Love meets fame and fortune on TV

Heru H. Rahadi, Contributor, Jakarta

There was a time when people were desperate to find love, they turned to dating services. But in the modern era, the lovelorn are more likely to end up on TV, taking part in some sort of dating program.

Check out MTV's Singled Out, where a young man or woman gets the opportunity to pick their dream date, as well as winning various prizes.

For Derrick Thomson, his decision to go on the program was made merely on the hope of finding a girlfriend.

"I was very lucky to win the game and get a girlfriend at the same time," said the 22-year-old, who not only won prizes but also the heart of his current girlfriend.

Besides looking for a date, many of the people who take part in these programs are also hoping to break through to a career in show business.

Rudy M. Tresna, 24, was busy going on casting calls when we contacted him. He is trying to forge a career in soap operas like another participant of DateXpress, Jupiter Fortissimo, who now appears in ABG, a teenage soap opera on RCTI.

"Having been on the show gives me more experience and something to add to my portfolio," Rudy said.

Getting a date or even your big show-biz break is not always the aim of appearing on these programs. Noriana Budiyanto, 22, said her reason for taking part in DateXpress was to win prizes.

"Getting a boyfriend was a secondary motive for me. The main thing was to win prizes," she said.

For Yucci Rantika Yunaldi, 18, the program was a good way to meet people and make new friends who shared her interests.

And some people are willing to appear on the program just because they think it will be a good laugh.

"Actually, the show was only for fun," according to Wina L., 19. She already had a boyfriend when she appeared on DateXpress and only took part in the program because her friends asked her. "I didn't go out to sign up for the show. My friend asked me and I thought it would fun," she said.

There are almost as many reasons for appearing on dating shows as there are shows. And there are quite a few.

Najib M.R., the producer of Amor Klik Dotcom, said the main idea of his show is to entertain people.

"We're just providing a place for single and looking-for-love people to mingle. We are entertained by it and whatever happens after the show is up to them," he said.

DateXpress, every Saturday at 6 p.m. on Trans TV, is produced by Becker Entertainment Indonesia, affiliated with Becker Entertainment International. Hosted by Alex Abad and Dewi Sandra, the game comprises four segments, during which six contestants (three young men and women) must choose another contestant they would like to "hook up" with.

Similar to DateXpress is Amor Klik Dotcom, every Thursday at 9:30 p.m. on TPI. The show is produced by TPI, with Bumi Production.

The difference between the two programs is that one gender has more privileges than the other. This privilege is given alternately to men and women for each episode. One woman or man, depending on who is privileged that night, can choose one of three male or female contestants according to how good they answer the hosts' questions.

Hosts Dede Yusuf and Amelia Fitri ask the questions to give the women or men some idea of who might best suit them. The woman or man then chooses a date.

DivaRomeo on Trans TV, aired every Sunday at 5 p.m. and produced by Sinemadupapa, focuses on couples rather than singles.

Two couples compete against each other by answering general knowledge questions, before the winning couple has a chance to test their love for each other. In the final round, host Agnes Monica separates the winning couple and makes them answer questions. If they answer 10 questions correctly they win the grand prize.

Of course, there are some limitations on who is allowed to participate in these programs.

DateXpress is aimed at those between the ages of 18 and 28, while Amor Klik Dotcom focuses on those in their 30s. DivaRomeo has younger participants, between the ages of 15 and 25.

Each contestant also must pass an audition and go through an interview process before being allowed on a show. Gunawan Wibisono, producer of DateXpress, said contestants must be single and have the ability to answer questions spontaneously. And physical appearance is also important because, after all, these are TV shows that must appeal to audiences.

The concept of the shows is not the only thing that makes them interesting. The chemistry between the hosts and participants is another important factor to consider when producing a dating show.

Steve Muljoto, producer of DivaRomeo, said they wanted young and dynamic teenagers, but many times they were left with nervous contestants when the cameras were turned on.

So TV has changed love into a game that is fun for everyone. But how do we know it's true love?