Viva Television - History

History

To push its software across another medium, Viva Entertainment ventured into television production in 1986 thru local filmdom’s hottest property Sharon Cuneta via The Sharon Cuneta Show. Her big screen success easily fueled her musical variety TV show to the top of the ratings where it stayed until mid-1997 (when she semi-retired).

Since then, Viva’s television unit had branched out into drama anthologies, action features, and comedy fare for teens and yuppies. It is now a significant player among free TV blocktimers and has successfully spun off theatrical versions of its more popular youth-oriented shows.

In the year 2000, VTV set Philippine television ablaze when it pioneered the “game show” segment. These 2 shows were Who Wants To Be A Millionaire hosted by Christopher de Leon and The Weakest Link hosted by Edu Manzano.

In 2002, Viva further enhanced its reputation as a Star-maker & a trendsetter by producing and launching the highly successful talent search show: Star for a Night on IBC. The weekly program hosted by Regine Velasquez showcased the best among the young Filipino singing talents dressed up in a professional setting. This highly rated show led to the discovery of Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista, who are now established recording artists and TV/movie stars.

In 2003, Viva co-produced with GMA Network another highly successful TV talent search program Search For A Star. This talent search program led to the discovery of Rachelle Ann Go and Raymond Manalo. Both are now also established recording artists and TV singing stars.

Viva’s talent search success also spawned similar program formats from the 2 major free TV stations in the country.

In 2005, Viva is a co-producer of ABS-CBN’s weekly talent search program Search For A Star In A Million. This program is envisioned to produce and discover another major singing star from among the country’s best & brightest aspiring & young talents.

Last November 29, 2010, Viva Prime Channel is now on free to air television in Central Luzon.

On May 2011, Viva Television made a comeback to produce Viva classic blockbuster films to television with a Sunday afternoon series the 80's remake of the film franchise Bagets (film series) the teen oriented show entitled Bagets Just Got Lucky which replaced its teen romance anthology Luv Crazy on the revamped channel TV5 which showcases new television dramas competing with top Philippine broadcasting pioneers ABS CBN and GMA 7. On the third quarter lineup of TV 5 introduced The 1991 film franchise turned Primetime TV series Ang Utol Kung Hoodlum which was pushed back due to shooting arrangements which was supposed to be released in July 18, 2011 replacing the Primetime Series Babaeng Hampaslupa but was replaced by its first HD Primetime Drama Rod Santiago's The Sisters the series ended on September 13, 2011 Ang Utol Kung Hoodlum was released on September 16, 2011 currently airing it starred Robin Padilla and Vina Morales in the original film and sequel but now played by JC de Vera and Jasmine Curtis-Smith. An upcoming project to be produced by VIVA Television is P.S I Love You a 1981 Blockbuster Film which starred Real to Reel life sweethearts Gabby Concepcion and Sharon Cuneta which tackles issues surrounding two young lovers, played by Bagets castmates AJ Muhlach and Nadine Illustre Gabby Concepcion will also be part of the cast and Dina Bonnevie it is confirmed to be under production and filming.

On July 16, 2012, Viva Television revived Viva TV along with the launch of new programming except Popstar Diaries which is the only Viva produced program from Pinoy Box Office.