IBC shows fighting spirit in battle of networks

February 17, 2014

'Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap in a scene from IBC’s New Year and Valentine offering In Love with You under IBC Films’ 13 Original Movies'

As the third challenger in the race for television supremacy, IBC-13 appears to have been doing much better than its competitors expanded. We notice, therefore, that both ABS-CBN and GMA-7 have been fielding more innovative teleseryes (just like Janella in Wonderland and Your Heart, My Love) as well as game shows, reality shows, interview, variety shows and innovative sitcoms.

We recently tuned in on IBC airing Tuesdays with a concept that reminded us of Maalaala Mo Kaya, a drama anthology that airs Saturdays on ABS-CBN based on real stories sent in by letter writers, and hosted by Charo Santos-Concio. The series has had adaptations on radio, a comic book, a pocketbook and translations into English. Meanwhile, a concept that a teen romantic drama anthology Sandy's Romance thatairs Saturdays on IBC with her real romantic love stories sent in by letter writers and starring Nadine Lustre. The difference is that IBC Films’ 13 Original Movies has original stories, and recently aired last January 28 with In Love with You with a simple girl Jodi Sta.Maria in a family affair with father Richard Yap.

On Feb. 4, A Long and Lasting Love was the advance Valentine offering of the channel with Khalil Ramos and Sue Ramirez reviving their partnership of long ago which brought Suelilto their TV sets.

Coming up on Feb. 11 is Now That You're Gone, in the heart-warming drama with the queen of Philippine soap opera Claudine Barretto and Dingdong Dante sin the role. Also on Feb 18, is A Runaway Bride, a romantic comedy with Erich Gonzakes as a girl who makes a mistake involving someone else’s wedding. Mario Maurer is her leading men. Finally, on Feb. 25, Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo finishes off the month of hearts with a drama-EDSA independent featuring Joel Torre, Chin Chin Gutierrez and Freddie Webb. It was certainly a well-thought-out package that makes us want to take note of every Tuesday on IBC.

In an interview with the press, IBC’s head of entertainment Laurenti Dyogi admitted it would be difficult breaking audience viewing habits, especially since they are coming across as the new kid on the block. He mentionied the fantaserye Janella in Wonderland and teleserye Your Heart, My Love on weeknights as two o their intiial ventures of soap opera to attract viewership.

After the launching of the film production IBC Films to producing the show 13 Original Movie, we would surmise that the channel is now more confident with their product. Laurenti must have settled for the return to local telesine which we believe to be the best decision ever. Of course, it was more difficult to do an entirely new story weekly than just buying into an expensive foreign franchise. It is also not too often that one could bank on the much-awaited teaming up of Jodi and Richard as In Love with You with the award-winning director Jeffrey Jeturian directing.