‘SAS’ no copycat, says GMA exec

THE NEW program features the “Big Four” judges (from left)—Janno Gibbs, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid and Jaya.

The new GMA7 variety show “Sunday All Stars” is not a copycat of the 1980s talent search program “That’s Entertainment,” says network vice president for Entertainment TV Marivin Arayata.

Arayata admits, though, that “That’s Entertainment” producer German Moreno is one of the consultants of the show. “He was very pleased to see the well-rehearsed production numbers when he watched the program live last weekend,” Arayata tells the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

In the new Kapuso show, which premiered June 16, the mainstays are divided into four groups, each with a leader. The groups will perform one production number each week.

Talent showcase

Unlike “That’s Entertainment,” Arayata says, the new program features four judges—Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Janno Gibbs and Jaya—who choose the group that delivers the best performance for the week.

Also known as “Big Four,” the judges’ votes account for 60 percent of a group’s score. Viewers’ SMS votes account for 20 percent; online votes, the remaining 20 percent.

Arayata says the production numbers are designed to showcase the performers’ talents as a group, and then as individuals. “Four new team leaders will be picked each month,” she adds.

For June, the groups are led by Mark Bautista, Jolina Magdangal, Christian Bautista and Jennylyn Mercado.

“Each team has its own writer, stylists, choreographer and dancers. Members are allowed to invite guest performers. Jennylyn’s group got Andre Paras and Sonny Parsons to join them,” Arayata notes.

Last week’s winner was Mercado’s team, composed of Andrea Torres, Max Collins, Rocco Nacino, Maricris Garcia, Sef Cadayona, Yassi Pressman, Julie Anne San Jose and Ruru Madrid, along with the Sexbomb Dancers. Their number was inspired by the Filipino rock group Hagibis.

Mark’s group performed a number that featured contemporary songs. His team included Barbie Forteza, Rachelle Ann Go, Derrick Monasterio, Mark Herras, Rochelle Pangilinan, Frencheska Farr, Rita de Guzman, Denise Barbacena, Kylie Padilla and the Mxmvmnt Dancers.

Magdangal’s team, composed of Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal, Sam Pinto, Alden Richards, Louise de los Reyes, Enzo Pineda, Jonalyn Viray, Kris Lawrence, Diva Montelaba and the Addlib Dance Crew, did various interpretations of the Parokya ni Edgar novelty song “Mr. Suave.”

Christian and his group mates Glaiza de Castro, Solenn Heussaff, Bea Binene, Jay-R, Aicelle Santos, Kristoffer Martin, Winwyn Marquez, Julian Trono and the MNVRS Dancers did an all-OPM (Original Pilipino Music) presentation.

Fears allayed

“The leaders were apprehensive when they were first told about the plans for the show two weeks before its launch,” recalls program manager Ruth Marinas. “They were understandably worried about not being good enough to lead their teams. But after we assured them of our support, they embraced the idea.”

Marinas describes Mark as a leader who’s “very open,” Magdangal as “very hands-on,” Christian as “strict but very encouraging” and Jennylyn as the quiet type but with “wild and nontraditional” ideas.