By NEIL RAY RAMOS
October 28, 2009, 1:40pm
Director Lauren Dyogi is up in arms over people who alleged “immorality†and “indecency†arising from a recent “Pinoy Big Brother†weekly task dubbed as “The Naked Fan Dance.â€ÂÂ
Using his Twitter account under “@direklauren,†Dyogi, who is also the show’s business unit head, called the show’s detractors who want “PBB†cancelled vis-a-vis a boycott of ABS-CBN because of the task, as “judgmental.â€ÂÂ
On Oct. 26, 2009, Dyogi tweeted: “Got a txt: boycott [ABS CBN] until it cancels PBB…[this] from people of God who are decent [and] moral...does that mean everyone who enjoy PBB are indecent and immoral?â€ÂÂ
“Sana some people can go beyond the superficial.â€ÂÂ
Dyogi went on to defend the show and its fans by citing “freedom of choice.â€ÂÂ
“Naniniwala ako na matalino ang filipino viewers...we have an option to watch [it] or not.â€ÂÂ
He questioned the sense of decency of the show's critics.
“Is it moral to curtail one's freedom of choice? To some degree, I'd like to believe we have freedom of choice.â€ÂÂ
Only last week, the director found himself explaining “The Naked Fan Dance†with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
The board’s chair, Marissa P. Laguardia personally took the director to task even as she issued a warning not to "show anything that is objectionable;" this, she said, after people started complaining to her about “plugs†and “teasers†concerning the task which seemingly suggested for contestants to "show some skin."
It turned out that it was only a come on---and an effective one at that.
The actual dance itself proved to be funny and entertaining as the contestants weren’t even naked. Aside from covering themselves up with fans, the contestants wore flesh-toned suits.
Still, Laguardia defended her action, saying that the dance, if not the promo plugs, “encourages nakedness.â€ÂÂ
“The concept of the task is too daring and offensive,†she said. “It tried to instill a different kind of culture that we as the audience are not ready for.â€ÂÂ
Dyogi tweeted about the MTRCB “warning†on Oct. 24, 2009.
“ had a stressful week [because] of the weekly task [Naked Fan Dance]. [It] culminated yesterday with a call from Chairman Laguardia. She is actually quite liberal & understanding.â€ÂÂ
The director, however, expressed his frustration regarding a certain “government official†in later tweets.
“[He] complained on the task, his sentiments based on promo plugs.â€ÂÂ
“This official was demanding an apology. Apology to him?! For what?â€ÂÂ
“Sa dami ng problema ng bansa, may panahon pa sya sa weekly task. Nakakainit ng ulo considering [ang] laki ng binabayad nating buwis! Frustrating!â€ÂÂ
Meanwhile, audiences are seemingly divided over the controversy.
“Until this time issue pa din sating mga pinoy ang nudity. F.G.S! hindi ibig sabihin na hubad ang isang tao ay malaswa na, we should start broadening our perception and understanding of things around,†commented one.
This was contested by another saying, “the present housemates and everyone else should learn that dignity is far more important than food or any other thing....nudity is fine with me but it shouldn't be shown on television.â€ÂÂ
Still, another went on to take a potshot at MTRCB.
“Masyado OA [ang MTRCB]…It’s year 2009 na…hindi na sinaunang panahon na kahit makipag holding hands ka lang daw noon eh malandi na ang tingin sa 'yo...and isa pa mas smart na ang mga viewers now…nasa tao na yun kung ano gusto nilang isipin.â€ÂÂ
