Top GMA 7, ABS-CBN execs moving to TV5?

Plus: ABS-CBN appeals “Showtime” suspension

We heard the rumor that GMA 7 top executive Ms. Wilma Galvante, the Kapuso Network’s Senior Vice President for Entertainment, has allegedly filed for early retirement, with the added innuendo that the top lady of the Kapuso network is reportedly joining TV5, which is now headed by telecom tycoon Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan.

We contacted a source from TV5 regarding this rumor and our informant, who refused to be identified, gave a short message via SMS. According to our source, the rumor regarding Ms. Galvante’s plan for early retirement is already old hat, but our source claimed to have knowledge of the alleged plan of Ms. Galvante to move to TV5.

But our source said that there are artists and network executives (our source didn’t say whether they are from the Kapamilya or Kapuso networks) who have reportedly approached TV5 and offered to transfer. Since the news of Mr. Pangilinan taking over the operations of TV5, a lot of people have expressed interest to join the company.

Our source further added that they are aware also of the rumor that TV5 is allegedly “pirating” network executives and talents from the two biggest networks in the land, but what the public doesn’t know is that are more people who have approached and sent feelers to TV5, saying that they are for the taking.

Still another source said that indeed a lot of people have sounded off their intentions to join TV5. “Maybe these people see the potential of TV5 and believe that the fledgling network in Novaliches is deemed to be a strong contender in the network war once TV5 goes full blast this April under the stewardship of Mr. Manny Pangilinan,” our source added.

On the other hand, we also tried to find a source who could give us an answer regarding the issue of Ms. Galvante’s alleged impending transfer to TV5. According to our source, who is very reliable but also declined to be identified and quoted, said that it isn’t true that Ms. Galvante had sought early retirement from GMA 7 to enable her to move to TV5.

Still another source said that Ms. Galvante had reportedly said that she intends to grow old with GMA 7, meaning she has no plans to changing her network affiliation.

At any rate, these rumors seem to indicate that many people believe that TV5 would be a strong player in the media landscape in the months to come, especially now that MVP has taken the reins of running the station. This explains why this early a lot of people are jockeying for position to find a place for themselves in the TV 5 hierarchy, if and when the new player in the network war opens its doors to interested talents, including TV executives. This only goes to show that the TV industry is truly alive and well.

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In the spirit of self-regulation, ABS-CBN removed Rosanna Roces as a judge in SHOWTIME after she made statements against fellow judge Vice Ganda last January 4 and the teachers last Jan 7 during the live shows.

In the Jan 7 episode, Roces made disparaging remarks on teachers, describing them as “repeaters.” “Huwag kayo makukuntento sa mga itinuturo ng libro at ng teacher. Kung magtatanong kayo, hindi masama iyon. Dahil ang mga teacher, they were just repeaters. Tinuturo lang nila kung ano ang itinuro sa kanila. Hindi na nila itinuturo kung ano ang gusto malaman ng mga bata,” she said.

This prompted MTRCB to impose a 20-day preventive suspension for the program.

A preventive suspension is issued to stop further violations, if there were any committed, or for the interest or welfare of the public. Thus, the network questions the need for said preventive suspension when Rosanna Roces has already been removed from the program.

SHOWTIME is a highly entertaining show watched by many Filipinos. It helps promote and showcase the creativity and talent of Kapamilyas nationwide, uplifts their spirit and provides opportunities to improve their lives. 

As of presstime, ABS-CBN is appealing the suspension imposed on Showtime by MTRCB. The network has filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) with the Court of Appeals Tuesday regarding the 20-day suspension slapped by MTRCB.

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Expect a golden 2010 and be there when the World of Feng Shui (WOFS) Philippines and Business World in welcoming the upcoming Year of the Tiger. a luck-laden affair awaits you at the 5th Philippine Feng Shui Convention on January 23 at the Center Stage of SM Mall of Asia on Pasay City and on February 6 at Cebu City.

Aptly themed Feng Shui Spectacular 2010: Riding the Golden Tiger, the convention will be graced by no less than WOFS Philippines President, CEO and renowned Feng Shui expert Marites Allen. With well-known TV personality Boy Abunda and Ruffa Gutierrez as co-host, and Club Mwah performers providing spectacular numbers, the event promises to be another insightful and entertaining experience for the entire family.

Guided by this year’s theme, Allen vows to share valuable Feng Shui information that one needs to prosper in the Year of the Tiger. Despite some challenges expected during the year, Allen says, “we can be in control of our future by using our inborn talents and resources, by being aware of what lies ahead and knowing how to harness the natural energies that surround us.”

An internationally renowned Feng Shui expert, Allen provides high-lvel Feng Shui consultation services to top executives, famous celebrities and other clients in business circles.

For more information on Feng Shui Spectacular 2010: Riding the Golden Tiger Updates, you may register through www.maritesallen.com