Everyone’s A Critic

But some critics are worse than others. Some write brutal reviews that kill a show. Others simply kill the performer. Literally.

Romy Baligula, 29, was halfway through his song on Tuesday night in a bar in San Mateo town, east of Manila, when 43-year-old security guard Robilito Ortega yelled that he was out of tune.

As Baligula ignored his comments and continued singing, Ortega pulled out his revolver and shot him in the chest.

Senior Superintendent Felipe Rojas said Baligula died instantly.

The security guard was detained by an off-duty policeman shortly after the shooting.

Deaths and violence are not uncommon in Philippine karaoke bars.

My wife and I witnessed one of the worst karaoke duet performances in world history while on the cruise we took. This couple was absolutely hideous, out of tune, out of time and apparently unable to read the lyrics on the prompter as well. Nobody in the crowded bar tried to kill them, though. There was a lot of discussion about throwing them overboard, however.