Network open to collaborate with ABS-CBN

Years after finding its niche in sports, free-to-air television network TV5 is reviving its entertainment production arm with less players in the ratings game today.

In an online press conference before the weekend, TV5 President and CEO Robert Galang announced a new partnership between the long running broadcast institution and cable provider Cignal TV, whose shows will feature as block timers on the network. Without mincing words, Galang said they are poised to reclaim TV5’s position as a strong contender for the top position in the Philippine broadcast industry.

“We have so many developments happening now in TV5 which will have tremendous implications on the network’s programming. As all of you know, the broadcasting industry is experiencing a major transformation and the changes that we are seeing now have left many Filipinos hungry for entertainment options. This has opened up for us unprecedented opportunities for both our free-to-air business which is TV5 and our pay TV business which is Cignal,” the top executive explained.

“The way we see it, with our talents, our resources, the technology that we have, our access to PLDT Group’s assets, I am confident that TV5, with cooperation from Cignal, is in a better position more than ever to really make an impact. So, as we enter this new phase, we will create new content that we can run or utilize across multiple platforms, not just free to air, but also digital, and all together create more significant presence in the market play,” Galang added.

Enumerating what’s new, he then related that the ongoing season of NBA is now available live on Cignal TV as well as TV5 and One Sports on the internet. And come August 15, TV5 will launch its first salvo of lifestyle programs and game shows hosted by various artists with proven versatility and mass appeal.

Its new morning show called “Chika, BESH! (Basta Everyday Super Happy)” brings together winsome movie and TV personalities Pokwang, Pauleen Luna, and Ria Atayde. In the fitness-centric show “Fit for Life,” actress-host Jessy Mendiola will draw from her own fitness transformation journey in inspiring viewers to commit to a healthier lifestyle. For intimate conversations and real-life talk veteran broadcaster Luchi Cruz-Valdez takes the helm of “Usapang Real Life.”

There will also be two new game shows in the slate to be headed by loveable comedians Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros for “Bawal na Game Show” and Jose Manalo and Pokwang for “Fill in the Bank.”

Also returning to the small screen is “Bangon Talentadong Pinoy” which aims to spotlight Filipino creativity regardless of the current situation. Ryan Agoncillo still hosts the talent search along with talent scouts John Arcilla, Janice de Belen and Joross Gamboa in the pilot episode.

“Every time that TV5 makes a move, nagiging exciting ang industriya. Since it is a very crucial time in our TV history, I really appreciate that this is also the time that TV5 decided to invest in entertainment again,” network Head of Programming Perci Intalan meanwhile said.

“For the past few years, TV5 has been focused on sports and we’re still maintaining that, but the good thing is that we’re now balancing it with more entertainment content, which I think the audience is looking for, the advertisers are looking for and the industry is specially looking for,” Intalan continued.

Emphasizing that the new program slate is just the “first wave” for TV5 and Cignal, Intalan added, “Ang dami pang naka line-up na shows and we’re just excited because this is the time that we can really bring back excitement to TV and when everybody needs this breath of fresh air. We are already planning for 2021 and we’re even talking about 2022!”

Open to collaborate

Meanwhile, in answer to the inevitable question whether they only decided to relaunch the network after ABS-CBN’s franchise denial, Galang stated for the record, “Meron na talagang plano since last year, bago pa ang pandemic, bago pa ang mga nangyayari. We wanted to relaunch TV5 and this partnership with Cignal that will provide the entertainment content.”

Elaborating, he said, “With Cignal kasi hindi lang naman we acquire content; we also want to make our own and that has always been the original plan.”

The executives further declared that TV is very open to collaborating with any entertainment company, including ABS-CBN for their productions.

“Open na open kami sa lahat, including talents of ABS-CBN. We are working with independent producers who will pitch programs for us. Pwede kasing line production, co-production, pwede ring block time. That has always been the position of TV5 and we recognize the ability and the fantastic talent that ABS-CBN has.”

Intalan seconded, “TV5 is in a very interesting position because nagkaroon siya ng opportunity to use ties ng organization. It democratizes the whole broadcasting process. I guess mas malapit siya sa American set up where a network can work with a studio and another company and tie up with whoever kasi walang harang.

“Ang TV5 ngayon has the equal opportunity for all. Kung meron kang show or proposal na maganda at napatunayan mo naman na kaya mong i-deliver at gawin ng tama, why not. I think we’ve never had a network that is in this position kasi dati ang model is parang Hollywood studio na everything is in house and created internally, kumabaga galit-galit ang set up. But now, TV5 is different, kung sinong gustong makipag collaborate, mag collab tayo. Kaya ang ganda at maganda din ang timing.”