Mixkaela Villalon's 20 January article “Mabu-hey! Rise of fraction Pinoys in American TV” examines the phenomenon of half-Filipino actors like Darren Criss and Shay Mitchell starring in U.S. TV shows like Glee and Pretty Little Liars, as well as Charice's guest appearances on Glee.

The article makes a fair point that, for all the hype, these actors appearing in these shows isn't exactly a revolutionary breakthrough in race relations. That much seems obvious; prejudice and social inequality are deep-seated problems that can't be undone overnight. A Fil-Am could be elected president of the United States and Filipinos would still be faced with poverty and discrimination, in America and elsewhere.

The article also points out that acceptance of Filipinos in America is a much more relevant issue for Filipinos who are actually in America; again, a no-brainer. But people here still get excited about American TV shows and movies, even if the characters and situations presented are far removed from life in the Philippines.

Why wouldn't we get a bit more excited if, among those predominantly Caucasian with a few African-American or Latino actors we're so used to seeing 90 percent of the time, there happens to be a Filipino or two for a change among the smattering of Asians? Why wouldn't our TV networks try to capitalize on that excitement by hyping these actors to high heaven? Hype is the bread and butter (or if you prefer, the rice and Star Margarine) of the entertainment industry, after all.

So apart from the “wow, cool” factor, are there any concrete benefits to be gained from Filipinos and part-Filipinos appearing in American media?