I wondered why the Kapuso network wasn’t keen on replacing the talk show hosted by the Eat Bulaga trio of comedians in women’s clothing at the time the Kapamilya network was giving the show a cruel beating in the ratings race.
Well, at least, on March 13, the Kapuso network finally replaced it with Ang Forever Ko’y Ikaw, a romcom series with Camille Prats-Yambao and Neil Ryan Sese finally in not a contra vida role.
Most observers say the casting of this romcom series isn’t as formidable as the series on the same timeslot on the Kapamilya network, Sana Dalawa ang Puso with ABS-CBN’s Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap with Robin Padilla in his first full-length drama series.
But the Kapuso people behind the daytime drama say the story will definitely bring love and kilig to the audience.
Apart from Camille and Neil, the series also features a new Kapuso fair – Ayra Mariano and Bruno Gabriel.
Ginny (Camille) and Lance (Neil) are single parents attached to their past though hoping to somehow get a new chance at love. Their lives are almost intertwined – they live in the same building; have the same taste in coffee; and even follow each other’s ‘alter-ego’ accounts online.
Camille said she loves how the show instills its message to the viewers when it comes to love.
“You know I think the really good part about this show is yung message nila tungkol sa love and how it will tell us that love finds you. And that you don’t really have to find it. Kasi darating ‘yan sa’yo at the right time and right place,” she said.
On the other hand, Neil shared that he is still adjusting to his new role as Lance as he was used to portraying character roles in his previous shows.
“Challenge siya for me kasi sobrang iba talaga yung role ko rito. Unlike kapag kontrabida ka iba yung pag deliver mo ng lines. Dapat palaging mabigat. Dito, I need to tone it down talaga,” he shared.
The story also highlights their journey as single parents including the challenges and accomplishments they encounter as they take care of their children Marione portrayed by Ayra and Benjie played by Bruno.
The young Kapuso actress said she’s grateful to GMA for entrusting her this project and is equally happy to work with Bruno again.
“Very comfortable na kami sa isa’t isa kaya I know this project is going to be amazing,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bruno is glad to be working with Camille and Neil because he knows he is going to learn a lot from them.
“I am really amazed at how they both are great in acting—mapa-intense man yung eksena or light. I learn new things talaga,” Bruno said.
Well, now both Kapamilya and Kapuso are on an even keel and it depends on which show touches the sentiments of the audience when they are all getting ready for lunch or already having lunch at that time.
We will find out when the ratings data for March comes out.
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Team YeY, a kiddie show on the ABS-CBN TVplus’s YeY Channel that showcases creative and informative activities every day, like dance, storytelling, and music, was recognized for its values-oriented and educational themes as it won its second Gandingan Award for the Most Development-oriented Children’s program.
“It’s a privilege to do something for Filipino children,” said Danie Sedilla-Cruz, channel head of YeY. “Coming up with a program for them is a tough act in a sense that we want them to be entertained, but at the same time impart learning and good values. We want Team YeY to be part of this generation’s childhood. Not just for our hosts but more so for our viewers,” she added.
Airing seven days a week, Team YeY allows kids to explore their creativity while learning new things, espousing good values, and having fun. The show is currently the only local variety and activity program for children. Each day at Team YeY brings a different themed activity led by the different kiddie hosts and tackles different topics while instilling the values of fun learning, teamwork and friendship.
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ABS-CBN, the country’s leading entertainment and media company, continues to dominate the digital space as it ranked the most viewed online content creator locally and 32nd globally, ranking ahead of global media companies like CNN, Bleacher Report, Buzzfeed Video, and ABC, according to data published by social video analytics and video intelligence platform Tubular.
With over 18 billion views on YouTube, ABS-CBN provides its 15.8 million YouTube subscribers 16.6 million Facebook followers a personalized viewing experience.
“The partnership with YouTube gives our audiences direct access to the kind of information and entertainment they choose to follow, while offering them a wide array of content that cater to their different needs and interests. In our goal to further expand our reach, we need to tap into all relevant platforms where our digital Kapamilyas are. Since YouTube can be accessed worldwide, we create and optimize video content unique to the platform,” said Dennis Lim, head of YouTube and Multichannel Network at ABS-CBN’s Digital Media Division.
ABS-CBN’s leadership on YouTube boosts ABS-CBN’s transition into being an agile digital company with the biggest online presence among all media companies, and a growing list of digital properties that appeal to a wide array of audiences.
ABS-CBN Entertainment, the most subscribed and viewed local YouTube channel, houses different types of content, including Kapamilya program highlights, exclusive celebrity interviews, full episodes of teleseryes, and teasers.
Netizens, meanwhile, go to the country’s top local news channel, the ABS-CBN News channel, to get video reports aired on ABS-CBN’s, ANC’s, and regional newscasts and current affairs programs.
ABS-CBN’s top channels also include Star Cinema and Star Music. They are the most viewed and subscribed movie and music channels in the country.
It continues to cultivate a roster of online creators through Adober Studios, formerly Chicken Pork Adobo, its multi-channel network.
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A huge crowd of over 10,000 high-energy fans gave Binibining Pilipinas its biggest audience turnout in its long, illustrious history when it held this year’s much-anticipated Grand Coronation Night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on March 18.
Dubbed as the Most Beautiful Night in the Philippines, the country’s premier beauty pageant drew a massive audience in support of their favorite candidates that they hope would represent the country in international competitions. The excitement surrounding this batch of candidates was at its highest, and this led to the biggest number of ticket sales for the coronation night to date.
With a bigger stage comprised of multiple stairs and landings, and dressed with LED monitors and lighted acrylic trimmings, it was one of the most striking presentations of the prestigious pageant, befitting the most beautiful women in the country. The Big Dome was filled with hordes of fans with lighted signs and letters spelling out their chosen candidates’ names; some even came with whistles and other paraphernalia to cheer their favorites on.
It was a night of frontrunner triumphs and interesting revelations when the judges finally announced the new Queens. The appreciative audience cheered for 2nd Runner-up Samantha Bernardo and 1st Runner-up Vickie Rushton; they made a lot of noise when the new queens were called: Karen Gallman was named this year’s Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental; Michele Gumabao, Binibining Pilipinas Globe; Eva Patalinjug, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International; Jehza Mae Huelar, Binibining Pilipinas Supranational; and Ahtisa Manalo, Binibining Pilipinas International.
But the loudest cheers erupted when favorite Catriona Gray was named this year’s Miss Philippines Universe. The Fil-Australian beauty who represents Albay had described joining this year’s competition as nerve-wracking. Her vocal and very passionate fans, collectively known as Catrionians, feel she is ripe to bring home a fourth Miss Universe title after Pia Wurtzbach.
“The Binibini fans are wonderful,” says Stella Marquez Araneta, Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. chair. “They give so much love to the ladies; their support really boosts the candidates’ confidence, and sees them thru the trying periods in this competition. We will not be able to keep doing this without them.”
The new Queens are now busy doing media interviews and other Binibini-related appearances. Catch more of them on the official Binibining Pilipinas Facebook page (@realbbpilipinas) and the official website. For pageant fanatics, the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 souvenir magazine is also being sold at the Snaxx counter of Gateway Cineplex, 4th level, Gateway Mall.