ABS-CBN Pits It's Showtime To GMA Network's Eat Bulaga

Competition is back to noontime shows (again) this February 06, 2012 as ABS-CBN - Kapamilya Network pits the newly reformatted It's Showtime (previously Showtime) with the longest running undisputed noontime show of GMA Network - Kapuso Network's Eat Bulaga. So what does this spell for both well-received noontime programs.

This is not the first time that ABS-CBN (Kapamilya) Network compete with the noontime giant Eat Bulaga. Speaking as someone who followed the transition of the beloved undisputed noontime show (Eat Bulaga), in my own opinion after Eat Bulaga migrated to GMA Network back in 1995, it seems that it also brought along the flare and magic to noontime show which EB was known for to GMA Network. Fans of the series which came from almost all generation was also taken away from ABS-CBN, thus making GMA Network become a more competitive Philippine Network giant that it is known today. I can firmly say that Eat Bulaga brought fame and success to GMA. Since then ABS-CBN has always struggled with the noontime slot. Kapamilya has pitted various noontime shows like 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila, Magandang Tanghali Bayan, Esep Esep, Masayang Tanghali Bayan, and MTB Ang Saya Saya. One particular ABS-CBN noontime show came close as a competition to Eat bulaga and that was Wowowee which somehow broke the usual variety format in exchange of a game show packed format. There have been a couple of times that the show has won over the ratings game with Eat Bulaga. After Wowowee's five year run, the shows host got into dispute with the Kapamilya Network's management causing him to leave the network in exchange of a new afternoon-evening variety game show on TV5. ABS-CBN then replaced Wowowee with the short live noontime shows like Pilipinas Win Na Win, but that show was still a flop. Then ABS-CBN tried going back to the noontime variety show format with Happy Yipee Yehey! but the noontime show itself came to a short run and come February 6, it will be replaced by the popular morning talent-variety show Showtime. In order to compete with the undisputed noontime show Eat Bulaga, Showtime will surely drop its regular talent show format into a more streamlined variety-game show format. Showtime will now be know as It's Showtime.

If there is one thing that I come to realize in this life that one should never be loyal to one particular station. I for one am still a fan of Eat Bulaga but that doesn't mean that I won't be switching channels. There wonce was a time when I preferred the Korean telenovela noontime block that TV5 once had, and during those times Eat Bulaga and Wowowee were already on air. Showtime was also a great show back then as it came before Eat Bulaga and becoming more of a supplement to an enjoyable noontime. It was a killer combo, After Showtime, we then switched to Eat Bulaga. Sadly Showtime will now be directly competing with Eat Bulaga, which will definitely be chaotic. Well at least we now have an option, because believe it or not there can be days where Eat Bulaga can be just tad boring. Showtime's greatest asset is Vice Ganda and her comedy bar background, sadly once she takes brakes the Showtime would just be another like another Happy Yippee Yehey and as much as possible It's showtime wouldn't want that so that only means that there would be no rest for the popular comedian, Vice Ganda. Chances are that Gandang Gabi Vice might soon bid its farewell.

It's Showtime Station ID
ABS-CBN Kapamilya Network promotes It's Showtime

A big give away that the ABS-CBN and the actual noontime show is desperate to win back the noontime slot that is the fact that the show will air 30 minutes before 12:00 nn. So Showtime will have a thirty minutes lead and a lot to prove, but I know for a fact that come 12:00 nn thse who are tuned in to the new noontime show would be switching back to the well-beloved noontime show Eat Bulaga and that is a FACT (well if you are not a solid Kapamilya that is)! Another thing that I've also noticed that the new show is heavily marketed, which is pretty normal but there is a certain unique feel to It's Showtime marketing. It feels like it is going to be a better Showtime, but one thing is sure that TAPE Management will be up its feet to defend Eat Bulaga noontime reign. This will possibly mean new games, segments, and humor for Eat Bulaga but we'll see that once competition is back.

I am not saying that It's Showtime can never beat Eat Bulaga nor I can say that it completely can. Competition is good for both noontime shows to be up both their games; and think of new, entertaining, and innovative segments to keep the Philippine masses entertained. Hopefully, ABS-CBN can finally be content with this noontime show and stick with it through thick and thin because It's Showtime will probably be their best and last noontime show to become an actual competition to Eat Bulaga... that is coming from someone who is a long fan of Eat Bulaga, and at a time an avid viewer of Showtime. To It's Showtime, good luck because you need it. Hope you could help Eat Bulaga improve and become a better noontime show by winning the ratings game which means that they have to improve on something. To Eat Bulaga (TAPE Incorporated) the challenge glove has been thrown at you. Be up your feet and prove that Eat Bulaga will forever be the best noontime show of all time...a show not just for the contemporary but for all generations.

Remembering the MetroPop 2000 Entry "Imbisibol" Performed by Michael V.

Besides the "Millennium Bug", 2000 was also the year of the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival or simply MetroPop 2000 where Michael V. performed "Imbisibol". Right off the bat I would like to apologize if I fail to recognize who is the creative genius behind the song "Imbisibol". I hope somebody would enlighten me with the composer's name later. I am a big fan of Filipino comic genius Micheal V. so even if I am not into music and the MetroPop songwriting and later star search competitions, I was eventually attracted to went seeing it back in 2000.



I was but a fledgling back then, and Michael V together with Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon were the few local artists where I got my inspiration from when it come to humor. Micahel V (from the defunked ABC 5's Tropang Trumpo) was already in Bubble Gang back then, and was notorious (popular) on spoofing various local and international songs with his MTB (Musik Tagalog Bersyon) and MEV (Music English Version), so when Micahel V was announced to sing and perform one of the entries from the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival 2000, I was generally ecstatic to see how will GMA's comedic genius do. So did he delivered? The answer is a resounding yes. Too bad that there wasn't a single Youtube clipwhere Michael V performed "Imbisibol" on stage, nor any pictures taken from the competition. But luckily there is still a recording uploaded on Youtube of "Imbisibol"...



Check Out the MetroPop 2000 entry "Imbisibol" by Michael V.



"Imbisibol" is a song tells about a one way love or a crush where the man singing the song is completely invisible (thus "Imbisibol") to the eyes of the one he loves. Although he is not the kind of man that every girl would fall in love with, he is the type that can offer true love to a lucky woman who would only return and notice his love. Eventually there is no resolution in this song for the singer. "Imbisibol" is a song for those people who have crushes or secretly loves someone but ails to make that someone notice them... a song for the hopeless romantic.

Imbisibol borrows some popular tunes or themes from pop culture icons like the Batman and 90's X-Men the animated series which probably made me all geeky on this music performance. Imbisibol didn't make it to the top 3.

The top three winners for MetroPop 2000 were:

Forever And A Day, composer: Angelo Villegas, interpreter: Rachel Alejandro (Grand Winner)
Paano Na?, composer: Arnold Reyes, interpreter: Bituin Escalante (Second Prize)
Ganyan Ako, composer: Vehnee Saturno, interpreter: Jeremiah (Third Prize)

But even so, Imbisibol up to this day is one of the better songs that Michael V has performed. Even the hunt for it in various karaoke/videoke machines proves to be pretty challenging. I hope MetroPop can once again see the light of day to discover new artists and recognize brilliant composers.

Sensationalism and Network Wars on Philippine Television Networks

Ted Failon, is that enough for this post to garner good traffic or SEO? Then if it is then let me spam you with Ted Failon, Ted Failon's wife, Ted Failon suspect, Failon suicide.

Sorry, just wanted that out of my system, just really am irritated with all the buzz about the incident that happened to the Failon household. For those who still don't know here is a link to the news:

Ted Failon arrested

My point is not to judge nor convict Mr. Failon here, because investigations are still undergoing and come on people, let's give the man "the benefit of doubt". He is still innocent until proven otherwise. What irritates me is the sensationalism and obvious network wars playing behind all of this.

What am I saying here people?

The dispute, oh I mean "friendly competition" of the two major local television companies in the Philippines (GMA "Kapuso" and ABS CBN "Kapamilya") will never end as long as they keep on bashing each other while their down (or their people are). Let's take the issue Ted Failon for example, as I've heard on the news (because I am typing here in my room), it is almost like every minute (okay 10 minutes), the news keeps on revolving around the Failon's case, police speculation about the case,update to the health of the victim (Failon's wife) which is really repetitive. It makes me ask isn't there any other news that you can deliver the Filipino mass? How about those hostages in Sulu? Our fellow Filipinos who might be stuck in the crisis in Thailand? The thousands of unemployed? World news which might concerns us like the alleged North Korea's development of weapons of mass destruction, global warming, fire prevention, and the update on Wilma Galvante and Anabelle Rama dispute (okay, the last one is not relevant), but the bottom line is there are a lot of news to cover so why focus on this high profile case and making people speculate even more and doubt the potential suspects while the investigation is still going on? Why don't they just deliver something that will make Filipinos feel proud, good, and relaxed. Not with these network bashing, character assassinations, sensationalism and redundant delivery of the same old news. What has the local news in the Philippines fall so shallow into?

This is just my opinion, my observation on the sensationalism and network wars on Philippine television networks.

The Detour: Island Cove Blogventure To Remember

March 5, 2009 (Thursday) - is the day where the Island Cove Blogventure happened and as the popular rap song in the 90s say, "and it goes a little something like this..."





My day started with me waking up at around 5:00 in the morning which only indicates that yours truly is excited (and not ashamed of it hahaha). I just logged in and plurked a little and prepare to go to the event. Fast forward to several hours later at around 7:15 in the morning I am already at the Petron Gas Station near the Welcome Dasmariñas and rode a bus going to Lawton.



Dasmarineños Route To The Province

Dasmarinas Cavite to Island Cove Binakayan Kawit Cavite Route

Ride a bus (if you wanted the airconditioned bus) going to Lawton or Pasay (doesn't matter beccause you are only going to drop off at SM City Bacoor) along the Aguinaldo Road. You can also take a jeep going to Baclaran, and SM City Bacoor.

Dropping off at the SM City Bacoor Area. Walk to the right side entrance of the mall and cross the street. Look for Taking a mini bus and ask the driver if it is going to pass Island Cove, then ask the driver to drop you off at Island Cove. And you are now there.


- End of the Route To the Province -



I've arrived at around 8:15 in the morning and was in dumb mode again upon arriving there. I tried calling some of the bloggers but their phones just kept on ringing so I've just decided to approach the security officers and ask for directions. I was redirected to another security officer who entertained my questions and kindly welcomed me inside the Island Cove. I walked the bridge still clueless on where to go because the bloggers haven't really arrive yet that time, I think they have just left The Fort that time.



I've decided to call Az who was also around the area and gave me the number of Miss Cancan. I texted her and she told me to go to the Sangley Point and I saw the people of Yehey. Jonski welcomed me and just waited for the rest of the bloggers to arrive. 10-15 minutes later their van arrived and which made the halls of Sangley Point Restaurant a lot "jollier" (Woah what a term!).





After we help ourselves with the buffet, Lazlo oficially opened the event by introducing the people of Island Cove and the lined up activities for the day. They also raffled up and draw who will be the leaders of each group who will lead in the rest of the blogventurers in the game/race that afternoon. Here are the leaders of each team:



After a few minutes we were introduce to our tour guide which will help us get acquainted around the resort. We toured various of places inside the Cove like and tried jotting down essential information which we thought was essential (but was not hahaha) to the race that afternoon. We toured at some of the locations at Island Cove.




From 11:00am to 12:00nn our tour guide help us get acquainted with the ins-and-outs of the Island Cove capturing some of the photos here:



After having lunch Yehey representatives officially announced that the game will start at around 1:30 in the afternoon. After all the preparations where done, everyone rallied at the Island Cove Hotel where the leaders were asked to take the starting positions. As soon as they announced "Go!", the leaders grabbed the first clues which will lead them to the next.







The leaders consulted with each of their members to figure out what the first clue means, luckily we have figured it out and rushed in the second floor of the hotel trying to open each doors hoping that the survival kits and the colors where there. I opened the second door and saw a red bag and immediately went down and showewd it to the rest of my team mates. We place the red flag in the reception are which indicate that we completed the first challenge. They've given us the next clue for the next challenge. after reading the clue, we know where we are going... Cavite Hall.



Upon arriving at Cavite Hall we immediately saw a number of sacks lined up side by side and at a distance a couple of monoblock chairs. We showed the stamped cards, which indicates us passing the previous challenge and they immediately gave us the next clue which instruct each of us to do a "sack race-like" kangaroo jump around the chairs. Teams started catching up on us but we still managed to finish it. Upon completing the task, the marshal gave us the next clue.




Wat da... this iz a mizteyk!

I read the instruction and interpreted the "floating huts" indicated in the clue as the huts in the Fisher's Village, so me and Montsch dashed towards the Fisher's Village. Well, one thing is for sure, we were wrong. The girls and the team marshal jonski called our attention and we may have misinterpreted the clue. I was doing Homer sompsons "Doh!" for misinterpreting it and ran back this time towards the Floating Pavilion. This time two teams where already at the next area.





Upon arriving at the next challenge area we didn't see any marshals, or have missed them because of the other players scouring the Alapan Pavilion. Montsch saw that they were looking for a half mask so he looked for one. We then consulted a marshall and showed our cue cards, Montsch arrived with a masked in his hands which they told us that we should have consulted them first. So Montsch surrendered the mask and we read the next clue. It says find the half end of the mask and minutes later we found another mask again. They gave us the next clue and we know that it is going to be in Sangley Point Restaurant.





We rushed to the place where a name of a Philippine President can be found. I recalled the second floor of the Sangley Point Restaurant from the tour and rushed to the second floor and was confused because there was a conference being held (and it's a good thing I didn't barged in hahaha). They've called me downstairs upon their arrival and I've missed the spot downstairs where the eating challenge is. What await us are covered bowls and glasses indicating something diabolical might be concealed in one of them. They've checked our stamped cards (well it is not really stamped but "stickered" with a small green piece of paper hahaha) and gave us the instructions and that is that the group should chose one member who'll pick one bowl and glass of mystery stuff and eat it. I decided to do it and was hesitant what to choose but the "heck" i just pulled two mystery objects and opened them. Luckily it is just a Chili con "Chicken Intestine" dish and a cold cafe latte. No utensils where given so we ate it using our hands and boy, was I a big mess when eating that saucy dish. At the middle of it, I started feeling that I'm gonna vomit as the raw taste of the intestine reigned over as the sauce got sucked up. What I did was just flushed it down my throat using the latte to cut the time chewing and avoid the yucky taste. Teams also started piling up and we immediately dashed to the next destination after completing the task.





We immediately identified that the next place of the challenge is the Oceania Area. The next challenge is about 2 players sliding down and pushing two other members on a kayak. Mommy was left to document while Abbie and Earth were the ones to board the kayak. Me and Montsch took the blue slide and slid down to fulfill the challenge requirements. Everything was going well until the part when I can't seemingly find out my slippers. It was funny because I left it up the slide and was not able to recall it, dang my memory loss wahahaha. Thanks to the lifeguard at top of the slide the infamous slippers were returned to the clumsy owner and we read the next challenge which has something to do with large squares and a game. aha! The giant chess board!







We saw the team members of Carl running towards the same direction so what I did was ran ahead of them making us the first one to try the challenge which only ask us to show what move of the chess piece we acquire from the draw bowl. Montsch presented to be the one who'll do the challenge and he draw the "Knight". So he grabbed the knight and made its move and we are off to the next challenge which is about performing but "not dancing"... then it is singing!





We dashed towards the direction of the Island Songs Family KTV but before going there I tripped because my slippers loosened but I immediately fastened it back. We waited until the other members arrive, when everyone was there we showed our stamped cards and was opted for a singing challenge but according to the challenge there was this special prize for the team with the highest score. I didn't mind it because I think there might be better singers than us so we just enjoyed the song "I Will Survive" sang by Earth. after that really long song she scored a 99% ... Excellent! I was fired up because we got a pretty high score. We only hoped we were the highest. Next stop is the Animal Island and finally there will be bicycles to aid us in completing the task, until...





I started feeling pain in my right leg. The muscles started contracting, my ankle and toes straightening up (My toes up til my knee are like those of a performing ballerina, but with pain wahahaha). I was so excited to ride a bike or even drive mommy noimi towards the next challenge area but the pain was unbearable. To worsen things up my left leg started feeling the same as well. Cramps or spasms, whatever you call it was sure painful. Oh! how I missed the feeling of pain from spasms wahahaha (yeah I'm a masochist... wahaha) The next challengewas a couple of pedals away. I was attended to by Laslo and other Yehey Team member. Laslo stretched or was it bended by my ankle to its natural angle. I remember a painkiller in the medicinal bag inside the survival kit. I only take one and it eases the pain a bit. As much as I wanted to walk, I can not. I was ashamed because mommy Noimi was supposed to be the one being drove through a bicycle to the next location but because of the spasm I was drove off by Earth to the next location. Making mommy and Abbie walk the burning heat of the sun and the heat of steaming out of the land. We still have to wait for the others in order to take the challenge. Carl's team was already done with theirs and was waiting for the TRAM or electronic vehicle/van. When all the team member arrived I took the challenge to have picture with the baby crocodile and the task was done. Our group and Carl's waited for the van as it took minutes. By that time i was slowly recovering from the pain but was walking like Robocop. When the TRAM arrived we requested if we could join them and consulting with the rest of the Yehey Team, they suggested that we ride together.





It was the last challenge and one team is already in the finish line, and all of Carl's team member were still a-ok so I accepted the fact that we will only be in third.









The moment the tram stopped at the last destination, the Fishing Village everyone was so fired up well except me and mommy who were last to walk towards the last point. Which marked the end of the race. We were declared the third to arrive but were still subjected to change after all teams have arrive and if any violations or deductions should be made.



We relaxed and let our body rest at the hut reserved for each teams. We backtracked and talked about the things, this time all slowing it down, discussing the different experience of each members. At the end of it, we were still all thankful for the wonderful experienced that Island Cove and Yehey have given to us.

We took a short dip on the pool at Oceania for about half an hour. We were immediately ask to dry up after that half of an hour because of the special guest and the closing of the event.



Each team were awarded and was recognized for doing their best after the short remarks of the Managing Director of Island Cove Mr. Gilbert Remulla. He left us with a promise that the event will not be the last and it will probably be an annual event. Let's just hope it will because this is one of those memorable and unforgettable experience of true sports and camaraderie.

What followed where a series of photo op:

Featuring each teams:













Featuring two of the most gorgeous bloggers on the face of the Filipino blogosphere:



..and the bloggers who've made the Detour: Island cove Blogventure a Success



After that we bid each other a farewell, and boarded the Van. This time I hitchhiked until SM Bacoor and from then on commute back to Dasmariñas, Cavite.

A funny think also happened to me that time, as you all remembered I am still reovering from the spasms so I tend to walk very slow like I was a robot of some sort. I decided to take a jeep back home since the buses were all filled with passengers. I prompted to board a jeep by waving my hands but the jeep passed me a couple more walks. I tried to sprint but pain suddenly struck my legs so I walked slowly again. The conductor of the jeepney driver (because I was sitting in front of the vehicle) asked me "Bakit di ka tumakbo?" ("on why didn't I run"). I laughingly said "Eh pinulikat kaya ako manong, tapos papatakbuhin ninyo ako? Kayo kasi eh ang layo nyu kaya magparada." ("I've got a cramps and then you'll ask me to run? Next time don't park the jeep that far.") Oh well, it was one of those laugh out loud momments, so I just rested my weary body and waited until I arrive home. A Detour: Island Cove blogventure to remember.

For more pictures of the event you can see the rest here at my photo coverage in my Multiply:

A Memorable Island Cove Blogventure

Special Thanks to the Following bloggers for letting me use the photos. check their Gallery and Photo Coverage here:

Azrael Coladilla's Multiply Photo Coverage on Detour
Mommy Noimi's Multiply Photo Coverage of Detour

Official Websites

Island Cove Philippines
Yehey

The Blogventurer's Experience (Blogs)

Official Listing of Team Yehey

Summer Spot: Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park by Lace
How I Survived the Amazing Race at Island Cove by Noimi
Detour Adventure Race b by Jane
Detour: Island Cove Adventure by Karla
Island Cove Detour - Blogventure Race by Hannah
Detour The Island Cove Adventure A Success by Earth
Yehey! Island Cove Adventure A Success by Jonel
Yehey Blog Adventures Event by Leirs
Island Cover Adventure Getting There by Jonas
Patay Gutom Goes to Island Cove by Fitz