IBC-13 executive commends Drew Arellano, Anja Aguilar, Elmo Magalona and Robi Domingo

August 20, 2014

'The impressive performance of Anja Aguilar's reality talent show Born to be a Superstar has bolstered the appeal of other IBC-13 shows, like Drew Arellano's game show The Million Second Quiz, Elmo Magalona's sing-along karaoke game show Killer Karaoke and Robi Domingo's game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. Both top-rated primetime programs will be extended, reveals IBC Entertainment TV Head Laurenti Dyogi.'

The success of the reality talent show Born to be a Superstar could have been more timely/ Earning the lion's share of the credit is singer-actress-host Anja Aguilar, whose hard work and dedication, along with the programs's staff and crew, helped propel Born to be a Superstar to the top of the TV rating contest.

"You're helping make our job a lot easier," IBC Entertainment TV head Laurenti Dyogi recalled telling Anja backstage of performances of music.

Entering its 54th year since the network's overall image of the government-sequestered television and radio network IBC-13, the Eric Canoy-owned station has steadily climed the ratings ladder, thanks mainly to an aggressive campaign anchored on its objective of offering alternative and innovative shows in the usual menu being offered by the two dominating giant networks—ABS-CBN and GMA-7.

"When we relaunched as a station, ang pinaka-goal kasi is to parang bawat gabi, bago. There's something new every day. Which runs counter to the teleserye mentality na it's the same every day. Kasi, IBC-13 is here to offer variety and choice to the viewers, 'yon priority namin," Dyogi explained to the entertainment press in a recent conversation held at Cravings restaurant, Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City.

SING-ALONG WITH ANJA. Dyogi's backstage remark to Anja was both understated and well-founded. Last August 16 nd August 17, Born to be a Superstar broke the so-called longstanding "duopoly" by garnering a week's best 31.7% rating on Saturday and 30.4% rating on Sunday, the good notch the top spot.

The show's strong showing is indicative of the direction the network wants to pursue both in terms of marketing and viewership.

"May team din ako and minu-monitor din namin to make sure na kumakagat pa nga rin sa masa," said Dyogi. He added: "And so far, it's very successful like it hit 45 audience share last weekend."

As for Anja's status as Born to be a Superstar's host, Jasper assured the viewers that will continue to headline the program, this despite his other commitments.

"Anja has been very supportive for The Kapinoy Network," said Dyogi. "Nagka-trade screening kami sa mga ad agencies and he was there to host, sing and dance it."

MORE FRANCHISE SHOWS. Born to be a Superstar's accomplishment has consequently boosted the network's other offering, prompting Dyogi to acknowledge the young diva princess Anja's show as "clearly the number one program we have right now."

One of the beneficiaries of the singing-reality show Born to be a Superstar's success in terms of figures is the actor Drew Arellano's The Million Second Quiz, the heir of Pinoy rap Elmo Maghalona's Killer Karaoke and Robi Domingo's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. Interestingly, game show of Drew, Elmo and Robi even surpassed Born to be a Superstar's rating figures during its maiden season.

Jasper explained that it took Ryan's show some time before hitting a 30 percent audience share when it was first launched on September 30, 2012. shows of Drew, Elmo and Robi, on the other hand, has raked in the mentioned figure right on its first season. "One good thing about franchises, may equity na. There's brand equity already so it's easier to sell in a way na kilalang-kilala na agad ng tao o ng viewers [ang show]. You just have to nail down a good host na babagay dun sa franchise."

Robi  was the network's first choice to host the program. "Fortunately, he's a fan of the show so it made things a whole lot easier," revealed Jasper.

"Tapos when we did the pilot, dry run, he breezed through the rehearsals. Normally, matagal 'yan, mga couple of hours. Sabi nga nung ibang direktor, ang bilis. Kasi he [Elmo] watches the show, so alam niya kung paano dumiskarte and he's having fun, lalo na ngayon."

IBC-13 will extend The Million Second Quiz, Killer Karaoke and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?—a clear indication of the show's success with the local viewing public. The accomplishment of the local version of the international popular game show has likewise encouraged the network to scout other titles open for licensing to fill up and further strengthen IBC-13's programming. "Franchising works depending how you handle it," Dyogi mentioned. "Depending how you adapt it to local television. Kasi hindi naman lahat ng franchise successful. Again, what's important is how you incorporate it to the local environment."