Clincher question at MTV
Thursday, June 9th, 2005"I’m going to call my girlfriend and say, ‘Baby, you’re a sunset!’"
- Marc Abaya, MTV VJ
Last Tuesday, June 8, I got my five minutes of fame as an interviewee at Hanging Out on MTV. Two weeks ago, I was glowing with excitement when I was invited by the Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation to participate. We were asked to promote the RM Student Essay Writing Contest and share our experience when we won. They said some VJs will be there to ask more details.
In my head, I screamed, "This is so cool! Mom!! Dad!! I’m going to be on TV!" The last time I saw myself on national television was during a taping for the opening sequence of Batibot when I was 7. We were supposed to jump with joy when we saw the balloons released in the air.
Everything was going well during our one hour hanging out session with the three wacky VJs - Maike, Marc, and Don. It was my first time to meet them and they were so hyperactive, especially during the breaks! I was laughing at them for their excellent imitation of Gollum, switching their accents and teasing each other. I was also laughing at myself for not knowing which camera to look.
The big moment, however, came in the form of a pop quiz from Marc, "Can you give a simile or metaphor about each of us?" When it was my turn, i was stumped because I could not think of answer. I met Don only ten minutes ago and I have to give a metaphor about him. I felt like a Ms. Universe candidate and everyone was saying "say something! say something!" I mumbled a reply.
Good thing that my fellow interviewee, Munding, salvaged the day by saying a memorable metaphor about Maike.
Munding: (3 seconds to stare) "Maike…..you’re a sunset."
Maike: "Oh, I like that!"
Marc: "I’m going to call my girlfriend and tell her, ‘Baby, you’re a sunset!’"
(laughter from all of us)
Two hours after the interview, I felt a little bad for not thinking of a superb answer. I finally forgave myself because of three reasons:
1. they can always edit the boring parts (thank god for editing!)
2. i haven’t been quizzed on metaphors and similes since high school
3. at least they did not ask for an example on irony or personification
3. it’s okay since I was on MTV anyway 
So, if you were in my place, what would you have said?
(P.S. watch us on June 24, at Hanging Out on MTV. I think it’s showing either at 330 or 4pm
P.S. 2: join the RM Student Essay Writing Contest if you are still in high school or college - Check out www.rmaf.org.ph. You can win P100,000, computers, flat TV, and who knows, get published, and maybe, be a guest at MTV! )
