Where are the Kimerald fans?
That is the question I keep asking myself after the launch of Kimerald’s comeback teleserye, “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin”.
From their stint inside the Pinoy Big Brother house, which started their big careers, the loveteam of Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson became one of the most successful love teams Philippine entertainment industry has ever produced.
From the big hit “Sana Maulit Muli” which not only reap success in the country but also in other Asian countries where it was shown, to the acclaimed “Tayong Dalawa” and other Kimerald teleseryes, Kim Chui and Gerald Anderson have always been received warmly.
So when their comeback teleserye, “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin” premiered and been aired for more than a month now, the big question is what happened?
No more Kimerald fever?
With the dismal showing on their pilot week, is there really no more Kimerald fever?
Basing on the data from AGB Nielsen NUTAM People survey from May 1 – 5, 2017, it clearly shows the declining trend of “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin” as oppose to upward trend by its rival “Trops”. While they may led the first 2 episodes, 5.8% to 4.9% and 4.9% to 4.4%, the succeeding days showed cold reception by the televiewers.
In fact, from the 3rd day of its pilot (May 3) up to May 11, “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin” failed to make it to the top 10 of the daytime ranking giving “Trops” the advantage to pull away from the competition. And for 30 days that it has been airing, only 10 instances that the Kimerald comeback teleserye has been able to penetrate the top 10, the worst performing pre-afternoon teleserye of ABS-CBN since the domination of “Be Careful With My Heart” up to “Langit Lupa”.
Slowly heating up
While the first month has been discouraging, “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin” maybe is a case of slow start-up or cooking on a low fire.
After bowing to “Trops” for several weeks, “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin” is starting to heat up with its consecutive wins last week. Not only did the teleserye able to penetrate the top 10 again but it also consecutively beat its rival program.
Starting Monday, June 5 to Thursday, June 8 (no data yet for Friday, June 9), the Kimerald teleserye has already found its momentum and slowly climbing the ranking.
From the number 8 spot on Monday, it stepped up to number 7 on Tuesday and Thursday showing proof that the televiewers are starting to warm-up with this latest Kimerald offering. And it’s understandable knowing the two are also known to have their own respective love team/partners; Kim with Xian (KimXi) and Gerald being romantically involved with Bea Alonzo.
Back on track
Just like Gerald and Kim’s characters on the series as triathletes, “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin” seemed to be back on track and ready to win. And with the story getting interesting after the revelation on the true identities of Gabriel (Gerald) and Carlos (Jake Cuenca), I am sure not only Kimeralds will propel the series to be as competitive as its Kapamilya pre-afternoon predecessors but also other televiewers who sees values in storyline and not only on the actors.
For now I will just monitor how the series will bank on its new found vigor, if it will be sustained or if it will encounter cramps again along the way.
