When star party, Viva-TV's grand bash for Born to be a Star relaunch on IBC

September 27, 2012

'Born to be a Star host Anja Aguilar with official judges Richard Yap, Dingdong Avanzado, Jodi Sta. Maria and Maricel Soriano'

THERE is truly no better way for a television network to start a phenomenal hit show than to hold a grand launch and let the members of the press experience the thrill firsthand.

Such was what transpired at the Grand Ballroom of The Diamond Hotel on July 20, when ABC 5 gathered its biggest stars, network officials and the print media to a night of entertainment, competitions, raffle draws, huge prizes and of course, lots of fun and excitement. The objective: to launch the Philippine Idol, which is set to premiere on ABC 5 on July 30 at 8 p.m. The agenda: to hold a singing competition for the press, Idol style, and with the TV showâ€™s chosen judges handing out the verdict.

Asiaâ€™s queen of song Pilita Corrales failed to make it to the party, but she spoke before the guests on video and appointed Arnell Ignacio to judge in her place. The comical Ignacio, who recently joined the ABC family as one of the hosts of Shall We Dance? sat on the panel along with the master musician Ryan Cayabyab and rap artist Francis Magalona for the â€œPress Idolâ€ competition. The three had a grand time critiquing 13 volunteers, who surprisingly regaled the audience with capable singing voices and remarkable stage presence.

Ronnie Carrasco 3rd emerged as the Press Idol winner of the night after his beautiful rendering of an OPM ballad using the Wow Best-selling Magic Sing. Meanwhile, Marinel Cruz bagged the Star of the Night award for being chosen by the fashion design authority RenÃ©e Salud as the eveningâ€™s best-dressed press personality.

In between awards and prizes, ABC 5 proclaimed its all-new shows and timeslots. On Sundays, Joey de Leonâ€™s spoof show Teka Mona premieres at 7 p.m., the Philippine Idol right after, and Shall We Dance: The Celebrity Dance Showdown at 9:30 p.m.

Weeknights at 9 p.m. begin with Ariel and Maverickâ€™s spunkier, meatier news and current affairs show Totoo TV on Mondays, Ali Sottoâ€™s talk show dubbed Ali on Tuesdays, the independent cinema showcase Shorts on Wednesdays (starting August 16), Ed Lingaoâ€™s Frontline newsmagazine on Thursdays (starting August 17) and Loren Legardaâ€™s Golden Dove awardee Real Stories on Fridays. More new shows will premiere in August.

ABC 5â€™s new programming, which comes with the bold catchphrase â€œIdol Maging Iba!â€ is still part of its bid to catch up in the local ratings race. From the way it has restructured its shows, the promising network is definitely off to a good start.