GMA Network is known for their innovative, daring and bold moves when it comes to their programming.
The network is known for setting new trends and redefining TV ha its of Filipinos all over the world and it’s Sunday lineup is not an exception. Rumors have been everywhere that the current Sunday lineup will change specifically it’s noontime programming so before this happens, let’s take a look at how GMA redefined Sunday viewing with it’s unforgettable shows.
“GMA Supershow” hosted by The Master Showman German Moreno started airing last May 7, 1978.
It gave German the avenue to launch the careers of some of Philippine showbiz’ most beautiful and talented actresses. Some hosts were Sharon Cuneta, Dawn Zulueta, Gretchen Barretto, Jackie Lou Blanco and Maricel Laxa. The program showcased grand production numbers and guested the country’s biggest stars each week. It was one of the most successful noontime show in the Philippines which ran for 19 years. The show’s last episode was aired January 26,1997.
With the increasing popularity of “ASAP,” ABS-CBN’s Sunday noontime show, GMA thought of reinventing it’s program to make it more youth centered to cope up with the demands of the audience.
“SOP” (Sobrang Okey, Pare!) first aired February of 1997. The show offered a younger set of hosts led by Janno Gibbs and Vina Morales.
The show changed it’s main hosts with the entry of Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Jaya, Lani Misalucha and Cacai Velasquez making it the most watched noontime show in the Philippines with their very famous segment Back To Back To Back And their glossy on the spot music videos popularized by the show’s director Louie Ignacio.
The show launched the singing careers of Karylle, Kyla, JayR, Sarah Geronimo, Gian Magdangal, La Diva and other winners from Regine Velasquez’ singing contests Spinoffs and later forms of the show include SOP Rules, SOP Gigsters, and SOP Fully Charged.
“ASAP” once again snatched the lead and a new show was produced. “Party Pilipinas” premiered on March 28, 2010.
The show started the trend on weekly themes and artsy production numbers. Each week, two teams alternate to give the audience a variety in theme and concepts. Director Mark A. Reyes and Director Rico Gutierrez gave different approaches each week and launched the careers of Julie Anne San Jose, Elmo Magalona and Rachelle Ann Go as a Kapuso.
The 4 pillars is what they call them, Regine, Janno, Ogie and Jaya remained as the lead performers and hosts. The show ended on May 19, 2013 for an unknown reason.
GMA produced a new show titled “Sunday All Stars” to still directly compete with ASAP. Hosted by Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Ogie Alcasid, Janno and Jaya, the show premiered on June 16, 2013 with a concept of a game show musical variety. The cast were divided into 4 teams and they compete weekly and the winner was dter ind thru votes.
The concept didn’t sell well and SAS is now back to a musical variety show which is now airing on a much shorter time. The show starts at 2:00 PM and ends at 3:30 with new Kapusos Christian Baustista, Mark Bautista and the GMA leading ladies as hosts. Original performers Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal and Kyla left the show while JayR was removed from the noontime show.
With the rumors of a possible return of one of the more successful GMA noontime shows or a new show being produced, we can’t help but to reminisce the greatness of the past GMA Sunday noontime shows and the umforgettable production numbers.
Whatever the decision of the network is, we are sure that the fans are waiting for what’s next.
