Stop, Talk & Listen

It is has been a rarity that I've written about my favorite TV programs. In fact, I try not to share my preferences for fear of retaliation, ha ha ha. But after mulling over the issue for quite some time now, here goes:

I chose to write about VIVA Cinema's STOP, TALK & LISTEN (STL).

This is my favorite showbiz talk show for over six months now since i moved to a new place in Ortigas. The cable provider carries the VIVA Cinema over channel 45 and i was surprised to find very familiar faces chatting and having fun about the latest showbiz buzz! I remember telling myself, "Aba, meron pala ganitong show?!!"

STL is hosted by writer-par-excellence Dolly Ann Carvajal, the talented Mr. Fu and the refreshingly intelligent beauty Maui Taylor. Now, if it sounds that i'm raving over these three, well duh, guys have you heard them take a spin on the latest news and gossip?

What makes STL appealing to me is that fact that it is NOT like any other showbiz talk show that caters more to the drum-beating and publicity stunts of networks and movie outfits. There is less of pluggings and cutesy profiles, instead viewers are taken into a brazen look at celebrity happenings, no excuses just plain panning, or not! The hosts are so candid and yet very responsible about their actuations. Thank God, they are on cable!

Segments like "Alam ba News", "Gumaganon" and "Huling Hirit" are worth looking forward to if you're into hot, juicy insider tales.

Gumaganon, in particular, is the blind item portion of the show and is the most sought-after as the entries are really more ticklish than shocking! But what makes it more fun are the hosts' futile attempts at "misleading" viewers with their clues and hints. From hunks to sexy actresses, young male celebrities to celebrity hosts, showbiz denizens don't seem to stand a chance from Maui, Mr. Fu and Dolly Ann, who are curiously moving about in their own circles inside the biz.

In truth, STL is not pretentious and the chemistry among the hosts is enough to sustain one's interest in the goings-on. You have to be on guard and watch out for one-liners from Maui, Mr. Fu and Dolly that can really bring you to tears laughing. Why sometimes you could actually feel that they are having a blast themselves! And that makes viewing more worthwhile. A refreshing escape from the drudgery of hard (and often repetitive) news and scandals.

Dolly's "Chickadora" is a one-on-on interview segment with celebrities. Although recently i catch out takes from previous VIVA programs. Siguro busy si Dolly Ann to sit for fresh interviews?

Although apparently on a shoe-string budget (naku baka mag tampo si Boss Vic and Valerie) STL is still worth keeping on air. If only for the honesty the hosts bring into the program, the staff and crew seem to have less problems in their hands than those from other big-budget, fully-produced talk shows pummeled by big and diva-nesque EGOS.

I can only hope that the set does get a revamp! Hindi ba uncomfortable yun seats ng hosts? Maybe a sofa would be better?

But apart from that, STL is top on my showbiz talk show list! It's pure fun, mindless (yes!) trivia and loads of insider savvy. As a viewer, i never felt that topics and issues were forced down my throat.. and that, as you know, is not a cool feeling.

STL is aired three times a day, 7 days a week! Take a peek, if you want to CHILL!

Kudos to VIVA and STL hosts, staff and crew!

"At dahil dyaaaan....may gumaganon..."