrique Razon if he still wants more money despite being one of the richest men in the country is the height of disrespect. Nobody has dragged the Razon's name through filth except him. It is RECKLESS and IMPRUDENT.

Somebody even thought that was reckless imprudence, as he thought what he said was just harmless, innocent statements devoid of malice.

But he was careless, as if acting with impunity, thinking he would go scot-free and consequence-free despite his wanton disregard for potential backlash that might happen.

He did not even blink when he said that to the Enrique Razon... of all people. He was calmly unfazed, almost similar to PRRD, saying, "God is stupid" in a televised speech. Parang nagmamalaki pa.

Kiko Barzaga was oblivious of what was going on. He did not even have a clue what his statements were, and doesn't have any iota of understanding of the concept of DAMAGES, and even confused it with GREED.

Kiko has not realized that he has unintentionally HARMED, HURT, and INJURED the man ... he thought he was just playing around ... as he makes Congress his playground.

To Kiko, the 100 million worth of damages was made not because the Razons want to milk him dry. Nor they want his money to make themselves rich. Si Kiko na rin ang nagsabi na mayaman na sila. So they do not need his money ... dahil umaapaw na ang kanilang kaban.

So it will be clear to Kiko ... damages are awarded to set an example (exemplary damages) or are meant to punish misconduct and deter others from doing similar actions (punitive damages) or punish egregious behavior, and dissuade the defendant and others from repeating it (corrective damages).

Moral damages, on the other hand, are monetary compensation awarded for non-material and intangible injuries, and that includes mental anguish, emotional suffering, wounded feelings, damaged reputation, social humiliation, fright, and anxiety, aiming to restore the person's balance and well-being.

Kung feeling ni Kiko nahuthutan siya ng milyones perish the thought. Hindi siya pinabayad para yayaman ang biktima niya. Hindi rin ito pampalubag loob or for appeasement. Far from that.

Hindi man lang siya nagiisip at putak lang siya ng putak ... at hindi man lang sumagi sa isip niya na may mga tao na siyang nasaktan. May punishment para diyan kung hindi pa siya aware.

At kung pinagbabayad man siya ...yon ay para matuto siya sa mga maling ginawa niya ... na sana'y hindi na niya ito uulitin.

Kung malaki ang 100 milyon sa kanya ... why don't he ask himself ...baka naman malaki, matindi at grabe talaga ang ginawa niya.

Lastly, the damages are awarded to remind him of his excesses na sana makapagbigay ito ng leksyon sa kanya... isang malungkot na alaala na minsa'y inabuso niya ang kanyang kapangyarihan at wala siyang keber kung may natapakan man siya or nasaktan.

It's A Tie at It's Showtime

It's Showtime has done the unthinkable ... again. They have done it several times in the past ... where there are two winners (the judges can't make up their minds who is better among the two equally excellent candidates). 

In TNT Duets 2, history repeats because there was another tie (Thor and Pia for TNT Best Mate and Jezza and Ian for Jezzian) ...an excuse for the judges' inability to show balls to render a verdict ... or was it because they feared a possible backlash when the aggrieved party and their supporters start showing their fangs in social media. 

Or was it because fair lang sila, and rendering a tie-verdict shows Ex aequo et bono, a Latin phrase meaning "from equity and good conscience, they decide to make a tie based on what seems right and equitable.

" Is that really possible?" my friends were asking... "That, after two long months of search, everything will just end in a paralyzing deadlock or stalemate?" Wala bang nakakaungos or namumukod tangi sa dalawang magaling na duo... at kailangan humantong tayo sa walang kamatayang ... "Its a tie!"

Or was this just some kind of a promotional gimmick (a clever attention-grabbing trick or quirky ideas in marketing to make the show stand out from its competitors, attract publicity, and boost patronage)? 

Dahil TNT-niatics kami, whatever reasons they have, we give them our support ...  we applaud the ploy because it is working as they have created an instant buzz. Others may think it is cheap or flashy ... but these tactics aim to get people talking, and that's what we are doing now.

Besides, I am the type of person who generally accommodates everyone: Give everybody the chance and the much-needed exposure, and more money to earn. The more the merrier ika nga. But come Saturday, which is the final day of the competition... dapat isa lang ang winner and others will just settle for runner-up spots.

Makulit talaga itong kasama namin at nagtanong na naman. Puede ba yong dalawa ang manalo? May historical precedence ba ito?

Yes, it is possible to have two winners, though this is typically rare and depends on the specific rules of the competition. 

In TIE and TIGHT situations... while many major competitions use tie-breaking rules to ensure a single champion ... some may choose not to break a tie, resulting in dual winners.

Some singing competitions in America mandate a "sing-off" where tied contestants perform a new song to determine the final winner, like Sing Off at NBC. 

American Idol did the same in its maiden production, where Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini sang "A Moment Like This" as coronation singles, not necessarily to determine the winner.

May historical precedence ba? Yes, there is. The 1969 Eurovision Song Contest famously ended in a four-way tie for first place among France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Since no rule for a tie-break was in place at the time, all four countries were declared joint winners.

The Philippines Madrigal Singers hold the unique distinction of being the first choir in the world to win this specific Grand Prix twice, in 1997 and 2007. This isn't multiple winners in a single event, but a historical precedent of a group winning a major title multiple times.

In today's era ... for major reality TV franchises, the format is almost always designed to produce a single, definitive winner, often determined by public voting, which naturally prevents a tie. Thanks to that.

In the event of extremely close results, rules usually dictate a specific tie-breaking mechanism rather than declaring multiple winners.

Going Viral

Making a viral post happens only once in a blue moon - meaning it happens very rarely or almost never. It is infrequent and uncommon, emphasizing its scarcity.

Being a blogger, writing, and communicating what's in my mind has been my business since time immemorial. And I have to admit that it is a hit or miss thing ... mostly my wins are few and far between ... or should I say erratic ... and sporadic?

So when yesterday's post: Interesting Discussion In Tawag Ng Tanghalan did a merry tinkling in the audience response (views 275,465, interaction - 786, reactions - 511, shares 108, comments - 79), it was heartening, comforting, and rewarding all at the same time.

This is the second time I have experienced engagement of this magnitude ... so pardon the euphoria. It is intoxicating.

I usually average 2000 views per post, and I am already jubilant with that. During lean days, it can even go below 1000, and it is in these moments that I ask myself ... what am I doing? Am I just wasting my time here?

A dismal flop in readers' support can be frustrating. The only consolation I have that keeps me going is the realization that writing makes me happy, it gives me some sense of fulfillment ... and it has a cathartic effect (a kind of release) on me.

Besides, once you have the printer's ink in your blood (no matter how lukewarm the reader's response was), you're hooked.

Indeed, I love writing, and it is that passion that makes it deeply personal and becomes a permanent part of my identity. I described it as some kind of a vocation rather than just a job.

The question now is ... if there is a tested recipe to entice my target audience to look and see if there is more than meets the eye in my posts? It is kind of crazy, but is there a surefire formula to maintain the quality of my post while also luring readers to peek and see what's inside?

Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed prescription to make the post go viral all the time.

Virality (mushrooming and amplifying a post) often involves a mix of strategy, creativity, and an element of luck or "right place, right time" that is difficult to predict.

However, experts say, there are several key elements and best practices that can significantly increase the chances of your content being widely shared:

Evoke Strong Emotions: Content that sparks intense emotions like joy, surprise, awe, inspiration, or even anger is far more likely to be shared. People share what they care about.

Highly Relatable and Authentic: Content that connects with people's everyday experiences, struggles, or desires performs well. Authenticity often beats high production quality.

Provide Value: The post should offer something useful, whether it's entertainment, practical information (life hacks, tips), or a unique insight that makes the viewer feel smart for sharing it (social currency).

Visually Engaging: In a fast-paced online environment, high-quality images, short-form videos, infographics, and memes capture attention more effectively than plain text. Visual hooks are crucial within the first few seconds.

Easy to Consume and Share: Content should be simple, with a clear and concise message. Ensure that share buttons are prominent and the process for sharing is seamless.

Leverage Current Trends: Tapping into trending topics, challenges, or memes can give your content an initial boost in visibility, provided it aligns with your brand's voice.

Strategic Timing and Promotion: Posting when your target audience is most active and using relevant hashtags can help the content get initial traction. Collaborating with influencers can also help amplify your reach.

Encourage Interaction: Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) that invites users to comment, share, or participate (e.g., "tag a friend," "let us know in the comments"). Responding to comments fuels further engagement.

Ultimately, the best approach is to focus on consistently creating quality, audience-focused content and use data analytics to refine your strategy over time.

Each post is an opportunity to learn what resonates with your specific community.

Interesting Discusiion InTawag Ng Tanghalan

In the final week of Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets 2, a lively discussion ensued between the hosts and the judges. 

It all started with the judges' comments that seemed vague to some of the hosts. Para silang urong sulong kasi ... parang hindi malaman kung pupurihin ang performance ... tapos may mga reservations pala. Listen to them.

-Darren Espanto- "What a great performance. It's a great way to kick off our competition today. Kaya lang may hinahanap kami ... parang may kulang?"

-Ogie Alcasid - "Magaling sila individually ... pero yong harmony ninyo in some part parang bungi. You were in tune pero naghahanap pa yata ako ng more cohesive blending."

- Nyoy Volante - "I want you to know it was amazing, at hindi MALI ang blending ninyo, Yong blending ninyo tama yon .. pero doon sa harmony sana may nahanap kayong tama sa chord. It could be a lot better."

-JM Ypsures - Yong vocal exhibition ninyo is excellent all throughout. There were excellent moments ...yon lang, certain parts did not peak for me. Hindi ko alam kung kailan matapos or mag-end."

-Bituin Escalante - "I agree with them ... although minus one ang issue ko. Iba na kasi sa original. Mahirap hanapan yong hinihingi nating chords at nagclash sa areglo. Pero itinawid ninyo dahil sa commitment ninyo sa konsepto ninyo. Strength ninyo yan."

The comments, however, draw some intelligent reactions from the hosts and start asking the judges: Ano kaya ang reaction ng mga candidates kung makarinig sila ng mga comments like:

a. may mga hinahanap ang mga hurado na hindi nila nakita.

b. hindi mali ... pero parang may kulang

c. it's amazing ... but ...

Were the judges looking for a better execution? Nyoy volunteered to answer that. He said, "Kunyari may adobo tayo. Tapo kinain natin with tinapay. Hindi naman siya mali (yong kainin ang adobo with tinapay). Pero kung kainin mo siya with kanin ... yon ang perfect." Swak na swak.

The question remains:"Possible bang amazing ang isang performance pero parang something is off"? Tapos nanganganak pa ang mga tanong: "Kung titingnan mo ang audience parang solb-na-solb naman sila sa performance ... ano ba ang pagkaibang pananaw nila ikumpara sa audience.

Yes, a performance can be amazing to an audience, while the judges find something lacking. This discrepancy often stems from the different lenses through which lay persons and professionals view the same event. 

Common reasons for this mismatch, experts say, include:

1. Technical Precision vs. Emotional Impact

• The "Flawless but Empty" Trap: A performer may hit every note or step perfectly, but judges may feel it lacks a "soul" or deep emotional connection.
• Technical Blind Spots: Audiences are often swept up by charisma and stage presence, whereas judges focus on minute technical details like pitch accuracy, breath control, or specialized techniques. 

2. Predictability and Innovation

• The "Seen It Before" Effect: Judges who have seen hundreds of similar acts may find a standard great performance predictable. They often look for creative, innovative elements or unique interpretations that set a performer apart.
• Depth of Character: In acting, judges look beyond just memorizing lines to see if a performer has added layers and "human" depth to a role. 

3. Professional Standards and Nuance

• Strict Criteria: Judges use specific rubrics covering categories such as fidelity to the original work, use of space, and professional conduct (e.g., maintaining character during technical glitches)
• Visual Bias: Research suggests that even expert judges can be subconsciously swayed by visual cues (passion, involvement) over purely auditory quality in music competitions.
• The "Total Package": In competitions like pageants, judges look for a combination of values, poise, and potential for future impact that goes beyond just the immediate performance. 

Gaya gaya ... Puto Maya?

The biggest irony.

The Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was arrested by the Philippine National Police and Interpol in Operation Pursuit under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant charging him with CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY related to thousands of deaths being linked to the Philippine drug war.

The DDS army of trolls responded that Bongbong Marcos can also be charged with the same - CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY by virtue of the hundreds of deaths associated with flood control project scams. Haaaah?

Ano yan gaya-gaya puto maya?

Because you thirst for retributive justice and reprisal, bakit hindi kayo magreklamo sa ICC mga iho at mga ineng? 

Diyan ninyo mapatunayan if ICC and you are on the same page, and read the situation the same way as you do?

__________________________________________

Note: Ang "Gaya-gaya, Puto Maya" ay isang lumang kasabihang Tagalog na ginagamit para tuksuhin ang isang taong nanggagaya o nangongopya ng kilos, salita, o istilo ng iba.

Puede ring mangyari ito sa isang vindictive na tao.Katulad ng example sa itaas dahil napatungan ang ulo ni PRRD ng crimes against humanity... gusto rin ng DDS trolls ganoon din ang maging parusa at hatol kay BBM.  

Ang "gaya-gaya" ay tumutukoy sa panggagaya, samantalang ang "puto maya" (isang uri ng sticky rice cake) ay ginamit bilang halimbawa ng isang bagay na tila "ginaya" ... however they end up being the cheaper version ng isang mas kilalang puto.

No Work ... Di Ba Dapat No Pay?

The No Work No Pay Brawl had been plaguing the Senate as of late. Senator Bato de la Rosa was in the eye of the storm because of his continued absence (he has not attended Senate sessions and has not made any public appearance for sixty days now).

This prompted Senate President Tito Sotto to issue a statement that he could not force de la Rosa to attend sessions despite his prolonged absence.

The names of Senator Antonio Trillanes and Senator Leila de Lima were dragged into controversy when Tito Sen compared de la Rosa's situation to the former senators.

Tito Sen is both right and wrong when he made his observation. He was RIGHT because the three can't be physically present in Senate sessions because of their situations. 

Tama nga naman siya ... bakit nga ba niya pipilitin si Bato na pumasok kung gusto niya magtago ... aber?

And he was WRONG because of the individual reasons that prevent them from attending the plenary and other Senate discussions.

While the observable circumstances or outcomes for the three senators are identical, the underlying causes, motivations, and explanations why they were absent were different.

For Senator Bato ... he was obviously running away from the possible arrest by the ICC. 

On the other hand, Leila de Lima was unable to physically attend Senate sessions because she was detained over bogus charges filed during the Duterte administration. While Sen Tri was detained for sedition and obstruction of justice.

The second difference (so Tito Sen will understand) was that for Bato ... he had thought of making himself scarce and incommunicado from the get-go (he even made jokes about playing hide and seek after PRRD's arrest). 

He had thought of this a long time ago, that whenever the arrest is almost at hand ... and if he were made to choose between FIGHT and FLIGHT ... his only choice was to escape. Detention was never an option for him.

For de Lima and Trillanes, they were held captive right away.

The third difference is the typical DDS hallmark - resisting arrest ... a crime that prevents a law enforcement officer from making a lawful arrest, like fleeing(Harry Roque in Hague, Zaldy Co, possibly in Europe or Asia, Arnie Teves in Timor-Leste after his repatriation.

For de Lima and Trillanes... there's no such resistance.

And the fourth difference ... for Bato he was completely out of touch and is not willing to communicate. 

On the other hand, de Lima and Trillanes... were able to keep their offices running through their staff while they were detained.

Leila also requested permission to attend plenary sessions and committee hearings online during the pandemic, but the Senate majority denied her request.

But one thing is sure: Detention was not a hindrance for them para hindi magtrabaho. Proof of that was that they were able to file some bills na naging batas.

That alone is clear evidence of work... and their intent to work.

Si Bato naman ... wala pa nga sa detention ... the moment na marinig niya and rumor of his potentiasl arrest ... kumaripas na at nagtakbo leaving his office in limbo. Hindi nga malaman kung babalik pa?

The sad thing ... nagtatago na nga ... pero may sweldo ha. Saan ka makakita nang ganyan?

Only in the Philippines.