‘MORE than anything, this is for my legacy,’ said Viva Entertainment top honcho Vic del Rosario on why he took up the challenge of revitalizing the entertainment lineup of TV5.
Eight shows will be launched in the first quarter of 2016, Del Rosario, new TV5 chief strategist, told the Inquirer recently.
They include another adaptation of the Carlo J. Caparas fantasy-adventure film, ‘Ang Panday,’ with Richard Gutierrez reprising the role popularized by the late Fernando Poe Jr.
There will also be a teleserye to be top-billed by Claudine Barretto titled ‘Bakit Manipis ang Ulap?’ and a reality talent show to be hosted by Ogie Alcasid titled ‘Born to Be a Star,’ among others.
‘I consider TV5 to be like my own company. I will be all-out in my support for the network. I assure you that you will see on the network the same competitive quality of films produced by Viva in the last 35 years, and music, in the last 50 years,’ Del Rosario announced.
He then explained his current agreement with the Kapatid network. ‘It’s almost a partnership, but I cannot divulge the details. It’s a long-term arrangement,’ he explained.
He likewise clarified that this would not be in conflict with his position as CEO and chair of the board of Viva Communications. He explained: ‘Viva isn’t producing any show for any channel right now. On free-to-air (channels 2 and 7), we just supply most of the artists that we have. With TV5, it’s full production. Also, I can really build up and utilize most of the artists available, including the ones discovered by TV5.’
Asked on the possibility of Viva’s top artists in rival networks, like Sarah Geronimo and Anne Curtis, eventually appearing on TV5, Del Rosario pointed out that ‘only those without exclusive contracts with other channels would be seen on the Kapatid network.’
Del Rosario said negotiations with TV5 on his appointment as chief strategist began in mid-2015, after Viva entered a joint venture with Cignal TV.
Official outfit
In a statement released in October last year, TV5 said it had appointed Sari-Sari Network (SSN) as the ‘official production outfit to handle all of the channel’s entertainment requirements.’ Del Rosario is SSN’s chief operating officer.
‘We will launch the SSN cable channel on Cignal this month,’ he told the Inquirer. ‘It is also my hope to do
other projects, this time with Smart Telecommunications and PLDT (companies owned by TV5 chair Manny V. Pangilinan).’
Del Rosario added: ‘This is part of my passionóto be able to help create a station. Other than supplying talents to networks, it’s even more fulfilling if you have full control of your products!’