Tag Archives: TV5

To Pretty Colors, and High Definition!

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Since I learned about this thing called high definition, I have dreamed for the day that our household would finally be able to have access to this wonderful-wonderful world where everything is crystal clear, every detail is on point, and letterboxes are nothing but a thing of the past (only to be replaced by pillarboxes). Today, we finally made that dream come true.

Our cable operator has had HD available to its subscribers for years now but it’s only until recently that I considered convincing my family to have our existing digital cable box upgraded to something that maximises our HDTV’s full potential in terms of picture quality. But to do that, I have to do a ton of research into what I’m getting myself into.

First off, I snagged a copy of a brochure containing our cable company’s line-up of channels, both in standard and high definition, their availability in either format, line-up packs as well as their respective rates per channel. Afterwards, I called their customer service hotline at different times to learn more and further confirm about their HD service.

Originally, I was kinda hoping I could be able to avail our household of a DVR (digital video recorder) that comes with the HD upgrade so that we may be able to record shows that we may have missed. But unfortunately, that additional feature is not available in our area so yeah…That was quite the setback.

In the end, I did went through with it ONCE I’ve learned less than a week ago that one of the local TV networks have finally launched its own HD channel that is now available to all subscribers of our cable operator. That alone is reason enough to push through with availing that HD upgrade even though we will only get to have just two free channels in high definition after getting to preview every other HD channel there is available for a limited one-week period.

The new remote and the control panel from the HD digital box will take a little getting used to although, by the looks of it, I may not be able to pillarbox any SD channel anytime soon.

The local HD channel, ABS-CBN HD, currently has a limited number of shows currently in high definition, majority of which are all of their daily soap operas, plus one live variety show, a few recent cartoons and live action series.

Hopefully in the near future, we’ll be able to afford more channels into our current cable package as it seems like my dad is enjoying the heck out of our preview high definition channels. Of course, I guess I may have to give my fair share of subsidising our monthly cable bill to make it all worth it.

As the saying goes, “To pretty colors, and high definition!”

Recycled Teleserye Theme Songs: An Observation

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MundoManayMagunawAs the input of Pinoy soaps increased in the 1990’s onwards to the new millenium, so are the ways and means for producers to get people hooked on whatever soap being shown on our TV screens. Other than the glossy title cards, the cheesy storylines, the glamorous stars with oozing seks appeal, and the “showbiz-branded” titles to the casted soap/movie veterans, the one thing that serves as the primary heart nad soul is the theme music that accompanies a drama serial, as with any TV show found on any other genre.

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Philippine 2013 TV Season: 1st Quarter New Shows, Carry-Overs, and Cancelations Part 2

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GMA

GMA

 

Philippine Television, sixty years after its birth, does not have a traditional “TV season” similar to how things are done over at the US where they air new and returning shows September of every year. However, January seems to be the most logical month for Philippine TV networks to start the year in premiering the first batch of their new shows, composed mostly dramas and reality, in the hopes of garnering good ratings (a.k.a. first place in their respective slots). This year, with the special 90-minute premiere of TV5‘s Kidlat this Sunday, January 6, the netlet officially kicks off this year’s Philippine 60th TV season.

The main difference now is that with added competition with cable nets and their increasing output of original programming as well as the entry of domestic news channels alongside previously lonesome ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel); not to mention TV5′s aggressive programming moves to challenge ABS and GMA, Philippine TV is in for an interesting TV season.

On today’s post, we’ll take a look on GMA Network‘s current line-up, with carry-overs from last year and new shows taking over within the first three months of 2013.

GMA has always been on a boastful mood in showing off their dominance in the ratings race ever since taking over first place supremacy over rival ABS-CBN in 2004. Over the next decade since, their production output of entertainment and news programs have increased, most significantly on the drama side when they took over daytime soap duties from blocktimers Focus Entertainment and TAPE, Inc. around 2009.

However, they have a high intolerance over underperforming shows, which despite getting a second place finish in their timeslot, gets either moved to another time period or completely yanked out from the network’s schedule.

GMA didn’t expect ABS to get back at them when the latter cooked up what could be the best daytime programming line-up they had in years: two dramas (one foreign, the other an original production), and a reality competition show. So far, the move left a big gaping hole in GMA’s morning schedule, despite attempts of timeslot switches and extending its utility children’s programming block to soften the blow.

Adding to pressure of keeping its lead on daytime is the move of Willie Revillame‘s TV5 game show to 11:30am, against long-running behemoth Eat Bulaga on January 14.

On the primetime side, despite casting Jedi mind tricks to spin viewers, GMA did not completely dominated primetime for the entirety of the 2012 season. Rival shows like Walang Hanggan, Princess and I, and Ina Kapatid Anak were able to challenge Kapuso dramas like Aso ni San Roque, Pahiram ng Sandali and Luna Blanca.

As many of their carry-over shows from the previous are ending their runs within the first quarter (with the first one to go being Aso ni San Roque), GMA already have some shows ready to take their place. So far, Indio and Forever are being prepped up for their respective premiere within the next few weeks. Others, including a game show, have been announced but no other details have been released as of this writing.

GMA is also going to roll in Korean dramas into on its weekday schedule. Shows the network have in stock are Big, Padam Padam, Innocent Man, and My Husband’s Got a Family, among others .

On the reality side: Extra Challenge and Celebrity Bluff are, at least as far as I could remember, the only reality carry-overs from last year. Protege is currently on hiatus and if Teen Gen, which stars many of the reality show’s second season cast, prove to be a success and beyond, then a third season may be on the horizon.

Here’s a compiled list of GMA Network’s first quarter slate of new shows, carry-overs and cancelations as of January 13, 2012:

Carry-Overs (Daytime Originals)

  1. Cielo de Angelina (Weekdays 11:30am)
  2. Eat Bulaga (Weekdays, 12noon; Saturdays 11:30am)
  3. Yesterday’s Bride (Weekdays 2:30pm)
  4. Sana ay Ikaw na Nga (Weekdays 3:15pm)

New Shows (Daytime Originals)

  1. Forever (Date and time TBA)

New Shows (Daytime Canned)

  1. TBA

Carry Overs (Daytime Canned)

  1. Smile, Dong Hae (Weekdays, 5:00PM)

Canceled/Ended Shows (Daytime)

  1. Magdalena: Anghel sa Putikan (Ending, final episode TBA)

Carry-Overs (Primetime Originals)

  1. Paroa: Ang Kuwento ni Mariposa (Weeknights at 5:45pm)
  2. Pahiram ng Sandali (Weeknights, 8:45pm)
  3. Temptation of Wife (Weeknights at 9:30pm)

Carry-Overs (Primetime Canned)

  1. The Princess’ Man (Weeknights 10:00PM)
  2. Lee San: Wind of the Palace (Weeknights at 12:00am; Fridays at 12:30am)

New Shows (Primetime Originals)

  1. Indio (January 14, time TBA)
  2. Mrs. Snow White (Date and time TBA)

Canceled/Ended Shows (Primetime)

1. Aso ni San Roque (Ended, finale aired last January 11)

Weekend Carry-Overs

  1. Maynila
  2. Sarap Diva
  3. HOT TV
  4. Extra Challenge
  5. Teen Gen
  6. Magpakailanman
  7. Celebrity Bluff
  8. Pepito Manaloto: Ang Totoong Buhay
  9. Party Pilipinas
  10. Startalk
  11. Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman

Weekend New Shows

  1. TBA

*List does not include news-current affairs/lifestyle and children’s programing, covering only talk, reality/competition, drama, comedy and foreign canned shows.

**This list will be updated throughout the First Quarter of 2013.

***Although there are shows that have been announced, I decided not include to them in the list for now while there’s no promos to those shows that would suggest they will air soon.

If I left out on some shows on the list, you guys may kindly let me know.

Coming up next: TV5.

Philippine 2013 TV Season: 1st Quarter New Shows, Carry-Overs, and Cancelations Part 1

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ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN

Philippine Television, sixty years after its birth, does not have a traditional “TV season” similar to how things are done over at the US where they air new and returning shows September of every year. However, January seems to be the most logical month for Philippine TV networks to start the year in premiering the first batch of their new shows, composed mostly dramas and reality, in the hopes of garnering good ratings (a.k.a. first place in their respective slots). This year, with the special 90-minute premiere of TV5‘s Kidlat this Sunday, January 6, the netlet officially kicks off this year’s Philippine 60th TV season.

The main difference now is that with added competition with cable nets and their increasing output of original programming as well as the entry of domestic news channels alongside previously lonesome ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel); not to mention TV5’s aggressive programming moves to challenge ABS and GMA, Philippine TV is in for an interesting TV season.

On today’s post, we’ll take a look on ABS-CBN‘s current line-up, with carry-overs from last year and new shows taking over within the first three months of 2013.

ABS, which have gotten used on having most of their shows being on second-place on the Nielsen ratings (despite their reliance on ratings generated by TNS/Kantar Media), seems to have stabilized in terms of programming just enough shows in the most competitive hours, unlike before where they try to program as much as 6 or even more shows as possible within the primetime hours of 7:30-11:30pm.

On daytime, many of their current line-up have only started airing at the fourth quarter of 2012, with the only confirmed exiting shows this January being Sunkyunkwan Scandal and Two Wives. The net’s will premiere the first two of its 1Q 2013 shows with Rooftop Prince, taking over Sunkyunkwan’s place at 5pm weekdays on January 7 and You’re Still the One at 10am weekdays in place of Two Wives on the 14th. Kahit Konting Pagtingin, whose promos are being aired sporadically for the past few weeks is most likely going to be the net’s first original daytime soap for the year. No announcement on when it will premiere but I’m guessing the show will take over MMK Klasiks‘ 2:30pm slot if the the latter show ends its run this month or this February.

As for primetime, ABS will be busy filling vacant hours once some of their 2012 shows end their runs as early as January and as late as March. Shows that will surely end within the first quarter will be Princess and I, Aryana and Kahit Puso’y Masugatan. Last year’s latecomers Ina Kapatid Anak and A Beautiful Affair will definitely run well into the first 2-3 quarters of the year, depending on their respective ratings performances that would justify any decision prolonging their stay in the schedule. So far, ABS have confirmed 4 dramas to debut within the first 2 quarters: Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw, Apoy sa Dagat, Juan de la Cruz, and May Isang Pangarap.

On the reality front: So far, only MasterChef Philippines (which started airing late last year) and Deal or No Deal are the net’s only two reality competition shows currently in the schedule, but that could change once ABS kick its reality slate into high gear. Season 4 of Pilipinas Got Talent will return this year but there’s no confirmed date as the show is still undergoing auditions for its top finalists. For the meantime, ABS will debut another franchised reality competition show, The Voice, based on the original Dutch format of the same title. No sure premiere date as wel, but given the recent showings of its first promo on the air, we might get an announced date within the next several weeks. As for Big Brother and the Biggest Loser, there’s still no news for the veteran show to return this year so PBB and TBL fans will have to wait. To be honest, ABS should not have more than two singing competitions, especially if they’re competing brands like X-Factor and The Voice. It doesn’t really make sense to acquire both formats if they were gonna see the light of day in one channel.

Here’s a compiled list of ABS-CBN’s first quarter slate of new shows, carry-overs and cancelations as of January 13, 2013:

Carry-Overs (Daytime Originals)

  1. Kris TV (Weekdays 8am)
  2. Be Careful with My Heart (Weekdays 11:30am 11:45am; weekend encore 10:30am)
  3. MasterChef Philippines (Weekdays 10:30am 10:15am; weekend recap 10am)
  4. It’s Showtime (Weekdays 12 noon 12:30pm; Saturdays 11:30am)
  5. MMK Klasiks (Weekdays 2:30pm)
  6. Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Paraiso (Weekdays 3:30pm)

New Shows (Daytime Originals)

  1. Kahit Konting Pagtingin (January 21, time TBA)
  2. Minute to Win It Philippines (January 14, Weekdays 11:00am)

New Shows (Daytime Canned)

  1. Rooftop Prince (Premieres January 7 weekdays at 5pm)
  2. You’re Still the One (Premieres January 14; Weekdays 9:45am)

Carry Overs (Daytime Canned)

  1. A Gentleman’s Dignity (Weekdays 4:15pm)

Canceled/Ended Shows (Daytime)

  1. Sunkyunkwan Scandal (Ended, January 4)
  2. Two Wives (Ending, January 11 at 10am)

Carry-Overs (Primetime Originals)

  1. Aryana (Weeknights at 5:45pm)
  2. Princess and I (Weeknights at 7:30pm)
  3. Ina Kapatid Anak (Weeknights at 8:15pm)
  4. A Beautiful Affair (Weeknights at 9pm)
  5. Kahit Puso’y Masugatan (Weeknights at 9:45pm)

New Shows (Primetime Originals)

  1. Apoy sa Dagat (Date and time TBA)
  2. May Isang Pangarap (Date and time TBA)
  3. Juan de la Cruz (Date and time TBA)
  4. Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw (Date and time TBA)

Canceled/Ended Shows (Primetime)

  1. A Beautiful Affair (1/7/12: Officially canceled. Finale set on the week of January 14)
  2. Kahit Puso’y Masugatan (Ending, finale set on the week of January 28)

Weekend Carry-Overs

  1. Showbiz Inside Report
  2. Kapamilya Deal or No Deal
  3. Wansapanataym
  4. Maaalala Mo Kaya
  5. Toda Max
  6. Banana Split Extra Scoop
  7. ASAP
  8. The Buzz
  9. Sarah G. Live!
  10. Gandang Gabi Vice

Weekend New Shows

  1. The Voice (Date and time TBA)
  2. Pilipinas Got Talent (Date and time TBA)

**This list will be updated throughout the First Quarter of 2013.

***Although there are shows that have been announced, I decided not include to them in the list for now while there’s no promos to those shows that would suggest they will air soon.

If I left out on some shows on the list, you guys may kindly let me know.

 

Coming up next: GMA-7.

Philippine Dramas: A 2012 Review

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2012: A year of b!tchslapping, bedhopping, sex, scandal, amnesia, murder, abuse, kidnappings, magic, baby-switching, DNA tests and some light-heartedness for a change.(Photos courtesy of their respective owners)

2012: A year of b!tchslapping, bedhopping, sex, scandal, amnesia, murder, abuse, kidnappings, magic, baby-switching, DNA tests and some light-heartedness for a change.
(Photos courtesy of their respective owners)

Every year, the average Philippine drama continue to be the TV industry’s bread and butter that rakes in the millions that keep TV networks afloat. 2012 is no different.

Some titles played safe this year while others took unexpected risks in terms of storytelling, most of them geared on character-driven stories instead of plot-driven ones. Regardless, soap watchers will always tune in on the TV to watch their stories on a daily and nightly basis.

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