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GOING UNDERCOVER

October 24th, 2008 by charlottedianco

IT’S been going on for several weeks now- my so-called semi-undercover life. Well, not that I really planned to have one. Let’s just say that it happened naturally. I didn’t even realize what was going on- until the day I was given ‘the look.’ Oh you know- the look that people give on others when they feel superior- like they’re standing on top of Mount Olympus and they’re looking down on lesser mortals. Yeah- that look.

How did this happen? It began the day I started going to the taping of a TV series.

For those who are not familiar with how crazy things are during tapings / shootings- well, let’s just say that the stress level is always high and people are always too busy doing things. Of course people still greet each other but you don’t really get the usual pleasantries- unless you are in a religious program. I mean, seriously- it’s not like a walk in the park. And that first day I visited the set- I wasn’t really properly introduced because everyone was just too preoccupied.

Okay, so I’ve been going there because my talent is one of the cast members. And whenever I go there- I am always armed with my mobile phones (I have three; which is totally acceptable for busy people like me), my beloved Palm TX, my mp4, laptop and a novel. How can I not bring all these things? A taping always take forever, and I have to keep my sanity because ending up in a mental hospital is not an option and to die of boredom is really unglamorous.

So yeah- for weeks now, I’ve been going to the set like a normal person. Most of the time I just stay in a remote area or just inside the car- reading a book, checking my emails, writing stuff, making business calls or I sleep when my eyes are already too heavy. Sometimes I talk to people that I know- like the production staff, the director and the Executive Producer. I get to say hi to some of the actors but I never engage in conversations because I know that they are ‘working.’ Of course sometimes I help my talent fix his clothes or decide which shirt to wear for a particular scene- or sometimes check the food basket- but my physical participation usually ends there. Most of the time, it’s just the thought that I am just around that counts to my talent because he is capable of doing things himself. As long as he knows that his manager is around- he’s already okay with that.

So now this is the twist.

Recently, I realized that some cast members (those who don’t even talk to me) and their assistants think that I am an ‘alalay.’ It was inside the dressing room that I was given ‘the look’ and that was the day I realized that they don’t really know who I am or what I am. No wonder I’ve been seeing not-so-good manners around. Because I doubt if they would show their true color if they learn that someone from the media is just around the corner.

I told my colleagues and friends about it and of course- it made them laugh so hard. Most of the reactions were – OMG (Oh My God), WTF (What The Fuck?) and HS (Holy Shit). Their reaction is usually followed by thunderous laughter. They just don’t understand what made those people think that I am an alalay when I have all these gadgets, I use MAC make-up for crying out loud and I always carry a chic literature! Not that it’s a sin to be a nanny or an alalay- they just find the idea hilarious. But then again, maybe because I always wear plain shirts, sweat pants, rubber shoes and sweat jackets- too ordinary for their taste. Well, whatever the reason- the look that was given to me that day- well, it gave me an idea. I decided not to speak up and let them think whatever they want to think. At least I know who’s real and who’s too showbiz!

Who knows… I might decide to start a blind item column one of these days.

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