The Game

November 11, Tuesday.

Coordinating my kapamilya (those who have played with me in the mock game, and an additional four more players) was somewhat easy, except for the fact that Mimi (the producer) had to beg off because of a prior commitment--she had a recording of a radio commercial and a meeting with a client.  My line up of players were now: Papa, Tito Bine, Tita Chona, Waldy, Erwin, Meach (Mimi's proxy), best friend Ruel and his sister Rhoda, cousin Ogie and Emily.

Tito Bine, Tita Chona and Kuya Ogie went straight to Mother Ignacia around 10am.  Papa will go straight to Mother Ignacia after his hearing.  Ruel and Rhoda left their home around 11am and will just see each other in the area.  I called up Joseph and asked him to fetch me and Emily from home and deliver us to Mother Ignacia.  Ruel, Rhoda, Emily, Meach and I went to Joey Pepperoni.  We had a quick lunch except for Meach.  She had with her some food she bought at McDonald's.

Around 1pm, all of us were complete and we went inside the studio where the event marshalls met us.  I learned that there were two other players who will be taped on that day-- Sean and Dina.  

Dina and I were billeted in one dressing room because the other rooms were still being occupied by the talents of Wowowee!  Sean came in late.  We all got to know each other.  Dina was a single mother and was a standby player.  She waited almost 2 months before she got called again to actually play.  Sean was also a standby player.  But his waiting was just short.  He is a newly graduated nursing student.  We exchanged cellphone numbers since Dina thought that I might be able to help her and her nieces get a break as talents in tv commercials.  Sean also gave his number.  A female makeup artist came in and chatted with us but she was called out again to do some retouching on some talents...

Around 3pm, our respective kapamilyas were let inside the dressing room.  But one of the marshalls whisked me out and my kapamilyas to a bigger dressing room.  My posse was led there first as I was cornered by Angeline (one of the production staff) and started interviewing me.  Apparently, all my details in her USB were infected by the Trojan virus and she had to do the rush interview.  O well...

-oOo-

The dressing room was big!  I really want to think that it was for me and my entourage! (What an amusing thought!) Hehehehe I remember Angeline saying that I am the star while the other two were standby players who got rescheduled to finally play.  But then, it's just me. There was a small tv in the corner which was tuned in to ch. 2 (of course).  The temperature was freezingly cold!  Kuya Ogie and Tita Chona settled by the tv.  Ruel, Rhoda, Meach were by the lazy chairs near the door.  In the center table, Papa, Erwin, Tito Bine and Waldy took their seats.  We were destined to wait for what seemed to be an eternity before some action happened.  O well.  We all just settled in and made ourselves comfortable in the dressing room. 

Anyway, the dressing room belonged to the cohosts of Wowowee! There were stuff in the gigantic ref marked Pokwang. Ana Feliciano, the choreographer of the dancers

of the variety shows of Ch. 2, went in the dressing room to get something. My aunt recognized her and, of course, digicams began clicking.

Luna and another make up artist were already busy with Meach and Rhoda.  Luna put on powder on my face and told me that she'll be there inside the studio for retouches if needed.  I asked Meach to get Luna's number so that if ever there's a need for a make up artist in one of our future advertising projects, we can get in touch with her.

Angeline came by and asked for a roll call.  She let me identify my kapamilya and the degree of their relationship to me.  When she found out that Ruel was my best friend, she took hold of him and asked him so many questions about me (I would learn about this incident a few days after the taping).

Ariel (he was the one who called me the night before the taping) came by and left a confidentiality contract for me to read and sign.  30 minutes later, Jim Capulong dropped by and herded my kapamilya out of the dressing room, "Maiiwan ang maglalaro, lahat ng kapamilya, sumunod sa akin."  (The player will be left behind, all the rest follow me.)

Where the heck is he taking them??

I texted Meach and Ruel but got no feedback.  I got restless and went out of the dressing room.  I heard that the first player was already being taped.  It was Dina who was taped first.  I was getting anxious.  Would I be next to be taped?  Apparently not... Sean was up next.  And I was the last one!  Sheesh!  Kris Aquino might be tired already when it's my time to be on cam! Hmmm....

I learned that Dina made a deal with Banker for 200k.  When my kapamilya went back to my the dressing room, I found out that they had to undergo another mock game for the benefit of the new players...  Then all of us got news that Sean went home with 300 pesos.

After another long wait,  the production staff led by Angeline told us to get our things and move to the dressing room near the studio where the game is being taped.  We can all leave our things there.  Angeline asked an event marshall to take care of Erwin's laptop while we were taping.  She then led us to a room where they recently held the mock game for my kapamilya.  She said that Direk Bobet Vidanes need not brief me anymore but she found the need to do so.  Then another set of players joined us.  To my surprise, ka-batch ko yung standby player--si Roby, the CSB ex-professor! 

Angeline explained that the standby player and his kapamilya will not play that day unless something untoward happens, then that's the time they will be put on cam.  (Angeline knocked on wood twice when she said this.)  When she wrapped up her briefing, Jim came by and talked to me while others filed out of the room. 

"Ikaw ang star dito.  Ikaw ang bida.  So dapat, bida ang dating mo.  Parang noong nag-mock game ka.  Yung naunang player (Sean and family) mataas ang energy.  So dapat mas mataas ang energy mo at ng kapamilya mo.  Antayin mo si Kris na tanungin ka ng 'deal or no deal'.  It's your moment.  It's your show.  Take your time.  Wag mong gayahin yung nauna sa yo na umuwi ng luhaan.  Wag mong pansinin ang audience.  Kahit sumisigaw sila, ikaw pa rin ang bida.  Ikaw pa rin ang magdedesisyon.  Lagyan mo ng drama bago ka mag 'deal or no deal'." 

(You are the star.  So you should act like a star. Just like during the mock game.  You should have a high level of energy.  When Kris asks you if it's "deal or no deal", take your time.  Don't follow what the previous player did, he went home a loser. Don't mind the audience. Even if they're shouting, you're still the star.  You will be the one who'll decide.  Inject drama before you say "deal or no deal".)

Jim shook my hand and led me out of the room where they held their mock game earlier. 

-oOo-

My family and friends were then led to the studio's backstage while someone ushered me to an entrance door where the contestant usually emerges from when called upon by the host.

Direk Bobet Vidanes was there to welcome me and told me how the blocking would go.  He told me where the cameras were and how I should position myself so as not to block the view of the banker or Kris Aquino.  He said that I should wait for Kris to finish her killer question: Is it a deal or no deal?

After the briefing, he led me back to the entrance and the plexiglass doors closed behind me. Then I realized, my throat was dry.  The production staff tried to chat me up while waiting for Kris to face the cameras.  

I kept drinking water from the dispenser.  I can't believe that my throat was really dry!  What if Kris asks me to sing?  Ruel advised me to stop drinking water, I might get the urge to pee during the taping.  But I really have to drink or I wouldn't be able to talk at all... am I having a nervous attack?  I checked myself but I felt calm.  My hands weren't that cold (but they were slightly clammy).  I just can't wait to take to the stage and have a grand time!

  

-oOo-

The episode will air on November 17 at 6pm over ABS-CBN 2.