10 years and counting

How time flies. Who would have thought the gang of "Sabado Na Gyud" has been figuring in the Saturday mornings of many a Cebuano for already a decade now? But as they say, time flies, indeed, when you're having fun.

First hitting local television screens in August 1995 as "Star Showcase," the program, which was patterned after the mother network ABS-CBN's variety shows in Manila, rightfully spun opportunities for many of the island-province's homegrown artists to strut and share their talents with the rest of the viewers from Central Visayas.

It may have been a rough ride at the onset, as courting local viewers meant having to deal with partiality towards Manila-made shows.

Still, the regional program, now dubbed "Sabado Na Gyud - Cebu's Party TV!," has evolved through the years in terms of creative concept, production style and direction. It has grown in patronage by continually adding fresh faces to its line up and featuring increasingly high-energy production numbers by local artists or otherwise and a smorgasbord of pa-gimmicks that work live audience into a frenzy.

Apart from more celebrity guests, there's now a diverse selection of segments directed at just about anybody in the mood for a good time. Since May, they have been doing remote shows every Saturday, more often at the Ayala Activity Center, so as to bring the show closer to all kinds of audiences. According to associate producer, Adrian Diongzon, the program is enjoying a viewership rating of 14%, not bad for a regional program. "With 10%, we're even already happy, says Adrian, adding that they also get a lot of good feedback from TFC subscribers.

Talents have come and gone from the show, but there's no denying the show has launched and spelled success for the careers of many local artists here and in the entertainment capital.

From hosts to regular guests, these are just some of those who are no longer with the show, but have made a name for themselves in the biz and other fields: Two-time Golden Dove Awardee Angela Calina, crooner Luke Mijares, "Search For A Star In A Million" finalist Jimmy Marquez, power belter Sheryn Regis, Franz Ocampo who's part of the upcoming teledrama, "Vietnam Rose," beauty queen Melanie Ediza, host Neda Aviniente, Christine Fernandez, Jay Justiniani (now making waves in Manila as vocalist of Cueshe), and a whole lot more. Many of its artists have also been signed up by ABS-CBN's Star Magic.

In addition to main hosts Erwin Lim, Handrew Maxilom, Cathy Gabronino and Janice Mae Miral, the show continues to pave the way for budding artists to live their showbiz dream such as new mainstays JC Maralit, Gilbert Carabaña, Ian Echavez, Sheda Dusavan, Sunshine Cunanan, Kevin and Candy Cabahug, Bea Villegas and Carliz Selma.

Its present roster of artists claims that the impact of the show on their personal lives is beyond compare.

The sole remaining original host, Erwin, who for some time left SNG for a stint abroad with his band Livewire, says: "Empty ang among Saturdays kung wala ang 'Sabado Na Gyud.' The show is already a part of our lives in the same way it has been part of the lives of many Cebuanos."

He says that the group now is much closer since "naa gyud time mag-bonding."

"Before man gud mas daghan ang estudyante so, di mi makalaag gyud kaayo altogether."

According to Cathy, who in local media circles has been dubbed as the next Angela Calina, "My hosting skills are being honed at SNG and because of the show, I also get to have hosting stints outside. It has developed my personality. Since we are always seen on TV, there is a conscious effort from our part to be careful with our actions, because some of our viewers, especially the kids, view us as some kind of role models."

Handrew, who worked before as a banker before becoming a full-time host and who recently competed in the Mossimo Bikini Summit, says that although he is open to the idea of taking on the road ventured by other SNG talents - that is striking it in Manila - one thing is for sure, "Lipay ko diri sa Cebu, lipay ko with SNG."

A Ms. Cebu 2005 finalist, Janice, who came on board only this year, is excited to be part of not just a long-running show, but a two-time Golden Dove Awardee (TV provincial), too. "We owe it to our loyal viewers, and for that, expect na magka-bongga gyud ang SNG."

Executive producer Donna confirms that the "always live" SNG is pretty tough to produce, with the expectations escalating, still, she says that very soon, "We hope to offer more quality and family-friendly entertainment by putting out more personality and reality based segments and more interactive portions."