ABS-CBN launches new digital shows

With more affordable smartphones and Internet services available, Filipinos are acquiring and developing the habit of watching shows on their smartphones anytime, anywhere.

 iWant TV and ABS-CBNmobile have recently launched exclusive digital shows not aired on television for these new audiences. The programs are topbilled by some of the country’s most popular and rising digital stars.

On iWant TV, fans of the hit KathNiel fantasy starrer La Luna Sangre can experience new adventures in the world of vampires and werewolves via the spin-off Youtopia, an original series exclusive on the OTT platform.

“Youtopia is an expanded world of La Luna Sangre. It’s basically about a group of friends who face adventure when some members of their barkada go missing,” said director Pam Reyes.

Pam, whose mom is The Philippine STAR columnist Mary Ann Reyes, is one of the producers of Birdshot, the Philippines’ entry in the 2018 Academy Awards. She is also making waves in the industry with her short films that competed in both local and international festivals.

Alex Gonzaga gives love advice in Dear Alex

As an original series of ABS-CBN’s iWant TV, Youtopia is a milestone since it is the first found footage series in the Philippines, according to Pam. The series utilizes webcams, cellphones and DSLRs to add more thrills.

The devices are essential to Youtopia because most of the story is told from the perspective of Ryan, played by former Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) housemate Axel Torres in his first lead role in a series, who investigates why his four friends mysteriously disappear, only to come back very different.

Ryan’s investigation and his adventures with his barkada are chronicled in Youtopia, his vlog on an online community for vampire hunters called Moonchasers.

iWant TV also launched the Philippines’ first original animated horror series titled Umbra: Anino sa Dilim that puts the spotlight on age-old stories of supernatural encounters that were handed down from generations of Filipinos.

Every episode is a collaboration of animators and storytellers who bring to life different myths from traditional Filipino folklore or modern urban legends.

ABS-CBN head for content on mobile and OTT service Anna Rodriguez-Dela Cruz shared that it is high time to raise the bar in digital content production in the Philippines.

“Digital content has changed dramatically. iWant TV is no longer just catch-up TV. We now offer content that’s really just exclusive on iWant TV,” she explained.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBNmobile also amplifies its content library with a wide array of digital shorts that subscribers will enjoy.

Viral sensation Kaladkaren hosts Kikinang-Kinang, a celebrity talk show with a twist that features celebrities doing extreme, yet entertaining challenges as they share about their personal lives.

PBB alumni Maymay, Edward, Kisses and Marco on the other hand, host Squad Goals, where they show teens some cool DIY hacks that will make every barkada bonding memorable and fun.

Alex Gonzaga’s bubbly personality shines in Dear Alex, where she dishes out love advice to viewers with a punch of humor on hugot lines from classic ABS-CBN series and Star Cinema movies.

The boys of Hashtags, the kilig ambassadors of It’s Showtime, turn into mentors in Hashtags: Uncovered as they introduce dance tutorials and give a sneak peek to their life behind the camera.

Other ABS-CBNmobile Exclusives include Roleta ng Fortune, hosted by celebrity DJ Mr. Fu who dares random strangers on the street for P1,000;  Shookt, a thrilling true-to-life crime show; and Seen Zone, which features never-before-seen clips of some of the shows or segments of ABS-CBN.

iWant TV and ABS-CBNmobile Exclusives are entertainment portable, snackable and accessible.  

“Our goal is to be able to make ABS-CBN content available to ABS-CBNmobile subscribers everywhere. Our intent is to enrich the lives of our loyal fans and subscribers,” Sharon Tanganco, marketing head of ABS-CBN Convergence, said about the seven digital shorts of ABS-CBNmobile Exclusives.

ABS-CBN TV Production creative manager Marcus Vinuya said what will set ABS-CBN’s original content apart from others is the storytelling and production value.

As more Filipino viewers seek thrilling, inspiring or funny entertainment that is available on the go, ABS-CBN, which is transitioning into a digital company, continues to produce meaningful and relatable stories that will touch and transform lives on different platforms.