IBC-13 emerges as a strong player in the clash of the networks

August 23, 2014

FOR several years now, only two major players have been involved in the battle of the networks—ABS-CBN and GMA-7. While the two giants were busy duking it out to claim the highest place in the ratings game, another network was silently building its reputation and its own legion of fans through its groundbreaking shows—veering away from the usual fare of the two top contenders.

IBC (Ito'ng Bagong Channel 13)

IBC-13 was relaunched last month, complete with the new slogan Kapinoy ng Bagong Pilipino and the tagline Ito'ng Bagong Channel 13 and a station ID which features its biggest talents and stars such as Drew Arellano, Anja Aguilar, Elmo Magalona, Nadine Lustre, Robi Domingo, AJ Muhlach, Janella Salvador, the Teleserye Queen herself Claudine Barretto, the Teleserye King himself Raymart Santiago, Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap, Ramon Bautista, Iya Villania, TODAS Boys, Dingdong Avanzado and Lani Misalucha.

Drew Arellano of The Million Second Quiz, Nadine Lustre of Sandy's Romance, Elmo Magalona of Killer Karaoke, Anja Aguilar of Born to be a Superstar and Robi Domingo of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

“We hope that our presence as a relatively new and exciting player will help expand field for the industry’s growth,” IBC chairman Eric Canoy remarked during the relaunch. “We remain committed to the vision of Channel 13 that truly serves the best interests of our brothers and sisters, wherever they may be.”

He further stated that,”We believe that IBC-13 is a medium that could serve the global Filipino, as well as their families in every part of the country and the world, with the quality of programs and public service that exemplifies our continuous search for excellence.”

'Jodi Sta. Maria (Maya) and Richard Yap (Sir Chief) in the sitcom Maya Loves Sir Chief'

With the comedy leading lady Jodi and Richard, chances are the quest for excellende will be accomplished. Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap's much-awaited family-romance sitcom Maya Loves Sir Chief, aired every Saturday at 6:45 p.m. The show is directed by Malu Sevilla Mervyn B. Brondial and also features Mutya Orquia, Thirdy Lacson, Alfred Nasayao, Gloria Sevilla, Jon Santos, Sheng Belmonte, Ronnie Ricketts, Andrea del Rosario, Phillip Salvador, Jade Lopez, Paolo Serrano, Joy Viado, Arlene Tolibas, Divina Valencia, Blaksyak, Carla Castelo, Rocio Olbes, Ruby Rodriguez, Pio Balbuena, Arlene Tolibas and Vandolph Quizon.

Before the show’s premiere, there have been a lot of speculations about his transfer from ABS-CBN and IBC-13, when Jodi and Richard merely part of showbiz and also still appearing in the network's daytime series Be Careful With My Heart on ABS-CBN.

“Maganda naman ang paalamanan,” they shares with Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) in an interview. Now she and he says at IBC-13, he is treated like a kilig moments.

Thirdy Lacson and Kroko, AJ Muhlach as Voltron Man and Janella Salvador as Janella

Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago of Your Heart, My Love

Another show to watch out for over at the revitalized channel is Seeing Stars Tonight on Sunday nights and will feature Joey Marquez and an action-packed series Hitman starring Dingdong Dantes and Cristine Reyes aired on September 8. Other existing shows such as Kroko: Ang Alamat sa Zoo which will feature Miguel Moreno and Thirdy Lacson, Voltron Man featuring AJ Muhlach, Janella: A Princess Girl featuring Janella Salvador, the drama series Your Heart, My Love with Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago, The Million Second Quiz with Drew Arellano, Sandy's Romance starring Nadine Lustre, Killer Karaoke with Elmo Magalona, the reality show Born to be a Superstar with Anja Aguilar, and Happy TODAS featuring the gang of Keempee de Leon, Sam YG, Carlos Agassi, Jimmy Muna and Victor Anastacio, have all been refreshed as well so as to further anchor the channel’s journey to gain a much larger viewership, larger than the two giant networks.

And there is no doubt there is much more to watch out for given the fact that Dingdong Avanzado and Lani Misalucha, who can be safely considered a veteran of TV shows, is on board, IBC Board of Directors and the management team which conceptualize shows, at the same time developing talents.

“It’s a step up,” he says. And yes, the same thing can be said about IBC-13. It has really stepped up to the game. Kapamilya and Kapuso better watch out.