FHM.com.ph

So Willie struck again. The lot of us groan in disgust and in rage. The lot of us proclaim local TV to be a complete waste of time, as we torrent our favorite foreign series or watch yet another rerun of Americal Idol.

But the truth is local television is actually on a high. Tired telenovelas and Willie’s antics aside, there are a truckload of shows worthy of your precious time. With TV5’s entrance to the TVscape, local television is now forced out of complacency. Hence, better programming, shows that are more entertaining, programs with premises that would not even considered before.

Here are 7 local shows you have to, at the very least, try to watch, starting with...

1. Face to Face, TV5

From gay infidelity to tortang talong, Face to Face tackles a buffet of topics. Categorized as part-reality show, part-public service, it is in crazy tabloid format.  Two opposing parties deliver their plot that usually end up simmering with exchange of bashing words until they (more often than not) literally bash on each other.  Moderating the show is Amy Perez who is, whether you agree or not, the Pinoy counterpart of the King of Trash Talk Jerry Springer.

2. The Smiths, GMA News Channel

Think The Osbournes. Rock Legend Joey “Pepe” Smith headlines his own reality show that stars his children Sanya, Queenie and Bebop. Just like The Osbournes this recently launched local rendition invites viewers to take a peep in the domestic and twisted life of a rock star. Pepe Smith’s children have different mothers and all three didn’t grow up in one roof, making things a wee bit more interesting than, say, if they were actually full-blooded siblings. Hilarious and entertaining, this is one program worth your 45minutes every Saturday night.

3. Tipong Pinoy, IBC13
An educational program about the Philippine culture and hosted by Susan Kalaw Medina. Hold that yawn, folks because joining Miss Medina is none other than…Wency Cornejo.  Of After Image fame. Produced in 1998, Tipong Pinoy will take you back to what the Philippines looked like 13 years ago, bad production and all. That said, Tipony Pinoy runs on IBC 13. And because IBC 13 runs shows from that era—if not cockfights and religion-oriented shows—you’d prolly want to switch the dial to 13 if you want to trip out.

Next: A teleserye, and Bitag!