Maynila intent on going against all odds

It was way back in December of 1999 when GMA 7’s Maynila was born, that popular weekly show on TV, conceptualized and hosted by then Manila Mayor and now Buhay Partylist Rep. Jose Livioko Atienza Jr. popularly known by the name Lito Atienza. The program was meant to showcase the city with its history and culture, in a manner that would proudly announce to the world, “This is Manila, Capital City of the Philippine Islands.”

Lani Atienza-Beltran, Rep. Lito’s daughter, is the executive producer of the show, and one who has been hands-on in making certain that his vision was being realized. The show has been on the air for the past 15 years, and if it has been around that long, we are certain it will be one of those long-lasting shows on GMA 7. German Moreno’s Walang Tulugan is still around and, in fact, has found new markets abroad. There is no reason why Maynila cannot follow the same path.  

We sent Lani some questions that she answered promptly.

What was the original format of the show?

“It was originally a wakasan and now is a once-a-week short story every Saturday. It has been the mission of Rep. Lito to expose televiewers to the rich history of old Manila, and the changes that have been made to work around the existing structures to bring back Manila to its old glory.”

What do you think is the secret of the program’s long life?

“The script is the backbone with every copy still passing through our scrutiny. We make sure that each episode ends with a lesson learned.”  

Since this is a block-timer, that means all expenses are carried by the producer. How do you make maximum use of your time and staff while keeping the costs down?

“The production staff has been working with so much malasakit that expenses are kept at a minimum while they give their 100-percent effort. A lot of them have worked with us from the first year. Also, GMA 7 has always been there to guide and support us through. Advertisers and companies who have believed in the show have also been continuously supporting Maynila. Our fans club has been very supportive. We also include (fans) in the casting when we can. Maynila is not a political show. Aside from promoting the city, each show ends with a lesson learned. Values are inculcated in the youth.”   

Was it your father’s idea to keep continuing with the airing of Maynila despite the many programs in competition over GMA?

“Our ratings dictate if we should keep going. We have been No. 1 in our timeslot to this day — 10 a.m. every Saturday.” 

Do you have other co-producers who could help with the expenses of production?

“No co-producers.”

Who takes care of casting the various stories you have weekly?

“As block-timer, we have the discretion to use any artist. We recently worked together with the GMA Artists Center to feature one of its artists every month.”

What is your reaction when people say that your show is a poor man’s MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya)?

“I have not heard of that comment, but if there is such, it’s an honor being branded as that. We entertain the majority of Manileños and the Filipinos. C, D, E is our market. Being branded as a poor man’s MMK means we have reached our objectives.” 

Do you have any plans of making Maynila more attractive to the viewing public? How does GMA help you in this aspect despite the fact that it is not a station-produced show?

“We evolve as the need arises. We have been a dynamic show. Maynila today is so different from Maynila when it started 15 years ago. The only thing constant is the vision of Rep. Lito back when it started and the realization of his objectives. We closely work with GMA 7. We coordinate constantly and discuss possibilities.”

Now that Erap is Manila Mayor, how can he help to make your show more visible to the public?

“The show is not political in nature. If the Mayor of Manila today will fully support us for the reason that the title is Maynila (we are promoting the city) then we will be happy to work with him on that. Coming out in a cameo role would be great.”

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