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(UPDATE) THE Philippine television landscape experienced a seismic shift on Saturday, July 1, as two noontime shows each had significant milestones, promising a new era of entertainment for viewers across the country.
The legendary trio Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon — fondly known as TVJ — made their highly anticipated comeback via a brand-new program titled “E.A.T” on TV5. Meanwhile, ABS-CBN's popular variety show, “It's Showtime,” began its simultaneous airing on GTV, a subsidiary free-to-air television network of GMA Network Inc.
The hashtags #GnaGsaShowtime, #LegitDabarkads and #TVJonTV5 immediately trended worldwide, reflecting the overwhelming excitement and anticipation of viewers.
Ratings-wise, AGB Nielsen NUTAM released via their official Facebook and Twitter pages showed GTV garnered 23.6 percent, while TV5 received 5.1 percent urban nationwide.
Both shows also had their run, with “It's Showtime” having 301,900+ combined live viewers on Facebook and YouTube as of 2 p.m. and 293,900+ combined live viewers for TVJ's “E.A.T.”
However, with the two program's significant milestones, GMA Network's “Eat Bulaga” — TAPE Inc. and Philippine TV's longest-running noontime show — was left behind the viewing numbers. It had 2,000+ live viewers, while AGB Nielsen NUTAM did not provide TV ratings for the program.
'E.A.T:' TVJ's homecoming on TV5
“E.A.T” kicked off with an engaging segment featuring the TV5 news program “Frontline” broadcasters KaladKaren, Mikee Reyes and Gretchen Ho welcoming the “Legit Dabarkads” hosts, including Maine Mendoza, Paolo Ballesteros, Allan K, Ryan Agoncillo, Wally Bayola, Ryzza Mae Dizon and Carren Eistrup. The camaraderie among the hosts and their genuine delight at being back together radiated through the screens, drawing viewers into the warm and familiar atmosphere.
As the clock struck noon, emotions soared as TVJ stepped into the TV5 studio in Mandaluyong City. The trio, known for their timeless comedy and unparalleled stage presence, shared touching embraces and tears of joy, signifying how they defied the odds after months of controversies. Their heartfelt rendition of VST & Company's classic hit “Ikaw Ang Aking Mahal” and the familiar theme song, “Isang Libo't Isang Tuwa” from their former show “Eat Bulaga,” struck a nostalgic chord with audiences.
Seen in the audience were equally emotional family members such as de Leon's wife Eileen Macapagal and Sotto clan members Pauleen Luna-Sotto, Romina, Gian, Danica, Oyo Boy and Kristine Hermosa, as well as Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis “Vico Sotto,” among others.
The Big Boss himself, TV5 Chairman Manny Pangilinan, was also seen in the program. Indeed, he was true to his answer to The Manila Times Entertainment Editor who asked him at the show's sole media conference on June 20 if he actually watches TVJ. However, he is yet to prove his answer to the second question if he knows how to play “Pinoy Henyo.”
Vic Sotto shared his sentiments in Filipino, “The story of giving a thousand and one joys continues. Moving on, moving forward. This is destiny. We were brought here onTV5 — the home of TVJ, the home of the Legit Dabarkads. We will fill our new home with happiness, we will make it a home of surprises and a stage to showcase the great and amazing stories of Filipinos who keep on dreaming.”
Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events, the country's Megastar, Sharon Cuneta, also appeared on the show. She and TVJ sang Rey Valera's hit, “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” and her hit, “Bituing Walang Ningning.”
“I am honored to be here because our TVJ show is back on the air. But I really feel bad because you should have been taken care of. I don't like what you went through. You didn't deserve that. Dabarkads all over the world feel the same way. Because there are many shows on noontime, there are people who love each of them. But the love between TVJ and Dabarkads is still different. So let's not allow the happiness of the people [to] disappear,” Cuneta said in Filipino.
To celebrate their momentous return, TV5 collaborated with Cignal TV Inc. to organize a nationwide viewing party, transcending geographical boundaries and uniting fans from “Aparri to Jolo.” Over 20 venues were set up to host the event, allowing fans to share the joy and excitement of witnessing TVJ's comeback together. The attendees were treated to interactive activities, creating an immersive experience for all.
'It's Showtime' spreads its wings on GTV
In a groundbreaking move, “It's Showtime,” the beloved noontime variety show from ABS-CBN, also embarked on a new chapter by simultaneously airing on GTV. The fusion of Kapuso and Kapamilya stars on a single stage signaled a spirit of unity and collaboration within the industry.
The pilot episode of “It's Showtime” on GTV was a spectacle to behold as dancer-actors and siblings Rayver and Rodjun Cruz danced alongside Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario.
Jugs Jugueta and Teddy Corpuz teamed up with Erik Santos and Mark Bautista for a musical extravaganza, while Kim Chiu showcased her star power alongside Belle Mariano, Alexa Ilacad and Barbie Forteza. Jackie Gonzaga delighted viewers with her performance alongside Sanya Lopez and Chie Filomeno, while Anne Curtis serenaded the audience with Jess Glynne's hit song “Hold My Hand.”
Adding to the surprise and excitement, Vice Ganda, a prominent figure in the show, captivated viewers by taking a helicopter from ABS-CBN Network to GMA Network Center in Kamuning, Quezon City. He was later seen mingling with the Kapuso staff inside their office and later performed in front of the building.
The pilot episode of “It's Showtime” on GTV was also graced by the presence of ABS-CBN executives, including President and Chief Executive Officer Carlo Katigbak and TV production head Laurenti Dyogi.
'Eat Bulaga' sends congratulations
Despite low ratings, “Eat Bulaga” continued on with their program, starting off with an energetic performance of Pharrell Williams' “Happy” from hosts Glaiza de Castro, Betong Sumaya, Buboy Villar, Cassy Legaspi, Mavy Legaspi, Paolo Contis, Kimpoy Feliciano, Dasuri Choi, Winwyn Marquez, Yasser Marta, former Manila mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno, with guests Tuesday Vargas and Faith Da Silva.
“This Saturday is special for Eat Bulaga because we can tell this is the new era of your noontime television habit. We know that you are updated on what is happening and that you are looking forward to it. Like you, we are also excited. For most, it's a big competition, but with the Eat Bulaga program, which has been entertaining [us] for 44 years, it's not a competition, but it's our inspiration,” Contis said in Filipino at the beginning of the program.
Meanwhile, Moreno congratulated TVJ on their new home, “We are happy because you have a new home, we are happy because people have many choices. At least, the noontime show now is like a buffet. You have many choices. So from our colleagues, staff, production, [and] the management [of] TAPE Inc., we warmly welcome and congratulate Tito, Vic and Joey, congratulations to you.”
“We are here with Paolo and our colleagues to entertain our viewers in our own little way, in a different manner. We will try to make your afternoon full of joy and hope because that is what we want, every day at lunch. Eat Bulaga wants to be with you, bringing you fun,” he added.
Contis continued on by also welcoming their “neighbor,” “It's Showtime.”
“I'd like to welcome another show that brings joy. It is ahead of us when it comes to hosting. But now they are also our neighbors. In 'It's Showtime,' welcome because you are now our neighbors. We are happy because we can now call you Kapuso. So whatever you are, whether you are part of the Madlang Pipol, whether you are Dabarkads, whether you are Kapuso, thank you very much. We are happy to have you here. The important thing is that we continue to give fun because the important thing is our viewers,” Contis added.
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Credit belongs to : www.manilatimes.net
