Battle of the networks rages from showbiz to politics

From showbusiness to politics, the network war rages. It’s Kapuso vs Kapamilya.

If you think that the stiff rivalry between the country’s two largest television networks will only be limited to controversies involving showbiz celebrities, like the recent Kris Aquino-James Yap issue, think again.

A senatorial candidate from Team Unity who requested anonymity revealed to The STAR that the popular "Boom Tarat Tarat" jingle of Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri seems to clash with the common punchline of former Sen. Tito Sotto in campaign sorties.

Boom Tarat Tarat, which was re-arranged to help boost Zubiri’s senatorial bid, was written by songwriter Lito Camo and was popularized in the noontime show "Wowowee" of ABS-CBN 2, whose theme is "Kapamilya."

The administration candidate revealed to this reporter that Sotto, who was a TV host before he was elected to the Senate, had also been using the popular song "Itaktak Mo" in GMA-7’s Eat Bulaga – Philippines’ longest running noontime show – in provincial sorties.

Though popular, these jingle choices could backfire.

"It’s a hit during the campaign. It’s just that there are loyalties in network wars. It’s always Kapuso (of GMA-7) as against Kapamilya," he said. "But for me, I would prefer a hit song that is not identified with either channel so it will have more chances of being accepted."

The candidate-source cited that in their campaign sortie in Pangasinan, the crowd was warmer to Sotto while in Pampanga – the home province of President Arroyo – Zubiri was more popular because the supporters were dancing to the tune of Boom Tarat Tarat.

"For me, it would be much better if I have a hit song composed by the trio Apo Hiking Society where everybody can relate to the song, he said.

"I want a new approach to politics, and this should not be through entertainment. I don’t want to win because of a song but because of the message." – Delon Porcalla