With its 2:30 p.m. timeslot which makes Ika-5 Utos directly pitted against the last hour of the super extended It’s Showtime, one cannot help but wonder how the newest GMA 7 drama fares against its formidable competition.
Ika-5 Utos’s pilot episode, according to the AGB Nielsen NUTAM ratings provider registered at 5.7 percent while its direct competition, It’s Showtime, gained a 5.1 percent audience share.
Per Kantar Media, it painted a different ratings picture. It’s Showtime remained on top with 16.2 percent audience share while the newbie drama only received 11.0 percent worth of audiences love.
Dear Manila Standard readers, you decide on whose figures are more believable. I can definitely proclaim that the ABS CBN noon time flagship noontime variety program gets a stiff adversary.
It has been two weeks since the initial telecast of the Jean Garcia, Gelli de Belen and Valerie Concepcion led drama. Without any doubt, the boom or bust cycle between the two programs that are of dissimilar formats are worth monitoring, observing and studying. We can learn a lot from these two programs that are now odd rivals.
Of the many stars part of the drama, former Kapuso Protege victor Jeric Gonzales is most ecstatic to be Garcia’s son in the what seems to be afternoon viewing habit by all.
“I think the reason why I am part of the cast is because the role fits me well. We had workshops prior to being cast and tingin ko yun ang pinagbasehan nila,” Gonzales starts his tale.
“Direk Laurice Guillen is strict,” the relatively young actor shares about working with the multi-awarded film director. “She is very passionate with what she does. Wala siyang pakialam kung close kayo or what. When she does not like the manner you acted, she will tell straight to your face.”
He carries on, “When the time comes she goes down from the OB Van, then you know something is wrong. Usually, it is the assistant director that instructs us on what to do. You will not hear cuss words from her, no flaring up. She inquired why can’t you do the scene and what seems to be the problem. Naranasan ko na bumaba siya to talk to me. Mahirap kasi yung eksena. With her guidance and motivation, I was able to deliver what she expected from, nariyan siya para tulungan ka.”
Jean Garcia is his mother in the Guillen and Lore Reyes directed melodrama. Many opine that they are so truthful in giving life to their respective characters, Eloisa and Brix Lorenzo.
“Ms. Jean is a truly gifted actress! I don’t how she does it, seems very easy for her to play as my mom Eloisa, I am amazed,” Gonzales goes on. “We already worked in a previous drama, Kambal Karibal so playing his son Brix, we already have this connection. Nagugulat ako kasi yung mga eksena namin, we were able to it, one take, ang aga tuloy naming nakakauwi.”
Gonzales promises, “A more mature Jeric in terms of acting. Marami silang makikitang side ko rito, the good and bad sides of Brix.”
Of course, any conversation with this young man will not be complete without discussing about Pauline Mendoza. Is their love pairing not only for reel but for real?
Jeric’s honest reply, “Close naman kami but not in a romantic way, she’s only 18 years old, and I am 25.”
A case of true love waits, perhaps? Gonzales answers. “No, walang ganon, a romantic possibility in the future with Pauline is next to impossible. We are just supportive of each other’s career.”
Ika-5 Utos airs from Monday to Saturday, after Eat Bulaga on GMA 7.
