Kapuso regional shows keep viewers in style

There’s something about the word style that is generic and yet, special. Not necessarily restrictive, but probably particular. It readily brings to mind something classic, and yet current. An old hand staple, but the possibility of nicking something fresh is not far-fetched.

The first quarter of the year saw the birth of Istayl Nato! (Cebu and Davao) and Istayl Naton! (Iloilo), GMA Network’s out-of-the-box infotainment programs that debuted almost simultaneously.

Borne out of the creative minds of GMA 7’s regional entertainment TV group, Istayl goes beyond the song-and-dance-talk formula as it beats a more fast-paced tone and speaks of an equally-exciting layout. Segments are varied, relevant and sensitive to the needs of the audience.

Bordering on the magazine format, Istayl is geared towards showcasing the best of the regions — people, places, events and stories. It leans on the motivation of showing the audience why they should be proud of their roots.

More than underlining the regionalistic tone, Istayl aches to show the thousand and one reasons that should make every Pinoy proud of his culture, arts and history.

“Istayl Nato! and Istayl Naton! are about them, for them, and by them,” GMA Regional ETV program manager Jocelyn Bautista said.

Six young, witty and engaging individuals bursting with contagious vivaciousness recently jumpstarted the monotony of regional TV’s late-morning weekend viewing.

They are Anna Maris Igpit, Chad Burden, Angelia Ong, John Arceo, Chuck Allie and Carine Cabebe are the proud Kapusos who were tasked to engage in a weekly sojourn of their respective regions — Cebu, Davao and Iloilo.

Handling the hosting chores for Istayl’s version in the Queen City of the South are Anna Maris and Chad.

The statuesque Anna Maris has become one of Cebu’s resident beauty queens after she emerged as 2006 Bb. Pilipinas-World. The Riyadh-born Burden, on the other hand, is a StarStruck Batch 4 alumnus who made it to the reality search’s Final 20. Joining Anna and Chad are Benjamin and Yurri.

Making the Ilonggos proud is the tandem of Angelia Ong and John Arceo.

Angelia, 17, is a favorite on Iloilo’s catwalks and fashion galas. She is an incoming sophomore at Central Philippines University.

Meanwhile, John provides the perfect balance to Istayl Naton!’s tandem as he is no newbie to hosting chores. After all, he has hosted several shows including the Ilonggo version of Tok! Tok! Tok! Kuarta Pasok!.

Witty Monyeka is Istayl Naton!’s segment host. Monyeka is a morning host for Arangkada, GMA Iloilo’s early morning program and a Campus Radio DJ.

Over at Durian Country, GMA Network tapped two of the freshest and most visible faces in the local scene — Chuck Alllie and Carine Cabebe.

Chuck is a graduate of StarStruck. He was also part of the Kapuso Network’s afternoon soaps Now and Forever and Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap, and has also done hosting jobs. He was part of Startalk’s Struckattack and is a regular in KUYAW! Your Fiesta TV.

Having appeared in several commercials and print ads, Carine is no greenhorn to on-cam TV. Her interest in fashion, film, literature and the Internet makes her perfect for the job.

Jason Joyce, Kristine Gonzales and Steph Dacalus are also part of the show.