Several high profile TV shows – GMA-7’s “Diz Iz It,” “Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak” and “First Time,” and ABS-CBN’s “Agua Bendita” – premiered with high expectations on February 8, 2010.

Of these new shows, “Diz Iz It” was the most anticipated because its 10:30 a.m. timeslot has been available since the talk show “Sis” went off the air end of December 2009 and was hastily replaced by “Kapuso Movie Festival.”

It was earlier reported that “Sis” would be replaced by a game-cum-talent show with Manny Paquiao, his mother Dionisia and returning Kapuso talent Bayani Agbayani as hosts but talks soon fizzled.

Then it was announced that GMA-7 has given the timeslot to TAPE, Inc., the production company behind the long-running noontime show, “Eat Bulaga,” to come up with a show that could compete with ABS-CBN’s “It’s Showtime.”

“Diz Iz It’s” pilot confirmed speculations on having another talent show on the tube but to its credit, it offered exciting ways to pit troupes – of dancers, singers or musicians – against each other before an arena audience led by celebrity judge Maricel Soriano and two others who were positioned in a darkened spot to conceal their identities.

The whole setup tended to be chaotic and dragging at times but it was understandable since the production and the hosts – Bayani Agbayani, Ehra Madrigal, Sam YG and Grace Lee – were still feeling their way into the show.

Good thing, they got the Diamond Star not only as a celebrity judge but also as a guest performer whose recent absence from the scene made the public miss her. She demonstrated her terpsichorean skills in a medley of dance tunes from her heydays in the ‘80s – including “Body Dancer” and “Rico Mambo” – to today’s hits like “Nobody, Nobody But You” and “Single Ladies.”

GMA-7’s newest daytime soap, “Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak,” as promised, aired the much-hyped five-minute love scene of stars Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo. It also established the political milieu that would shape the story and keep the viewers interested.

The early primetime series, “First Time,” on the other hand, capitalized on the new tandem of teen sensations Joshua Dionisio and Barbie Forteza but its scope – on its first episode, at least – went beyond juvenile concerns and puppy love issues. Relationships between parents and children as well as among adults were also explored and hopefully this would go on as the series progresses.

Joshua and Barbie proved that the great chemistry they showed on “Stairway to Heaven” was no fluke. They were just a joy to watch as preppy Lukas and feisty Cyndi and how they build a friendship that may develop into something romantic.

Over at the Kapamilya network, “Agua Bendita” was a surprise choice as replacement for the inspirational series, “May Bukas Pa,” which ended its successful run on February 5, because it wasn’t on the initial list of the station’s early 2010 fare.

Nonetheless, it was a worthy choice based on its pilot that told a mysterious yet relatable story revolving around the holy water and its effect on the major characters, including the twins that lead star Andi Eigenmann would both play in future episodes.