Iskul Bukol, Two Years Later

January 6, 2019

The top-rating and award-winning curriculum-based program marked on its 2nd year.

Iskul Bukol: The Anniversary Trailer (Joyce Abestano (school uniform)) (YouTube)

Last night marked the second anniversary of ‘Iskul Bukol’, the school-themed curriculum-based sitcom starring Joyce Abestano and as the Diliman High School era of the longest-running sitcom. The sitcom, which first premiered on January 7, 2017, has aired a total of 103 episodes as of yesterday (one date in a year were preempted due to Holy Week).

A production of IBC-13 and Secarats Television, ‘Iskul Bukol’ became one of the top-rating programs of IBC-13 under the tagline ‘Trese ng Bayan’ as the corporate slogan.

With ‘Iskul Bukol’ joining the gold standard of comedy programs every Saturday night, IBC-13 now has two longest-running comedy programs that have reached the milestone. ‘T.O.D.A.S.’ remained at the top of the game and turned a 38 year old, and like ‘Iskul Bukol’, is a top-rater in its timeslot and turned its 2nd year

Speaking of top-raters every Saturday night, ‘Iskul Bukol’ has been a ratings leader from the start. From its premiere garnered a 24.8% national rating in 2017 to a new era garnered a 38.5% national rating in 2018 (according to Kantar), and has consistently hit or come close to this mark ever since.

Along the way, some rivals fell. First came in 2017 are the first season of ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids’ and ‘Pepito Manaloto,’ then came the premiere of ‘The Voice Kids,’ followed by ‘Little Big Shots,’ ‘Pilipinas Got Talent,’ second season of ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids,’ ‘The Kids’ Choice,’ and now the rivals of ‘Pinoy Big Brother Otso’ and ‘Daddy’s Gurl,’

Much of ‘Iskul Bukol’s success with the hilarious high school story aligned with the K to 12 high school curriculum. In an era where the learners and lessons are common in curriculum-based educational programs, while ‘Iskul Bukol’ takes cue from such news, and in the process, gives viewers a lesson in high school life. The sitcom will showcase the role of Joyce in her comedic skills as she shifts from one role after another such as high school student, daughter of a father and high school varsity player

While ‘Iskul Bukol’ was a huge success, it also weathered numerous casting changes during its first year. Along with Tonton Gutierrez, Maxene Magalona and Patrick Destura as the main cast, the most notable of these changes include the departures of Keith Cruz and Raisa Dayrit, and the entry of Basti Gonzales.

Overall, the second year of ‘Iskul Bukol’ became memorable in more ways than one. Even PNP chief Ronald Dela Rosa was impressed with the show, saying that it helps restore the Filipino’s trust in the Philippine National Police.

Iskul Bukol: Eskwelang-Kwela Party Anniversary Concert (YouTube) (Iskul Bukol (logo): Eskwelang-Kwela  Party, The 2nd Anniversary Concert, January 8 * 7:30pm, Araneta Coliseum (left) (Joyce Abestano) (school uniform) (right))

As tribute to its second anniversary, a thanksgiving concert will take place on January 8. Now that it concludes its second year, one can only hope that ‘Iskul Bukol’ will continue to provide some memorable moments as it enters its third year.