ABS-CBN answers call for regional content with ‘Bisaya Ni’

CEBU, Philippines — Getting tongues wagging in the past months of an ABS-CBN Cebu comeback was the launch of ABS-CBN Regional’s new magazine show “Bisaya Ni” that showcases the diverse cultures and cuisines in Visayas and Mindanao.

Airing every Saturday at 11 am on A2Z in Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro before “It's Showtime”, the program hosted by Jacky G and OJ Cimafranca marks the return of the Kapamilya network’s regional arm to television – nearly five years after the expiration of their franchise.

Jacky G and OJ Cimafranca are familiar faces of ABS-CBN Cebu. Jacky G was the DJ and station head of 97.1 MOR, while Cimafranca was one of the hosts of the weekend morning show “MagTV Na!”

“I joined ABS-CBN Cebu in 2012 right after I graduated,” Cimafranca told The FREEMAN. “I am thrilled to be back, especially now that I am a married man and a father of two.”

Jacky G remained with ABS-CBN even after the regional shutdown, serving as the network’s regional head for Visayas.

“This is my 16th year with ABS-CBN. I also hosted the MOR Entertainment weekend countdown show ‘Dyis Is It’ on iWantTFC,” she said. “I am one of the few Cebuano Kapamilyas who stayed after the shutdown.”

They aren’t hosting “Bisaya Ni” alone, as it features various Bisaya influencers as segment hosts.

“It’s a big, fun collaboration,” said Cimafranca, who has since become an entrepreneur and one of the sought-after event hosts in Cebu. “It makes the show even more exciting.”

With the network lacking a franchise to operate on free TV, ABS-CBN has entered its content creation era, embracing digital streaming as a major platform alongside blocktime agreements with Zoe Broadcasting Network (which owns A2Z) and even former rival networks TV5 and GMA.

This shift includes producing Bisaya content, such as the successful talk show “Kuan on One” hosted by Melai Cantiveros, which first gained popularity online before making its way to television.

“We received requests from our Kapamilyas in the Visayas and Mindanao asking ABS-CBN to produce local shows again. They are looking for regional programs that cater to their interests and culture,” Cimafranca explained.

“Though we’ve expanded our reach internationally, we will always find ways to stay connected with our local regions,” Jacky G added. “Being culturally aware helps us appreciate our heritage – who we are as a people, why we do the things we do, what makes us unique, and what sets us apart.”

To ensure ABS-CBN’s regional comeback is worth the watch, the production made sure the show is informative, engaging, and entertaining – just as they had done when ABS-CBN Cebu was still airing on Channel 2.

“I’m excited for our BisFam to watch our show every week. Every episode is carefully thought out and curated around an overall theme. Each one has a unique and fun touch that our Kapamilyas can look forward to,” Cimafranca said.

Jacky G’s favorite episode so far is the one featuring calamay (a sticky sweet famous delicacy from Bohol), which aired on February 1. With her father hailing from Bohol, she found the segment particularly special.

“Before we tackled it, I never knew how much effort was needed to produce calamay. It’s a long, tedious process. You’ll appreciate it even more after watching our episode!” she shared.

For now, “Bisaya Ni” is exclusively broadcast on television in select areas through A2Z, but episodes will soon be available to watch online.

Other regions where Kapamilya viewers can watch “Bisaya Ni” include Bohol, Leyte, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Southern Leyte, Antique, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. — (FREEMAN)