Some shows jump out of the gate as good, while others take time to catch on with an audience.
For Funny Ka, Pare Ko, the country’s first sitcom to air on digital free TV, feedback was overwhelming on its first season. It was warmly received that’s why from an experimental project that members of the cast thought would only run for a limited time, it is now on its fifth season.
“We are glad that the show is renewed for another season,” lead cast member Bayani Agbayani told Manila Standard during a recent set visit.
He attributes the show’s being relevant and innovative as few of the factors that contribute to its strong performance. Additionally, the comedian said that they try to avoid injecting any political issues in their script, rather, they focus on family values and relationship building.
“I think that’s what makes the sitcom relevant. We try to speak the language of the millennials, we introduce new cast members, and we showcase nothing but good vibes,” Bayani said in vernacular.
During the set visit, we were introduced to Dennis Padilla, It’s Showtime’s “Funny One” winner Donna Cariaga and co-finalists Anthony Andres and James Caraan as new members of the cast.
In the sitcom that will premiere on April 29 on CineMo, Donna plays Carla’s (Karla Estrada) ‘hugotera’ cousin from the province. Her co-finalist Anthony, on the other hand, makes his debut as a dubious notary public, managing a mobile loading microbusiness on the side.
Dennis is playing the corrupt real estate tycoon Don Jovi that will shake Carla and Bigboy’s (Bayani) world. Don Jovi aspires to buy the land of their barangay where their successful Delyon Eatery stands to build a shopping mall. But Carla and Bigboy refuse to sell their eatery, forcing Don Jovi to use illegal means to acquire the property. The conflict leads to a clash between the Delyons and Don Jovi as they attempt to save their business.
Another challenge that Carla and Bigboy will face in the new season is becoming foster parents to kid named Niknok (Carlo Mendoza) whom they met at an orphanage during one of their charity events. Niknok will add color and laughter to the lives of Carla and Bigboy whose kid Jay-Ar (Igi Boy Flores) is now a chef in a popular hotel.
Since the show is all about maintaining a positive and happy disposition despite life’s struggles, Bigboy continues to champion the training of future komikeros in their eatery’s Tawa ng Tanghalan every night.
Meanwhike, part of the fresh faces that the audience will also see on the fifth season are Grae Fernandez (Grae), Kira Balinger (Princess), Komikeros NongNong and Diego Castro, Jayson Gainza (DongDong), Alora Sasam (Pags),It’s Showtime’s “Miss Q and A” first hall of famer Juliana Parizcova Segovia (Meatring), Alex Calleja (Kap Al), and It’s Showtime’s GirlTrends member, Erin Ocampo (Gretchin).
“We are a growing family, you see. We are glad that a set of new faces will add more color to our already fun and colorful show,” Bayani ended.
Funny Ka, Pare Ko will air from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on CineMo only available on ABS-CBN TVplus.