Top 10 Best Moments of ALDUB ‘Tamang Panahon’ Mega Event at Philippine Arena

Photo credits: Gwendy Gayle Photography

It was a mega event beyond compare. Eat Bulaga’s AlDub ‘Sa Tamang Panahon’ special event at the Philippine Arena exceeded all expectations – to say the least. It was one of the most momentous affair in Philippine TV history and one that has surely made a lasting impression to millions of Filipinos who tuned in worldwide, LIVE. #TeamArena, #TeamBahay and #TeamAbroad all agrees in what Joey de Leon (@AngPoetNyo) summed up in one tweet: “Mapalad tayo at nasaksihan at naranasan natin ito sa ating lifetime!"


Here are the Top 10 Best Moments of ALDUB ‘Tamang Panahon’ Mega Event.

10. That moment when Eat Bulaga made TV history - no commercial break and shown LIVE all over the world. What better way to witness an historic event than to do it live. To this, Eat Bulaga surpassed all expectations. The 55,000 people who filled up the Philippine Arena were joined by millions of people at home (#TeamBahay) and all over the world (#TeamAbroad) as the show was telecast live via GMA Pinoy TV and YouTube. What’s more, EB managed to ran the full 3-hour show with no commercial interruption. Unbelievable, yet it happened.

Credits: Eat Bulaga Facebook page

9. That moment when #ALDUB made social media history with 39.4m tweets. Before Oct 24 (Tamang Panahon), the most number of tweets on record was 35.6 million for the #BRAvGER #WorldCup match. This record was shattered at 10:13pm, Oct 24, when tweets for #ALDubEBTamangPanahon reached 36 million. Truly a priceless gift for Eat Bulaga’s 36 years anniversary. By the end of the day, the official tally reached a record high of 39.4 million tweets, cementing this social media world record to a much firmer ground.

8.That throwback moment when Nidora, Tinidora and Tidora gave us a glimpse of their younger, more beautiful selves. The Great Gatsby-inspired number by the young Nidora (Pauleen Luna), Tinidora (Julia Clarete) and Tidora (Patricia Tumulak) is a touch of world-class entertainment. The choreography, costume and overall production value is certainly one for the books and a key highlight of the show. Props to the creative team for delivering a variety show-type production number that’s is still smartly weaved in to the whole KalyeSerye narrative. Bravo!

Credits: @gwendygayle

7.That moment when Lola Nidora, Tinidora and Tidora rocked Philippine Arena with their grand opening number. Living up to her filthy rich Donya image, Lola Nidora arrived in style via a helicopter before she was driven inside the Philippine Arena to join her sisters, Tinidora and Tidora. There, they performed their signature numbers – Dessert, Mambo Number 5 and Regine Velasquez/Mariah Carrey ensemble. Together with the Rogelios, Bernardos and Quandos, they rocked Philippine Arena and set a fantastic tone to start the show.

Credits: Eat Bulaga Facebook page

6. That Lola Nidora Monologue moment. She’s simply extraordinary. Wally Bayola, who plays Lola Nidora, is simply extraordinary. He’s given life to this character like no one could ever have. That solo moment when Lola Nidora told us her love story, while spewing a few lessons here and there, is entertaining in so many levels. She managed to own the stage and commanded everyone’s attention and respect. At the same time, other characters such as Duhrizz and Rihanna also made an appearance showcasing Wally’s vast talent for the whole world to see.

Credits: Eat Bulaga Facebook page

5. That moment when Maine’s backstory became front and center.
For the first time ever, we got to know never-before-told stories about Maine Mendoza – how she got into Eat Bulaga; how she is as a friend; what’s she like as a sister, a daughter; her journey to achieve her dream; her kind and humble personality. We’ve also been shown a glimpse of what’s in store for the next few weeks/months to come. It’s such an overwhelming feeling learning about her backstory and seeing how great this blessing is in front of her. We don’t get to see this kind of stuff every day.

Credits: Eat Bulaga Facebook page

4. That moment when Frankie Arenolli stages a comeback – and cleverly made advertising history. Surprise of all surprises, Frankie Arenolli is back! We gotta admit, a lot of the funnier moments of KalyeSerye history can be attributed to him and seeing him again in this historic occasion is just fitting, if totally unexpected. And that ‘no commercial break’ surprise? One can say that Frankie Arenolli saved the day for everyone watching live as, because of him, advertisers’ plug had been cleverly carried out. Sponsors must’ve been delighted too as, instead of tuning out during commercial breaks, viewers tuned in even closer. Advertising with a lot of entertainment value. Well done!

Credits: @datujulienne

3. That moment when Lola Nidora gave her final blessing - and the three of them hugged.
After a long journey, Lola Nidora finally gave her blessing to AlDub – that she will not be a hindrance between the two of them anymore. But the best moment came when Alden and Yaya Dub gave her a hug before she finally leaves. The image of the three of them hugging is so symbolic, so meaningful, that no words need to be uttered yet a powerful message rings loud and clear: that this has been a great real-life journey for the three of them; Alden finally reaching stardom, Maine finally fulfilling her dreams and Wally finally achieving total redemption.

Credits: @gwendygayle

Credits: @gwendygayle

2. That moment when Alden and Maine exchanged heartfelt messages for each other. 
Everyone waited for this. For the two of them to finally talk to each other face-to- face. No more Dubsmash. No more fan signs. Just unscripted, heartfelt messages. And they did. It was simple. Just an expression of gratitude. But the emotions running over between the two of them cannot be denied. Those simple words mean a lot – Maine, God gave me you; Alden, God gave me you. Then the world stopped. Nothing can be sweeter.

Credits: @BaeBaeAlden

1. That Momentous First Hug while singing the perfect song, ‘God Gave Me You’ 
It was the most befitting climax. The song that stirs so much memories, so much emotion, sang in this momentous event – God Gave Me You. With more than 55,000 people inside the massive Philippine Arena as witnesses, they held each other, sang together and hugged each other, tightly, for the very first time to celebrate success – and happiness. Nothing could be more perfect.

Credits: @gwendygayle

Credits: Eat Bulaga Facebook page

Credits: @gwendygayle

Other Highlights and Behind-the Scenes:

Sold-out  Concert at 55,000-Seater Philippine Arena

Sea of people watching 'Sa Tamang Panahon'

Audience at Philippine Arena can't contain their happiness

Twitter history was made here

The inimitable Duhrizz

The loyal and funny Rihanna

'KalyeSerye' - This jeepney is now part of history

Daddy Dub and Mommy Dub

Daddy Bae

Proud parents doing the 'Pabebe Wave'

EB Dabarkads

KalyeSerye Mastermind Ms. Jenny Ferre

AlDub First Dance

AlDub Matching Shoes

AlDub Hawak Kamay

History Was Made!

Watch Eat Bulaga 'Sa Tamang Panahon' Full Video here. 



Written by: sugarpinoy | Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/EBdabarkads | https://www.facebook.com/GwendyGaylePhotography | @gwendygayle | @datujulienne | @BaeBaeAlden

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Top 10 Things Why Eat Bulaga's 'KalyeSerye' is a Phenomenal Success

Photo credits: Eat Bulaga Facebook page

In just a span of three months, Eat Bulaga’s ‘KalyeSerye’ (Street Series) has redrawn the landscape of Philippine entertainment. From what used to be a regular noontime fare, ‘KalyeSerye’ has now developed into a major force capable of bringing about positive change and difference in people’s lives.

Consider these: Views of ALDUB KalyeSerye videos on Eat Bulaga’s Facebook page tops more than 160 million (so far); #AlDubEBforLOVE generated 25.6 million tweets in just a single day; Eat Bulaga has the highest TV rating of 45.7% in Philippine TV (so far) for 2015 (acc. to AGB Nielsen Mega Manila Ratings); and the tickets for ‘Sa Tamang Panahon’ mega event happening on Oct 24 at the Philippine Arena, touted as the world’s largest indoor arena with a maximum capacity of 55,000 people, has been sold out just 2 days after the event was announced. Truly phenomenal!

On Oct, 24, the climax of a very intense build-up of this gripping ‘KalyeSerye’ tale will happen. It will be a gargantuan celebration of success of every single Juan who’s been a part of the Aldub journey. New records will be set. New milestones will be achieved. HISTORY WILL BE MADE.

But, what makes ‘KalyeSerye’ a trailblazing success? Here are the top 10 reasons:


10. EB Dabarkads are zany and one heck of a supportive bunch.
We all know how talented and top-notch hosts EB Dabarkads are. They’re also accomplished artists in their own rights. But what makes these bunch truly admirable is the level of support they give each other. Whether it’s Pia dancing on top of a table, Jimmy playing along with Lola Nidora or Baeby Baste and Ryzza subbing in for Alden, they’re there not to take but to give. And that’s a major plus for the show.

9. Aldub Nation represents the best of what a fandom can ever be.
Aldub Nation, the collective phrase used to describe every-Juan who supports Aldub/KalyeSerye/Eat Bulaga, is an exemplar of a modern, educated and purpose-driven fandom. Guided by the good example set by Alden and Maine (Yaya Dub), they’re there to support, express creativity (through songs, fan arts, etc.) and carry out noble missions (Red Cross bloodletting, etc.). Aldub Nation also shows the world what a modern day bayanihan looks like – united in purpose, for the goodness of the nation and the glory of God.

8. ‘Lola Nidora’ is a character we all can’t live without.
We loved her when she introduced Yaya Dub to us. We hated her when she doubted Alden’s intentions. We rejoiced when she got arrested. But then wants her back the minute she’s gone. We laughed at her Babala (asawa ni Babalu) antics. We cried when we thought she’s dying. And we listened (and listened well) at every pangaral she gave. ‘Lola Nidora’ is simply one character we all can’t live without. And I can’t imagine a KalyeSerye without a Lola Nidora.

7. ‘Yaya Dub’ is a friend we all wish to have.
She’s a fictional character, yes. But to many, she’s a friend we all want to have in our lifetime. She’s unpretentious, humble, caring, fun to be with and carefree. When she was first introduced to us, weeks before 'AlDub' was born, we already knew: we like love her. And we would like to see more of her every. single. day.

6. Jose, Wally and Paolo are entertainers beyond compare.
JoWaPao, as they are collectively known, are truly a class of their own. Jose can be Frankie, Lola Tinidora or Gasgas Abelgas and he would still be as remarkable. Wally can be DuhRizz, Doktora the Explorer, Rihanna or Lola Nidora and he would still be as brilliant. Paolo can be Isadora, a Best Man or Lola Tidora and he would still be as wonderful. JoWaPao has mastered the art of the craft and they are true entertainers beyond compare.

5. Jenny Ferre is an unstoppable creative force.
Eat Bulaga’s Creative Head and ‘Mastermind ng KalyeSerye’, Jenny Ferre, has been the silent force that’s pushing this popular series to stratospheric heights. While we swoon at the ‘kilig’ tandem of Alden and Yaya Dub, and guffaw at the funny antics of the three Lolas, it was the KalyeSerye’s uniquely riveting story (and lessons) that holds everything together – and for that, Jenny Ferre deserves a lot of credit. Ms. Jenny’s twitter post lately which, by design or by coincidence, turns ‘KalyeSerye’ into our own personal journey, is also a stroke of genius.

4. Tito, Vic and Joey are true masters and mentors – with no insecurities whatsoever.
TVJ, the legends of noontime TV and true masters of their craft, serve as the heroic trio that steers this epic 36-year-old ship into the right direction. KalyeSerye wouldn’t be a success at all without the training and guidance provided by these three luminaries. While they almost literally own the show, they have not been selfish in shining the spotlight on EB Dabarkads, JoWaPao and AlDub. And because of that, they got noticed, and they shined. But we know that their presence is necessary, add Allan K’s infectious laughter and tili during key Aldub moments, and we got the answer for why KalyeSerye is a humongous success.

3. Alden Richards is an old-school gentleman living in a new media world.
What most people probably miss in this modern times is a man who truly respects women; a man who has strong faith in God; a man who works hard and never gives up on his dream. A genuine, old-school gentleman. In the age of new media, where conversation happens in tweets and relationships are formed in a Snap(chat), an old-school gentleman like Alden Richards is a rarity.

2. Maine Mendoza is a new media superstar living in a new media world. 
There are no better words to describe Maine Mendoza other than: ‘She’s different.’ She’s beautiful yet unafraid to look and act natural. She’s highly educated yet still listens and learns. She’s a true superstar but doesn’t act like one. And in today’s world, where social media rules, she rules. Her awesome personality and masterful use of new media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) helped ignite this one-of-a-kind phenomenon. We all can’t get enough of her. And the good news is, she’s just getting started.

1. ‘KalyeSerye’ reflects Filipinos’ true nature: happy, morally upright and living in the spirit of bayanihan.
Combining all the things mentioned above, what makes ‘KalyeSerye’ a force to reckon with is ‘KalyeSerye’ itself. It is the output of everyone’s talents, dedication and passion. What we have is a series that reflects the true nature of the Filipino people. We see Alden and Yaya Dub happy and we see ourselves happy. We see Lola Nidora espousing traditional Filipino values and we see ourselves nodding in agreement. We see Aldub Nation acting in unison in pursuit of a common purpose and we take part – the best way we can. Happy, morally upright and living in the spirit of bayanihan. That’s who we are. That’s what KalyeSerye represents. That’s why it’s a phenomenal success.



Written by: sugarpinoy | Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/EBdabarkads / https://www.facebook.com/RancarmonaArts / https://twitter.com/jenny_ferre

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Top 10 Reasons Why Everyone Loves JaDine’s On The Wings Of Love (OTWOL)

Photo credits: On The Wings Of Love Facebook page

Since its pilot episode on August 10, 2015, James Reid and Nadine Lustre’s (JaDine) On the Wings of Love (OTWOL) continues to soar and capture Filipinos’ ‘kilig-bones’ all over the world. Day after day, it’s on the top trending topic on Twitter, with 1M tweets becoming almost a daily affair among fans and followers of the show. Goes without saying that it’s also a heavy-hitter, ratings-wise, on ABS-CBN’s primetime block. In addition, OTWOL is the most-watched TV show on iWant TV registering more than 3.7 million views for just the month of September. Phew!  

So, what makes this show such a popular hit among Filipinos at home (via ABS-CBN) and abroad (via The Filipino Channel)? Here are the top 10 reasons:


10. U.S. sights and scenic spots make you forget that you’re in Pinas.
Let’s admit it. If tomorrow, you will be given a US visa and booked for a chartered flight to the USA,

would you say no? Chances are, before this sentence ends, you would’ve packed your things already and is about to call your friends to bid good bye. Of course, we all want to experience USA. But since not all of us will have the opportunity, just seeing its sights and scenic spots every night on TV will probably be the next best thing. And OTWOL gives us that.

9. Tiffany and “Tolayts” make you believe that anything is possible.
Yes, Tiffany is tall, beautiful and sweet. The type that only the Fabio Ide’s (in case you’re wondering who he is, google him) of this world could have. But no. Here comes our hero ‘Tolayts’, a tricycle driver who’s kind, funny and rather persistent.
And Tiffany and Tolayts could actually end up together! Now, we all could truly believe that in this world, anything is possible.

8. Family-centered theme connects with millions of Filipinos abroad.
Of the more than 10 million Filipinos who work or reside abroad, a great majority would still have a family to support in the Philippines. This love of family is an inherent Filipino value that we carry with us wherever we go. OTWOL reflects that in real and vivid terms, that’s why we can all relate to it in a deeply personal way.

7. Jigs reminds you every day of what you DON’T want to become.
What teleserye would succeed without an effective kontrabida?  In this great story between Clark and Leah, we have a guy who perfectly fits the role of what our mothers always tell us not to become – a douchebag! Every time we see Jigs on screen, bullying Clark, annoying Leah and disrespecting her mom Jack, we are always reminded to just do the opposite and we’ll do well in life.

6. Kyla’s version of ‘On the Wings of Love’ makes your world beautiful.
You watch a perfectly romantic scene and then Kyla’s version of ‘On the Wings of Love’ plays in the background. Don’t you just suddenly feel better? That love is in the air? That life is beautiful again?

5. Direk Antoinette Jadaone doesn’t serve ‘hopia’
‘Hopia’, from the word ‘hope’ or ‘pa-asa’, is a term that has grown in popularity lately because of the one too many instances where the director of a teleserye (not OTWOL, of course) keeps delaying a much-awaited ‘kilig’ scene just so the viewers will stay glued and the show could keep its ratings. That’s old (dirty) tactic. Direk Jadaone is a breath of fresh air. She doesn’t serve ‘hopia’. Only good story and romantic feels.

4. Clark reminds you of your ideal guy and that he could actually be out there.
Ok, not to the extreme that all you need to do is walk carelessly across the street and you will magically bump into someone who’s got the looks of James Reid and you two will fall deeply in love. Not that extreme. But whenever you see Clark, it always reminds you of your ideal guy – caring, loving and good-looking but not without flaw. And then you begin to wonder, if Leah could make Clark fall in love, why can’t you do the same thing? 

3. Leah reminds you that happy endings do exist.
Leah, armed with only a few thousand bucks and sheer determination, flew to the US with a single mission: to obtain a US Green Card so she could find a decent job and be able to help her family. Not only did she manage to find a temporary job that helped sustain her stay in the US and support her dad’s hospital operation, she also managed to secure that much-coveted Green Card and could possibly end up with her one great love in the process – all in less than a year! Ah, happy endings. They do exist.

2. JaDine serves up good vibes by being completely honest and not leading you on.
Clark and Leah are James Reid and Nadine Lustre or JaDine in real life. They are one of the hottest love teams in the country today and they have multitude of loyal, good-natured fans who support them. In real life though, they are not a couple – and they don’t have any qualms about it. They’re friends. They’re partners. They’re a team. And they are completely honest with their fans – and each other – about it; not leading them on just to gain support for their movies and endorsements. Of course that doesn’t prevent JaDines from hoping that things will take a romantic turn in real life soon. But even if that doesn’t happen, the good vibes that James and Nadine bring is just too real to deny.

1. On the Wings of Love (OTWOL) makes you feel in love, over and over and over again.
No overly complicated plot lines. No depressing scenes. No gut-wrenching portrayal of a heartbreak (ok, maybe except for #OTWOLILoveYou episode). Only good, lighthearted, romantic story that puts you in a good mood every time you watch it. The feeling of being in love over and over and over again – that’s what OTWOL does. And who wouldn’t want to experience that night after night after night?



What do you think of OTWOL and JaDine? Sound off in the comments section below.



Photo credits: facebook.com/OnTheWingsOfLoveABSCBN2 / YouTube screengrab / @LilJinae

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It’s Time for It’s Showtime to Rise Again. Here are a couple of suggestions

Photo credits: facebook.com/itsShowtimena

It was totally devastating. Not just for those who are directly involved with the mounting of a grand event dubbed as the “Showtime Kapamilya Day”, but also for fans like us who, at some point in our lives, have been an ardent follower of the show. To realize that after pulling out all stops to make sure It’s Showtime regains its noontime glory, the reality bit back and delivered a shocking result.

Not only did Eat Bulaga won the Twitter war (a record-setting 25.6 million tweets vs It’s Showtime’s 6.3 million) that day, it also fared much better in the ratings game.  According to AGB Nielsen, ratings for Mega Manila on Sept 26, 2015 – the great showdown between #ShowtimeKapamilyaDay and #AlDubEBforLOVE – was at 11.9 for It’s Showtime and 45.7 for Eat Bulaga. Even Ben 10 did better at 12.1!

 What’s this? Is It’s Showtime that bad that viewers are deserting it in droves? Is Eat Bulaga that good that its legions of followers multiply faster than we ever thought possible? A little bit of both?

Whatever it is, we don’t want to see It’s Showtime go. It still has a lot of potential to be the show that people love, once more. Moreover, having a credible competition will ensure that Eat Bulaga keeps churning out high-value noontime entertainment every day and not slide into complacency.

BUT first, some changes must be done. As the famous cliché goes: You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. Even Madam Bertud will agree to that.

For you, my friends at It’s Showtime, here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Stay true to your tagline. Make it all about the ‘madlang people’ again.

As your famous tagline goes: This is YOUR show, this is YOUR time, It’s Showtime! Whatever happened to the ‘your’ part of it? Looking at your segments now, we can’t help but wonder whether you still know the meaning of your own tagline. You have a segment called Lip Swak where famous celebrities compete with each other in a lip synching contest. Never mind the innuendos that this idea smacks of Dubsmash, which we all know a certain yaya is very famous for. Lip Swak is putting a spotlight on celebrities and not the regular folks you’re supposed to cast a spotlight on. There’s another segment called COC (Clash of Celebrities) but as you can tell from the name, it’s one and the same thing.

Then there’s this segment called adVICE Ganda, (emphasis on the word ‘VICE’), where, supposedly, it’s about the story of a regular folk seeking an advice and how by watching it, we could all relate to it and learn a thing or two from it. As it turns out in many instances, not only has the regular folk been made a butt of joke by Madam Bertud (Vice Ganda), the lion’s share of airtime was also given to the host rather than the regular folk. This is YOUR show, this is YOUR time. Weh? ‘Di nga?

And of course, the much talked about Nasaan ka Mr. Pastillas, where Pastillas Girl, with the help of the entire It’s Showtime gang, has made it a mission to find one true love…on Twitter. Never mind that it sounds absurd, we’re not here to judge. Our main beef about this segment is the fact that, again, if the segment is about regular folks (Pastillas Girl and her legion of suitors) then our expectation is that we will hear them more, see them more, and know them more. But no. It’s still the same host that we get to hear over and over and over again. Ano ‘to? Magbigay ka naman uuyyyy! (Lola Nidora’s voice)    

It’s Showtime should keep its promise of making the show all about the madlang people. There was a time not too long ago when you have your Magpasikat segment where people from all over the Philippines showcase their talents in one pasabog number after another. There’s your Kalokalike segment where we get to see Hollywood and local celebrity look-alikes sharing the same glorious stage. This segment is so successful that finalists get invited to act or sing or dance in various ABS-CBN shows as if they’re the real deal and people tune in to watch their guesting as if, indeed, they’re the real deal. Then the recent Funny Juan where ‘Rock n Roll to the World…Wooh!’ became a very popular national catch phrase that veritably any Filipino who whips up a joke will always punctuate it with the famous ‘Rock n Roll to the World…Wooh!’ punch line, regardless of whether the joke was actually rocking or not.

It’s Showtime has a lot of good ideas in its arsenal. The past successful segments (Magpasikat, Kalokalike, Funny Juan, etc.) are proof of that. Showtime’s concept from the very beginning is indeed noble that’s why people supported it. And loved it. It should keep true to its promise and make it all about the ‘Madlang People’ again. 

I have a question to Vhong, Anne, Vice, Jugs, Teddy, Karylle, Billy, Coleen, Eruption and Kuya Kim. Every time you say: This is YOUR show. This is YOUR time. – do you still honestly believe it’s true?

2. Vice Ganda the Host? Fire him! Vice Ganda the Hurado? Hire him!

Real talk. We’ve never seen anyone on Philippine TV judge a reality/talent competition as intelligently, as constructively and as entertainingly as Vice Ganda. Vice is just so damn good at it! Back in the day when Vice was still an ‘un-evictable’ hurado at Showtime, he can single-handedly lift the show’s energy, push the contestants to deliver mind-blowing performances because of his witty yet constructive criticisms (XB GENSAN would attest to this) and make the people glued to their TV sets because of his funny punch lines.

Once, he appeared as guest judge for ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’ and his comments on the performances are so good and so balanced that it made us think that having a 4th jury for YFSF makes a lot of sense.  It’s gotta be Vice, of course.

But as a host for It’s Showtime? We’re at the other end of the spectrum. He’s not a bad host. Not at all. But seeing how he does his thing lately, Vice is now the anathema to what the show stands for. If It’s Showtime wants to make it about the madlang people, then a fella with supersized personality who loves the microphone so much may not be the best option for a host, much less, a main host.

Bring Vice Ganda the Hurado back. We love him. Then that Vice Ganda who gobbles up airtime so much, ditch him.

3. Make the show more fun, real and relatable. Add Melason.

'Reality’ is in. That’s why viral videos are not typically those big-budget, well-produced, shot-in-some-breathtaking-location type of videos. Those that get millions of views are typically the ones where you see a teenager eating ‘mamon’ in a mall, a singer using hair brush as a microphone, and yes, a bored lady doing funny Kris Aquino impersonations impeccably using an app called Dubsmash. What do they all have in common? They’re real people, real situations. This type of content is magnetic.

So for It’s Showtime, our suggestion is to create a segment where the ‘reality’ bit comes into play. Then add fun, real, relatable and highly entertaining people into your roster of hosts. Easily, the MELASON tandem comes to mind. Melai and Jason need no hosting workshop. They just need to be themselves and act naturally. That’s why people love them. And that’s why people will also love It’s Showtime.

4. Keep Billy. Keep Coleen. But don’t keep both.

Billy Crawford is great singer. An outstanding dancer. A one-of-a-kind international performer. A good host. Coleen Garcia is hot. A good actress. An impressive total package. A good host. Keep Billy. Keep Coleen. But don’t keep them both. It just doesn’t work. Now that they’re officially a couple, they’re just too damn awkward to watch. There are real-life couple who register well on a variety show format (Melason is a great example) but not Billy and Coleen.

5. Utilize Pastillas Girl – the right way.

Aah, the much talked about #PastillasGirl segment. Let’s be honest to ourselves, shall we? This segment, while it injected some much needed buzz to the show, did not succeed in closing the gap between Eat Bulaga and It’s Showtime. Yes, it’s trending daily on Twitter. Yes, #PastillasGirl gets mentioned on social and mainstream media. But really, is that all there is to it? The competition is still miles away, ratings-wise, and the kind of backlash that this segment invites makes you want to think whether it’s all worth it. It’s not fair for #PastillasGirl (aka Angelica Jane Yap) to be called names online. It’s not fair for the hosts, who have achieved quite a great deal in their careers, to be relegated to the sidelines and keep their talents underutilized while they play a supporting role to this so-called ‘dating game’. And most of all, it’s not fair for the Kapamilya network to just throw in the towel and settle for a distant 2nd (sometimes 3rd, behind Ben 10) in the noontime slot.

We say end the Pastillas segment soon. Give it a soft landing if you wish. But end it, you must. And then, since #PastillasGirl (aka Angelica Jane Yap) may have some fans supporting her already, utilize her. Maybe she could be a regular of your online show with Darla Sauler. Maybe she could make more ‘hugot’ videos reminiscent of her Pastillas fame. Maybe she could be with Kuya Kim asking the madlang people, “Score mo, Show mo!”. #PastillasGirl could still be an asset, but not in its current format.

    

6. Make content available on social media.

Here’s what we don’t understand. You have a Facebook page that’s got millions of engaged followers. You have a great video content that you want to share. And then, you make it difficult to watch this video when you share this on Facebook. Do not post a link to the video. Instead, upload the video directly on Facebook so that people can watch it right there and then. If you do otherwise, 
people tend to veer away. They will instead, visit a Facebook page where they could easily watch, share, like and comment (yes, that page is your competitor’s).

In the age where millions of Filipinos are abroad and their primary source of entertainment is their favorite TV shows back home; in the age where almost everyone owns a mobile phone and is always logged on 24x7; in the age where buzz online could translate to ratings, and therefore, advertising revenue, offline, social media is your best friend. So you need to make your content available, easily viewable and shareable.

Your competition is already doing this. Brod Pete is also doing this. Why are you not?

7. Bonus: Drop the “It’s”. Just call it “Showtime”

It’s a minor annoyance but still an annoyance just the same. Why do we have to call it “It’s Showtime” while “Showtime” works perfectly well and is much easier to say? Let’s drop the “It’s”, shall we?


Do you have other suggestions to add? Sound off in the comments section below.


Photo credits: facebook.com/itsShowtimena / facebook.com/OfficialMelason / YouTube screengrab / facebook.com/iBrodPete / YouTube screengrab

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