OK, ok… before I get started on this article I have to admit something. I might as well get it out in the open, before I make a fool of myself. Normally when I am writing an article for this site (or any of my other sites), I try to choose a topic that I know something about. Either something that I already am familiar with, or something that I can research a bit and gain a little knowledge about before I write my article. A lot of times I write about my opinion of a certain topic. In case you were not aware, I am the world’s leading expert on my own opinion! It’s true!
Today is different, though. I want to admit right up front that I am writing about something that I know absolutely nothing about! I am writing about something that I am generally aware of, but it is something which I simply do not understand. The topic is something that I have, in general terms, observed over a few years and still have pretty much zero understanding of. And, I’m still gonna try to write an article about it! (This will be a first!)
So, here it goes.
Are you Kapuso or Kapamilya?
That’s right, you read it right. Are you Kapuso or Kapamilya? Kapuso, which I believe means “Heart” in Tagalog (I know Puso means heart anyway) is the “slogan” or “motto” of GMA TV Network. Kapamilya, which I am quite sure means “Family” in Tagalog (at least I know that “Pamilya” means family in Bisaya) is the “slogan” or “motto” of ABS-CBN TV Network.
Somehow, people in the Philippines go around identifying themselves as Kapuso or Kapamilya. You can’t be neither, as far as I can tell. You really have to align yourself with one Network or the other! It seems that it would be pretty much “unthinkable” to remain unaligned!
So, which network are you? I will tell you at the end of this article where I stand, OK?
It’s kind of funny, though, because from what I can tell, if you are an actor who appears on GMA, you can’t (or should not) appear on ABS-CBN. If you are an actor who appears on ABS-CBN, you can’t (or should not) appear on any shows on GMA.
It all seems strange to me, because where I come from, in the USA, people in show business go on whatever network will have them, no matter what network their show is on. For example, let’s look at today’s king of action – Kiefer Sutherland, “Jack Bauer” on the ultimate action show, “24.” You know, the “beep, beep, beep” guy? OK, 24 is on Fox TV, I believe. (Yep, I just Googled it, 24 is indeed on Fox). But, do you think that Kiefer goes on The Tonight Show (NBC)? How about on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS)? You better believe he goes on both of them!
What about viewers? Lots of people watch 24, right? Well, just as many also watch CSI. But, 24 is Fox, and CSI is CBS. How could you possibly watch both? I mean… If you watch CSI, you ARE CBS, right? You mean you switch channels and watch 24 too? Oh my! Is it legal? Well, OK, I am sure it’s legal, but is it moral? Ethical? Well, in the outside world, switching channels is OK! From what I can tell, though, here in the Philippines you must choose – Kapuso or Kapamilya? I’m not entirely certain, but there might even be a law requiring you to choose, and once you choose you cannot legally switch between stations! Again, I am not entirely certain on this either, but I think that remote controls just may be banned too, because you don’t need a remote control when you can’t legally change channels!
See what I mean? It’s all a very confusing mess. It is also making me wonder. If your parents are Kapuso, can you be Kapamilya? Or, would you need to move out of the house and get your own place if you want the opposite network from your parents? I think it might be. Is there a certain age when you must make the required choice? Certainly, a 2 year old would not be expected to “side up,” right?
Well, where do I fall? I promised I would tell you at the end of the article, right? Well, here it is…. I really don’t care one way or the other! (Is that legal?)
Don’t pay much attention to this. As far as I know, there are no laws on this rivalry. This is really just a bit of humor, poking fun at the whole rivalry! Like I said at the get-go, I really don’t know anything about this anyway. If any of you Filipinos reading this article can explain it all to me, I’d be most grateful!
Hi! Bob,
I think it has something to do w/ their contract, if the actors or actress signed a contract w/ GMA he/she is not allowed to perform outside his/her mother studio.say for eg, they signed a 2 yrs contract w/ GMA so during this period, they're only allowed to perform w/ any GMA show, if they violate this and perform at the same time w/ ABS-CBN, they will liable for prosecution.I think they need to finished their 2 yrs. contract first if they want to switch to another network but until then they need to follow what was specified on their contract. Like CHARICE for eg, when she finished her contract w/ ABS-CBN, she didn't renew her contract coz i think she signed a contract w/ an American network but since she's an international singer now, i think she has some commitment w/ the local network…. and as for your question,i'm not a kapuso or kapamilya either coz i'm outside the country and doesn't care much about the local entertainment industry although i love to hear any news about my country.
Ha ha… of course, I understand that, Wildcat. This article was really meant more of a piece of humor, just kind of laughing at something that I think is just a bit childish! I mean, publicity is publicity, no matter what network it is on! Limiting an actor from promoting his work on other networks is, in my personal opinion, not a very wise thing to do. 😀
Hi Bob
The few rare times I've watched Filipino TV there was some crappy game shows with scantly-clad females holding up score cards. Don't know which channel or show it was, but I don't mind watching it again (just to learn the Filipino language of course 🙂
I'm Kapamilya of course! Seriously though,I think that through local television there's a lot that expats' can learn about the Philippine culture, with the best being language practice, but also popular culture, and the filipino mindset. For me, it's a great window, but it takes some curiosity and patience to see into it. You don't know what you're missing.
Bob
Hmm I don't really get this topic, maybe because I am here in the US. But here I have been known to put the TV on the Spanish channel and turn the volume down so the wife doesn't come a running from the other room. Got to love the scantily clad in any culture. lol
hi Bob,
I've noticed that usually people in the philippines stick to one channel whatever the program. I have noticed as well that in some areas of the country ( Iligan in Mindanao for instance ) GMA is difficult to receive clearly.Personnally I watch lots of filipino television because it helps me progress in tagalog and I must confess taht I got hooked on some soaps (ahhh Marimar…).For news I prefer ABS CBN but both channel more or less offer the same kind of programs.
Ha ha… queenie, you are already a Filipino! Ha ha… Actually, I'm ANC, I like watching the news! But, I guess ANC is part of ABS-CBN.
Hi Neal – Don't worry if you don't get it… you aren't missing much! Ha ha… Scantily clad is usually a good thing, though!
Hi jean louis – I would agree that both stations tend to have very similar programing.
Hi Neal, Why don't you treat your wife, and become a TFC sibscriber.
(The Filipino Channel) You can get a special dish put up, and get Filipino news, movies, and popular shows direct from the Philippines. We have it in the States, so when we're back, we don't miss anything. It really is a lot of fun.
Katipunan ❓
Hi Paul – I don't understand?? What does Katipunan have to do with the TV stations? Maybe I forgot something? As I said, I don't know the subject well!
Gee, here I thought you didn't care one way or another. 😉
Just threw another group in there (beginning with "Ka") dealing with independence and freedom (from having to be either Kapuso or Kapamilya). Guess I shot one a little too high?
I'll take that as a compliment Bob!
Ha ha… I couldn't figure what one had to do with the other! 😉
Well, of course, queenie!
The contractual system reminds me of the old studio system in the US, where an actor/actress was contracted to one studio and could only appear in that studio's films. Unfortunately in the Philippines there is a television duopoly between GMA and ABS-CBN. I think I read somewhere that a standard ABS-CBN/GMA star receives 30,000 pesos to appear in a movie (both GMA and ABS-CBN have film production companies) with a bonus of 100,000 pesos if the movie is a certified 'hit' (wouldn't take that as gospel, just what I read) Good to see some Filipino-Australian stars such as Anne Curtis making it big.
I'm assuming the midday crappy game show is Wowowee. They recently filmed a show in Tagbilaran which had to be called off because the crowd got a bit too boisterous.
Kamusta ka Bob,
I say throw in a good John Wayne DVD, and call it a day…nothing like watching the "Duke"….lol.
I get the jest of this article, and will be interested to see if anyone knows..just for curiosity. I really don't watch much tv anymore, much of my news is from the internet, and as far as local news here, it bores me or saddens me to watch it.
I love that quote of yours though, "I am the world’s leading expert on my own opinion!…that is classic!!!
Ingats, og salamat kaayo,
Danny 🙂
Hi Bob,
Kapuso means for the Heart team.
Kapamilya means for the Family team.
I think they pertain more to the Filipino TV contents. You are excused if you watch imported shows.
Filipinos have the tendency to be irrationally fierce loyalist to a person, group, or a cause, i.e. Noranians, Vilmanians, Sharonians, etc., etc. This buffled me since I was little. Can't fathom why people are so devote to person or celebrity or politician. Pack Animal mentality? who knows.
I think this is also about the tribal psyche. Ilocano, pampagueno, cebuano, davaoweno, etc. etc. have their own fierce loyalties to their own group. I am not sure whether this is good or bad bit One thing for sure. It is a MARKETING PLOY by the big warring network and it is successful. Their focus groups is working hard for the next marketing strategy.
You are quite observant Bob. You are a Filipino now because you have delved into this KAPUSO and KAPAMILYA thing.
Kyrie Eleison!
Toting
Hi foxratpig – Philippine Stars are paid way less than their US counterparts, but they get more than P30k to appear in a movie (I'm talking about the stars of the movie now). Some of the big names get millions of pesos for that.
Hi Danny – Ha ha… I'm glad that you liked the quote. Actually, I stole it! An old talk radio host that I used to listen to years ago used to say that. I always liked it and thought it was a great quote, so I use it from time to time! It is most certainly true!
Hi Toting! Ha ha.. Yes, it is true that Filipinos are a very loyal bunch. They will follow a certain team, food or actor until death if that is what it takes. I think it is more or less and admirable quality!
Gasp! Queeniebee, you are a kapamilya?! I am shocked 🙂 Needless to say, I'm Kapuso. When I watch news, I like more how the news bureau of channel 7 present their news. & I'm not talking about Mike Enriquez's bombastic & folksy delivery of the news. Unlike Ch 2, Ch 7 does not resort to too much angling on news stories & self-aggrandizement. No doubt, Ch 2 has more resources & that's bec they feed too much on what the public wants. Ch 7 however devotes on social issues surrounding the Phil. I love its documentaries like Howie Severino's I-Witness, Jessica Soho Reports, Maki Pulido's Reporter's Notebook etc. Of course, I also watch docu's of channel 2. Watching docus is an excellent way to know the Phil, its social , envirnonmental, cultural –every facet of Filipino life.
The fact Queeniebee that you watch TV in the Phil only proves that you are committed to know the Phil, & its people. I totally abhor Filipinos who think they are above Filipinos who still watch & even subscribe to Fil channels. They think that Filipino TV is nothing but repositories of risque game shows & cheesy telenovelas. Of course, it's not. Yes, there are game shows & telenovelas but you can avoid them like I do. I devour instead all the docus, talk shows political or ok, showbiz & movies. What does that make me? I think that qualifies me as an expert of anything pinoy, pop culture & all as opposed to those pinoys criticizing Fil issues when they are ignorant of issues concerning their kababayans.
KAlokokohan.:-)
Hi Toting, I would think that it's a basic human need to want to belong to a certain group. I noticed Americans are loyal w/ their home teams as well. In Chicago, generation of Cub fans are pitted against generations & life-long White Sox fans.
Hi Bob,
Unfortunately, I am not a fun of any of these networks. I find the noontime shows (that I happen to be subjected to when eating at a Filipino restaurant here in NY) very demeaning and insulting to Filipino women. I feel sorry for the girls who couldn't seem to find better jobs and who allow themselves to become ridiculous spectacles on the show – portrayed as mindless objects strutting their wares.
I wish the Filipino networks could think of interesting shows that don't put women down.
Anyway, on a lighter note, just counting the days when we're back in Davao to enjoy the fresh fruits!!! I will email you details of the party. See you and Feyma soon… 🙂
Sorry, I meant fan… I guess I don't have fun when watching these networks! LOL!
Hi bob,
Neither!. I despise both stations, I subscribed to a TFC for a few months because i want to watch local news but i stopped it later on, why? I am paying for a satellite service which only shows commercials and very little for the program i wanted. can you imagine this, the news last for an hour, there are more commercial breaks than the actual news, 3 minutes of news 5 minutes of commercial breaks then half hour of "artists entertainment news", well i am not interested who got pregnant or who is going to be married, or who will be the next love partner in the movie.
the satellite service is already paid for and the TV stations SHOULD not show any commercial breaks, I didn't pay to watch those commercials. would you pay to see those commercial breaks?
I totally despise wowowee.. they make fun of poor people for a bag of noodles for the worldwide viewer to see.
I would rather watch a primates fornicating in the jungle or a lion killing a gazelle, or an ant marching on a tree trunk than watching tfc or gma programs. lol!
I'm with you Roy, regardless of your choice! I'm bored by "PC" and generic American television and love the Filipino channels in all their wonderful humanity, be they TFC or GMA.
kamusta bob
i guess i never heard of such a thing as this.im a channel surfer so mabe im an outlaw in the filipino culture.shhhhhhhhh dont tell anyone when im there ok,,,,,hahahahaha.were finally going for adjustment of status for my wife on the 26th.been so long coming.
salamat bob
That is very true too, roy!
Hi Tina – Ha ha.. I hear you. Truth is that I don't think that I have watched more than a total of 5 minutes of Wowowee in my life. It bores me. Hope to see you soon!
Hi dans – It's kind of funny… Sometimes I download TV shows from the USA over Bittorrent. From time to time, the TV show will still have a commercial mixed in, although usually there are no commercials. Feyma and I always enjoy it when the commercials were left in, because the US commercials are so different from the Philippine commercials and we feel it kind of gives us a picture of what is going on in the US. 😉
Hi RonW – Ha ha… you haven't sided up yet? Oh my, and you are even admitting to it in a public forum! You're a brave man!
Congrats on the AOS!
Seems you have a lot of time on your hands. You are a funny man Bob. For the record I don't watch TV only DVD movies so what does that make me. Wait don't answer that ha ha ha ha.
Hi Bill – My time is very fully scheduled. I don't watch those Filipino shows, I only observe the culture around me, and know that it is a big issue here.
hi bob,
I don't mind watching commercials IF the TV programs are Free-To-Air and only makes revenue through advertisement but not if you payed to watch the movie.
Hi dans – Yeah, I can understand that. Also, on the shows I am talking about there might be one commercial in it for the entire hour. What you said was that it is half commercials. I wouldn't want to pay for that either!
Queeniebee
We are not really the TV bug type, also my wife says I am a bit of a
"Koreput"
Fortunately as an expat i have an out and don't have to choose since i watch specific programs whatever network or channel they are on . I do watch local news here in CDO on channel 30 because it is in English ( well , at least the announcers use English )and i think that is an ABS – CBN affiliate . Actually no one in my immediate family seems to have a decided preference so maybe they aren't aware of the need to choose . 🙂
Hello Bob,
There’s only one channel in my living room Bob, its TFC. Without TFC I’m miserable hehehehehe… “Kapamilya ni Bai”.
Cheers!
Hi Alan – I like watching the local Davao news too, either ABS-CBN or GMA, it doesn't matter to me. The reason I watch these is because it is in Bisaya, and it's good practice for me! 😉
Ha ha… Ol, Ann… Kapamilya mo!
Hi Bob your humor is showing ! I'm am a EX – Kapamilya, yes that's right, i am boycotting ABS-CBN for asking willie to take a leav of absence for throwing a fit when after he asked the wowwowwee show not to be simulcast with the funeral of President Aquino, which in my opinion was a really sound decision i mean here were oil and water, people having fun laughing and singing and on a split screen there is a very much serious funeral procession being shown, willie if your reading, right on man you have more sence then them unconsious execs at ABS-CBN – rant over – thank you 😉
awww see Bob i thought it is a noble thing for willie to give to the less fortunate as he does, yes the girls bring ratings but it is a fun show like and game show mindless but fun
A correction to my previous post: standard contract, entry level star 300,000 pesos + P1m bonus if hit (I thought my figures were a bit low!) That said it's been reported that Willie Revillame gets something like an estimated $US10m a year… I'm actually writing a screenplay set in the Philippines so I try to keep my head around the finances (the operative word being 'try') Didn't Woweewee get taken off the air for a bit due to a rather infamous 'nipple slip' from one of the Woweewee dancers? haha
Hehehe….funny stuff, and for once a topic I have absolutely no opinion about. What people allways say about me it that I have an opinion about anything, but this one….not really. However my familly is Kapamilya….or at least ABS-CBN is the network that runs 90 of the time when I'm there and they are not on HBO. Guess I am to…but not really sure, maybe because I dont really care – I prefer to watch what shows I like on any network.
However maybe there's something to this observation, that can be found in diolizeing. Whenever I observe pinoys it's like their no. one idol is not really the stars, but the TV itself…it's very important part of modern filippino culture and when reading your article I come to think of the times when it was "Are you Elivs or Cliff" was the natural question to ask, at least here in Europe. Because you could definately not be both. Maybe there's a parallel…Tv is this centurys Filippino Idol and you take a stand with your faveorite network…..maybe…
My best understanding of the rivalry is that both that networks are polar opposites in their political point of view. But as with most things, I could be wrong. I think it boils down to, a few years ago Eat Bulaga was the top daytime TV Show, and then they fired the Sex Bomb Dancer’s because they had the nerve to ask for more money.
Right after that, Willy‘s show Wow-Wow-Wee jumped to number one (and they just suspended him). No election was held, the people voted with their remotes, kinda’ like an EDSA Revolt. There are recorded incidents of drive by Lumpia tossing at both studios; so far no one has been charged with this horrendous action.
Equate it to the U.S. House of Congress (without the Lumpia tossing), they’ll never agree on anything! In my purok if you’re not watching ABS-CBN, you would do well to move. Oh the pressure this causes me!
So Bob we have both commented on a subject we have little knowledge of, and that’s democracy in action Oh! The question, where do I stand? I’ll ask my wife and let you know later.
Hi Michael – Ha ha… so you are an opinionated guy? Just like me! I mean, I had to share my opinion on this, which is something I don't even know anything about! 😯
Hi Paul – Hey, I'm glad that you joined me in getting out your opinion! All of us who basically know nothing about this really need to share everything that we know! 😆 I'll be letting you know what we think is important, after all! 😉
I need all the help I can get on forming an opinion on most subjects. My best friend was over yesterday and after lunch and a few cocktails I know we solved some of the world’s larger problems. Unfortunately our wife’s failed to write down our solutions and today they escape me. I do remember we agree about whom’s network had the better dancers, but this subject was tabled when the ladies intervened.
Hi Paul – The dancing girl thing is a very complex subject. Don't try to decide too quickly, you might make an error in judgment. On a complex subject like that, a massive amount of research is really required, and if you don't watch the girls daily for at least a few years, you really can't make an informed analysis. Don't rush things! 😉
Oh I need a tad of help, I registered on your Forum space and was sent a pass word, and I can’t get to work. I responded with 2 e-mails asking for help, but to no avail. So I guess I do need your opinion again (LOL)
Oh I need a tad of help, I registered on your Forum space and was sent a pass word, and I can’t get it to work. I responded with 2 e-mails asking for help, but to no avail. So I guess I do need your opinion again (LOL)
I sent you a private e-mail, Paul, with Forum login info.
Hello Bob,
hahahah Nice change of article. Here in the USA, when I had cable tv I was Kapamilya. Now that I have Satellite, I am both. I watch both and I enjoy watching documentaries on one and telenovelas on the other. I love it all! Be it ABS-CBN or GMA.
Hahaha!
Nice piece of an article you got here, Bob!
Well, I'm neither of the two TV networks. I even barely watch any of their program unless I'm caught in the middle of my meal and my family is watching a pinoy program. Of which, of course, I'm implying to just simply happen to glance at the monitor. In short, I don't mind the programs at all- and I don't care. Why? It's because I find most of their program concepts illogical, or exagerated, or shallow, or hollow (you know what I mean)- a waste of my time. Well, not all but most. You see, news programs are welcome coz they update my awareness info of what's happening around me. And, oh yes, there are also people worthy to be noted for their wit and intelligence. But then they appear not too handy and are few in betweens. I'd rather stick to Discovery, History, and NatGeo channels to enjoy, and satisfy my already dwindling neurons.
Regards!
Hi John – Ha ha… I'm glad you enjoyed this little change of pace! It's a little light hearted, nothing too important, just a little fun for a change.
Hey, being "both" – that's almost sacrilegious!
Hi Neil – Ha ha! It's kind of like me. If the TV happens to be on one of those stations, I'll watch a bit, if I'm in the room, but I don't seek out either one.
Foxratpig
You must be Kapuso! To say anything derogative about WOWOWEE is sacrilegious if you are Kapamilya. My wife says Kapuso is bad because they always criticize Kapamilya. 😉
I guess I am in the Kapamilya camp since was a bigotten on WOWOWEE 2 years ago. Ohhh those fabulous parting gifts! And how tiny those dancers are up close and personal!
The humor on Eat Bulaga just never did it for me. Changing a few words of song after song isn't very humorous. And as far as those demeaning dancers, I must agree. I just sit there watching them up close, in silent protest!
TFC is available quite inexpesively online with no additional equipment to buy. And the Wowowee girls with my permission may clad themselves as scantily as they want. For all you people complaining about it try watching the U.S. games shows. You don't really think that it is so warm in California that the Price is Right Models need to wear swimsuits everywhere do you?
Dan – When it comes to the clothes that the WowWowee girls wear… I simply think it would not be right to get involved in a cultural issue like that, so I just sit back and enjoy the Philippine culture! 😆
hi,i'm from manila. i've read some of your articles and i love to comment about this one.. hehe
when it comes to news and current affairs i'd go to KAPAMILYA(abs-cbn)
btw i just discovered your website today..i just typed wowphilippines.com..here i am.. you seem nice.
have a nice stay in the philippines..
andre,
Hi andre – Thanks for visiting!
you're welcome and thanks for all the articles.. i really like reading them and looking forward to read new articles.
i'm from mati city originally and we always pass by tagum city when going home from davao airport:)