PNS — AFTER the spate of double spread advertising in all broad sheets it is clear that the Kapatid network is gearing up for the battle. Kumbaga, umaarang-kada. Palaban. We remember during the pre-Manny Pangilinan days when the then management appeared to be less aggressive. No longer. The battle cry is out, and why not indeed! If you are an MVP, there should be nothing less.
This past weekend saw the Saturday launch of Chiqui Roa Puno and Manu Sandejas in “Astig,” an in-depth look into the beginnings of two star basketball players from Pampanga and Zamboanga, thrust into the limelight of Meralco and Smart Gilas. Aired at 3p.m., this was very engaging, even for non-basketball fans. Five stars from us.
Immediately following at 4p.m. is “Alagang Kapatid,” another docu type hosted by Cheryl Cosim. On GMA, we always watched “Wish Ko Lang” with Vicky Morales and we loved their episodes of searching for and reuniting families. AK’s first episode goes to the bottom of problems in the field of health. A child with down syndrome and problem with expelling waste, a man who developed bed sores that reached the bones, a homeless family of a pregnant woman with sick husband. All were the poorest of the poor. We watched “Alagang Kapatid” ford rivers, and with the bayanihan of neighbors hand carried a patient on a makeshift stretcher on a hanging bridge to get to the nearest hospital.
If these were the samples of stories we would get weekly, it is clear the show has taken on a big responsibility. All the first cases got sponsored by doctors, hospitals, donors. It is clear, too, that what is supposedly a government function is being taken over by television. Six stars for “Alagang Kapatid.” Our only problem is two docu types back to back may alienate the viewer.
We watch Joey de Leon’s new “House or Not” which gives away a house and lot with furnishings through team competitions, sort of a “Twist and Shout” of ABS, but funnier. How will Joey’s show at noon on Sunday against “ASAP” and “Party Pilipinas” fare? This is an experiment that bears watching.
In line are “Inday Wanda” Mondays at 8p.m. with Eugene Domingo. Am just afraid there is too much of Eugene on TV that will be bad for her. But of course that may be only me. After all, Joey de Leon who also has the daily “Wow Meganon” did say there is no such thing as over-exposure. We watch Star Factor’s pilot with 18 potential stars chosen with Ruffa Gutierrez hosting, airing Sundays 5:30. Meantime, Sharon launches her “Star Power” Oct. 10. (Our apologies for last week’s column that stated Aug. 10). They both sound too much alike but then again only time will tell.
With Raffy Tulfo’s “Oplan Zero Tambay” that will help generate jobs, it seems the Tulfo brothers have found a home. Tutok Tulfo with Erwin is also one of our favorite TV5 shows. Why not bring in Mon and Ben as well and give them a hard-hitting brothers’ concept. Our other faves on 5 were “Midnight DJ,” “Talentadong Pinoy,” “Shall we Dance.”
Which brings us now to our top favorite TV5 show “Talentadong Pinoy.” We have always stated that there is nothing like watching a television show taped live in the studio. There is something about seeing everyone up close, the smell and the sweat, the backstage drama, the audience response that makes it more exciting.
Our last live visit was particularly interesting being during Sfazhiva’s reign as pole dancer. We saw her inordinate talent, her bonding with her child and husband. She did deserve to be the 12th Talentado to enter the Hall of Fame. She could go places. She could even try out for the CIRQUE DU SOLEIL.