Varied mix of late-morning shows

MOMMY Marian Rivera-Dantes

Marian Rivera’s new late-morning weekday show, “Yan and Morning!,” got off to a bright start last May 2.

Unlike other program hosts who take their sweet, ingratiating time greeting viewers, outlining what their show is going to be about, etc., Marian wasted little time and went straight to her first topic!

It shared tips for mothers of babies to be able to do housework while taking care of their tiny tots, by way of a baby “pouch and sling” combo that kept them comfy and secure.

This included more tips and chatter about new arrivals and additions to the family, courtesy of guests, Ai-Ai de las Alas and her son Sancho, who’s about to become a first-time dad himself—making Ai-Ai a lola!

We were relieved to see that, for a change, Ai-Ai wasn’t on “shouting” mode, since she wasn’t performing and officially “being funny.”

We thanked our lucky stars for the welcome change in terms of tone and vocal volume, and hope that the veteran comedienne opts to do it more often.

Other features, guests, games and dance demos made the rest of the debut telecast a relatively fun view, so hopes are high that the new show will develop a good and loyal following.

On the minus side, Marian’s determined cheerfulness can eventually come off as a bit cloying.

We hope that, as she gets more comfortable in her new role as a weekday show host, she will be less “generically” upbeat and gung-ho in her “attack.”

In addition, more relaxed ad-libbing and less reliance on scripted spiels could make Marian come across more as a person than as a proficient spiel-reader.

As for Marian’s sidekick, Boobay, the gay comedian needs to do and be more to keep the show eventful and entertaining.

Just generally providing game “mechanics” and instructions for contestants and the studio audience is not the best way to go.

Despite these notes, “Yan ang Morning!” is a welcome addition to late-morning programming, coming as it does before the “Princess in the Palace” daytime teleserye, and GMA 7’s noontime show, “Eat Bulaga.”

The flow from magazine-women’s program to light drama and on to noontime-variety show is a good and varied mix, so GMA 7 is making the right moves.

In addition, Marian’s “star value” is a boost for the channel’s morning slot, and could in time prompt other “big” stars to consider “daytime” shows as a good venue for their own “exposure”—a potential development that bears watching.

First off, though, “Yan ang Morning!” has to become a certified success. Work harder and more creatively, everyone!