They cancelled the long-running “Showbiz Central” and replaced it with “HOT TV”. Shows that were revived include Mel Tiangco’s “Magpakailanman”, Michael V’s “Pepito Manaloto”, the reality show “Extra Challenge” now hosted by Richard Gutierrez and Marian Rivera, the soap “Sana ay Ikaw na Nga” launching Mikael Daez and Andrea Torres, and “TGIS” which was retitled as “Teen Gen” introducing GMA-7’s new teen stars.
At ABS-CBN, their new shows were “Walang Hanggan” (which became a blockbuster hit), “Lumayo Ka Man sa Akin”, “Mundo Man ay Magunaw” and “E-Boy”. Shows that started later were “Dahil sa Pag-ibig”, “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo”, “Hiyas”, “Lorenzo’s Time”, “The Princess and I”, “Kahit Puso’y Masugatan”, “Ina Kapatid Anak”, “A Beautiful Affair” and “Paraiso”.
But they cancelled their noontime show that wouldn’t rate, “Happy Yipee Yehey”, and “Showtime” was extended to replace it. ABS had a big surprise hit in the morning soap “Be Careful with My Heart” starring Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap.
On TV5, they started their own afternoon soaps with “Felina, Reyna ng mga Pusa” starring Arci Munoz and “Isang Dakot na Luha” starring Danita Paner but sadly, both shows didn’t rate well. Other big shows on TV5 are “Artista Academy”, “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” hosted by Paolo Bediones, “Sharon Kasama Mo” with Sharon Cuneta, “Game N Go” with Edu Manzano and Joey de Leon, “Enchanted Garden”, “Third Eye” and “The Amazing Race Philippines”.
The rigodon of stars started with Patrick Garcia, Carmina Villaroel and Iza Calzado moving from GMA-7 to ABS. Patrick was in “Lumayo Ka Man”, Carmina in “Lorenzo’s Time” and Iza in “Kahit Puso’y Masugatan”.
Derek Ramsay left ABS-CBN and moved to TV5 where he hosted “Amazing Race” and now stars in a new action-fantasy series, “Kidlat”.
Rufa Mae Quinto left “Showbiz Central” and moved to TV5 as co-host of Willie Revillame in “Wiltime Bigtime”, but something happened and she she didn’t last very long in the show. She is later cast as a diwata in the environmental fantasy-drama, “Enchanted Garden”.
There were so many reality shows on TV. The “Pinoy Big Brother” regular edition called PBB Unlimited ended in April with Cebuano Slater Young as the big winner. He’s now part of “Kahit Puso’y Masugatan”. PBB Teens 4 replaced it and the winner is Myrtle Sarrosa who’s now also into acting. ABS-CBN also had “X Factor Philippines” and the winner is KZ Tandingan.
On GMA-7, they had “Protege, The Battle for the Big Artista Break” and the winners are Jeric Gonzales and Thea Tolentino. On TV5, their own search in “Artista Academy” and the winners are Vin Abrenica (brother of GMA’s Starstruck V winner Aljur) and Sophie Albert.
In “Eat Bulaga”, Little Miss Philippines winner Ryza Mae Dizon is now a child star sensation. In Mr. Pogi, their winner is John Edric Ulang.
