Bayani Agbayani

This time, David, it seems, is not able to beat Goliath.

Comedian Bayani Agbayani seems to be no match for the collective powers of “Showtime” hosts Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, and Kim Atienza.

GMA-7 has reportedly already nixed the idea of putting up a game show to be hosted by Bayani. The game show, which will occupy the slot vacated by “Sis,” is poised to compete with ABS-CBN’s controversial talent show, “Showtime.”

A source told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online that the management of the Kapuso network decided to pull the plug on Bayani’s untitled game show, as they feel that with the popularity of “Showtime” to the public, it will be “suicide” to collide with them on air.

“Sis” was initially replaced with the showing of local blockbuster movies when it went off the air last month. The game show being planned to eventually replace it would have starred Bayani Agbayani, Manny Pacquiao, and Mommy Dionisia.

Later, the casting underwent changes, with Bayani remaining as the show’s host. Had it pushed through, Bayani would have been joined by Carmina Villaroel and Gelli de Belen, former hosts of “Sis.”

According to the grapevine, GMA-7 has now sold the “Sis” timeslot to TAPE, Inc., producer of the longest-running noontime show “Eat Bulaga.”  With this, TAPE, Inc., will now have the right to produce a show that will compete with ABS-CBN’s “Showtime.”   

It will be noted that “Showtime” was a replacement to Kapamilya shows “Ruffa & I,” a talk show, and “Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba?” a game show hosted by Edu Manzano. It premiered last October 2009.

More than two months after its airing, the game show became controversial when it was slapped with a 20-day suspension by the MTRCB after “Showtime” guest judge Rosanna Roces berated school teachers on national television.