TV Guide: ABS-CBN and GMA Are Moving Around Old Shows and Premiering New Shows

There seems to be a wave of changes in the programming of ABS-CBN and GMA. Have you noticed the noontime block of ABS-CBN? They've pushed Showtime to a later time to accommodate a pseudo new entry, Kapamilya Blockbusters, and considerable shortened Pilipinas Win Na Win. So now, we have an 11:45 - 3:00 of Showtime and PWNW to battle it out with Eat Bulaga. They also moved Banana Split to an earlier slot, just right after Simply KC. It seems to me, they're still looking for this show's audience, but can't seem to kill it.

The network has also premiered its new Primetime Bida offering with Cristine Reyes's Kristine, which looks amazing by the way. In the coming weeks, Agua Bendita will be replaced by the kantaserye Sarah Geronimo-starrer Idol. Imortal, on the other hand, seems to be pushed back. By the looks of it, the earliest it can see light would be once Momay ends, and if Noah is bumped off to the pre-TV Patrol slot. (I've been hearing lots of good things from those who are part of the cast. It seems like it really is connected to Angel Locsin's previous teleserye, Lobo. I'll talk about that more once more buzz comes my way.)

GMA, on the other hand, will be introducing a new game show in the next couple of weeks. The show is Asar Talo Pero Laging Panalo and will be hosted by Edu Manzano, who formerly helmed the Game KNB slot that Showtime now occupies. From what I've read about the show, it seems like it's lifting some of the traits from the game show Distraction.We'll also be treated to a new season of Survivor Philippines, which will feature celebrities instead of regular people. They're also building up Glaiza de Castro, as a lead, with her new show, Grazilda, already in production and scheduled to start airing in October.

All in all, the latter half of 2010 seems to be heavier for both networks. As for TV5? They've been ramping up original content, as well. In fact, I caught a promo spot of a new show starring Ryan Agoncillo, as a crossdresser. It's title is Lady Dada.

Bea Alonzo + Maja Salvador = Bela Padilla

I've caught a couple episodes of Party Pilipinas, and really didn't know much of the names of their hosts. But one host caught my eye. Not necessarily because she was doing a phenomenal job or something extraordinary, but she reminded me of another actress. I couldn't thumb it down and then it hit me! This host looks like a cross between Bea Alonzo and Maja Salvador. Her name is Bela Padilla, by the way.

+ =

Amazing coincidence, wouldn't you say? Do you have other celebrities in mind who look like the fusion of other celebrities?

The TMZ Clones: Tweetbiz and Dokumentado

Filipino networks have this penchant for copying shows from other countries. We've had clones of Dawson's Creek (ABS-CBN's Tabing Ilog), Dancing With The Stars (ABS-CBN's U Can Dance and TV5's Shall We Dance), and who could forget the many variations of the American Idol done by both ABS-CBN and GMA. From those competitions and occasional dramas, the networks have moved to include the entertainment reporting style of Americans.

If you watch some of the gossip shows, one would notice the similarities with Entertainment Tonight or the Daily Ten. But I think what has caught the Filipino's taste is the satirical gossip reporting of TMZ. To be fair, the original show is a riot, and the concept of making it seem like a conference of the gossip columnists on whether a story is worth a mention on TMZ's website transports us to a behind-the-scenes look on where the gossip is coming from. And of course, I have to mention the sound effects and side comments they always have when they throw the story up into discussion. It always cracks me up when they report on Justin Bieber, they always have this high-pitched voice doing the Bieber voice. Genius!

So what did the two shows copy and scrap? Read after the break!

Top 10 Leading Men in Philippine Entertainment

Let's move on from the Top 10 Leading Ladies, to who I consider to be the Top 10 Leading Men of Philippine Entertainment. For some odd reason, this was a tougher ranking duty. One, there are more male leads than ladies. Two, the eras aren't as clear cut, as many of the actors are able to still carry movies to success, so ages range from the early twenties to the early thirties. Lastly, there is some level of parity after the top three because most are either new to the business or they may be old but are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. To whittle down the list, I'll exclude Aga Muhlach and Robin Padilla and grant them the status of being "In Their Own League."

My criteria remain the same. I look at movies starred in, teleseryes, where they were central to the story, how successful these projects were in terms of box office earnings, buzz, critical acclaim and of course, ratings. The last component would be endorsements held, as this exhibits their crossover appeal, meaning they are not just known by Kapamilyas or Kapusos exclusively. I definitely put greater weight on recent success than past success. Having said that, I made sure I referenced the past, as well.

1. John Lloyd Cruz
The Why: He's leading the pack with a bevy of endorsement deals, numerous box-office hits, and starring roles in high rating teleseryes. He slowly transformed himself to a bankable leading man from his days as Rovic in Tabing Ilog. His success was tied to the Bea Alonzo-John Lloyd love team, but with the success of the Sarah Geronimo-John Lloyd love team, one has to consider already that he might just have needed flexibility to be able to carry a film on his own. It's good that he's mixing up his projects, and trying to improve and extend his acting skills more and more.
The brands that trust his star power: Lucky Me Pancit Canton, 555 Tuna, Sta. Lucia Properties, Biogesic, Greenwich Pizza, Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs, Swatch, Joel Cruz Perfume and Body Care, Chocolava
Hit Movies: Miss You Like Crazy, In My Life, You Changed My Life, A Very Special Love, One More Chance, Dubai, Now That I Have You
Hit Teleseryes: I Love Betty La Fea, Maging Sino Ka Man, Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin, It Might Be You, Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay

2. Piolo Pascual
The Why: A few years ago, one could probably say Piolo Pascual would've been the numero uno leading man. But since this is a list made in 2010, one has to consider the lack of recent successful projects to back this claim. At the same time, even with the lack of success his extreme popularity among women despite rumors that hound him is a testament to the brand that he's built for himself. To be fair, his career seems to be in another upswing, but I wonder if he'd be able to recapture the magic he had with Judy Ann Santos that made him a household name in the industry and at the same time, made so many fans scream and shell out money to watch their movies.
The brands that trust his star power: BDO, Belo Medical Group, Bench, Century Bangus, Centrum, Century Properties, Smart, Timex
Hit Movies: Don't Give Up On Us, Milan, Till There Was You, Dekada '70, Kahit Isang Saglit
Hit Teleseryes: Lovers In Paris, Lobo, Sa Piling Mo, Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka, Kahit Isang Saglit, Esperanza

For the rest of the list, click Read More!

Top 10 Leading Ladies of Philippine Entertainment

The rise of the teleserye as a vehicle for up and coming leading ladies has never been stronger as it currently is. Gone are the days where there were leading ladies in movies exclusively. The game now, is to be on teleseryes AND movies. It was a trend that must have started with Judy Ann Santos and Claudine Barretto, who starred in teleseryes made into movies. They've graduated to another level altogether, passing the baton, so to speak, to a new generation. We've truly entered a new era of leading ladies.

To come up with the list, I considered not only the success of their movies and television shows, but also looked at their influence, by way of the endorsements they currently have.

1. Sarah Geronimo
The Why: She's truly built a very strong brand for herself. She stands as the only true star that can be considered a triple threat. She sings, dances, and acts. She 's headlined sold out concerts, movies and has also starred in her fair share of television shows. While one can nitpick and say she has yet to prove herself in a drama, few can lay claim to truly establishing this goofy comedy she seems most comfortable in
Brands that trust her star power: Sunsilk, Cebuana Lhuillier, Robitussin, Elaia, 555 Corned Tuna, Lucky Me Pancit Canton, Belo Essentials, Globe Tattoo, Jollibee, Selecta Fortified Milk
Where did we see her? ASAP XV, A Very Special Love 1 and 2, Pangarap na Bituin, Hating Kapatid, Idol (upcoming series)

2. Marian Rivera
The Why: Out of the top three, she might have the most endorsements. She's proven herself to be a very dependable TV star with almost all her shows rating well. Her tandem with Dingdong Dantes has proven the test of time and the audience seems to want more and more of their love story. While one can say she has yet to prove herself in being a bankable movie star, she has proven that even without that star under her sleeve, she's gained the trust of marketers to endorse their brands, most probably because of her undeniable beauty.
Brands that trust her star power: Maxipeel, SM Residences, Jag Jeans, San Miguel Light, San Marino, Honda, Natasha, Phoenix Gasoline, Gran Matador, PLDT Touch Card, PLDT Landline Plus, Talk ‘N Text
Where did we see her? Darna, Marimar, Dyesebel, Endless Love (current series)

For the rest of the list, click the read more link!