Coverboys: Uncovered

Posted Sat, 09/27/2008 - 20:32 by trish

Jon Avila, Victor Basa, Jake Cuenca, Zanjoe Marudo, Rafael Rosell, Will Devaughn, Ron Morales, John James Uy and Marvin Raymundo. The ASAP Coverboys are comprised of Philippine media network ABS-CBN's hottest models/actors grouped together to cater to the female audience on a segment of the variety show ASAP on TFC. Now they've just concluded their first U.S. concert tour to cater to their Pilipino American audience. How did these Pil-Am women (and men) find out about the Coverboys? And how did they get such a huge response from their Pil-Am fans?

I attended their show at the L.A. Trade Tech Grand Theater and found out why. These men's looks are not even close to the celebrities we see on American television everyday. That's what's so appealing about the Coverboys. But even more, I was impressed with how friendly they were. They were very open and made sure to let their Pil-Am fans get up close and personal during and after the show. How many sexy Pil-Am celebrities can you name? Or better yet, how many sexy Asian American celebrities can you name? Sure, we'd love to see more sexy Pilipinos in mainstream media, but until then we can definitely find them on TFC. Catch the Coverboys on ASAP every Sunday afternoon on TFC.

Please share any thoughts about how TFC appeals to the Pil-Am audience or how you think Asian American men, especially models or actors, are portrayed in mainstream media.

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Comments

by Kat (not verified) - 10/15/2008 - 18:43

I agree with most of the more positive comments here. What we need is more recognition to those Pil-Am artists who struggle in the industry. I myself do watch these TFC driven shows (started off simply to re-learn my Tagalog), but I also understand that their industry in the Philippines is very different than the one established here in the States. I understand the socio-economic aspects that have shaped and perpetuated the way their showbiz industry is run and it is indeed not how Hollywood runs its business. Well maybe some aspects, but that could turn into a dissertation on my part. There are several artists in the Philippines whom I think are very hard working and above all else, are very very talented in their craft. Some have even come abroad and succeeded and I think it's fabulous! But it does not justify everything debated in this post. I just feel we need to see more of those artists as well. I did attend that concert, and really, it was purely eye candy and charm. The intention of those "artists" was just that. Jake Cuenca once said on an interview on Balitang America a few months ago, something to the effect of, "We may not be the best singers or the best dancers, but we know how to make people have fun." I had fun. Although to be honest, I did feel like I was objectifying these men. =/ And outside of this particular event, I would hope for more substance and talent growth as they progress into their careers.

by Ted (not verified) - 10/15/2008 - 18:43

Right on Paul. We need positive role models out there representing filipnos and fil-ams, not these guys.

by Paul (not verified) - 10/15/2008 - 18:43

Are you *snip*ing serious? All they do is perpetuate to the entire FILIPINO society that: 1. You must have light skin or else you are unattractive 2. Getting on TV is the only way to save yourself from poverty 3. Instill a continued superficial view of society

by Jonnie (not verified) - 10/15/2008 - 18:43

jake cuenca is a soon to be michael jackson with absolutely none of the talent. are filipinos really that vain?

by woo (not verified) - 10/15/2008 - 18:43

They're weak-ass sticks. It's sad that they're looked up to when there's real Asian male models out there.

by iheartjakecuenca (not verified) - 10/15/2008 - 18:43

jake cuenca's hot and that's all that matters.

by anonymous2 (not verified) - 10/15/2008 - 18:43

Yes, true. Maybe for the Pinays living in the Philippines, it may just be because these men are foreign born mestizo hunks and that's all that matters. Who cares about their lack of talent?!Am I over-generalizing here? But on the other hand is there also an affinity to the light skinned mixed race "pogi-ness" that Pilipina-Americans dig and that's why they're also popular outside of the Philippines?

by K1 (not verified) - 10/15/2008 - 18:43

I completely agree.

by anonymous (not verified) - 10/15/2008 - 18:43

But aside from their good looks and pearly white smiles, do these guys have any other "real" talent? They don't dance that well and I'm sure they lipsync too. What makes these light skinned mostly foreign born actors popular in and outside the Philippines?