GMA execs welcome ‘It”s Showtime,’ encourage the noontime show to ‘continue making a good program’

GMA Network executives Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., warmly welcomed “It’s Showtime” as the noontime show officially signed a contract with the Kapuso network on Wednesday. 

In his speech, Gozon looked back to his “TV war is over” statement from last year, and said “the signing of the contract this afternoon confirms that and strengthens the collaboration between ABS and GMA.”

According to Gozon, the public can expect more “mutually beneficial collaborations” with the Kapamilya network — collabs that will benefit the public viewing. 

In his speech, he also prodded “It’s Showtime” for better ratings. “We expect na tataas ang rating ng “’t’s Showtime’ magbuhat ng April dahil dala-dalawa na ang mataas na platform niyo. Maraming-marami salamat sa inyong lahat,” Gozon said.

Meanwhile, Duavit said “It is our pleasure. We are very proud, we are very happy to have ‘It’s Showtime’ in GMA.”

“You bring so much joy in many people. So much happiness,” he added.

In his speech, Duavit revealed an earlier conversation with ABS CBN’s Carlo Katigbak and Kim Chui.

“Carlo and I were telling Kim earlier we were supposed to be negotiating GTV in March. Walang nag-isip na magsasama-sama tayo para pirmahan ang kontrata for GMA,” he said.

Echoing Gozon, Duavit urged the noontime show to “continue” making a good program for the madlang people.

“Ipagpatuloy niyo ang magandang programa, at pagandahin pa natin, at lalo pa nating palawakin ang madlang kapuso, madlang people at madlang kapamilya,” he said. 

Starting April 6, “It’s Showtime” will begin airing on both the GMA main channel and GTV.

The exciting news was revealed during Wednesday’s contract signing at the GMA Studios, where executives of both the Kapuso and Kapamilya networks were present, headed by GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, SVP for Programming, Talent Management Worldwide, and Support Group Atty. Annette M. Gozon-Valdes.

ABS-CBN’s President and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak, Chairman Mark L. Lopez, COO Cory Vidanes, and Group Chief Financial Officer Ricardo B. Tan Jr. were also present.

“It’s Showtime” hosts Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Karylle, Kim Chiu, Amy Perez, Ogie Alcasid, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, Ryan Bang, Darren Espanto, Ion Perez, MC, Lassy, Jackie Gonzaga, and Cianne Dominguez also attended.

The signing immediately went viral, topping the Philippine trends of X, with no less than 3K posts.

“It’s Showtime” started airing on GTV, a free-to-air television network wholly owned by GMA Network. last July after it signed a contract with the Kapuso Network in June 2023.

— LA, GMA Integrated News