Curtain call for Parekoy

MANILA, Philippines - Embarking on a project like Parekoy is one shining example of ABS-CBN’s commitment to offer groundbreaking TV concepts to its televiewers. Parekoy, set to bid farewell today, is fusing elements of a drama series with those of a situational comedy.

Topbilled by bosom buddies John Prats, Jayson Gainza and Zanjoe Marudo, Parekoy almost instantly cast a spell on televiewers when it premiered early this year. The komediserye continues to enjoy good ratings since its pilot episode. Because of its refreshing concept, the show is a whiff of fresh air for afternoon TV viewers, who are more accustomed to heavy dramas.

The success of the show is attributed to the rapport of its lead stars, the strong support of actors like Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews, Giselle Sanchez, Irma Adlawan, Roy Alvarez, Tetchie Agbayani, Ma. Isabel Lopez, Raymund Concepcion, Dennis Padilla, Jacq Yu, Samantha Flores, Jem Sevilla and Lovelle Bautista and the inspired direction of Randy Santiago and Frasco Mortiz.

“We all worked very hard for the show — the stars, directors, production staff, and crew,” says John. “The hard work was all worth it. I am proud of it.”

During the show’s last taping day, John was reported to have left the location as soon as the last sequence was shot because of sadness.

“What people see in the show is only a parcel of the fun we have during tapings. We are a happy bunch,” shares executive producer Jessa Mae Samson. “It is sad that we are closing the show, but we are proud of the achievements of our humble program.”

According to Jessa, Parekoy has now been a buzz word in jeepneys having tags like “Ingat lang, Parekoy,” and among the young ones calling each other as such. She also noted that during their tapings, people call the three lead stars as Parekoy.

Jessa is also proud of the fact that Parekoy heralded a new TV barkada, who will be referred to as “Parekoys” for a long, long time. John, Zanjoe and Jayson will soon join the third season of Banana Split.

“I have been in this business for quite some time now,” says Jessa. “This project made me realize so many things, not only about the business, but also about myself. I am proud that we made it through with everyone’s help. We have become a family in the show. Sadly, it will inevitably fold, but we will always be parekoys and marekoys to each other.”