Joey, Bitoy in hot water over practical joke shows
10/06/07
Posted under GMA-7, television, Teri Hatcher, ABC Network, Joey de Leon, Michael V
After successfully pushing a Senate investigation on alleged cheating in ABS-CBN’s “Wowowee,” veteran comedian and TV host Joey de Leon is now himself subject of a Congressional inquiry. Together with “Eat Bulaga!” co-mainstay Michael V. or known by his showbiz nickname, “Bitoy,” a bill has been filed in the House of Representatives to check reality-based practical joke shows, which it said had exposed its victims to public humiliation.

These shows–Joey’s “Wow Mali!” on ABC-5 and Bitoy’s “Bitoy’s Funniest Videos” on GMA-7–allegedly subject their victims to ridicule, forcing them to situations they would not choose to get involved in full view of millions of televiewers.

While we all know that this format has long been a popular fare in television worldwide, I can understand why this measure has taken its legislative course. Personally, I could not imagine being the victim of a practical joke by friends, much more by a top-rating television show. The feeling of being led to a false situation or incident, then caused me to react passionately or violently, and in the end told that it was just a joke and part of a television prank would be something I would definitely abhor. Yes, I would call the attention of the producers, network executives, or worse file a court case.

But then again, people take such things differently. Some enjoy the TV exposure, the instant celebrity tag from such pranks. Others appreciate the joke as even a “friendly gesture.”

Going back to Joey and Bitoy, yes they could shed some light on the allegations. But they are not fully at fault for any harm done on the show’s “victims.” The probe should instead focus more on the TV executives and producers behind the shows. They are in a better position to explain the relevance, necessity, and significance of these practical jokes shows in their programming.

Being the faces on the frontline, however, these two well-respected and multi-awarded comics could not take this with just a mischievous grin. The bill has a valid point.

* * *

Now that ABC Studios and “Desperate Housewives” producers have decided to delete the controversial “slur” against Filipino medical doctors in its season premier for its future broadcasts and packaging (such as in DVDs) and have apologized, I think the Filipino-American community has proved its point.

It’s rare for such a highly-rated show to give in to a staggering show of dissent over the fracas. Well, considering how Filipinos were united in their protest, I think US television scriptwriters would definitely think twice before taking Filipinos lightly or making them the butt of jokes. And, the main lesson: consider facts, research well, and not depend on years of cultural biases to earn a living.

serves them right. what they do is worse than the desperate housewives slur.

the indians in the philippines should also sue bitoy for the dj vijay video.

They can learn a thing or two from US practical joke shows. At least sa kanila hindi napapahiyaan ang mga tao. Their pranks have class.

i believe that their shows were/are patterned from similar us pranks. since local media is sadistic...tsk tsk

Another one is WOW Mali of ABC channel 5

yun nga uyng kay joey

Joey is another story

^di ba sabi sa article si joey at bitoy. afaik, wow mali is hosted by joey

I think there was an issue that one supposed victim of a hilarious joke went to the court since she was accused with shop lifting in that episode >


The joke was the woman entered the store then after going out from the store the store alam keeps on ringing these had cause the woman too much humiliation

that was too much.
the mtrcb should ban shows like this. it's all about humiliation. people behind these shows are sadistic. they like seeing people in misery

WOW Mali of ABC channel 5

IT'S Candid Camera, Pinoy-style!

Laughter begins when the
Wow Mali gang
plays the wackiest practical jokes
on the unsuspecting
People of the Philippines!



Wow Mali has various segments,
each designed to draw odd,
humorous and unscripted responses
from the show's "subjects".

The practical jokes comprise the bulk of
the show wherein the "subjects" are
placed in an odd situation, and the camera
captures their often funny reactions.



P.L.A.K. or Pera Lang Ang Katapat challenges ordinary folks to do wacky stunts.



Wow Maliit showcases kids' candid reactions when the Wow Mali gang plays tricks on them.

Funny Home Videos features bloopers from video shots sent in by viewers. You can send your own funny home videos and win up to P5000 in cash prizes! Click here for details

You can request our Wow Mali Gang to play a practical joke on your unsuspecting friends. Click here for details.

And many more...!
Funnyman Joey de Leon travels all over the Philippines
to host the show in a variety of locations!

public humiliation pa rin yun. image the whole philippines watching. buti sana kung kayo-kayong magkakakibigan lang

Dennis Trillo in WOW Mali

see the you tube video