War of the Networks: Moves to the US

The rivalry of GMA Channel 7 and ABS-CBN Channel 2, the country's leading broadcast companies, extends to the United States as the two giant broadcasting stations prepare their respective gimmicks in the land of Uncle Sam this July.

GMA 7 is launching its GMA Pinoy TV Channel on July 16 at the Forum at the Inglewood City. They will hold another show on July 23 at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium. And for that, GMA 7 is bringing the stars of "SOP," as well as "S-Files," as their treat to their Kapuso on that part of the globe.

On the other hand, ABS-CBN will hold its US Kapamilya Caravan also in July. In line with the TFC World Tours, "ASAP 05" and "The Buzz" will be bringing their stars to Los Angeles and San Francisco on July 16 and 23 respectively, same date as the GMA shows.

The shows would be a reunion of sorts for all Filipinos in the US Mainland, since every Filipino can get into the shows for free. This would strengthen the ABS-CBN tagline, "bawat Pinoy, kapamilya" as every Filipino will be invited to join the festivities.

Gracing the "ASAP 05" show are Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Kuh Ledesma, Vina Morales, Piolo Pascual, Bernard Palanca, Carlos Agassi, Diether Ocampo, Erik Santos, Mark Bautista, Sheryn Regis, Rachelle Ann Go, Christian Bautista, Sarah Geronimo, Jerome Sala, Toni Gonzaga, Nikki Gil, and Anne Curtis who will be joined by love teams John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo with Joross Gamboa and Roxanne Guinoo.

"The Buzz," on the other hand, will bring topnotch hosts Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino, Cristy Fermin, AJ Dee, Chocoleit and Anne Curtis as they interview Filipino superstars who are now residing in the US. Joining the caravan are Ms. Charo Santos Concio, Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo, Vanessa del Bianco and Filipino international superstars Lea Salonga and Jasmine Trias.

If you notice, the ABS-CBN shows are for free but so far they have not announced their venues. We heard that they are having a difficult time getting a venue whereas the GMA 7 people already have secured their venue but are selling tickets for their shows.

But here's the catch: how true is the rumor that ABS-CBN is trying to pull strings and use their connections to enable them to get a venue of their choice? So far they have not yet succeeded in getting one but we heard this rumor (unverified and unconfirmed) that ABS-CBN wants to get the parking lot of the place where GMA will have their show and have their shows there.

Again this is just a rumor. But a friend in the US told us that even if ABS-CBN plans to do that, that would be next to impossible because show venues require parking lot accessibility and use for the audience so that can't be possible. But another rumor is that ABS-CBN wants the next best thing - the nearest venue to the place where GMA will hold its show. This is just a rumor and we are still confirming it.

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"MRS," hosted by Amy Perez and Roderick Paulate, is featuring and bringing together in one show the singing Champions this Monday morning such as Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go, Mark Bautista, Raymond Manalo, and the new idols from the "Search for the Star in a Million' who are now much sought after and requested by people.

Dra. Vicki Belo will grant the wish of these singing idols, as well as the makeover of select members of the audience. The show will also giving free treatment to lucky viewers. Add to that, the June birthday celebrants in showbiz will be feted.

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The all-male dance group Streetboys will dance to a different kind of beat when they face the king of talk, Boy Abunda in "Homeboy" today. Vhong Navarro, Danilo Barrios, Spencer Reyes, at Jhong Hilario of the Streetboys will share their views on love, life and career with Boy. Will the innermost secrets of these Streetboys be revealed and if so, how extensive would be the revelation? Don't fail to watch "Homeboy" at 10:45am on ABS-CBN.