TV5 beefs up morning block

Curtain-raisers:

= Here’s the medical update on German “Kuya Germs” Moreno as of Monday, Jan. 12, from his son Federico: Papa is doing very well. His fingers are now moving. His physical and occupational therapy is going on. We are optimistic that he will be back to his usual condition in just a few months. We expect to be out of the hospital in two or three days. Please continue to pray for his speedy and complete recovery. My Papa sends his gratitude to one and all.

=Friends of a not-so-young actress (separated from her husband) hardly recognized her when they saw her after several weeks. The actress looks new…salamat po, duktor! Her friends are tsk-tsking, wondering why she has to tamper with her pretty face. Same with a TV host who looks intriguingly “different” (according to those close to her) after apparently going through some enhancement. “She now looks like a sports newscaster, but with bloated cheeks,” said a friend of the TV host.

=The 40th (Ruby) year grand reunion of the 1975 batch of Grace Christian High, Quezon City, will be held on March 7, Saturday, at The Conservatory of the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Makati City. Member of the batch may call Alfred Chua (at 0917-5598157) for more information.

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Fresh from helping conceptualize the TV5 countdown to 2015 at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City, that made it to CNN (along with those of Sydney and other major cities around the world), Kapatid Chief Entertainment Content Officer Wilma Galvante has drawn up new shows calculated to firm up the network’s morning block, Monday through Friday, starting on Monday, Jan. 19, namely: Hi-5 (a day later, Jan. 20, 8:30 to 9), Healing Galing sa TV (10 to 10:30, hosted by Dr. Hayden Kho and Edinel Calvario); Happy Wife, Happy Life (10:30 to 11:30, hosted by Danica Sotto, wife of Marc Pingris; LJ Moreno, of Jimmy Alapag; RR Enriquez, partner of JJ Helterbrand; and Jeck Maierhofer, of Rico Maierhofer; and MJane Francisco); Solved Na Solved (11:30 to 12 noon, hosted by Gelli de Belen and lawyer Mel Sta. Maria).   

The block was supposed to include a showbiz-oriented talk show called E5 (E for Entertainment), a network partnership with Arnold Vegafria’s talent agency, but the show was put on-hold. Tapped as hosts are Arnold’s talents Tim Yap, IC Mendoza, Grace Lee and Divine Lee.

“We don’t aim to compete with GMA and ABS-CBN,” Wilma told Funfare, “we just want a piece of the pie. It should be a distinct piece, even if a small piece. Last year, Kapatid did a successful programming of sports and entertainment combined, unlike the two other networks whose programming is similar, heavy on dramas, and we’d rather focus on light, family viewing. TV5 has been around for more than four years and it’s no longer what they called ‘new kid on the block.’ It’s creating an identity all its own na markado and different from the rest.”

Last year, TV5’s light programs enjoyed wide viewership, including Tropa Moko Unli, Wow Mali, Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, Talentadong Pinoy (hosted by Robin Padilla with such gusto that, according to Wilma, “he ended up owning the show and giving it his own personal touch”) and the trend-setting Wattpad Presents which dramatizes one novel per week.

The awesome finale of the 2015 countdown showing the TV5 logo ascending amid a 20-minute fireworks, so unique that it made news around the world, will henceforth be included in the new Kapatid OBB (Opening Bill Board).

“I love choreographing fireworks,” gushed Wilma who helped prepare a similar countdown at her former home studio GMA. “That time, it took me three years to prepare. But last year, it took me only three months.”

More shows are premiering: 2 ½ Daddies (7 to 8 p.m.) and Call Me Papa Jack (10 to 11 p.m.) on Jan. 24; and Move It (7 to 8 p.m.); Mac & Chiz (8 to 9 p.m.); and Rising Stars (9 to 10 p.m.) on Jan. 25.

As you can see, TV is in a fighting mood.

Heart’s art goes to Singapore

Six months after her first solo exhibit at the Ayala Museum, Heart Evangelista (a.k.a. Love Marie Ongpauco in the art scene) brought her works to Singapore last Jan. 8 to 10, at the Chan Hampe Gallery, Raffles Hotel Arcade. It was her first international art exhibition featuring mostly soulful women with bright and colorful patterns.

According to reports, the gallery was packed with Singaporean and other foreign art collectors “in awe but a bit disappointed that all the pieces on exhibit” were already been sold out. The exhibit, supported by Cream Silk, was formally opened by Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio Morales, gallery owner Ben Champe and Heart herself. According to Champe, Heart was the first Filipina to hold an exhibit at the Chan Hampe Gallery.

Incidentally, last Monday night, Startalk hosted a shower for Heart who is getting married to Sen. Chiz Escudero on Feb. 15 (a day after her birthday) at Balesin Island. Since only 100 guests can be accommodated, the couple is planning to host another reception in Manila the next day.