And the winner is... TV viewers pick and choose

Panasonic Awards; Hosts: Nico Siahaan and Tamara Geraldine; RCTI, Friday, 8:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.

JAKARTA (JP): Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most popular of them all in a television world full of horror flicks, never-ending gossip shows, flawless babes and hunks plus indistinguishable and undistinguished soap operas?

You can find out the answers on the Panasonic Awards.

For the fourth time since the awards' debut in 1997, it is that time of the year to honor the best programs and individual achievements for local television productions.

Live from the Cendrawasih Room at Jakarta Convention Center, the show will present 38 awards, including for the best of the best TV shows, TV station and TV celebrity.

The winners are based on a readers' poll conducted by Citra tabloid for two months since August, which also published in Kompas, Nova, South Sumatra-based Sriwijaya Pos, Warta Kota, Otomotif, Motor +, Metro Bandung, Bernas Yogyakarta, Kawanku and Hai.

Last years' winners included RCTI as the best television station, Desy Ratnasari as the best television actress, Primus Yustisio as the best actor, ANteve's Bursa Musik Indonesia as the best TV program and Dan (And) from Sheila On 7 as the best video music clip.

In order to boost interest in the event, the committee has conducted several activities, starting with a Star Look-alike Contest in four cities -- Jakarta; Bandung, West Java; Surabaya, East Java and Medan, North Sumatra -- from September through October.

"It has attracted at least 15,000 viewers in each city. A couple of winners from each city will be invited to the capital to meet the real stars," popular emcee and music producer Tantowi Yahya, who organized the event, said recently.

Another activity was a night fair last Sunday which was held at the National Archive, West Jakarta.

On the theme of Dutch colonialism, it was packed with about 1,000 TV personalities. A variety of "vintage" shows like Gambang Kromong and Keroncong Toegoe (both traditional Betawi musical performances) were highlighted, accompanied by a demonstration on how to make batik and kretek (clove-flavored) cigarettes.

Increasingly hard to come by foods and beverages gulali (caramel candy) were also served.

The big night of the Panasonic Awards 2000 itself will be on the theme of Bali, with the Rebong dance as the opening act, and Balinese nuances throughout.

"Every year we choose a different theme between traditional and hi-tech. This year, traditional has its turn," Tantowi said.

"We chose Bali because its culture is magical and rich. But due to the monetary crisis, Bali has becomes unreachable for visitors from other (Indonesian) regions. So, it's like the show is satisfying the people's longing for Bali," he added.

Hosted by popular emcees Nico Siahaan and Tamara Geraldine, there will be dozens of performers to entertain the audience of 1,600 invited guests and millions of TV viewers.

Noted musician Yovie Widianto and The Indonesian Harmony will back performers such as singers Hedy Yunus, Ronny Waluya and Ricky Johannes who together will sing a medley of TV soundtracks.

Songwriters and musician Elfa Secioria will perform with three of his students -- child sensation Sherina, teenage jazz singer Andien and Elfa's Singers' Uci Nurul.

Also scheduled to perform on the night are Warna, six guitarists such as Mus Mujiono, Tohpati and Edy Kemput under the name of Guitar Ensemble and the impromptu quartet of model/actress/singer Sophia Latjuba, MTV VJ turned singer Shanty, actor Krisna Mukti and actor/singer Sahrul Gunawan.

When asked about the budget needed to hold such a glittering event, Tantowi only laughed.

"All I can say is that it increased some 20 percent to 30 percent. Why? First, because we are using an orchestra. Secondly, to double the payment for the award presenters so that they're willing to rehearse. And thirdly, to pay the performers who keep raising their tariffs every year," he said.

As for the poll, according to Citra's polling coordinator Maman Suherman, some 116,000 people returned the questionnairres.

"It tops last year's number of around 103,000," Maman said.

He ensured the validity of the poll, saying the results were compiled fairly.

"The poll is processed not only by people from Citra, but we also invite other parties like from universities to get involved in the process," Maman said.

Oh, mirror, mirror on the wall, who is TV's fairest of them all? Watch and see.