"Kapamilya mas winner ka" turns 3: looking back, reaching out

CEBU, Philippines - ABS-CBN Cebu’s top-rating game show “Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka” will celebrate its third anniversary for the whole month of October. Ever since the show started, it has already given more than P7 million in prizes and fulfilled dreams of a total of 28 monthly winners by bringing them to Manila for the chance to win millions in game shows such as “Game Ka Na Ba,” “1 vs 100,” “Wowowee” and “Pilipinas Win na Win.”

But more than the monetary blessings it has shared and the dreams it has realized, “Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka” has been an instrument of generosity towards the less fortunate, reaching out and extending help to several NGOs and other group affiliations in organizing charity works for poor kids, cancer patients, plus other efforts directed at improving education and taking care of the environment.

The show’s three-year existence has definitely been life-changing for the contestants, as well as for the program’s trio of hosts—Christine Fernandez, Kat Ros and Roy Empleo.

The Freeman: How did “Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka” change your life? 

ROY: I have grown immensely in my character, in my attitude, and even in my capacity to share my God-given talents for others (Kapamilya), so as to make them extremely happy and feel blessed with my presence.

KAT: It changed my life dramatically. I became more confident and have gained more friends. I also became more responsible and mature in terms of managing my time and saving money.

TIN: I would agree with Kat because I’ve become more grateful because of the show. It gave me more reasons to treasure the blessings I have right now. With our exposure to the contestants, I had a clearer picture of the realities in this world. Lisod gyud ang kinabuhi.

TF: You’ve had almost 200 episodes. Do you have any favorites?

ROY: Every episode is unique and fun-filled. But the most memorable were the monthly episodes wherein almost all the consequences with our monthly finalist or qualifier were done by myself: gipahigda sa lungon; gilabyog sa pwerte ka-dakong tawo kay iyang bu-akon ang raw egg na akong gigunitan while singing “This is the Moment”; or being drenched with chocolate milk and some other stuffs... Fun!

KAT: (Laughs) Bitaw si Roy, pirmi gyud sya matungnan but for me I’d have to say the pilot episode because it was one of the most anticipated events of my life. We all put so much hard work into preparing for the show and finally it happened. I had mixed emotions—I was very elated and excited but at the same time my nervousness was over the top! It was the beginning of everything that I’ve experienced in my life now.

TIN: The most memorable episode for me would be the one with Korina Sanchez and Mar Roxas. Gosh! I’ve always looked up to her as a news anchor and host of “Rated K.” As for Mar Roxas, gwapo diay siya in person and veeery nice and truly a gentleman… humot pa gyud! Hahaha!

TF: What are the challenges in hosting KMWK?

KAT: I think the greatest challenge for me ever since is knowing where to place myself when hosting with two already experienced hosts. It is something that I constantly practice—knowing when to start and stop talking. And I hope I'm doing a good job so far.

ROY: Since our first episode, it has always been a personal challenge to step up in every episode and taping day. There are no rooms for excuses, though human as we are, I sometimes commit mistakes, but all the same, I just have to push myself further for the better.

TIN: Every episode is a challenge. Since the format is the same for every episode, as a host, it’s a challenge to give something fresh every Saturday. We make it a point to really connect not only with each other, but with our viewers and contestants as well.

TF: Do you have any favorite contestant?

ROY: Yes. Cha Ronnie Matudan, our first weekly winner and our first-ever monthly winner.

KAT: Hmmm…I couldn't pinpoint one particular contestant because each player every Saturday is unique and has a different story to tell. Surprisingly, I learn a lot from the different players I meet every time.

TIN: Pareha mi ni Kat pero siguro I would say Christian Eroy and Vincent Mertalla who won P2 million in GKNB. They made us all proud.

TF: Any lessons learned from hosting KMWK?

KAT: You always have to remain humble and grounded despite what you have reached. The show has always been pro-active in helping those in need, so I’ve also learned to appreciate the small things in life that I am privileged to have and share what I can to those who have none.

ROY: "Never think that you are indispensable!" This is like a placard stuck in my heart ever since I set foot in the local showbiz scene. And I believe it keeps me grounded.

TIN: This is a lesson not just from KMWK but by being in this industry for quite a time na pud. To give value to the gift of work that God has given you. To value your co-workers (co-hosts, production staff) and to nurture the relationship you have with them. This job is fleeting. But the relationship and love you’re able to build along the way is irreplaceable.

TF: What can we expect from your month-long anniversary celebration?

KAT: We will be in Ayala Activity Center (today, Oct. 8, at 10am) to kick off the month-long anniversary. This is the first time that we will be bringing the entire show to a mall. This is our way of thanking our solid fans called the KAMAWAKERS, so we are all excited. All the sectoral players who played for us before will play again for our chosen beneficiary and provide a water pump for Brgy Sibugay. Also, we will have a tree-planting activity next week, Oct. 16, 2010, at Brgy Kantipla.

TF: Describe “Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka” in one word?

ROY: Blessing.

KAT: Happiness.

TIN: Family. (THE FREEMAN)