Noon-time and other variety shows on Philippine television have undoubtedly become the masters of the dumbing-down craft. These programs, once a source of entertainment, have devolved into mind-numbing spectacles that seem designed to lower the collective IQ of the nation.

With hosts prancing around in outrageous costumes, dancing to the same tired tunes, screaming, and laughing hysterically at their own jokes, these shows are a caricature of entertainment. They feed the masses a steady diet of shallow content, promoting mediocrity as the new normal. The obsession with celebrity gossip, love teams, petty drama and occasional insensitive and offensive banters overshadows the more pressing issues facing the country.

While some argue that these shows offer an escape from daily struggles, they inadvertently foster a culture of ignorance. The incessant product placements and commercialism only serve to enrich the networks while viewers are left intellectually bankrupt.

In the end, these shows might offer momentary amusement, but they also contribute to the long-term dumbing-down of the Filipino population. It’s high time we demand more substantive content and real entertainment value from our screens, or else we risk becoming a nation trapped in an endless loop of triviality and superficiality.