TV5 revamps Saturday primetime shows

Septemebr 3, 2013

With the two giant networks, ABS-CBN and GMA-7, in a stiff competition over their primetime shows, TV5 chooses to strengthen its Saturday programming.

September, particularly the “14-15 weekend,” is going to be a big month for the Kapatid station. In a press conference held earlier, September 2, in Luxent Hotel, chief entertainment content officer Wilma Galvante underscored, “… ang focus ng TV5 ay primetime lang muna. Hindi muna lalaban iyan sa daytime…”

Every Saturday nights at 7:45 p.m. with Killer Karaoke as Galvante put it, “It’s a different take on singing contest… Isa lang ang kanyang rule: whatever happens, you don’t stop singing.”  Initially, it will air episodes from the U.S. game show itself; then, in October, the local version will be hosted by John Estrada.

Edu Manzano’s What’s Up Doods, a TV sitcom will be at 9 p.m. TV5’s new president Noel Lorenzana sees the “different genres” of their line-up attracting viewers who want to “relax, laugh, and quiet down” on weekends.

At 10:45 p.m., gag show Tropa Mo Ko Unli will take center stage with Ogie Alcasid and Gelli de Belen reliving the humor of the defunct Tropang Trumpo and the Lokomoko U guys contributing to the riotous laughter on the set.

Every Sunday at 4 p.m. will be owned by Showbiz Pulis, which will be hosted by Cristy Fermin, Lucy Torres, Raymond Gutierrez, and Joey Reyes.

Galvante said the format is best explained by its tagline: “Intriga under arrest.”  Showbiz issues will be clarified and given closure, with some help from their chief reporters: Dan Castaño, MJ Marfori, and Divine Lee. For Galvante’s part, she described it as a “back to back combination of funny entertainment… walang drama ito.”  PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked: Has the network addressed the “hindi mapanood” and “mahina ang signal” complaints of viewers?

Lorenzana's reply: “It’s a work in progress. By November, we should be at par [with] the other networks.” As an example, he cited the FIBA coverage, which, according to Mega Manila TV Audience Measurement (MEGATAM) overnight data of Nielsen Media Research, got over "five million viewers" tuned in from August 10 to 11. He resumed, “… if people want to watch you, they will watch you.”

Over the one-hour chat, some issues thrown at the Manny Pangilinan-owned company were also brought up. Reports claimed that they made an attempt to pirate big female stars of the Kapuso and Kapamilya channels.

Last year, the tittle-tattle was: huge amount of money went to the big stars, while those working behind-the-scenes got so little. Lorenzana assured, "things are getting better," and that the new programs have helped revive the "belief" of employees.