Ang Pinaka’s Best Pinoy Culture Episodes of 2013

From the most outrageous laws to the most famous animals in the Philippines, GMA News TV’s award-winning info-tainment program “Ang Pinaka” listed down anything and everything about Pinoy culture. What other topics made it to our list in 2013?

Animals

Giant crocodile. Endangered eagle. Stressed elephant. Heroic and genius dogs. “Ang Pinaka” listed down the top 10 animal newsmakers in Philippine media, with Lolong, the largest crocodile in captivity, taking the number one spot. Other animals who grabbed headlines were Kabang, the hero dog, and Mali, Manila Zoo’s elephant.

 

Exploring the role of certain animals in the Filipino culture, the show looked into animal-human 

comparisons in their list of the top 10 “Ang Pinaka: Unfair Animal Depictions.” “Why are puppies always likened to political cronies? And crocodiles to greedy politicians?” we asked our panelistas: TV director Manny Castaneda, UP anthropology professor Nestor Castro and veterinarian and Born to be Wild host Dr. Nielsen Donato.

“Ang Pinaka” also asked: What are the most popular animals in the Philippines and what exactly

makes them popular? Our guest panelistas Manila Zoo veterinarian Dr. Marines Lagarto, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) administrative officer Charlene Lacsamana, and veterinarian Dr. 

Rizalina Zunio weighed in on the matter. Winning the popularity contest is man’s best friend.

“Dogs are very dependent on people, and people are actually dependent on dogs as far as psychological needs nila, the need to take care of something and the need to receive affection,” Lacsamana said.
 

Celebrities

It wasn’t too long ago when reality shows became a steady source of new “stars” and “celebrities” on television. “Ang Pinaka” explored the phenomenon of cyber celebrities with the help of guest panelistas professor and I.T. management consultant Ruben Canlas, Pep.ph associate editor Rommel Llanes, and FHM staff writer Gelo Gonzales.

Among the Pinoys who gained instant fame through the power of the internet, Fliptop and Sunugan rappers take the top spot.

 

Politics

In the spirit of elections, “Ang Pinaka” explored some of weirdest, most outrageous laws and ordinances courtesy of our distinguished lawmakers in “Ang Pinaka: Kakaibang Proposed Laws” countdown. Coming out on top of this list is Winnie Castelo’s anti-planking bill.
 

History

Is Andres Bonifacio really poor? Does he wear those red pants all the time?

Celebrating the sesquicentennial or 150th anniversary of one of our country’s most beloved heroes, Andres Bonifacio, “Ang Pinaka” busted enduring myths and misconceptions about the Supremo in the top 10 “Ang Pinaka: Maling Akala Tungkol Kay Andres Bonifacio” countdown.  

Films

“Ang Pinaka” made its own tribute to with its “Ang Pinaka: Oscar Worthy Pinoy Films” countdown. Helping us determine which film deserves the honor were guest panelistas: lawyer and film critic Oggs Cruz of the popular blogsite “Lessons from the School of Inattention;” scriptwriter, film reviewer and creative manager Eric Cabahug; and scriptwriter of “Ang Tag-araw ni Twinkle” andb Interaksyon.com entertainment editor Eric Ramos.
 

Everyday life

Are Pinoys kuripot or stingy? Or are we really thrifty and wise spenders? Exploring Pinoys’ saving habits, “Ang Pinaka” enlisted the help of guest panelistas: University of the Philippines Cultural Anthropologist professor Nestor Castro; financial adviser and Colayco Foundation chairman Francisco Colayco; and University of the Philippines Asian Center professor Dr. Carolyn Sobritchea.

How do Pinoys save their hard-earned money? “Ang Pinaka” counted the ways.
 

In the spirit of Buwan ng Wika, CMMA Awardee “Ang Pinaka” listed down some of the most commonly used Filipino words that simply defy English translation in the top ten “Ang Pinaka: Untranslatable Pinoy Words.” What else besides the words “pasma” and “namatanda” are uniquely Pinoy?

"Pamahiin" or superstitions are very much a part of our everyday lives that we practically have one for every occasion. Exploring Filipino tradition, “Ang Pinaka” listed down some of the most persistent myths and superstitions that parents, especially first timers,always hear about child care.


— Bernice Sibucao, CM/GMA News