Dozens of active and inactive showbiz idols lost in the 12 May elections, but that doesn’t really mean Pinoy showbiz is in the doldrums. Actually, Pinoy voters still trust showbiz idols as political leaders and public servants: about 10 of the showbiz idols who courted votes in the midterm elections won, including Revilla’s wife Lani Mercado, their son Jolo, Daniel Fernando, Alex Castro, Angelu de Leon, Arron Villaflor, Cai Cortez (daugter of actor Rez Cortez), former Viva Hot Babes member Jaycee Parker and Allen Tan who is the husband of singer Roselle Nava.

The entertainment industry seems to have never been as alive in this country as it is these days. Proof? Pinoys have been watching not just films but also live productions of all sorts even as tickets to those entertainment events are five to 10 times more expensive than watching movies and shows on free TV.

Our Pinoy stage actors are getting cast in films for streaming and for release in moviehouses, though our thespians are not as prominently billed as those who are primarily movie idols. Our film and TV producers may soon realize that stage productions have become well-attended entertainment events in Metro Manila, and more Pinoys may go to the moviehouses if they know that their stage idols are cast in major roles. Pinoys love to be entertained live and through mass media. Masaya kung laging may palabas!

With the likes of Bong Revilla, Dan Fernandez, Marco Gumabao, Aljur Abrenica, Ara Mina, who were not voted back into public office, they might consider going back to their showbiz careers and portray respectable roles – and eventually go back to politics and win higher political seats. The brothers Anjo and Jomari Yllana may do the same, as well as the latter’s wife, Abby Viduya (known as Priscilla Almeda in the movies) who ran for the first time as a councilor in Paranaque but did not win.