The endorsers - part II

If there is one thing that I can not stand, it's people in media, who brag around a "holier than thou" attitude, yet practice the most deceitful form of advertising.

What am I talking about?

The other day, on channel 26 (Philippine Cable), I happened to chance upon DZMM radio, live on TV. DZMM happens to be the AM channel of channel 2 (ABS-CBN). What struck me was that they have this show called "Magandang Gabi Dok" (Good evening doctor), and they have a doctor whom they are interviewing over the telephone, for phone in questions by "patients".

These gullible doctors (I hate putting my colleagues on the spot) are really dumb! Not that they don't know what they're saying, but are actually conned into answering queries about patient's conditions on the air. Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against theoretical professorial antics by these doctor specialists who perhaps do not know what they are getting into. Perhaps, they want a little fame. But there is no greater fool than the fool that was fooled by a con artist.

The con artists? They are two radio announcers or DJs if you'd like to call them, who after interviewing the "gastroenterologist" on live AM radio, blast out advertisements and "endorsements" on how good Liveraide is for patient with hepatitis B infection or those who have liver problems. They go on adding on where it is available and the claim that it is absolutely safe! The other day, they had a "rheumatologist" live in the station booth and she didn't even budge when they blatantly advertised Arthrocin on the air. Right beside the clueless doctor. Clueless is a kind word to describe the dumb dumb. She even greeted her friends on the air! Ano ba iyan?

The temerity of these people! If you think the endorsements of the popular personalities are bad, this has got to be the height of ethical dilemma and malpractice.

These doctors should shut up and not put up with these con artists who get paid for the announcements and pronouncements that these supplements actually are drugs that cure. In fact, the government should just translate to the local language what the words "No approved therapeutic claim" is on the label of these supplements! The public should be guided by the local translation "Walang bisa itong gamot na ito"!

At the rate that the advertisements are going, it is no wonder that these supplements are selling like hotcakes at the detriment of the health of the Filipino people.

Someone, please shoot the radio announcer!

My scholar

Her name is Cristal Joan Mediana.

I personally don't know her. And she doesn't know me, either.

Mrs. Diday Barretto had approached me last summer to find out if I wan interested in sponsoring a scholar in the Parish Preschool - Classroom Bagong Silang.

I had sponsored other students before, but never a pre-school child. And never one of dire charity. Without hesitation, I simply turned over a check and thought, what the hell, what was parting with a few thousand pesos? It was going to a good cause anyway. Times are hard and starting them young was probably a good idea.

A few days ago, I received a letter on my desk. My mom had put it there. I didn't open the letter until today.

Mrs. Barretto had written that I "would be happy to see the first quarter report card of my scholar...she was one of the 5 top students who graduated from us last March. The "thank you" card from her parents was heart warming and touching.

Strangely, I found out her name only today. She is now grade 1 and is in a public school. And she is doing great. Today, I felt glad that I sponsored a child and pray that somewhere along the way, Cristal Joan Mediana will do well.

I want to see her reach her dreams somehow, someday.

In the meantime, I shall remain anonymous and will continue this little work of charity and hope that one day she can "pay it forward".