ABS-CBN’s long-time running musical variety show, “ASAP Natin ‘To” and “FPJ: Da King,” are headed to TV5. Beginning Sunday, January 24, TV5 will simulcast the prized ABS-CBN programs, which has been airing over the shuttered TV station’s cable channels and free TV’s A2Z since losing its franchise.
Launched in 1995, ASAP Natin ‘To has been bringing together some of the country’s top performers like Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gary Valenciano, Sarah Geronimo, Erik Santos, Ogie Alcasid to name a few and who are still on the show today.
Since the non-renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise, ASAP was limited to cable, TFC and online viewers. It returned to free TV via A2Z Channel 11 in October 2020.
ASAP replaces Brighlight Productions’ erstwhile Sunday variety show, “SNL” topbilled by former ASAP mainstays Piolo Pascual, Maja Salvador and Catriona Gray. SNL, helmed by Johnny Manahan, the former Star Magic head and the main man behind “ASAP” premiered in October 2020 and aired its last episode on January 17.
Besides ASAP Natin ‘To, TV5 will also begin to air “FPJ: Da King,” a movie block showcasing the films of the “King of Philippine Movies” Fernando Poe Jr. Fans of the Filipino cinema legend can watch “FPJ: Da King” every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.
“This collaboration between CIGNAL, TV5, Brightlight Productions, and ABS-CBN marks the start of greater cooperation among our various industry players and begins a new era of partnership,” said Robert Galang, president and CEO of Cignal and TV5.
“The airing of ASAP and FPJ’s movies on TV5 showcases the desires of TV5 and ABS-CBN to serve our viewers in the best way possible,” Galang said.
“We are pleased to welcome the ASAP family and the films of the one and only king of Philippine movies to Cignal and TV5. The top-rated content, combined with Cignal and TV5’s strengths in technology, direct-to-consumer distribution, and mobile and broadband reach, will usher in a new viewing experience for fans and subscribers alike,” Galang added.
“The future of entertainment media is rapidly converging around a dynamic mix of traditional and digital platforms, with Cignal and TV5 launching new content and synergies that will disrupt conventional broadcast methods. We are committed to continuously explore more initiatives to provide the best of both worlds to all our stakeholders,” he said.
(More details of the story will be published on Saturday on the Entertainment section of The Manila Times’ print and digital editions)