The abrupt termination of ABS-CBN on free TV has greatly impacted information dissemination and source of entertainment in the Philippines.
In terms of entertainment, now that the largest network is out of the picture, it’s up to the three remaining networks—A2Z, TV5, and GMA Network to compete in terms of prime time shows.
To start the battle at 6:00 p.m., A2Z has Primetime Zinema, a variety of movies produced under Star Cinema. TV5, on the other hand, has their news and current affairs program Frontline Pilipinas. GMA Network starts with their Telebabad block at 6:30 p.m. with their news and current affairs program via 24 Oras.
At 7:15 p.m., only the Kapatid network has the drama series, Paano ang Pangako? It is a continuation of their Christmas special, Paano ang Pasko?
Paano ang Pangako? continues where their Christmas sage left off. This time, the show introduces a new family, the Dominante-Cruz family, who will make the Aguinaldo family be turned to ashes. The show added more stars in their firepower as TV5 starred Elijah Canlas, Julia Clarete, Beauty Gonzalez, Devon Seron, Karel Marquez, Miles Ocampo, Kyle Velino, and Ahron Villena.
Paano ang Pangako? will end this week and will be replaced by Nina Nino starring Maja Salvador and Empoy Marquez.
In A2Z and TV5 at 8:00 p.m., the two networks, who partnered with ABS-CBN in bringing shows to the masses–have the Kapamilya network’s longest-running action-drama series, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which is led by Coco Martin. This time, Martin’s character Cardo has made more and more enemies as Lily (Lorna Tolentino), Arturo (Tirso Cruz III), and the Black Ops unit are hell-bent on taking him and his Task Force Agila down.
Over GMA Network, the much-anticipated teleserye, First Yaya kicked off with high ratings throughout its first week of being on-air. The show is Sanya Lopez‘s first lead role and is paired with veteran actor Gabby Concepcion. In First Yaya, a fairytale-like story unfolds as Yaya Melody (Lopez) gets the opportunity of a lifetime as she becomes employed by none other than the President of the country, President Glenn (Concepcion).
Next at 8:40 p.m., A2Z and TV5 brought another ABS-CBN teleserye, inspirational series Huwag Kang Mangamba, which stars Seth Fedelin, Kyle Echarri, Francine Diaz, and Andrea Brillantes, is Bro’s return to primetime TV to give hope to viewers and comfort troubled hearts.
I Can See You Season 2 starts at 8:50 over at GMA Network. The success of its first season led the Kapuso network to create another season for drama series. On Monday, March 22, ICSY brought Ruru Madrid and Shaira Diaz, the star of the opening salvo of ICSY titled, On My Way To You. After a runaway bride’s (Diaz) video went viral, she flees to the mountains to escape the public. But that’s where she meets Jerrick (Madrid) who was also in the same situation as her. With an unexpected romance brewing, will the two finally find happily ever after in each other’s arms?
ABS-CBN’s Walang Hanggang Paalam airs on both A2Z and TV5, at 9:20 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively. With a stellar cast of Paulo Avelino, Arci Muñoz, Zanjoe Marudo, and Angelica Panganiban. The series tells the story of how Emman (Avelino) and his ex-girlfriend Celine (Panganiban) look for their child Robbie (Robbie Wachtel) who was kidnapped in broad daylight. Meanwhile, Celine‘s fiance Anton (Marudo) grows jealous of Emman despite the former lovers burying the hatchet.
Owe My Love is GMA Network’s final lineup for their Primetime, which starts at 9:30 p.m. The show is about Sensen (Lovi Poe), a financial illiterate who gets locked inside the house of Migs (Ben Alves), a successful doctor during the pandemic. With the two trapped inside, a budding romance emerges.
TV5 and A2Z both air the Chinese drama series Count Your Stars Lucky which was acquired by ABS-CBN. It stars Jerry Yan and Shen Yue at 10:00 p.m. The 2020 romcom fantasy drama series follows Calvin Lu (Yan), an attractive and well-respected fashion designer who has life figured out despite being a snob. Andi Tong (Yue), on the other hand, is a struggling fashion designer whose bad luck doesn’t seem to run out. However, tables turn when they bump into each other, resulting in a reversal of fates.
A2Z, being a gospel channel, airs Bro. Eddie Villanueva Classics at the end of its Primetime lineup at 10:30 p.m. The show features Bro Eddie Villanueva expounding on lessons from the Bible in study sessions conducted through the years with members of Jesus is Lord Church. These were witnessed by hundreds of people and recorded live.
With the current lineup of these networks, who among them will the masses be in favor with? Who will emerge victorious in terms of ratings?
