The 'greening' of PWNW

MANILA, Philippines - That’s how one could describe the “pilot/debut” episode of ABS-CBN’s Pilipinas, Win Na Win (PWNW) with The Hitmakers (Rico J. Puno, Nonoy Zuñiga, Marco Sison and Rey Valera) as main hosts along with Wowowee originals Pokwang and Valerie Concepcion.

“Greening” could mean “paglago” as new members are added and thriving as in boosting the show’s ratings. The other meaning of “greening,” however, refers to Rico’s green jokes, which always elicit laughter from the audience. In yesterday’s pilot episode, Rico was conscious and behaved in cracking green jokes.

“This is a different field,” replies Rico when asked how it is like hosting a noontime show. “It’s a different feeling from doing a concert. We can’t say that we’re very good at it.”

“We’re very thankful to the Lord and to Channel 2. Of the many who could do the job, they chose us. This would be a very, very big challenge for us. Tumagal lang kami ng isang linggo, masaya na kami. Kahit may edad na kami, pwede pa pala (kaming mag-host).”

Rico and the rest of The Hitmakers were appreciative of the good feedback they received. Some sent congratulatory text messages and others called up.

Given the group’s stature in the recording and music industry, Rico says The Hitmakers are not after of what they might gain from headlining PWNW but, like a true Filipino performer, they simply want to give their kababayan entertainment they deserve every lunch time, Mondays to Saturdays.

Asked why Hajji Alejandro was nowhere to be found during The Hitmakers’ “debut” in PWNW, Rico answers: “When FMG (Freddie M. Garcia) called, he was not around... we could not suggest. We’re not like a combo or band splitting. We are individually independent. There’s no gap. It so happened when FMG called, we were the ones together on tour.”

Living up to their group’s name, Rico, Nonoy, Marco and Rey opened the show with hits like May Bukas Pa, I’ll Never Say Goodbye and My Love Will See You Through. It was like putting Original Pilipino Music (OPM) amidst us reminding the beauty of Filipino music. The Hitmakers enjoy going back that era when Juan dela Cruz can sing along with them.

Janelle Jamer and Gee Canlas are the newest additions of the show.

Is it a struggle for Rico to restrain himself from injecting green jokes in his repartee?

“I’m nervous,” he replies. “Mayroon kaming usapan na kapag nakakaligtas kami bawat linggo, magpupunyagi kami (If we survive every week, we will work hard).”

Based on the studio audience response, The Hitmakers earned a good grade — they were entertaining. It’s a welcome change to see hosts with all the singing chops serenading everyone with their signature songs.

Rico also says The Hitmakers appreciate everyone’s comments and suggestions — good or bad. They do this not for themselves but for the 12 o’clock ABS-CBN viewers.

The Hitmakers seemed do their hosting assignment well. They were relaxed. Rico had a funny exchange of repartee with Pokwang. The chemistry between Rico, Nonoy, Marco and Rey is impeccable.

“We haven’t done this overnight,” says Rico. “We’ve been touring for eight years.”

After all, The Hitmakers are the No. 1 touring Filipino group here and abroad.

New segments to look forward to are Hari at Reyna ng Emote and Hit the Hits.

With their initial performance, could The Hitmakers be an alternative group of hosts for a noontime show?