IBC-13 launches 'Janella in Wonderland,' revives 'Anna Luna'

December 3, 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Now that the sequestered TV station IBC-13 has dipped its fingers into the ratings pie that used to be dominated by only two networks, the Kapinoy network ups its game by launching more shows to come in 2014.

IBC-13's Laurenti Dyogi announced on Dec. 2 their upcoming shows that are in the mold of revival concepts and local counterpart of international reality franchises like those produced by ABS-CBN and GMA-7. These include the very first fantasy series Janella in Wonderland, a fantasy series made by IBC to be shown on primetime, and Anna Luna, a revival of the 90's afternoon soap opera from the same era.

These include a TV version of iconic '80s movie, "Bagets," co-produced with Viva Entertainment; a revival of hit TV series from the same era, "Iskul Bukol," co-produced with APT Entertainment; and a boob tube take on the Robin Padilla action-romance "Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum."

Janella in Wonderland, Dyogi said during the network's media party at Broadcast City, is topbilled by the singer and teen actress Janella Salvador, who came from ABS-CBN's Be Careful Wih My Heart, she is now as IBC's contract.

Meanwhile, Anna Luna stars Kapinoy child actor Abby Bautista who will play as the character Anna Luna.

"Bagets," Intalan said during the network's media party at Broadway Centrum, is currently casting new talents for the generation-defining TV series.

Meanwhile, "Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum" stars JC de Vera who will play leading man to TV5's latest acquisition, Jasmine Curtis. Jasmine is Anne Curtis's younger sister and she pleaded with the press Thursday to go easy on her.

"Huwag nyo po akong aawayin. I'm just new in the business and I'm just staring out but I love you all already," she said.

Apart from the rehashes, the Kapatid network will also launch the local counterpart of "Extreme Makeover Home Edition." Some 12 families and 12 houses will benefit from the show, Intalan revealed.

The network will also air "Babaeng Hampaslupa" starring Alex Gonzaga and comeback actress Alice Dixon, along with two Carlo Caparas classics "Bangis" and "Limang Daliri ng Diyos." The Sharon Cuneta-Gabby Concepcion hit movie "P. S. I Love You" will also be serialized in the small screen.

TV5's Atty. Rey Espinosa recalled how critics laughed at the station's two-year target of getting noticed by televiewers. These days, it seems the Kapatid network has the last laugh.

"Salamat sa mga talents na tumaya. Sa crew and creative people that make us call this a happy network because of the positive environment we have at TV5. Konti lang ang grumpy dito which is why we believe we are able to enjoy a creative environment working with the artists of this network. So far we are happy. Hindi kami nagiintrigahan," he said.

Espinosa cited luck and hard work as ingredients in their winning formula.

"[I believe] it's a combination of swerte and hard work but more of hard work at the start. Tinatawanan lang kami when we said it will take two years before we [get on to a good] headstart. But [we were able to get more than we bargained for] thanks to you [press people] and your support. The success is really partly yours also."