Game Changer Philippines, with host Congressman Alfredo “Albee” Benitez of the third District of Negros Occidental, returns for its fourth season on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) with a brand new lineup of innovative ideas, enterprising inventions and compelling stories in a re-launch press conference at Victorino’s Restaurant in Quezon City.
After three successful seasons, Game Changer goes “inclusive” as it encourages the audience, aspiring inventors, and students to be game changers themselves by suggesting topics, submitting prototypes of inventions and submitting their own segments on what they consider as trailblazers in their communities or society.
“We are excited to bring to our loyal viewers more informative and very useful segments on the latest trends in technology and other fields, including proudly Filipino-made products and services,” said Benitez. “And this season, Game Changer fans can also do their part in spreading the word about innovators in their communities.”
Another reason why Benitez is excited about this season is because his son Javi will join him and share hosting chores with him. Taking a break from his studies abroad, the younger Benitez will represent the views and interests of the social media generation and the gadget-savvy millenials.
“I’m glad my father gave me this opportunity to co-host his great show. I hope to infuse my own character in the program – the makulit-in-a-good way, inquisitive person that I am. I think I’m he perfect foil for Dad’s sometimes too-serious demeanor,” Javi said in jest.
Game Changer, which airs on ANC every Saturday at 9:30 p.m. (with replays every Sunday at
9:30 a.m.), has become part of the weekly viewing habit of the tech-conscious and those who simply want to see how pioneering concepts impact the lives of people, including the marginalized and disadvantaged.
The show is also a favorite of young entrepreneurs and start up businessmen who want to see fresh ideas on emerging fields and disciplines and how they can hook up with like-minded people to source capital and establish connections. Profiles on exemplary Filipino pioneers like that of Dado Banatao, the farmer’s son-turned Silicon Valley legend, are also a staple on the show.
According to the older Benitez, enjoining students to submit their own video presentation for airing on the program will make them more aware and appreciative of the selfless efforts of individuals and groups who want to initiate change in our society. A full-fledged Game Changer video contest will soon be launched, with the full endorsement and cooperation of government agencies, like the Department of Education. Valuable prizes await winning students and their respective schools, including a round-trip ticket to Hong Kong and a high-tech teaching tool called the Alternative Learning Board.
Meanwhile, he added that encouraging inventors to show off their prototypes in the program could embolden the inventor in every Filipino. Experts would rigorously put the invention to the test, at the same time providing newbies with tips and advice on how to patent their creations. To move things along from the prototype stage, promising inventions would then be hitched up with prospective investors.
This is not the first time Javi is going in front of the camera. He was part of a group that hosted a show called Sports Kidz about 10 years ago. Javi said he’s re-learning his on cam “mojo”, although Game Changer is a lot different from his previous hosting experience.
“The show is more of an advocacy for me and my Dad. To be able to meet interesting people is remarkable enough. To be able to present their life-changing stories is an honor for me, “ he added.
Part of his responsibilities for the show is to help produce the Good Habits, Bad Habits interstitials – short audio-visuals where Javi would encourage great habits and practices while doing away with harmful or wasteful ones.
In the three seasons previously, Game Changer had consistently rated high among ANC’s 80 shows and had topped the list a number of times. Right on the first episode of the current season, the show was again ranked no.1.
“The show’s rise in the rankings is phenomenal, especially for a new show. We hope it stays consistent in its production and, of course, in its advocacy,”says ANC’s Johann Abellaneda.
Produced by Benitez with BP/LGE Digital Productions Inc., Game Changer is known for innovative production as well, with state-of-the-art equipment including a full-chroma studio for the hosts’ spiels and virtual interviews.
The BP/LGE Digital Productions offices are located at the 8th Floor, President Tower, Timog Ave. cor. Ybardolaza St., Barangay South Triangle,Diliman, Quezon City with telephone numbers 931-2373, 413-9045 and 461-2755.