ABS-CBN Cebu’s new Sunday show adopts mag format

ABS-CBN Cebu launched its new program “MagTV” via an interactive presscon last Thursday that allowed media guests to get a feel of the “celebrity life,” complete with a photo shoot and Q&A conducted by no less than its resident TV personalities.

During the presscon held at the Parklane Hotel, it was also formally announced that “MagTV” will take over the timeslot vacated by the previous Sunday late morning show “Jud Morning.” But unlike its predecessor which had a talk show format, “MagTV” has adopted a concept that will present features in a magazine format.

“It was conceptualized as such because there are no local shows with the mag format,” Donna Ocampo, ABS-CBN Cebu entertainment head, said. “(As for the impression that this new show seems upscale), that was also the impression of ‘Jud Morning’ when it started, but it proved to have also clicked with the masses.”

Three new Kapamilyas were introduced to the media as the show’s main hosts—two fairly visible-on-television talents and a newcomer.

Charlene Go, 26, is an event host and radio jock, who has had bit exposures on ABS-CBN, the last one being part of the cast of the Cebuanovela “Summer Sunshine.” She said she’ll be handling the entertainment news and “women-empowering” stories. 

Twenty-three year-old Genesis Nacua, whose day job is a customer rep for an outsourcing company, was once part of the rival show, “Oi Show Na To Ni.” He said he’ll be handling segments that talk about men’s interests.

The greenhorn among this trio is the 17-year-old model-beauty queen Blinky De Leon, who candidly admitted during the presscon her zero-experience in TV hosting. “I’m more into dancing and singing, but I’m very excited about this,” said Blinky, who obliged a request to render an impromptu song. She said she’s in charge of “MagTV’s” fashion and teen-related stories.

Asked to comment on the media perception that they’ll have big shoes to fill, since Jude single-handily hosted “Jud Morning,” Genesis said that “we cannot replace Jude Bacalso, and we are not really replacing Jud Morning, as (MagTV) is entirely different.”

Prior to the launch, several names of prospective hosts had cropped up and saw print. When sought for comment regarding the entry of this brand-new competition, “Oi!” host Yuri said, “I cannot comment at this point since I have yet to see their pilot episode. I only have question though: of all the talented Cebuanos, why did they have to pick someone who came from GMA Kapuso?”

It came as a surprise to some quarters to see Genesis among the regular hosts during the launch. Nevertheless, Genesis admitted that he wouldn’t be noticed or approached to be part of the “MagTV” if not for his exposure at the other network.

According to Donna Ocampo, “We initially had a line-up of five hosts, but we encountered some problems with their schedules, so we are down to three. But I think it’s better also, as we can have guest hosts every now and then. Our hosts balance out each other, and they were chosen on the merits of wit, looks and availability considering the show will feature location shoots.”

“MagTV” debuts tomorrow, August 19, from 11AM to 12NN. (NMT)