MagTV Na: 9 treats for its 9th year
For years, magazine talk show “MagTV Na” has been a fixture in the average Cebuano’s home— bringing joy and information, and taking viewers to places they’ve never been to at the comfort of their own homes.
Technically, “MagTV Na” Cebu first launched in 2007 and is now a decade old. But since it relaunched in 2008 alongside seven other regions in the country, the celebration had been packed into one, for a party of massive proportions.
“We just keep on innovating. And so far, we are always part of the top 20 most watched shows in the region and we bag awards as well,” MagTV Na executive producer Adrian Diongzon shared.
“So perhaps, we have been doing something okay for our viewers, and we continue to inspire and entertain our viewing public.”
For its month-long ninth anniversary dubbed Annuebersaryo, “MagTV Na” isn’t settling for on-screen celebrations. The show stepped out of the studio to bring the fun to their avid viewers in the flesh.
Nine for ninth
“Nine years, nine treats,” Diongzon shared. “We have prepared nine treats for our loyal KaMags.”
“MagTV Na” is giving back the love through nine different ways. “Libreng Biyahe” gives one lucky KaMags the chance to be with the team for a free ride, as well as becoming honorary KaMags Bida Guest and co-host.
“Since it’s our ninth year, the best place to have it will be in Region 9—at the Paseo de Ciudad de Zamboanga,” Adrian explained of their chosen out-of-town jaunt.
They also had a “Libreng Sine” where they held a block screening of the KathNiel film “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” since most of the scenes were filmed in Cebu.
The show also launched “Pa Birthday ni KaMags,” whereApril birthday celebrators were toured around Cebu with gift packs and birthday cakes.
“Libreng Grocery” also treated recipients to a free shopping spree, while “Libreng Sakay” offered free jeepney rides.
The show likewise partnered with the Philippine Institute of Designers and Univille Homes for “Libreng Home Make Over” to revamp the homes of chosen KaMags in the hopes of giving their viewers a more beautiful and comfortable abode.
Other treats include free haircuts in “Libreng Tupi” and free nail pampering in “Libreng Manicure-Pedicure.”
Lastly, the “KaMags Grand Eyeball” gives viewers the chance to meet the hosts in a day of fun games and entertainment this April 29 at Ayala Center Cebu.
Platform to make a difference
As much as it is about fun and lifestyle, “MagTV Na” has made priceless memories and has changed the lives of many viewers. But aside from the lives they’ve changed outside the studio, “MagTV Na” also made an impact on its four hosts.
“‘MagTV Na’ has built up my confidence level and brought me so much blessings and success,” host Borgie Cabigas, who has been with the show for seven years now and is considered the daddy of the team, revealed. “I owe everything I am to the show.”
Hands-on mom to a 22-month-old boy, Miss Cebu title-holder Reena Elena Malinao-Tan shared how the show made her become better at her domestic roles.
“My one year with ‘MagTV’ has exposed me to people, places, and cultures of all kinds. Because of the show, I have done so many things, including those I never imagined doing,” Reena offered. “All of those have given me lessons that have contributed to my growth as a host, and as a woman with many roles to take—from cooking, to DIY projects, but most significantly, on the values that keep the integrity of the family.”
Pioneer host Blinky de Leon, who has been with the show for all nine years of it, confessed to her lack of hosting skills when she began and is thankful that “MagTV Na” molded her to who she is now. The fact that it is a never-ending learning experience had made her stay this long.
“‘MagTV’ has led me to more opportunities and even to the point of putting up my own school [SELFI located in Banilad] to help others build their confidence,” Blinky said.
“The show’s growth was literally the reflection of my own personal growth. I saw how it has evolved through time, and it made me realize how it has become not just a household name but a platform to make a difference. The fulfillment it brings when you know you’re able to make viewers happy is far more than enough reason to keep me going.”
Jonathan Cimafranca, who has been with the show for six years, expressed how amazing it is to have become a blessing to others through the program. “‘MagTV’ taught me to be grounded. The show made me appreciate the blessings that I have even more. It is also an avenue for me to be a blessing to others, to be a helping hand, to be a friend, to be a Kapamilya.”
Compromise
“MagTV Na” also had its own share of challenges. Adrian revealed that every single episode has to be something that viewers have to look forward to, and that in some ways— they are only as good as their last episode.
“Every episode is always a challenge. With its 9 a.m. timeslot, most viewers are at church because we know how religious Cebuanos are. Most of them are doing chores or maybe even inside malls or had gone out to hang out with their families,” Adrian shared, adding that rotating power interruptions held on weekends, and even Pacquiao boxing fights which are aired on Sundays get in the way of their airing.
“Schedules can also be very challenging, because our hosts are in-demand and have other gigs,” said Adrian of his hosts who have other duties as entrepreneurs, employees and parents.
“So we launched a taong-bahay system,” the executive producer said. “We keep a list of the dates of when our hosts are available and when they’re not. We have dates scheduled for filming, for voice-over
recordings and the like. Everyone has to agree to that—and when unprecedented circumstances come along, the hosts take it upon themselves to make compromises and arrangements.”
Favorites
“MagTV Na” has been able to feature stories like the unity between the Muslim communities and the Christians in Zamboanga City which is Borgie’s favorite so far.
“Beyond the fun, ‘MagTV’ is best remembered for the impact and inspiration it gives people. The show has really built the bridge to connect those in need and those with the golden hearts to help,” Reena said.
They’ve also featured outstanding youth like the popular Dodoy Teberio, a student who supported his studies by becoming the energetic Tubig Queen –Reena’s favorite interview. Arianwen Rollan, a young lady who experimented on malunggay seeds to find treatment for cancer is also an interview subject that inspired Jonathan the most.
Blinky especially liked the time when she had to fill in the shoes of a garbage collector—one of the most viewed episodes to date.
“It was a very humbling experience and it made me value our surroundings and appreciate those people who worked so hard in keeping them clean, even more. Not to mention, it wasn’t an easy job and I salute them for their sacrifices despite the smell and everything in between,” she said.
When asked what his dream episode would be, Adrian said: “International travel for the entire team. We have episodes featuring places abroad but it’s always on a lean team. Or sometimes, the hosts tape it by themselves.”
“When OJ [Jonathan], the kuya of the group, travels, he tapes for our ‘Suroy-suroy’ travel segment. He has shared his trips to the US, to Tokyo, Singapore and China. Reena has shared her US travels, and Blinky shares her travels to Asian countries as well.”
Theirs may not be a personality-driven show, but Adrian stressed that they’ve thrived this long because of their stories.
“The show has evolved so much,” Adrian shared. “The combination of our writers, the hosts, so many stories and co-hosts—our show lives for its content. We showcase our subjects and their stories. We can’t wait for you to see how much their lives change because of this. You’ll be amazed.”
Catch “MagTV Na,” Sundays at 9 a.m. on ABS-CBN Cebu.