MANILA, Philippines — Then: You watch performances of singers on variety shows to catch live numbers of OPM hits played on radio.

Now: You watch hit-less singers perform covers on variety shows.

Then: You line up to catch movies of big stars.

Now: You wait to see on TV their hit-and-miss primetimers.

Then: You buy magazines, collect clippings of your favorite celebrities.

Now: You browse YouTube. If you’re lucky enough and since some stars are stupid enough, sex videos come as a bonus.

Then: You browse channels to see different shows aired about the same time.

Now: You browse channels and still see the same drama plots aired simultaneously.

Then: Ever after’s are done in good taste.

Now: Happy endings must come after a kidnapping climax.

Then: It was Regal vs Viva.

Now: It’s ABS vs GMA.

Then: They were known as movie stars.

Now: They’re all TV personalities.

Then: Radio dictates hit songs.

Now: Hit songs hardly happen.

Then: Titles like Superstar, Star for all Seasons are hard-earned monikers.

Now: Create-your-own title as soon as you show up in your first presscon.

Then: Awards nights are much-awaited credible events.

Now: Blockbuster films win best picture.

Then: Fans suffer heartbreaks when their idols’ marriages end.

Now: Fans are made aware that celebrities were an item only when it’s break-up time.

Then: Child actresses bloom to be fine young women in years.

Now: Their boobs grow overnight.