TV5 recently held its “Kapatid Vibe Thanksgiving Trade Event” at the Meralco Theater. In the TV industry, it’s customary for networks to throw trade parties for advertisers — an opportunity for them to preview upcoming shows. TV networks rely heavily on advertising budgets to keep programs on air. So, these events are always lively affairs with overflowing food and drinks, appearances from A-list stars and, more often than not, exciting raffle prizes.
As I walked into the theater, I immediately noticed its completely revamped look — modern, youthful and contemporary. I remember the “old” Meralco Theater with its classic ambiance: wooden panels, red carpets and red upholstered seats.
Now, the carpet features vibrant blue tones with geometric patterns and the seats are covered in matching navy-blue upholstery.
No sooner had I settled into my seat when Jeff Remigio, head of MQuest Artists Agency (MQAA) and VP for content management, acquisition and distribution, invited me backstage to say hello to some of the artists performing that night. I was impressed by the brand-new dressing rooms and furniture. I heard the renovation cost millions to optimize the theater for concerts, plays and broadcast-quality events.
Our first stop was the dressing room of Enrique Gil, who will soon star in a new teleserye titled “A Secret in Prague” with Andrea Brillantes. Could this be the next love team to watch out for?
Sharing the room was Inigo Pascual, who is set to headline “The Good Doctor,” a remake of the 2013 South Korean drama that later inspired the American series. I couldn’t help but notice how much Inigo has matured and grown even more handsome — and during his performance later that night, he radiated nothing but confidence.
We then visited the dressing room of the cast of “Totoy Bato,” where I was delighted to see Janno Gibbs and Claudine Barretto, who has noticeably slimmed down since the last time I saw her. Also in the cast are Angelica Hart, Andrew Muhlach, Christine Bermas, Nonie Buencamino, Diego Loyzaga, Eula Valdez and Kiko Estrada.
I hurried back to my seat as the show was about to begin. The program opened with a pre-recorded video of a man riding a big bike through the streets of Manila, clad in full motorcycle gear — black leather jacket, black jeans and a black helmet. The fast cuts and dramatic pacing built anticipation until, onstage, it was revealed that the rider was the youthful-looking Guido Zaballero, president and CEO of TV5.
He officially opened the show, welcoming guests from advertising companies and network partners. Guido promised that come 2026, TV5 will go full throttle with improved programming and even bigger stars under its stable.
Following this, the “Vibe” Jocks kicked off the entertainment lineup with songs like Tatsulok, Pantropiko, Misteryoso and Triumph. The performers included Ryle Santiago, Paulo Angeles, Ana Ramsay, Queenay Mercado, Dylan Menor, Joao Constancia, Maxie Andreison, Elijah Canlas and Kych Minemoto.
Then came Lourd de Veyra, who rocked the stage with his electric guitar to Beep Beep by the Juan Dela Cruz Band. Moments later, Ted Failon surprised the audience when he joined Lourd onstage to sing Balong Malalim — showing a side far removed from the serious commentator viewers know.
Next was veteran broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas, who shared her experiences hosting Face to Face, the morning show where two opposing parties attempt to resolve their conflicts with the help of expert panelists. She also took the opportunity to announce the return of Tik Talks, the talk show known for its lively and contrasting opinions from its hosts: Korina, Alex Calleja, G3 San Diego, yours truly and new host Ruffa Mae Quinto.
Other promising programs to look forward to include “My Bestfriend Emman,” starring JM de Guzman, Shaina Magdayao, Ai-Ai delas Alas and Sid Lucero — a teleserye sure to touch viewers’ hearts and inspire renewed faith.
And for mystery-thriller enthusiasts, “Project Loki” is definitely one to anticipate. Written by AkoSiIbarra and directed by Xian Lim, it stars Jayda Avanzado, Dylan and Marco Gallo.
Also in the pipeline is “Magic Boys,” a supernatural series featuring Dylan, Baileys Acot, Kych Minemoto and Joao — a vibrant, youth-driven show sure to resonate with younger audiences.
Last but not least, for those who believe they have what it takes to become a star, there’s “Artista Academy” — a nationwide search for the next generation of artistas, open to talented 15- to 24-year-olds across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
With all these quality programs and more lined up for the first quarter of 2026, TV5 is set to captivate audiences once again with stories that entertain, inspire and spark conversations — firmly gearing up for its strongest programming year yet.