Solar perks up RPN 9

BUZZSTATION (by Edgar Cruz)

02/27/2007

“We’re trying to improve RPN 9’s reach by as much as 40 percent,” explains Solar Entertainment for Television (SET) main man Wilson Tieng, on how he plans to compete with ABS-CBN and GMA, which have superior transmission facilities. He launched the bold move to update the sequestered network’s facilities and programming in preparation for acquiring it. Since television ratings is a signal and reach issue, he set his goal in realistic terms. “Our cable shows are rating as much as eight percent. If we can increase it by a few points at RPN 9, we’d be happy. We cannot change our transmission tower since it’s very expensive.”

SET entered active local show production after it inked a deal with RPN 9 to take over its 6 to 10 p.m. primetime on weekdays and the whole day on weekends. Starting March, it starts broadcasting new shows produced by its local production division headed by vice president Susan Trinidad. On March 5, Pat-P’s showbiz talk show Showbiz Ka! starts broadcast at 8 p.m. On March 9, Dennis Padilla’s dating game Sabi ni Nanay begins airing every Friday at 8:30 p.m. On March 12, Bayani Agbayani’s sitcom Kemis: Ke Misis Umaasa start one-hour broadcast Mondays at 8:30 p.m. SET will launch two more shows, as Wilson bared to Buzzstation.

Kemis: Ke Misis Umaasa, a sitcom about househusbands, is SET’s bid to provide alternative shows. Bayani is Gordon Bagatob, a “kemis” (ke misis umaasa), who is a freelance cartoonist. Cherie Gil is Clarisse, the wife who works abroad. Gordon is left to look after their daughters Honeydew and Pennylane as acted by Pauleen Luna and Kiray, in this order. Gary Lim is Toniboy, an ice and ice candy “business tycoon,” as he refers to himself, Gordon’s best friend. James Blanco is Jordan Malicsi, Honeydew’s suitor. Sheree is Armi, who helps Gordon watch over his two daughters.