‘TiktoClock’ hosts cautiously optimistic about rumored bump to noontime

Rabiya Mateo (L) and Faith da Silva | PHOTOS: Official facebook page of Sparkle GMA Artist Center

With “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” going off the air on March 8, rumors about its possible replacement have started going around.

There are speculations that the vacated noontime slot on GMA 7 will soon be occupied either by the game show “TiktoClock” or a brand-new title that will feature some, if not all, of the former’s hosts.

Actress Faith da Silva, one of the main hosts of “TiktoClock,” said she has yet to hear about the show’s potential upgrade to a full-blown noontime show.

“I’m thankful that there are people who think that our show can be a replacement. But I don’t know anything yet. I really have no idea what’s going to happen,” she said in an interview with the Inquirer and another media outfit at the recent launch of “Sparkle 10” — Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s new group of “beautiful and empowered” female talents.

“I will just wait for the path God meant for us,” said Faith, who also had hosting stints on “Eat Bulaga!” in 2022 and “Tahanan” just recently.

As such, Faith found it difficult to discuss the issue. “Ang hirap magsalita because I was part of ‘Eat Bulaga!’ and ‘Tahanan.’ Now, I’m with ‘TiktoClock.’ Dinaan ko silang tatlo. I have so much love and support and care for the people of ‘Tahanan.’ What they’re going through is tough, especially for the staff and crew who lost their jobs,” she said.

Growing as an artist

But should “TiktoClock” get “promoted” to the noontime slot, Faith said it would be a “blessing” and another opportunity for her to hone her hosting skills.

“I’m thankful to everyone who sees the joy our ‘TiktoClock’ family gives to our viewers. I have been with the show for a year now and have learned so much. I’ve improved a lot, not only at hosting, but also in how I handle myself,” Faith said, pointing out that she’s not one to be overly picky about the jobs given to her by the network.

“The more I accept the projects that are new to me, the more I will grow as an artist. It’s beneficial for me because I get to be trained in different things,” she said.

As for people’s comments, Faith would rather cross the bridge once she gets there. “I can’t control people’s comments. We can’t please everyone. We’re employees who want to earn a living and make viewers happy,” she said. “If your intentions are pure, then there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Faith’s ‘TiktoClock’ cohost, beauty queen-turned-actress Rabiya Mateo, echoed the former’s sentiments, saying that she could only “hope for the best” for their show.

“I haven’t heard of that news yet. But of course, as hosts, we’re hoping for the best, if ever we’re given the noontime slot. Because that means we will have more time to make people happy and for kulitan,” she said. “Let’s pray for it. But we will respect whatever our bosses decide on.”

For Rabiya, being part of a daily noontime show will be a huge boost to her career. “That means more workload. And I think a lot of us aspire for more projects,” she said.

Falling out

In a statement, TAPE Inc. expressed its “profound gratitude” to GMA 7, which served as its home network for 29 years. The said company was the producer of the longest-running noontime show, “Eat Bulaga!,” which had a tumultuous falling out with its original hosts, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon (TVJ), on May 31, 2023.

After TVJ’s controversial departure from TAPE—and subsequent transfer to TV5—the company continued airing the show with a new set of hosts.

The show had to be rebranded and relaunched last January to “Tahanang Pinakamasaya,” after the Marikina Regional Trial Court issued a permanent injunction preventing TAPE and GMA 7 from using the term “Eat Bulaga!” and other assets associated with the show prior to May 31, 2023.

However, after just nine months, TAPE decided to cease production, allegedly due to poor ratings. “GMA 7’s kind consideration and understanding of the company’s unwanted circumstances have been instrumental in helping the company in this transition. Despite our best efforts to save the show, both parties have reached a mutual agreement to finally call off the show,” TAPE said.

GMA 7, on the other hand, thanked TAPE for their fruitful, decadeslong partnership. TAPE’s “invaluable contribution to noontime programming for the past decades,” the network said in a statement, “will be surely remembered by Filipinos for years to come.” INQ