Kuya Kim, Pokwang and Rabiya game for pre-noontime entertainment

MANILA, Philippines — A new entertainment concept, dubbed as “countdown variety show,” has been introduced by and unfolded on GMA 7. Its title is TiktoClock, headlined by Kuya Kim Atienza, Pokwang and Rabiya Mateo, and aired weekdays at 11:15 a.m.

The TV host-trivia man, the comedienne-actress and the beauty queen form a triumvirate to provide a one-of-a-kind, good times pre-lunch time entertainment. Kim, Pokwang and Rabiya are game for it.

“We’re three most unlikely people to be put together,” said Kuya Kim of him, Pokwang and Rabiya as hosts or what one may describe as a unique hosting alliance in a recent virtual press conference. “Pwede namang naglagay ng tatlong entertainer dun.” Their combination speaks of the trio’s diverse backgrounds that encompass news, performance and pageantry. “Dahil dun sa very unlikely na pagsasama namin, the chemistry becomes out of the box, which the audience will enjoy,” added he.

The word “audience” refers to the TiktoClock tropa: Those who are tuning in to the show at home and those who are joining the hosts inside the studio. “The show is not about us, the show is about the audience,” added Kuya Kim. That’s why the hosts feel privileged and are thankful to be tapped for TiktoClock and promise to give their best for the tropa. “Our attitude is to give (our all and go) all-out and that’s our strength,” said he.

Given Kim and Pokwang’s years of experience on TV, both give importance to one’s willingness to learn more, as another form of strength. “Na ilagay mo lagi sa puso at isip mo na nilagay tayo ni God at ng network para makapaghatid ng saya sa mga viewers and followers (Always put in your heart and mind that He and the network have given us this opportunity to bring cheer and happiness to viewers and followers),” said she.

As for Rabiya, she said that having sense of humor is their common denominator, “(but of) different types,” added she, “siyempre different yung background namin.” Since she is a newbie to hosting, Rabiya is learning by doing and grateful to her co-hosts for showing the way.

“They never get tired of guiding me and they are generous,” said she, who got inspired by Patricia Tumulak, co-host of Kuya Kim on GTV’s Dapat Alam Mo!, in giving hosting a try.

“She’s a very close friend of mine, nung dati wala pa ako sa showbiz, she would share her experiences (and preparations) like practicing in front of the mirror and (a way of) delivering lines,” shared Rabiya. “I want to do hosting because as a person I’m very madaldal (talkative), dito ko nalalabas yung kulit ko.” In TiktoClock, Rabiya said that she can be herself and be funny, and can make fun of her mistakes. This side of Rabiya is something people don’t usually see especially when she wears her Miss Universe Philippines persona. Kuya Kim and Pokwang are pleased to witness it.

The group interview also revealed that it had always been a wish for Kuya Kim to topbill a show with Pokwang, after he pinch-hit for a Willie Revillame show, where she was a regular host.

“It was a wish granted with Rabiya Mateo as bonus,” said he. “With Pokwang, hindi ako nanibago, kilala ko na yung humor ni Pokwang (I’m familiar with her humor). Tawang-tawa ako kay Pokwang palagi, eh. Gusto ko yung humor ni Pokwang, gusto ko yung kabilisan ng humor niya, gusto ko yung humor niya. Matagal na akong taga-hanga ni Pokwang sa kanyang pagpapatawa.”

Through TiktoClock, Kuya Kim has seen first-hand Pokwang’s caring side, by, among many ways, giving one food. Rabiya could also vouch for it.

“Si Mamang (another showbiz name of Pokwang), nanduon talaga yung touch ng pagiging nanay (her being a mom is always there). When she learns that you’re not feeling well (or you’re under the weather), she would offer you medicine and say, ‘I will bring food tomorrow.’”

The female hosts shared that they too enjoy Kuya Kim’s funny side and being a trivia man.

“Si Kuya Kim, hindi niya alam na nakakatawa din siya, especially kapag sumasayaw siya (He is unaware that he’s also funny, especially when he dances),” said Pokwang. Through the questions being thrown at Kuya Kim, and the answers being provided by him, the hosts have enough talking points to while away, perhaps, as they wait for their turn to tape episodes.

“Meron kaming pag-uusapan at pagtatawanan sa dressing room (We always have something to talk about and laugh about),” said Pokwang. “(With him,) nakakapulot kami ng aral sa kanya (We learn something new from him).”

Kuya Kim, Pokwang and Rabiya have enjoyable moments being around each other (and this translates on the small screen). That is why they are ready to engage their TiktoClock tropa with, based on the production notes given to this paper, “exciting time-limited games, buzzer-beater performances, and various interactive games.” The three are game to present all of that.