From the pigeonhole:

TNS Media Research Philippines launched Wednesday its national television audience measurement data. According to their report, their panel is composed of 1,200 households covering urban Philippines, which can be broken down into seven sectors.

In Mega Manila, GMA Network has maintained its dominance in audience shares in both AGB and TNS Media ratings surveys. For the 4th quarter of 2008, AGB research data show GMA. 7’s household audience share at 43% and ABS-CBN audience share at 31%. TNS data showed GMA. 7’s share at 45% as compared to ABS’ share of 34%. For the period of Feb.1-11, 2009, GMA garnered a 40% audience share based on AGB and 43% based on TNS data. ABS, in the same period, got 31% based on AGB data and 34% based on TNS data. Comparing the readings of both periods, both AGB and TNS showed GMA Network ahead of ABS-CBN with substantial share margins.

Urban Luzon, which includes Mega Manila, accounts for 77% of the TV household population in National Urban Philippines based on AGB Nielsen’s 2009 projections as anchored on data from the National Statistics Office. For the period of Feb. 1-11, 2009, 9 out of the top 10 primetime programs in Mega Manila come from GMA; 7 out of the top 10 daytime shows and 3 out of the top 5 news and public affairs programs are from the Kapuso network.

According to both surveys, the top program in all day parts is from GMA Network with “24 Oras” as the most-watched primetime newscast. Among the top programs in primetime are “Luna Mystika,” “Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang,” “La Lola,” “Gagambino,” “Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho,” “24 Oras” and “Bitoy’s Funniest Videos.” In the daytime block, GMA-7’s top programs include “Pinoy Records,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Saan Darating Ang Umaga,” “Family Feud,” “Daisy Siete” and “Wish Ko Lang.” Included in the top news and public affairs programs are “24 Oras,” “Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho” and “Imbestigador.”

In Urban Luzon, GMA-7 has overtaken ABS-CBN in ratings in September 2007 and had maintained its strong lead in Luzon since. Official 4th quarter 2008 ratings data from AGB Nielsen shows GMA’s household audience share already at 42% in Luzon compared to its competitor’s 35%.

In the last quarter of 2008, GMA-7’s “Dyesebel” was the most-watched program nationwide based on both household and people ratings. From the 2nd to the 4th quarters of 2008, this popular program consistently topped the quarterly people ratings charts.

Boy and Kris’ new show starts tonight

The popular ABS-CBN morning show “Boy & Kris” hosted by good friends Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino, bowed out of the air last Friday, and today the well-loved tandem starts a new show. This time they host a news program but still has showbiz in its core. It is entitled “Showbiz News Ngayon (SNN).”

Last Friday, Boy, who aside from being a remarkable TV host (he has won many awards to attest to this), has also become a most sought-after product endorser, presided over the press launch of Cherry Orchard Suites located at the back of Cherry Foodarama along Congressional Ave. in Quezon City. Boy is also the endorser of the 425-unit condominium which is now under construction, and which according to Ms. Gwen Ku Wong, president of LK Global Realty and Development Corp. will be ready for turn-over to unit owners early 2010. At the time of the presscon, she revealed that 80% of the units has been sold.

Cherry Orchard Suites is the latest project of LK Global Realty which in the past has concentrated in the construction and/or management of malls here in Metro Manila, Lipa City where the Kus hail, and in key cities in the provinces like Cebu, Davao, General Santos City and others.

Cherry Orchard Suits is a two-cluster building structure that promises to stand out from among the many residential properties in Quezon City with its distinctive architectural design inspired by nature’s colors and relaxing ambiance. Another appeal of the property is its being easily accessible to schools, hospitals and business establishments yet enjoys a uniquely quiet and private neighborhood.

Gwen said Cherry Orchard takes is inspiration from cherry blossoms, known for its unique and delicate beauty. Each Cherry Orchard Suites unit is designed to give its residents a sense and feeling of springtime, a community where they can enjoy and experience life in full bloom.

The cherry blossom or Sakura in Japanese, is the national flower of Japan, and so the proponents of the project have envisioned a home and a community that showcased a lifestyle identical to the traditions and customs of Japan. They aspired to create a feeling of relaxation and peace to make the residents feel at home by infusing the design with modern sophistication balanced by nature’s beauty.

Mrs. Wong believes that location plays an important part and if Cherry Orchard Suites is really close to her heart, it’s because she herself lived in the location (where their ancestral home used to be located) for 25 years.

Aside from Cherry Orchard Suites, LK Global Realty has also launched the LK Global University City condominium hotel in Lipa City. An innovative and pioneering concept, the condo-hotel puts together the best schools in the Philippines’  Ateneo Graduate School, De La Salle Lipa, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA and the Royal British College in one complex. The project is so innovative that no less than President Gloria M. Arroyo, the DepEd and the Dept. of Trade & Industry endorsed it.

‘Paano Ba Ang Mangarap’ airs today

GMA-7’s sine-novela, featuring a remake (for television) of the movie hit “Paano Ba Ang Mangarap” stars the country’s most favorite love-team, Mark Herras and Jennylyn Mercado. It’s the second time around that the two young stars team up in another sizzling love drama.
 
The 1980 blockbuster film starred award-winning actor Christopher de Leon and Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos. When the two appeared in the movie, they were more matured, unlike Mark Herras and Jennylyn Mercado who are much younger playing the serious roles in the TV version.
 
“The two are just right for the roles,” Director Joel Lamangan explained.
 
The two stars also explained: “We are already matured enough to tackle the roles and we indeed prepared ourselves. Of course, with the guidance of Direk Joel Lamangan.”
 
The other members of the cast are seasoned actor Tirso Cruz III as Don Mateo, the father of Benny and Eric (Mark); Bing Loyzaga as Doña Francia, the brothers’ haughty and arrogant mother; Emilio Garcia as Ramon, the irresponsible but loving father of Lissa (Jennylyn); Irma Adlawan, Lissa’s ambitious mom; Jan Marini, the wicked sister of Lissa; Chynna Ortaleza as Maya, Eric’s ex-girlfriend; Rainier Castillo as Vince; Jay Aquitana as Ardi, Eric’s best friend and with the special participation of Hero Angeles as Benny, Lissa’s first love.
 
The story unfolds with Benny (Hero Angeles) and Lissa as being in love with each other, that out of their passion for each other, Lissa becomes pregnant.
 
Driving his own brother’s car, Benny is involved in a fatal accident, and before he dies, he asks Eric to promise him he will take care of Lissa.
 
Upon hearing about the death of Benny, Lissa goes to the wake, only to find out how wealthy the family of Benny is. Overwhelmed, she pretends to be applying as a maid, and she is accepted by Doña Francia.
 
Meanwhile, Eric goes looking for Lissa, only to discover later that she is their maid, who has been working for them for quite sometime already.
 
With this discovery, and with Eric falling in love with her, almost unsurmountable troubles grip the family. Will Eric be able to fulfill his promise to his brother, or will Lissa see her dreams come true? Or will she forget Benny and take Eric into her arms?
 
Don’t fail to watch this heart-rending telenovela!

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 16, go to jeweller Erlinda “Liding” Oledan, actress-singer Shermaine Santiago, Tessie Luz, Winston Marbella, Josie Puzon, Lily Ayson-Foronda of San Rafael, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, Bob Velasco Jr., Lulu Reyes, Julie Esguerra, Grace Ramirez. Thelma Matias, Rafael C. Aquino, and Mary Jane Papin…Happy wedding anniversary to Gabriel and Margot Ripoll…