ABS-CBN, TV5 call off investment deal

By Aric John Sy Cua

RIVAL networks ABS-CBN and TV5 have called off their investment deal, amid a hearing at the House of Representatives on their "merger."

Disclosures reveal that Sky Cable and Cignal, rivaling cable companies, have also terminated their deal.

"In disclosures to both the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Securities Exchange Commission today, Sky Vision Corporation ("Sky Vision"), ABS-CBN Corporation, Lopez, Inc., and Cignal Cable Corporation ("Cignal Cable"), announced that they have mutually agreed to terminate the Sale and Purchase Agreement dated August 10, 2022 covering the proposed acquisition by Cignal Cable of 38.88 percent equity interest in Sky Cable Corporation and the Debt Instruments Agreement dated August 10, 2022 covering the proposed subscription by Cignal Cable to an Exchangeable Debt Instrument to be issued by Sky Vision and the proposed acquisition by Cignal Cable of a Convertible Note issued by Sky Cable," a statement posted by ABS-CBN on social media said.

ABS-CBN said that the termination was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement.

In addition, another disclosure read that the two networks have "mutually agreed to terminate" their August 10 investment agreement.

"In a separate disclosure, TV5 Network, Inc. ("TV5") and ABS-CBN Corporation ("ABS-CBN") also announced that they have mutually agreed to terminate the Investment Agreement dated August 10 2022 covering the proposed acquisition by ABS-CBN of 34.99 percent equity interest in TV5 and the Convertible Note Agreement dated August 10, 2022 covering the proposed subscription by ABS-CBN to a Convertible Note to be issued by TV5," according to the network.

"The termination was also formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement. The Parties confirmed that they have not implemented any of the transactions covered by the Investment Agreement and the Convertible Note Agreement."

TV5 has been broadcasting some ABS-CBN shows after the network's franchise was not renewed in 2020, which led to the deal between the two networks but Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta was not in favor and called for a hearing in the House of Representatives on the matter.

Enjoy a double dose with 'Lunch Out Loud' and 'It's Showtime'

By Iza Iglesias, Manila Times

It’s official – Kapamilya Network and TV5 will simultaneously air 'Lunch Out Loud’ and ‘It’s Showtime’ from Monday to Saturday beginning this weekend.

Fans of noontime variety shows no longer need to switch between two out of three existing 12 o'clock sing-dance-and-games programs beginning Saturday, July 16. On Monday, free TV channels A2Z and TV5 and ABS-CBN's cable and online network Kapamilya Channel announced that "Lunch Out Loud" and "It's Showtime" will have back to back airing.

In other words, viewers no longer need to switch channels or platforms during commercial breaks between the respective Brightlights Production and ABS-CBN programs unless they also like check out "Eat Bulaga" on GMA Network in between.

At least for the two shows, ABS-CBN declared in a statement, "The collaboration among ABS-CBN Entertainment, Brightlight Productions, Zoe Broadcasting Network and TV5 [will provide] Filipino viewers with more fun and entertainment and bring an extended and enjoyable midday TV viewing experience."

As such, "Lunch Out Loud" (LOL) will air from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., followed by "It's Showtime" from 12:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday to Saturday, this weekend onwards.

For a look back, "Lunch Out Loud" premiered on October 19, 2020, with then newly-resigned ABS-CBN talents Billy Crawford and Alex Gonzaga. A production of business tycoon and newly elected Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez, LOL quickly became a prominent blocktimer on Manny Pangilinan's TV5. Today, the show also features pioneering and lately added comedians and social media influencers as hosts. They are Bayani Agbayani, K Brosas, KC Montero, Wacky Kiray, Jeff Tam, Jobert Austria and Laboching.

Building a good fanbase in "Tropang LOL" — the hosts' nickname for their viewers —LOL is best known for fun and games. These include the "HOPE" dating game, "Maritest" showbiz quiz, "Beat The 2" battle of wits, "Pera Usog," and "Sagot Mo, Sagot Ko" that fulfills their wishes.

On the other hand, "It's Showtime" is now in its 13th year and still enjoys the support of its loyal audiences – the "Madlang Pipol" – despite the failed renewal of ABS-CBN's free TV franchise.

Quick to find a home on Zoe TV's A2Z before this development, the Vice Ganda- and Anne Curtis-led program is beloved for such segments as "Tawag ng Tanghalan," "Sexy Babe," "ReINA ng Tahanan," "Miss Q and A" and "MiniMe."

However, the move to go back-to-back hardly came as a surprise to the rest of the industry nor the public at the start of the week since many Kapamilya shows have been airing on TV5's Kapatid Network for a good while now. ABS-CBN's Sunday noontime show "ASAP Natin 'To" and its primetime originals have long been airing as block timers on TV5, led by "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano."