A Year After I Dealt

It's been exactly a year since I dealt with Kris, and in 8 more days, it will be a year since my first (and probably the last) major exposure on Philippine free TV (it was June 14, 2006). The official tagline of the program says "Isang Desisyon ang Babago sa Buhay Mo". Indeed, my decision to deal somehow changed my life. Thanks to the cumulative 30-minutes exposure on Philippine Primetime Television, I met a lot of people from different walks of life. Would you believe that until now, some nasty bystanders and kids in our barangay still shout "Deal or No Deal" everytime I pass by? Though I'm quite known to a handful of students from San Beda, I became more familiar with the Bedan community because of that exposure. Coincidentally, it's been a year since our unforgettable and unplanned Baguio escapade.

I can still remember, days after that exciting moment, that I had heated arguments with my mother as to how I should share a little portion of my winnings. Believe me, it's difficult to escape or put to an end in a monetary-inspired argument. The hardest part is on how to gracefully evade those people that are "seriously" asking for "balatos". Haha.

The prize money that I won had its purpose, as if God really made things happen. Months after my stint, a major crisis occurred in the family. Good thing that I managed to save my money, and a huge portion of it was used for my necessities, specifically for my studies. A little amount of course, was spent on shopping, and the remaining was invested in mutual funds. My mutual fund savings came in handy for the unexpected expenses. Thanks to my dealt prize, I now have an upgraded computer, DSL subscription, and I was able to stay in a dormitory near school for a short time. I became more participative on certain gigs of my friends.

Of course, who would forget my 2-hour encounter with Kris Aquino? I was inches away and conversed with the greatest newsmaker in the Philippines. I had a blast with the person that Filipinos either hate or like.

If only I could turn back time, haha. I'm just glad that I had the chance to participate in that game show. Thanks to that event, I became more blessed, tangibly and intangibly.

Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal is back on its second season. With its pilot that will start on June 11, 2007, the highest amount in the money board that could be won by the lucky contestant in a No Deal situation is P3,000,000.00. I heard that there's some sort of game for the texters, and they could win half of the prize won by the contestant for the day. Indeed, it is the richest game show in Philippine Television history.