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

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.