JUST A THOUGHT: “Remember no storm will ever last a lifetime. Just hold on, be brave and have faith. Before you know it, the storm will be gone.” —Dianerste Ross

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   ONE STEP AHEAD: Life goes on for ABS-CBN, despite the 70-11 ‘’No’’ vote imposed by the 18th Philippine Congress’ on network’s application for the renewal of its franchise set for another 25 years.

   According to network insiders, they have anticipated the legislative body’s decision and have prepared for such an eventuality.

   As early as June 13, more than a month after the network went off air due to expiration of legislative franchise, ABS-CBN Corporation launched the Kapamilya Channel, a temporary replacement of the main terrestrial ABS-CBN network Channel 2.

    The alternate channel currently airs new episodes of some of network’s programs, like “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” “Love Thy Woman,” “A Soldier’s Heart,” “It’s Showtime,” “TV Patrol,” “News Patrol,” “The Voice Teens,” “ASAP.”

"Ang Probinsyano" is now being fully streamed on YouTube.  

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    NEW SHOWS PREMIERE: New shows like “Iba Yan,” “Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan” (Judy Ann Santos), “The World of a Married Couple” (K-Drama) premiered recently.

    On reboot is “The General’s Daughter,” starring Angel Locsin, boldest celebrity newsmaker in the fight for franchise renewal. There’s also the ever reliable drama anthology, “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” hosted by Charo Santos.

    These and other ABS-CBN shows can now be viewed on pay cable, satellite TV, TFC.

     Network president Carlo Katigbak said they will continue to find more ways to deliver news, public service, and entertainment to Filipinos around the world. He acknowledged that while the franchise renewal saddens them, he remains hopeful the true story of Filipinos shall continue to be told.  

     Kapamilya Channel is available on SKY, Cablelink, G Sat, TFC and most member-cable operators of the Philippine Cable Television Association (PCTA) nationwide.

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     SPIKE IN YOUTUBE: Needless to say, Congress’ decision on the ABS-CBN franchise renewal bid has sent shock waves across the globe, saddening millions of Filipinos who depend on the network for news, entertainment and public service.

    Proof of ABS-CBN’s hook with audiences everywhere is the marked increase (25,000) on its YouTube channel subscribers within 24 hours after its closure by Congress.

    A Social Weather Station (SWS) survey also said 75 per cent of Filipinos wanted to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.

    Meanwhile, only 11 congressmen voted in favor of the renewal. That’s roughly 1 congressman for every 1,000 employees directly affected by the closure.

    Danny Buenafe, former Europe bureau chief, said on Facebook: ‘’People will follow with or without a franchise.’’

    Leo Katigbak, head of its film archive and restoration division, says: “It will be very difficult but we are optimistic, we will persevere.’’

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   FILMING ON GOING: Lockdown or not, network creatives aren’t sitting in a corner, moping over their fate.

    Production work remains in full swing, such as one top-billed by Sam Milby. Stars and staff are locked in at an undisclosed location until Aug. 9.

     Many other shows are either in the planning, pre- production or post-production stages.