Diz Iz It, Bayani!

Although Bayani Agbayani’s new show, “Diz Iz It,” which premiered on February 8, is being pitted against ABS-CBN’s hit show, “Showtime,” the comedian says there's no pressure on their part.

“Actually tinanggal namin ‘yun [pressure] eh. Ang naging panuntunan namin, habang nagsho-show is makapagpasaya ng tao and at the same time, i-enjoy namin ‘yung ginagawa namin. Kasi ‘pag inisip mo ‘yung ratings… ako naman ‘di na rin ako baguhan sa paggawa ng mga television shows... mawawala, mawiwindang ka,” he told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online at the "Meet the Fathers" press conference.

The newly-signed Kapuso star maintained that “Diz Iz It” is not a rooster to be hurled into the ratings cockpit, but another avenue to make Filipinos happy.

“Ang katuwiran ko, kung nagsho-show sila [‘Showtime’] para sa tao, dapat ikaw rin mag-show ka para sa tao. At kayong dalawa, gumagawa ng show para sa tao, hindi para sa ratings. ‘Yun ang mahalaga dun. Kasi ‘pag inisip mo ang ratings, magiging de-numero ‘yung kilos mo,” he said.

He is also well aware of the growing number of Filipinos who are determined to earn bragging rights for the so-called “15 seconds of fame.”

“Kasi ngayon ang mga bida talaga [ay] ‘yung mga contestants. ‘Yung mga performers, ‘yung masa eh. Gusto nilang mapanood ang sarili nila sa TV. So ‘yung mga hosts na katulad namin, kami na lang ‘yung facilitator, ‘yung mediator,” Bayani related.

Bayani believes performing is one of Pinoys’ innate interests — and talent, perhaps.

“Alam mo papaano mo malalaman ‘yan? Tumingin ka sa mga KTV, mga videoke. ‘Di ba gustung-gusto ng mga Pilipino na kumakanta sila? ‘Pag may birthday, may singer na artista na guest sa isang occasion, hindi makakakanta. Ang gusto nila ‘yung artista ang nanonood, sila ‘yung kumakanta. So inilagay [namin] ‘yun sa TV,” he elaborated.

However, the challenge is to offer something fresh that would set it apart not only from its rival show, but also from other existing talent searches on the boob tube.

“’Yun ang siniguro namin. ‘Yun ang dapat nilang panoorin. Kasi ang dami nang talent search, mga reality shows. Dapat kung ano ‘yung hindi mo napapanood sa iba, mapapanood mo sa’min.

“Ang maganda, bukod sa talent search, meron kaming game show,” he revealed of the show, which is produced by Television And Production Exponents Inc. (T.A.P.E., Inc.), producer of the longest-running noontime program on TV, “Eat Bulaga.”

Joining Bayani as hosts are sexy actress Ehra Madrigal, TV and radio jock Sam “Shivaker” YG, and radio jock Grace Lee.

Ever since his shift from being Kapamilya to Kapuso, Bayani has been tapped to join a number of TV shows, which also includes "SRO Cinemaserye"'s Valentine offering beginning Feb. 11, “Meet the Fathers,” and “Telebabad”’s “First Time.” He is also seen every Sunday on the variety show, "SOP Fully Charged."

Isn’t he bothered with the risk of overexposure?

“’Pag umuulan, bumubuhos eh. Salamat sa Diyos. Sinigurado ko naman na sa bawat project na gagawin ko, iba-iba ‘yung mapapanood nila,” he assured.

In “Meet the Fathers,” he plays Rigor, a philanthropist based in Basilan whose trip to Manila may be more than just to fulfill a job, but also to meet his daughter and his one great long-lost love.

Completing the cast are premiere actor Christopher de Leon, Ynna Asistio, Joross Gamboa, Angel Jacob, Dexter Doria, and Jacob Rica.

With all the pile of work filling his calendar, how does Bayani keep up?

“Ako naman nag-uumpisa pa lang ako sa showbiz, ganun na ang schedule ko. Alam ko na i-handle. Ang hindi ko lang dapat makalimutan, ‘yung oras ko sa pamilya ko. ‘Yung trabaho kalimutan mo na ‘yan, ‘wag lang ang pamilya,” he said.