GMA’s FLEX is ‘new-gen That’s Entertainment’
GMA is “flexing” its most promising stars in the Gen Z comedy-gag-variety show, FLEX, airing Sundays, on GTV (formerly GMA News TV) channel.
The show is led by Mavy Legaspi, Lexi Gonzales, Joaquin Domagoso and Althea Ablan, who are dubbed as the FLEX Leaders.
FLEX director Treb Monteras described FLEX as the new-generation version of That’s Entertainment, which ‘80s and ‘90s kids remember as the ultimate youth-oriented variety show during its time.
“Di na naabutan ng mga bata ito, pero para siyang That’s Entertainment of this generation. But, of course, since it’s FLEX, it’s more than just entertainment,” he said.
“Parang tambayan lang. Basically anything goes, may musical, gags, skits but no fixed formula talaga because the main objective of this show is to make these artists and talents shine. This is their show. Whatever their skills are, whatever they can do, whatever they want to do, that is what we’re doing in the show,” added direk Treb.
The popular Gen Z term flex means to showcase or show off what you got, and that’s what the young stars are game to do in FLEX the show.
Mavy said, “FLEX is all about showing your true colors, it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your talent is. Whatever you have, i-flex mo ‘yan. That’s basically the whole concept of the show.”
It’s also designed as a training ground and developmental program for the next big Kapuso artists where they will harness their skill set via musical performances, gags and sketches, talent competitions, and games.
Lexi and Althea, for one, get to explore hosting. “This is my first time being a host and doing new things in a show. I’m really excited, grateful and just happy,” said Lexi.
“It’s challenging but I don’t back down from a challenge,” said Althea. “I just try to enjoy it, especially with the company I’m with, they’re fun. That’s why nawawala ang pressure, it’s more about excitement and fun.”
There’s also no pressure for Joaquin, son of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and Mavy, son of actors Zoren Legaspi and Carmina Villarroel, to flex how they’re better than their parents.
“If any, it’s a healthy pressure not to be better than them but to be a better version of yourself,” Mavy said.
The show also “flexes” what trends young people are into nowadays that prove “that we can have clean, wholesome fun… Hindi lang kami wild or whatever, we’re just enjoying the taste of our generation,” Joaquin said.
Besides the fun, the show is poised to be a platform for the hosts to debunk certain misconceptions about the Gen Z-ers.
Lexi said, “Biggest misconception (about us) is laging nagmamagaling. I think our generation just wants to learn and discover more. And ayaw na namin bara-bara lang, ganun-ganun lang, we want information and education to spread. That’s what we want to do in FLEX, we want to be more informative and very accurate.”
Mavy also said, “I feel like the generation now is different. Mas woke ang Gen Z, mas alam nila news and happenings (due to access). I guess, smarter in the sense and woke because they know the problems around. At the end of the day, we just want to enjoy but at the same time, we know how to be serious.”
In keeping with the meaning of the title and the promise of youthful fun on the show, The STAR asked all four about what or who they are willing to “flex” during the virtual presscon.
The StarStruck alum Lexi said, “I’ll flex my mom because she’s always been by my side ever since. She raised us all by herself, so I wanna flex her because she’s such a strong woman and I think I’m getting my strength and confidence from her.”
Prima Donnas star Althea said, “Ang ife-flex ko ‘yung parents ko kasi they’re very supportive of me and lagi silang nandiyan kapag kailangan ko sila. I’m very thankful na may parents ako na kagaya nila.”
Joaquin, meanwhile, flexed his love team partner on My First Yaya and Mavy’s twin sister, “Flex ko lang si Cassy na kasama ko sa First Yaya kasi sobrang mahal ko siya as a friend and as a co-worker. Flex ko lang siya kasi yung attitude and energy niya ibang level ang dala niya sa akin and she really helped me improve as a person and as actor.”
As for Mavy, he admitted that fellow Kapuso young star Kyline Alcantara is the bedimpled mystery girl he recently flexed on his social media.
“Yeah, I guess it’s out there,” he said, after being teased by his fellow FLEX Leaders.
“Flex ko ang FLEX Leaders… at saka yung dimples ni Kyline, ang cute eh,” Mavy added, before joking, “Ha? May nasabi ako, sorry!”
Eight other Gen Z artists are also featured each week.
Fans also get to interact with their idols and become a “flexer” by joining the official nationwide fan club of the group called FLEX Squad.
FLEX airs Sundays at 8:20 p.m. on GTV.
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