Why Bobby Nalzaro remains kapuso

And so I was right all along. GMA-7 will never let go of tri-media personality Bobby Nalzaro. Definitely not at this time when competition among networks is boiling, what with new player TV5 now set to make its next big move to solidify its presence in Cebu.

For those who do not know it yet, Nalzaro signed a two-year exclusive contract with GMA-7 last Monday in Manila, which means he will remain the anchor of “Balitang Bisdak” and will also stay with dySS Super Radyo. When talk of a supposed offer from TV5 broke out, I told Kapusong Bobby that I would never believe he’d jump ship, so to speak. And GMA-7 is not stupid to let go of its prime talent.

Now, it turned out that there was really no concrete offer from TV5, according to my sources. While Nalzaro waited for the Kapatid Network to come up with a clear proposal, nothing materialized. He was told though to just sign a three-month contract with GMA-7 that would supposedly end in time for TV5 to have its relaunch next month, March 26 to be exact. By then, he would be signed up as a Kapatid talent.

But it was impossible to do that then because GMA-7 has made its talents sign a one-year contract instead of the usual six months. The sudden change of the contract period is said to be a precautionary measure to prevent its staff and crew from transferring to TV5.

Another reason why Nalzaro cannot risk it is the fact that TV5 has no radio station in Cebu yet. He will no longer have his product endorsements should he leave dySS. From what I’ve gathered, the worth of his endorsements is more than hundred thousand a month. Therefore, TV5 has to compensate for that amount should he transfer. Now add to that his talent fee as anchor of “Bisdak” and for his segment in “Buena Mano,” plus his regular salary in dySS. I know the exact figure, but I won’t tell because it’s strictly confidential, you know. And what we're talking here is the talent fee he was getting before he signed a new contract last Monday.

So, how much is the new contract worth? Is it P5 million for two years, as some tongues are wagging? P5M is very huge. Maybe P2.5M is a safer and closer estimate? Whatever it is, Nalzaro is not saying anything.

Now, here’s a bit of intrigue I’ve gathered: TV5 Manila executives reportedly hesitated to make an offer to Nalzaro because they feel he was just making use of the situation to seal a better deal with his home network. In fairness to him, I’ve felt the sincerity in his desire to transfer, until GMA-7 Senior Vice President for Radio Operations Mike Enriquez helped secure a favorable package for him with the bigwigs, just for him to remain a Kapuso.

Atty. Ruphil is in?Now with Nalzaro out of the picture, TV5 Cebu station head Yoli Gendrauli admitted to me that they have already sealed a deal with a prominent radio personality who will be the anchor of its upcoming flagship newscast in Cebu. Refusing to identify the person, she just said he is “a lawyer and is young.”

However, another source revealed to me that during one of the meetings of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) Cebu Chapter, it was mentioned that its newly elected president, Atty. Ruphil Banoc of dyHP, has been tapped to anchor TV5’s news program very soon. It’s already a closed deal. In fact, the source added that KBP has long known about it.

Gendrauli refused to confirm this. She, however, clarified that the young lawyer she was referring to is the original and only choice. “Siya na gyud,’ was Gendrauli’s reply over the phone last Tuesday.

Still, even if it seems that they have already chosen an anchor, TV5 Cebu has yet to finalize its news program. It has no title yet, and has not identified its working force. The applications are mounting, but everything will still be finalized before the end of the month, when Manila bosses are expected to arrive here.

What is clear for now is that controversial TV host and biggest TV5 talent Willie Revillame has confirmed his presence during the relaunch on March 26. Another clear development is that its transmitter tower in barangay Babag in this city has also been set up.

So who are the other local personalities who will sign up with TV 5 very soon? Stay tuned.

Congratulations Yuri

On Monday, Feb. 14, my good friend and Banat News entertainment columnist Yuri will be formally welcomed as the newest addition to GMA Cebu’s early morning show, “Buena Mano.” Yes, he will be co-hosting the show for good, according to program manager Zanie Alueta. Yuri’s guest appearance on the show since two weeks ago has been received well by the viewing public as reflected in a survey conducted from Jan. 31 to Feb. 4.

I know that Yuri has expressed interest to join the show since last year, but it’s only now that his schedule has allowed him to finally appear on “Buena Mano.” Zanie said they have worked out an arrangement that will allow Yuri to work for both the Entertainment TV and News and Public Affairs departments. React@[email protected]