July 1 marks a groundbreaking moment for Philippine TV as ABS-CBN’S “It’s Showtime” premieres on GMA Network’s GTV, which was made possible by a call of ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo K. Katigbak to former rival network.
On June 29, ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak expressed his gratitude towards GMA Network during the contract signing ceremony between the two media giants.
The event marked a significant milestone as it signaled a remarkable collaboration between ABS-CBN and GMA Network for the airing of ABS-CBN’s beloved noontime variety show, “It’s Showtime,” on GTV.
Carlo Katigbak’s unexpected move came after learning that “It’s Showtime” would be moved to an afternoon timeslot on TV5, where “It’s Showtime” has been airing for a year.
Determined to ensure that the long-running program found a new home, Katigbak wasted no time and contacted GMA Network’s esteemed Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films, Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes.
During the contract signing, Katigbak admitted his surprise at how quickly the agreement with GMA Network materialized. “Pagkatapos po namin i-launch ang Unbreak My Heart, hindi po namin naisip na magkakaroon na kasunod na agad ang aming partnership with GMA,” he shared.
“So nu’ng nabalitaan namin na gustong ilipat ang timeslot ng It’s Showtime, tinawagan namin si Annette para pag-usapan ang posibilidad na mabigyan ng bagong tahanan ang aming programa. After that, in just less than two weeks, we were again welcomed to [GMA]. Kaya marami pong salamat, Atty. [Felipe] Gozon, Annette, Jimmy, Philip, at sa aming Kapuso sa pagtanggap ninyo sa Showtime at sa pagyakap niyong muli sa ABS-CBN.”
The contract signing was attended by prominent figures from both networks. Alongside Carlo Katigbak were GMA Network President and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, ABS-CBN COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes, and officer-in-charge of the Finance Group Paul O. Pieded.
Expressing his gratitude, Katigbak extended his appreciation to GMA Network for their kindness. “Thank you for your kindness, GMA. Marami na ang napagdaanan ng mga Kapamilya natin sa It’s Showtime, nagpapasalamat din kami sa lahat ng Showtime hosts at sa buong Showtime family dahil hindi kayo bumitaw, hindi kayo sumuko sa pagbibigay saya at serbisyo.”
The premiere of “It’s Showtime” on GTV marked a groundbreaking moment for the Philippine entertainment industry. Viewers witnessed a fusion of Kapuso and Kapamilya stars on a single stage, symbolizing unity and collaboration within the industry.
“Lahat po ito ay para sa inyo, mga madlang people. Natutuwa kami na tuloy ang saya tuwing tanghali, magkakasama muli ang mga Kapuso at Kapamilya sa Showtime,” Katigbak concluded.
