Tuesday, August 9, 2011

STARS

25 things I know about stars
DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda (The Philippine Star) Updated August 10, 2011 12:00 AM

As The Philippine STAR turns 25, I would like to share an updated version of a piece I wrote a few years ago, 25 Things I Know About Stars. This was actually culled from a talk I delivered for PBA players who at that time were being challenged to take a hard look at themselves in the context of basketball players being stars. After all, in the country, basketball players are treated like movie stars – until of course the Azkals, the gorgeous footballers kicked their way to superstardom. At that time, they needed to be reminded that if they wanted a loyal public for basketball, they had to behave and look like stars. Here are the 25 Things I Know About Stars (2011).

1. Stars are born to be stars. Whatever they do, whatever is done to them, they become stars. But some stars are made, manufactured, sculpted and invented by inventors who have a powerful network of contacts and who have the groove — they know when to attack and when to retreat.

2. Stars want to be stars. They crave for it. It’s not enough that they want to be stars. They want it bad. They are driven and determined. Anyone who gets in the way can get hurt badly.

3. Stars are visible but they are invisible and mysterious. They give but they don’t give all. Stars are comfortable with their contradictions. Visibility is a fundamental tool in a milieu that thrives in visibility.

4. Stars are good looking. They are beautiful. They smell good. They are fashionistas. They have the license to look like no one. People gape in awe when they walk on the red carpet. Ordinary fashion sense is criminal.

5. Stars have beautiful partners, friends and they go to places where they mingle with other stars. Some get intoxicated, they lose their way home and end up in rehab or in jail.

6. Stars are naturally controversial. They know how to manage controversies. They fight back or they ignore. Whichever way they go, they are always fierce.

7. Stars don’t linger. They know when to enter/exit. Anyone who overlingers is a starlet or a has-been.

8. Stars know how to love and respect their fans. They acknowledge the applause. They play to the gallery. They know that someone is always watching them. But you wouldn’t know that they know. They have mastered the art of being private even in public.

9. Stars are media savvy. They study/learn how to handle media. They are not afraid of media. They cavort with it.

10. Stars have a strong sense of occasion. They know when to hold and when to fold. And they do it in style. They know their audience is temporary. They seize the moment.

11. Stars are unique. They don’t blend with the crowd. No matter how they hide, they stick out like a thorny 10-meter cactus amidst a million roses.

12. Stars respect their game. After the blood, they shake hands. But timing is key here. They know when it’s time to bow and where.

13. Stars perform. They work hard. They talk hard. They love hard. They pray hard. And they fall hard.

14. Stars are loved/hated, never ignored.

15. Stars go for the kill. They know they don’t stay forever. Someone is always ready to take their place — someone younger and cheaper.

16. Stars don’t get mad. They win.

17. Stars know their strengths but they know better their weaknesses. They turn weaknesses into their brand equity.

18. Stars know their camera. They are never distracted even if lightning strikes a meter away. They are focused.

19. Stars know they are never ahead until the game is over. And there is no guarantee for victory until the game is won. They don’t let go of the trophy. They hang on to it for life.

20. After a victory, another game has to be won. Stars love to compete. Their fiercest rivals are themselves.

21. The strongest is not always the biggest star. Strength that comes from a smart mind is the best strength there is. The biggest stars are the smartest ones.

22. The wisest star is the star that lasts. He is risqué. He plays with fire but he knows when to stop.

23. The biggest star is not always the best. But the best lasts.

24. Legendary stars are the most generous and most humane. They are great listeners.

25. Stars know that no great performance happens by accident. They practice it.

I will continue to watch stars intensely and intently. They remain some of the most fascinating, endearing, inspiring, intriguing and mind-boggling people on this planet. And I will always be a rabid fan.