We just witnessed another historic moment for Philippine television—and countless Pinoys have been emotional and ecstatic over it.
The two media giants of the Philippines, ABS-CBN and GMA Network, have signed a groundbreaking deal that will put ABS-CBN's longest-running daily noontime show, It's Showtime, on GMA Network's noontime slot.
As they say, the so-called network wars are finally over and the historic contract signing between ABS-CBN and GMA Network just proves it. Present at the event were the mainstay hosts of It's Showtime: Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Karylle, Jhong Hilario, Ogie Alcasid, Kim Chiu, Amy Perez, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, Ryan Bang, Ion Perez, Jackie Gonzaga, MC Muah Calaquian, Lassy Marquez, Cianne Dominguez, and Darren Espanto.
In a statement, the two media networks noted that their deal aims to serve and bring happiness to their audience. "The unprecedented move reflects the commitment of GMA and ABS-CBN to deliver top-notch entertainment and serve the Filipino people," the statement read.
Wearing red—the color of prosperity and luck—It's Showtime hosts went on a motorcade, traveling from the ABS-CBN compound to GMA, which became the venue for the event. Fellow Kapuso staff warmly welcomed the hosts as soon as they set foot in the GMA Network's area.
It's Showtime hosts are grateful for the opportunity
Leading the 15-year noontime show, Vice gave a wonderful speech detailing how they were *embraced* by GMA Network. "Ang laki ng tulong at suportang ibinibigay niyo sa amin," Vice mentioned.
She furthered, "Hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman nating lahat kung gaano kasadsad ang isinadsad ng Kapamilya. Pero naririyan kayo hindi para tapakan kami, inialay niyo ang mga kamay niyo sa amin para unti-unti kaming makabangon. Hinding-hindi po namin 'yan makakalimutan."
"This moment has a massive, transformative purpose. [...] Mas magiging madali na makakapagbigay tayo ng karagdagang tawa, saya, impormasyon, inspirasyon, at pag-asa. Maraming salamat ho sa pagpili sa amin. Napakarami niyong pwedeng piliin. Pero sa dulo pinili niyo ho kami," the host proclaimed.
Meanwhile, Anne took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her happiness over the momentous development of their well-loved show. She posted on social media saying how grateful and how surreal the experience was for her. Netizens welcomed Anne's posts with much love and support.
It's Showtime's first episode on GMA
Along with Vice's speech, both ABS-CBN and GMA Network's executives shared heartfelt and encouraging messages with their audience and for the noontime show's hosts. GMA Network Chairman Felipe Gozon manifested his positive outlook that It's Showtime's ratings would shoot up, as it will be airing on two massive free television channels, GMA and GTV.
"We expect—I say expect, not hope—na tataas ang rating ng It's Showtime, magbuhat ng April 6, dahil dala-dalawa na ang malakas na platforms niyo," the GMA executive declared. And as mentioned, It's Showtime will be airing its pilot episode on GMA by April 6, 2024. It's a good kind of pressure for all the hosts!
In fact, ABS-CBN president Carlo Katigbak also promised a grand and one-of-a-kind pilot episode on April 6th. "We promise to make that episode a very, very special one for you," he said.
PEP.ph reported that Vice Ganda will be celebrating her upcoming 48th birthday on It's Showtime and it will be during their pilot episode on GMA Network.