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NOT everyone will like the idea of turning a
supposedly reflective spiritual process into a realty show. Is it
stretching the creative license too far in order to be different and
original? Is it a desperate effort to boost program ratings?
Certainly not very tasteful.
ABC 5 tries to be different as it
mounts on television over the Holy Week a reality show that
dramatically documents the three-day spiritual journey of eight
young adults in a retreat house.
Four men and four women of
diverse worldly backgrounds, ages 21 to 31, pack their bags and sign
up for a retreat program at the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches.
Some of them have never attended a retreat, one attended a retreat
five years ago, and another 10 years ago.
Let us see if these participants
can face up to the “challenges,” which include how to
“unfreeze” and open their hearts to strangers; how to predispose
themselves to prayer, experiencing silence and solitude; sharing
their life stories; going through the stations of the cross; and
writing a letter to God.
Creative director Pauline
Saltarin documented the proceedings of the three-day retreat, chose
the best moments and put together three two-hour episodes which will
air as Ang Pagbabalik: A Spiritual Journey on ABC 5 from 1 to 3 p.m.
on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday.
Let’s see how viewers will take
this one. That is, if ever they choose to watch it at all.
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