GMA's Most Recent Big Dilemma is in its Primetime Grid

More Than Words starring Elmo Magalona and Janine Gutierrez will be premiering on November 17 on GMA 7 after 24 Oras. This is one of the biggest dilemmas that the network's primetime block will experience so far by the end of the year. (Photo courtesy of From The Tube via GMA)

GMA 7 has a lot of big dilemmas so far within the year, which includes the same old reasons why it is still the worst television station in the Philippines. But, it is not over for the Kapuso network. This is because the most recent dilemma that the network begins to experience is within its primetime programming.



Let's start with the historical drama Ilustrado, which will end on November 14. This series portraying excerpts about the life of Dr. Jose Rizal has been making its own mark in Philippine television, but it has its own problems within its airing such as questioning about the commercial loads and its very low performance in the television ratings. Now replacing the said series is the light-hearted drama More Than Words starring Elmo Magalona and Janine Gutierrez. But, instead of November 3, the network decided to move its airing date to November 17. This last-minute turn of events has become quite confusing for some loyal viewers of the network. But, do we have any other choice?

Another thing about GMA's primetime dilemma is the re-airing of another one of its popular Korean dramas back then, Coffee Prince. By putting it in the early primetime slot before 24 Oras is a statement that GMA has conceded to its most recent rival in that slot, the Philippine adaptation of ABS-CBN's popular Korean drama Pure Love (which will end on November 14 as well). Pure Love has indeed become a thorn in GMA's success since its premiere as it beat the likes of My BFF, Seasons of Love, and Elemento. The re-airing of Coffee Prince was also in response to the airing of the Korean drama Here Comes Mr. Oh on PTV 4, considering that channel 4 is not a very rich network giant and Coffee Prince is no Meteor Garden.

I thought that Second Chances starring Jennylyn Mercado would replace Ilustrado, once the ladder ends. But GMA decided to move its airing date to next year because of its big production budget and the concept of the story. Still, I am disappointed about it. Well, there is a positive thing about this dilemma. And that is the reshuffling that started last Monday within GMA News which includes the rebranding of its flagship newscast 24 Oras, the reintegration of all its regional news programs under one brand, and the addition of Vicky Morales in the 24 Oras crew. I would consider this as a saving grace for GMA primetime, knowing that it is still beaten by TV Patrol.

The lack of bankable and reputable stars and lower ratings are the reasons behind GMA's failure in the primetime programming grid. With just only one positive note and many big dilemmas within it, I think that the Kapuso network will remain the worst television station in the country, considering the fact that it is still bluffing about being number 1 in Metro Manila but it is not exactly true according to TV ratings. Well, we'll just see what happens next for GMA Telebabad next year!!