Padilla siblings in TV5 sitcom

“The show that will end all shows,” was how Celia Rodriguez described “2 ½ Daddies,” the new sitcom of the Padilla siblings (Robin, Rommel and Bb. Gandanghari) on TV5. The program was among those presented in the grand launch of the forthcoming shows of the Kapatid Network for 2015 held at the Sampaguita Gardens Tuesday night.

Even Bb. Gandanghari shared the sentiments of the veteran actress who is known for being one of the most glamorous personalities in showbiz. This marks the first time that the Padilla siblings (take note, it’s siblings and not brothers, unlike some 20 years ago when Robin, Rommel and then Rustom did the action film Mistah for Viva Films) star in one program.

Since this is the first time that the Padilla siblings are doing a show on TV, and a sitcom at that, expect a riotous series that should be fun to watch. This is a dream come true for the fans of the Padillas, and for Robin as well, who always wanted to do a show with his siblings if an opportunity arises. This probably would not have happened immediately after Bb. Gandanghari came out and declared “her” independence, as it took some time before Robin finally accepted that Bb. is no longer Rustom.

Leave it to TV5 to take on the brave route in granting the wish of the Padillas to be on a sitcom that will showcase their flair for comedy. We get to see the other side of Robin, Rommel and Bb. Gandanghari in this sitcom that also features Alice Dixson, Francine Prieto and Jojo Alejar.

“2 and ½ Daddies” premieres on TV5 on January 24 at 7 p.m. It is under the direction of Monti Parungao.

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Bayani Agbayani incurred the ire of TV5 executive Wilma Galvante who chided the comedian for his unprofessionalism.

“I am mad at him,” was Ms. Galvante’s reply when the TV5 Chief Content Officer was asked to comment on Bayani’s backing out of ‘2 ½ Daddies” because he accepted another offer from ABS-CBN – even if he had already taped for the pilot episode of the Padillas’ sitcom.

“I got mad at him because he already knew he had an offer from ABS-CBN but still, he reported for taping for “2 ½ Daddies” and he said he will just appear in it until the second episode. He knew that he is portraying a continuing character. That was the reason why he didn’t sign the contract for the TV5 show because he accepted an offer to do a new show,” Ms. Galvante explained.

Ms. Galvante deplored Bayani’s lack of respect for TV5. She was the one who discovered Bayani on GMA-7 and he is even her godchild. When Bayani told him he wants to transfer to ABS-CBN, she gave her blessings. When he decided to come back to GMA-7, he was also welcomed. When Bayani sought release from his Kapuso contract to transfer to TV5, Ms. Galvante also granted his wish.

“If there is a good role for him in any show on TV, we cast him. He was never out of work. If he had really no plan to finish his role in the new sitcom with the Padillas, then he should not have reported for taping at all. What he did was unfair to the network and his co-stars,” the TV5 executive lamented.

She said that Bayani’s failure to inform TV5 of his desire to cut short his stint on “2 ½ Daddies” in favor of a new show in Channel 2 smacks of unprofessionalism to the highest degree. It was a sign of disrespect.

“As early as November, he already knew that he is part of the sitcom. When the taping was scheduled sometime last week, it was then that he decided that he can only tape for two episodes,” she said.

Ms. Wilma added that she called Bayani in her unregistered number and Bayani said he doesn’t know who is calling. When she told him her name, Bayani tried to call him back but she did not answer his calls. She hasn’t talked to him up to now.

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Zsa Zsa Padilla finally got to hold the Best Actress award she won from the New Wave Section of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2014 for the movie “M (Mother’s Maiden Name)” which was produced by lawyer Jojo Alonso of Quantum Films, the same outfit behind the hit and award-winning “English Only, Please.”

The Divine Diva was unable to attend the filmfest awards last December 27 but she was overwhelmed when she was presented her trophy by lawyer Joji Alonso at the presscon of “M (Mother’s Maiden Name)” held January 14 at Max’s Restaurant in Quezon City.

Zsa Zsa plays a lady lawyer who found out she has cancer. Aside from coping with the dreaded disease, her character also tried to reach out to her estranged son (played by stage actor Nikko Antonio) whom she is not that close to. Through their interaction, the mother and son finally understood each other, and that paved the way for their reconciliation. The movie will be shown in select theaters beginning January 21.

“M (Mother’s Maiden Name)” is directed by Zig Dulay and also stars Urian best supporting actress winner Sue Prado and Gloria Sevilla (who won best supporting actress in the New Wave Section of the MMFF 2014).