Philippine Scene # 7 - Audition and Pre-Screening on a Television Show via Deal or No Deal

Last May 10, 2012, I received an advisory from the staff of Deal or No Deal (ABS-CBN Channel 2 version has Kapamilya prelude to it's worldwide name). It stated the requirements, including two official IDs (identification cards, like the SSS-Social Security System, POEA ID, passport, etc.).

What a surprise! I already forgot that I participated in the text promo of the weekly show (hosted by young actor Luis Manzano, son of famous Philippine actress-now-turned-politician Vilma Santos).

I paused for a second, then quickly reply texting back my full name. Then, my cellular phone literally shutdown. Good grief!!!

I composed myself thinking my move on the next day.

1. What will I wear? Is it gonna be formal or just casual attire?
2. What will I answer to the audition staff?
3. Will I ever make it to the show?

Those questions kept on rampaging in my mind. I was excited! Not everyone is given a chance to visit a leading TV station with it's money-making show.

So, I informed my friends and some members of my family that I will be going for an audition and pre-screening.

I don't know first how valuable it is to look good on TV.

What I'm going to share is some salient points in order to be successful when going to an audition or pre-screening in a TV show.

With the hint word 'pre-screening', and as the day's participants were ushered to the studio where the game is being held and recorded for a weekly viewing or presentation, each of us have something crapping in our minds.

We began comparing ourselves. We eyed for the young participants, the middle aged individuals and the mature or elderly hopefuls.

We presented our two valid IDs to the audition staff, after the guards ushered us near the door of the studio, after two hours or more waiting at the audience entrance standing.

Audition staff looked at the confirmation on each cellular phone and wrote our first names on the masking tape (it's for us to past it on our shirt or dress.). They told us to erase what they've texted to us, in order to avoid forwarded messages for other non-participants to see or comment. The instruction sealed the authenticity of their message alert for each contestant.

Prior to this, the guards gave the waiver for us to write our personal identification.

As our batch were all settled inside the studio, then. came the official psychologist (or one of the many) of the television station.

They never introduced themselves, but we were only guided by the guards as to who's staff is responsible for texting us.

As the psychologist explained the test he's going to give, a 12-item set of questions, he instructed us to fold the paper lengthwise and told us to write the numbers (1 to 6 each column) with only the YES and NO answers for the question he'll fire.

I have vague recall on the questions, but it included:

1. Are you joining the show because of money?
2. Will you be excited when you are chosen to grace in the show?
3. Are you suppressing your free feeling when you get excited?
4. Do you get starstruck with the host of the show?

With questions like these, the psychologist assured us that there will be no mistakes even our answers were different from each other.

It only shows that what the guard hinted us regarding intellectual questions that we may encounter is just a fallacy or just a joke in order for us to get scared or loose interest in the audition.

One thing clear in my mind when the pre-screening qualifiers were announced: they're young, good-looking and sport chic clothing.

Those haggard-looking and hungry contestants who waited for hours hoping to be included in the final, let's say 30 or 15 were ordered to come back again or join again and bade with a simple 'thank you' and goodbye.

Those mothers and fathers whom I befriended concluded that with this kind of show, we will not have a chance to be seen on TV. They're looking for younger contestants that they hope will help for the rating of the show.

Unless, we are willing to be part of the audience when the taping starts.