EDITORS DESK
For the first time in the history of Philippine television, a 24-hour comedy channel was launched to bring the best of Filipino entertainment to the country.
Dubbed “BuKo” (short for Buhay Komedya), the comedy channel offers a refreshing lineup of continuous TV amusement – from treasured comedy classics, hit sitcoms and gag shows, to all-new original programs featuring some of the country’s most sought-after talents.
It is divided into three programming blocks: BuKo Originals, Tawang Pinoy Klasiks!, and Throwback Tawanan.
Buko Originals is the flagship block encapsulating authentic Pinoy humor and creativity in an exciting lineup of “fresh” original programs. Featured in the BuKo Originals block are #MaineGoals, a lifestyle-oriented show hosted by Maine Mendoza where she will tick off tasks or “goals” from her checklist; Kusina ni Mamang, a cooking show hosted by Pokwang; and News Patol, hosted by Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, a comedy show bringing “mga patolang balita.”
Tawang Pinoy Klasiks offers a treasure trove of well-loved Pinoy comedy classics such as Iskul Bukol, Wow Mali, Bubble Gang, OGAG, Loko Moko, Tropang Trumpo, among other TV hits.
Throwback Tawanan brings a variety of popular comedy series and game shows that Filipinos have been clamoring to watch again on TV, including Pidol’s Wonderland, Celebrity Samurai, Mac & Chiz, Sugo Mga Kapatid, and more.
The pandemic has affected all of us to some degree. And one way that many of us coped was to watch tons of entertainment streamed through our quarantine homes. And this is what the Filipinos need – a 24/7 local comedy channel that will bring hilarious, feel-good and non-stop entertainment for viewers of all ages, any time of the day nationwide.
It took six years for Cignal, the country’s premier direct-to-home satellite provider and leader in Pay TV, to finally seal a partnership with powerhouse TV and film production company APT Entertainment for the creation of Buko Channel.
“Conceptualizing the programs for BuKo Originals was never an easy task, but it was well worth it, especially with the talents that we’re working with and all the amazing ideas that are brought to the table. We look forward to filling BuKo with non-stop laughter and feel-good entertainment for the whole family,” APT CEO and President Michael Tuviera added.
The historic launch of the comedy channel, available only to 3.6 million Cignal subscribers, will fuel the creation of quality shows for all.
“With our collaboration to produce BuKo, and with it historically being the first 24/7 local comedy channel in the country, we are further fueled by our shared passion to create and offer quality programming and top-notch entertainment for all,” adds Cignal TV Inc. FVP/Head for Channels and Content Management Sienna Maris G. Olaso.
BuKo promises to be a one-stop channel that is home to the best of Philippine comedy, with both classic and originally produced programs that aim to satisfy viewers of all ages.
The originals lineup lives up to its title, as each of the shows serves refreshing content in their own unique ways.
In #MaineGoals, Maine’s comedic flair adds flavor to her lifestyle-oriented show as viewers join her journey of new experiences and personal challenges.
On the other hand, Kusina ni Mamang is an entirely new concept as Pokwang, highlighting her humorous wit and love for cooking, takes viewers back to the traditional ways of cooking Filipino dishes that are no longer practiced nowadays.
“In these unprecedented times when Filipinos need to be entertained more than ever, we are pleased to work with Cignal TV Inc. in bringing BuKo to life. Through this new comedy channel, we take pride in offering highly entertaining content that will fill homes with collective laughter as families spend quality time watching our shows on BuKo,” adds Tuviera.
The long-awaited comedy channel is here, and it’s 100 percent guaranteed to make you feel good! Buko Channel is here to provide comfort.
(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)