“It’s Showtime” To Air On GMA-7’s Noontime Block After “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” Cancellation

The new “It’s Showtime” logo features a heart as an allusion to the Kapuso Network

ABS-CBN’s “It’s Showtime” has officially replaced TAPE Inc.’s “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” after the latter’s exit from its noontime block under the Kapuso Network. 

The monumental agreement between the two networks’ executives took place on Wednesday, March 20, 2024—just days after “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” aired its last episode on March 7, 2024. 

The contract-signing event, hosted by ABS-CBN’s Robi Domingo and GMA-7’s Iya Villania, started with a medley led by singers JM Yosures, Lyka Estrella, Reiven Umali, Mariane Osabel, John Rex, and Rita Daniela. 

The “It’s Showtime” hosts’ entrance to GMA-7 building in Kamuning, Quezon City was met with a lot of excitement—and style, for they all traveled from ABS-CBN building to their new and “bigger” home via shiny convoy. 

Present during the event are GMA-7 executives: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe Yalong, Senior Vice President for Programming,Talent Management, Legal, Humans Resources, and Worldwide Group Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdez, President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., and Chairman  Atty. Felipe Gozon. 

Gracing the table just as much are the Kapamilya big bosses: Group Chief Financial Officer Ricardo B. Tan Jr., Chief Operating Officer Cory Vidanes, Chief Executive Officer Carlo Katigbak, and Chairman Mark Lopez. 

All of the “It’s Showtime” hosts are also present—Cianne Dominguez, Jackie Gonzaga, Emcee, Lassy, Ion Perez, Ryan Bang, Darren Espanto, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, Amy Perez, Karylle, Ogie Alcasid, Kim Chiu,  Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, and Vice Ganda. 

Aside from the contract-signing event, ABS-CBN and GMA-7 have released a joint statement in welcoming the new and monumental milestone.

Part of the statement reads, “The unprecedented move reflects the commitment of GMA and ABS-CBN to deliver top- notch entertainment and serve the Filipino people.

“GMA Network extends a heartfelt reception to the whole “It’s Showtime” family and considers it a welcome addition to the growing list of program offerings for its Kapuso viewers nationwide and abroad.”

ABS-CBN, GMA-7 executives on their partnership 

One of the highlights of the event were the speeches rendered by the big bosses—all carrying a message of gratitude for the historic partnership that they signed. 

ABS-CBN’s Carlo Katigbak says, “One of the reasons why our partnership has been so successful is that we both share the same objective of bringing the best stories and the best programs to as many Filipinos as possible.” 

Gilberto Duavit Jr. of GMA-7 also expressed his gratitude, putting emphasis on the sense of joy when the two networks are bound together by one goal. 

As he puts it, “There was this feeling of a unique kind of happiness because of the sense of unity, gratitude, and happiness  that we all felt when we were together.”

Just as much, Atty. Felipe Gozon thinks of the contract-signing as a deep indication of GMA-7’s welcome to the Kapamilya network. More so, he is hopeful that the partnership will eventually benefit all stakeholders—and even the public. 

He says, “I think we can expect more mutually beneficial between ABS-CBN and [GMA-7] that would benefit the viewing public.

“Kaya’t I hope, e ipinangako naman sa akin ni Carlo na gagandahan niyo ang programa niyo, kaya’t dalawa na ang platforms niyong malakas. But even without Carlo’s promise, alam ko naman yon. 

“We expect, I say expect not hope, na tataas ang ratings ng “It’s Showtime” magbuhat ang April 6 dahil dala-dalawa na ang platforms niyo.” 

Vice Ganda talks about genuine kindness of GMA-7 

One of the mainstays of “It’s Showtime,” Vice Ganda, has delivered a message—intent and outright about the generosity and kindness that the Kapuso network has extended in the past. 

Reminiscing about their first contract-signing with GTV and their experience during the GMA Ball, Vice says, “Now, today, isa na namang mainit at magandang karanasan, maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo.

 “At kami po sa ABS-CBN na nakakaranas ng ganyang pagtrato at pagtingin mula sa inyo, lagi po naming napag-uusapan at hindi nawawala yung laging nabibitawan na, ‘In fairness, ang babait ng taga GMA.’” 

Vice  has also reminisced the trying years of the Kapamilya network, saying that GMA-7 never once took advantage of that to degrade everyone from ABS-CBN. 

“Inialay niyo ang mga kamay niyo sa amin para unti-unti kaming makabangon. Maraming, maraming salamat. Hinding hindi po namin yan makakalimutan pati na rin lahat ng Kapamilya sa buong mundo. Alam po nila ang pagmamahal at pagtulong na ginawa niyo para sa amin.

“At hindi niyo lang kami unti-unting tinutulungang makatayo, pinagbuksan niyo pa kami ng tahanan para doon muling magpalakas, magpagaling, magpahilom, at makatinding ulit—kapiling kayo.

“Hindi tumindig mag-isa kundi tumindig kasama kayo.”

“It’s Showtime” hosts gear up for a new era of excitement

The hosts, for their part, have taken to social media the announcement of a new era—as some of them post snippets of what can be considered as part of a history in Philippine television. 

The massive change in Philippine television was first brought to the public’s attention through a teaser released via “It’s Showtime” Instagram page. The original animated “It’s”  of “It’s Showtime” now features a yellow heart—symbolic of GMA-7. 

It comes with a caption that reads, “Good news, Madlang People! ABANGAN!” 

“It’s Showtime” first moved to the Kapuso Network’s free-to-air channel GTV in July 2023 after refusing to run on a delayed telecast under TV5. 

READ ALSO: Did New TVJ Show Bump Off “It’s Showtime” On TV5? Tito, Joey Share Thoughts

The dismissed offer was brought up in favor of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon for their new show, “E.A.T,” which later acquired its original name “Eat Bulaga!” 

READ ALSO: Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey De Leon Win Over TAPE On “Eat Bulaga” Trademark Case

Why did “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” halt its run? 

“Tahanang Pinakamasaya” was prompted to go off-air following undisclosed “unavoidable circumstances” expressed by GMA-7 through a statement.  

In a separate statement released by TAPE Inc., it says that GMA-7 has been nothing but ever supportive despite the challenges that the noontime show experienced. 

It writes, “GMA-7’s kind consideration and understanding of the company’s unwanted circumstances have been instrumental in helping the company in this transition.

“Despite our best efforts to save the show, both parties have reached a mutual agreement to finally call off the show.” 

The defunct noontime show was hosted by Isko Moreno, Paolo Contis, Buboy Villar, Betong Sumaya, Cassy Legaspi, Mavy Legaspi, Winwyn Marquez, Glaiza De Castro, Yasser Marta, Michael Sager, Kokoy De Santos, Kimpoy Feliciano, Arra San Agustin, Chariz Solomon, Dasuri Choi, and Alexa Miro. 

READ ALSO: GMA-7, TAPE Inc. Release Official Statement As “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” Ends Run

Banner Art Paulo Correa