TVJ on TV5: What you did not see on television

Since the mega-trending grand media conference of TVJ (former Sen. Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon) and the legit Dabarkads last Tuesday, the fans’ excitement over the leading noontime group’s return is still on and hasn’t dwindled one bit.

By now, most of us are invested in the story of TVJ Productions’ transfer to TV5. Their recent meet-up with the press was an emotional one, which left Vic, Joey and the rest teary-eyed. But let me take you to the story of what went down behind-the-scenes even before that.

First, there was a contract-signing at the MediaQuest’s Launchpad Center at about 3 p.m. The MVP Group top bosses were present and led by chairman Manny V. Pangilinan himself.

MediaQuest head Jane Basas also graced it and Cignal VP for Channels and Content Sienna Olaso was on top of the historical event.

The MediaQuest journos, the in-house media relations team, the Divina Law group also came in full force to witness the momentous occasion as the entire Dabarkads, led by Tito, Joey and Vic, went on to sign their contracts and welcome a new home in their lives.

This columnist with the legit Dabarkads Allan K, Paolo Ballesteros, Carren Eustrup, Jose Manalo and Ryzza Mae Dizon at the contract-signing prior to the mediacon.

Ryan Agoncillo, Maine Mendoza, Allan K, Carren Eustrup, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballestero, Ryzza Mae Dizon and Jose Manalo came extra early to start this new chapter. TVJ Productions COO Jenny Ferre and director Poochie Rivera also joined in.

Prior to the signing, the conference room had anxious energy that later transformed into excitement. The unsettled energy came from the sudden press release of It’s Showtime that they opted to post before TVJ’s big events. The move kept people in the conference room wondering if the younger noontime show did it on purpose or was it purely coincidental that they wanted to share the big news on the same day as the “media day” with the legit Dabarkads?

But since everyone is using the term “business decision,” one would think that it was a smart move given that the Dabarkads are very much talked about. It worked to their advantage as It’s Showtime also managed to trend and reignite the excitement of their fans that they haven’t experienced in awhile.

As you know, TV5 has existing big partnerships with ABS-CBN with the likes of the upcoming Dreamscape-produced series, PiraPirasong Paraiso and Nag-Aapoy na Damdamin by the JRB Creative Production unit. ABS-CBN is also airing its banner contents like Batang Quiapo, Dirty Linen and Iron Heart on TV5, raking in substantial audience on primetime.

TVJ thanking MediaQuest bosses after the ‘emotional’ grand media conference. — PHOTO BY JESSE BUSTOS

So, the move of It’s Showtime announcing it was turning down TV5’s 4:30 p.m. timeslot offer starting July 1 and their decision to choose GTV wasn’t something some of the Kapatids were expecting. But then again, it’s a business decision after all and it did get people talking. It also excited our legit Dabarkads more.

We spoke to Jose, who shared his two cents on the matter: “Yung pilit tinatapatan hindi naman siguro yun ang trabaho nila. Kami naman sa Bulaga ang ginagawa namin ay trabaho, so walang kumpetensya na nangyayari sa amin.”

Paolo jokingly added, “I choose peace.”

But on a more serious note, Allan K explained why having more programs to go head on with their show would also be good for the Dabarkads. “Iyon nga ang exciting part eh, parang complacent na rin kami dati eh, na-miss namin ang competition. Ngayon, parang okay! Let’s go! Naka-ready na ang harness ko! Hahaha!”

It seems now that since the networks have been on open partnerships with content providers, the sudden collaborations and movements in the showbiz industry are giving the audience more shocks on who partners with whom next. May the most heartfelt noontime show succeed!