Who really lost in ‘Tahanang Pinakamasaya’ closure
THE figures as to the losses incurred by the Jalosjos-owned Tape, Inc. are a bit too staggering as they are confusing. Earlier reports shortly before its Tahanang Pinakamasaya bade farewell on air noted a whopping P800million outstanding debt due GMA, spanning eight months upon the takeover of its new set of hosts.
TP aired its final live telecast on March 2 albeit no official statement both from the network and its producer was released until March 4.
The amount represented unpaid airtime fees. In a belated report, the TP’s camp came out with much lower figures, trimmed down to P57 million. Aside from the unsettled airtime dues, it likewise covered unpaid talent fees of celebrity hosts and cost of production.
One may be quick to ask: which of the two conflicting numerical facts are believably accurate?
Let’s remember that even way before TVJ had decided to disengage from TAPE Inc., there already was an unresolved issue on money particularly Eat Bulaga’s hosts Vic Sotto’s and Joey de Leon’s respective million-peso talent fees. Thankfully, the latter were settled when they left.
Until TP folded up, the Jalosjos’ camp maintained that the noontime show failed to rise above its financial setbacks despite adjustments in advertising rates.
Whence during TVJ’s time Tape. Inc. could easily wangle anywhere between P150,000 and P200,000 per a 30-second commercial, ad rates were made as low as P40,000. What a “bargain price”!
So, what TP host Paolo Contis was bragging about its over 30-minute daily commercial load was all but a perfect lie? Why keep it under the rug?
Is it therefore safe to assume that Paolo’s “sama ng loob” (grudge) toward Tape, Inc. stemmed from the latter’s non-transparency?
Weren’t they discerning enough to sense portentous signs of an impending program closure up ahead? Did Paolo et al feel they were lied to, or promised a rose garden that never came to be?
Is it the reason why Paolo ran to the dressing room (immediately after the March 2 episode) and bawled privately, until his tearducts bled dry?
Is it also why he had repeatedly turned down interviews even by close reporter-friends?
Ergo, does it explain why Paolo had to book a flight out of the country with girlfriend Yen Santos out of grudge?
Does Paolo’s ill feelings toward Tape, Inc. have anything to do with the fact that he willfully acceded to be a “human shield” against the brazen attacks directed at the show producer?
And because of all this, does it redound to the fact that Paolo — chances are — won’t be able to see his dream house built from out of his TP earnings, a long overdue investment?
Meanwhile, given Tape, Inc.’s accountability, how does it hope to get it settled? Is it possible that it will pitch another block timer on GMA which in turn will offer more flexible terms?
Or will the Kapuso network produce its own noontime show instead?
Will the legendary Tony Tuviera help GMA see a new, competitive program take off the ground?
The possibilities are exciting as they are limitless.
Still, I’d like to see the Jalosjos’ business empire take from where it left off.
As much as I’m praying hard, I’d like to see the 130 displaced offcamera talents and employees back to their daily grind.
Sorry, I’m not as much affected by Paolo et al having lost their hosting jobs compared to the low wage earners given the tough times and all.
With acting breaks, etc, that keep coming for Paolo and company, TP’s loss is simply a drop in the bucket.
Hopefully, whichever gets to take over the noontime block will be compassionate enough to take in a good number out of the 130 TV workers rendered jobless and despondent.
Yet if it’s any consolation, the relieving thought is that it happens to the best of us.
Once absorbed or reinstated, only then can I say that they’ll be going home to their respective “tahanang pinakamasaya” all lit up with renewed hope.