Trouble in paradise?

Author: Bibsy Carballo
Column: Meanderings

AFTER such an auspicious beginning with rejoicing in the industry that finally another network was beginning to serve as an alternative to the giants ABS-CBN and GMA7, we hear that not all is well at TV5.

A major block-time investor MPB Primedia, Inc. , a Philippine domestic corporation, had entered into a long-term agreement with Tony Boy Cojuangco's ABC-Channel 5. This has resulted in an upgrading of the new network now known as TV5 which has repositioned its goals. In a statement, Christopher Sy, TV5 chief executive officer, then stated, "We think we can attract a sizeable audience by providing a fresh alternative to the country's two major networks which seem to mirror each other's programming. We hope to provide shows that are different and more relevant to a youthful Filipino audience. "

At the end of the its first season, and after the station had announced its number three position among the networks, I noticed an abrupt change in programming. The usual 7-8pm slot where the innovative formats of Peque Gallaga, Laurice Guillen, Lore Ilustre, Quark Henares, Rich Ilustre, Tony Gloria and Mark Reyes had suddenly given way to Japanese anime, canned shows, with the original shows shown mostly on Saturdays and Sundays. Of course we understand that the non-performing shows (read: no commercial load) would be axed, but then what replaced them were mediocre.

However, the biggest pain in the neck of TV5 now appears to be the law suit filed against them by GMA7. Apparently, as early as August when TV5 started operations with Malaysian investors, GMA7 had already filed a complaint with the National Telecom and NBI regarding the "unconstitutionality" of having foreigners involved in the "programming content and airtime sales" of TV5. Recently, however, they elevated the complaint to the courts.

GMA7 is asking the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to nullify the blocktime agreement between MPB Primedia and TV5. They argue that this agreement violates the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which restricts ownership and management of mass media to Filipino citizens or corporations and they have proof of this. TV5 has also consistently denied the allegations.

At the onset of TV5, GMA had apparently already harbored ill feelings towards the new network. This became more apparent when they pulled out GMA talents Drew Arellano and Paolo Contis from shows on TV5 and refused to allow their other talents to appear in the station. This resulted in the interesting "Midnight DJ" of Lore Reyes replacing Paolo with Oyo Boy Sotto as the new DJ. It also resulted in a death scene ending for Paolo which was quite abrupt and disappointing. This is, however, understandable since TV5 became a big threat to GMA's other station QTV which was also bent on providing alternative programming through female oriented shows.

It will be noticed, however, that the other network ABS-CBN has been overly generous with allowing its talents to appear in the upgraded network. Of course, it can be argued that TV5 is actually helping out solve the problem of ABS with its many contracted talents who keep nagging them for shows when there just isn't enough airtime to accommodate them all.

As the battle royale continues between GMA and TV5, perhaps with a hiatus during these holiday season, let us wait for interesting developments in early 2009. I am just so sorry that apparently, what many have feared is coming to pass. That they will not be able to provide the alternative programming they so gallantly thought they could provide. TV5 just doesn't seem to have the resources, nor the logistics (haba ng pisi, kumbaga) to see its original plans through.

HALL OF FAMER DAVAO IS INDIE FAVE

THE wonderful thing about actor Ricky Davao is that although he has won many awards for films like "Saranggola," "Minsan May Isang Puso" and "Lalaki sa Buhay ni Selya" he remains always excited by the accolades he receives from the entertainment industry. His latest is the Hall of Fame award as best actor in theatre from the Aliw Awards for four best actor awards he won in "Bongbong at Kris" (1988), "Sawi" (1997), "Insiang" (2002) and "Speaking in Tongues" (2003).

Ricky has also vigorously supported the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival from its inception, oftentimes accepting assignments "na abonado pa ako," he tells us. On our part, I warn him to go slow on his accepting these indie roles, for while he may be helping fledgling filmmakers break into the industry, he may also be robbing a new actor of his chance to make a mark.

For his role as the invalid father in the indie "Endo," Ricky won a best supporting actor award. As the abusive father of a little boy in another indie, "Boses," his performance has won praises. In the soon-to-be shown movie from Star Cinema as father of Angel Locsin, as the priest against an influential faith healer in "Sapi," and as the gay lead character in Jeffrey Jeturian's "Parangal," Ricky will surely continue to gain accolades. (We also enjoyed watching him in the MMFF entry, "One Night Only. "—Ed. )

Email comments to bibsycarballo@yahoo. com.

Source: People's Journal