While the government rolls out sweeping new measures to reduce human contact of COVID-19, the country’s major media networks, ABS-CBN and GMA-7, have temporarily cancelled airing of live entertainment programs, production of television series and movies, and other entertainment events.
In a statement shared by ABS-CBN head of corporate communications head, Kane Errol Choa, with Manila Standard, the network has stopped tapings of all television series in compliance with the guidelines set by the government concerning the COVID-19 outbreak and for the safety of everyone involved.
Taping cancellation means, its primetime lineup will have to be changed, too, starting tonight.
Cardo Dalisay bids television goodbye…temporarily
After almost five years on air, Ricardo «Cardo» Dalisay, the lead character of primetime stalwart FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, and played by Coco Martin, will have to hang his famous bomber jacket for the time being. Other shows like Make It With You, A Soldier’s Heart, and Pamilya Ko are taking a much needed breather, too.
Starting tonight, the Kapamilya network is bringing back its classic teleseryes and airing iWant original series in lieu of its current primetime lineup.
FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano is replaced by the inspirational series May Bukas Pa starring Zaijian Jaranilla. While the heartwarming series 100 Days to Heaven starring Coney Reyes, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Xyriel Manabat takes over the slot of Sylvia Sanchez’s Pamilya Ko.
Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil’s romantic drama Make It With You is replaced by Nadine Lustre and James Reid’s On The Wings of Love. While A Soldier’s Heart is replaced by the mystery thriller I Am U, an iWant original series topbilled by Julia Barretto, from March 16 to 20.
“We assure our viewers that the changes are only temporary. We will resume our regular programming when conditions improve and the safety and welfare of our people will not be compromised. We vow to continue bringing hope and inspiration to our viewers through our shows as we remain committed to serving the Filipino people,” the ABS-CBN statement said.
Meanwhile, GMA Network has issued its statement on programming as well. We are publishing the statement in toto:
GMA Network is staying true to its commitment to deliver Serbisyong Totoo most especially during these trying times through the continued delivery of the latest news and information to the public across all its platforms.
On air, viewers could stay up-to-date by watching newscasts and other breaking news on GMA-7 and GMA News TV. Listeners can be assured that they can still tune in via Super Radyo DZBB 594khz, Barangay LS 97.1, and the rest of Radio GMA stations across the country. Netizens, on the other hand, will still be updated via GMA News Online and GMA News and Public Affairs social media accounts.
In accordance, however, with the government›s declaration of a community quarantine in Metro Manila and as part of the measures that the Network is doing to ensure the safety and well-being of its talents, production teams, employees, their families as well as the general public, GMA will be temporarily suspending the production of Network-produced entertainment programs.
The Network has also advised its blocktimers and co-producers to comply with the community quarantine guidelines. GMA will continue to air fresh, pre-taped episodes of some shows and thereafter, a new programming line-up is in store for all Kapuso viewers in the coming days.
Country’s cultural Mecca shuts down
In response to the Code Red Alert Sublevel 2 on COVID-19, the Cultural Center of the Philippines is closed until April 14.
All shows, exhibits and public events during the period are cancelled and or postponed.
As prescribed by the Philippine government, the CCP still functions on a skeletal workforce. Restricted access are enforced for employees, artists, suppliers and other public entities, except those attending the basic and safety operation of the building.
Mindful of the health and well-being of its employees and our publics, the CCP will still implement strict safety measures such as thermal scanning of all personnel. Those who have a 37.6 temperature reading will be refused entry. Those who have cough and colds are advised to stay at home.
For updates and advisories, please visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and follow CCP official accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Other events and shows cancelled are as follow:
Daang Dokyu
The Daang Dokyu team would like to thank all of you for the excitement you have shown over the past days and weeks leading up to the festival. We’re just as eager, but your health, safety, and well-being are our priority. Following the recent declaration of a state of public health emergency, as well as the suspension of all public events at the UP Film Center, we have decided to postpone Daang Dokyu initially scheduled for March 16-21 to a later date this year.
‘Anna In The Tropics’
All performances of Anna in the Tropics in OnStage Theater are canceled. Show director Joey Mendoza, has given so much of himself to make this production come to life. And what a spectacular show it would’ve been. His creatives (two of whom flew in from the US), the production team and the cast have also contributed so much of their talent and passion. We really wish you could’ve seen the show.
‘Carousel’
The cast and crew of the show are unable to continue rehearsing, which is why they are postponing its production. Carousel was originally scheduled to open on May 1 and will run through May 24. They are rescheduling the show for some time in July or August.
Araneta City’s precautionary measures
Araneta City is implementing preventive measures to safeguard the public against COVID-19 and help slow down its spread.
A temperature check is conducted on everybody entering our malls, cinemas, office buildings, residential condos, hotel, arena, cinemas, and transport terminals. Those with 37.6° and above body temperature will be prevented from entering these establishments, and will be asked to seek immediate medical care.
Hand sanitizer and alcohol dispensers are placed in strategic areas like lobbies and entrances, concierge booths, hallways, restrooms, and payment counters. Public restrooms are provided with enough amenities like toilet paper and soap throughout the day.
A dedicated team is tasked to regularly sanitize elevators, escalators, restrooms, railings, glass doors and doorknobs, and other points frequently touched by the public. Even the pathways, sidewalks, and roads within Araneta City are cleansed and disinfected.
The management provides proper information to all tenants, employees, and visitors in Araneta City. Safety guidelines are posted in key public areas, and safety protocols are distributed among employees and business tenants.