Defunct afternoon variety show “That’s Entertainment” produced some of the finest actors and leaders in the Philippines including Mayor Isko Moreno, Mayor Herbert Bautista, Lea Salonga and Vina Morales.
Two other talents from the show, Janno Gibbs and Donita Rose, will soon be seen again on the boob tube via Cignal Television’s “The Last Woman Standing.”
Janno rose to fame with his version of “Ipagpatawad Mo,” and his tandem with Ogie Alcacid on “Small Brothers.” He had other TV shows like “Eat Bulaga” and “Ober da Bakod” co-starring Donita Rose.
She, on the other hand, became popular through sitcom “Alabang Girls,” and as host on morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda,” then on variety show “Basta Everyday Happy.”
Now, “The Last Woman Standing” is an irreverently funny teleserye on Sari Sari Channel. On it, has-been ‘90s star Vivian Surbito (Donita) hires millennial Debbie Garcia to write her new book about women and playboys. During research, she meets the estranged husband (Janno) of Donita, who happens to be a billionaire housing three millennial mistresses (Phoemela Barranda, Samantha Paige and Rose Van Ginkel)---and he invites Debbie to be the fourth. When Donita finds out about the mistresses, she joins the bid to win back her husband’s heart, hence, the title of the show.
I appear as guest in several episodes so I was able to interview some of the stars while shooting.
“It is a very difficult role for me because I am not a comedienne. I am not really comfortable with some of the bodyshaming jokes on the show,” she confessed. “But I told myself I am an actress so I have to step up my game and be the Vivian Surbito needed in the story.”
Janno is thankful Viva Films producer Vic del Rosario helped him with his comeback. The latter bankrolled the Janno Gibbs, Andrew E and Dennis Padilla movie “Sanggano Sanggago’t Sanggwapo.”
The mogul then gave Janno this TV project.
“The thing with being a Viva Artist is you always have a father to turn to and will always take care of you,” Janno said.
True. Ever since I signed up as Viva Artist, I always have work for nine years now---from movies and television to live events and concerts.
“The Last Woman Standing” airs its pilot episode on Oct. 11, 9 p.m.