New youth variety show ‘FLEX’ puts spotlight on Gen Z artists

Mavy Legaspi, Joaquin Domagoso, Lexi Gonzales and Althea Ablan

With the gag-variety program “FLEX,” GMA 7’s young, up-and-coming artists will now have a new platform to highlight their talents, show off their personalities and expand their skill sets—all while giving the audiences a peek into the lives of Gen Z kids.

“I’m grateful for all the good things happening despite the pandemic. And this show is one of those blessings. This will be my first time trying hosting. It’s something different and we’re so happy we’re being given a chance to do something new, try something we haven’t done before,” “StarStruck” Season 7’s Lexi Gonzales said in a recent virtual conference for the weekly show.

Althea Ablan, who had a big break in the afternoon soap “Prima Donnas,” is also willing to step out of her comfort zone. “I’m not the type who backs down from a challenge. Hosting will be hard, but I will do my best to enjoy it. That way, there will be less pressure and more excitement,” she said.

Different personalities

As for the comedy aspect of the show, Mavy Legaspi said he and the rest of the cast have been getting along really well, and that the chemistry came naturally.

“Personally, there were nerves and pressure, wondering if we would click, especially during skits. But everything was good even before we started filming. The comedy went smoothly. And that’s the important thing—to enjoy yourself while working,” said Mavy, son of Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi. “Sobrang gaan sa feeling.”

Mavy also feels that their personalities complement one another. “We all have different personalities but the respect is there. We respect each other’s craft and work. And at the end of the day, we’re happy we all gelled together,” he added. “We want to bring our uniqueness and show our true selves, regardless of backgrounds. Whatever you have, flex it. That’s the point of the show.”

Joaquin Domagoso, son of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, admitted that he’s still not well-versed in comedy. But he’s learning, he said: “We’re like a family now and I think we’re all doing a good job.”

Together, the four celebrities comprise the show’s “FLEX Leaders,” who will be joined by different artists each week. Guests for its pilot month, which begins on Sunday, July 4, are Will Ashley, Elijah Alejo, Ysabel Ortega, Allen Ansay, Jamir Zabarte, Dani Porter, Dave Duque and Kim de Leon.

No fixed formula

“It will feel like a tambayan with friends. Anything goes—musicals, gags, skits. There’s no fixed formula. But the objective is to make these young artists shine and show what they can offer viewers,” director and filmmaker Treb Monteras said.

Aside from the usual entertainment fare, the show also hopes to show popular trends among Gen Z, as well as topics and issues that affect them. “We’re immersed in the news and social events. We’re aware of what’s happening around us,” Mavy said. “We want to enjoy and spread positivity, but we can also be serious when there are deep topics.”

“We just want to learn more and discover more,” Lexi added. “We want information, education … so we aim to be informative, too.”

There will also be emphasis on audience interaction through social media. “We will have a closed Facebook group with the fans, or the Flexers. The connection we have through chatting will help us work. We can update them and talk about different topics or issues,” Joaquin said. INQ