Time for this LOL-worthy revival?
Indeed, it’s nearly a decade and a half since it was cancelled.
But the zany comedy “Palibhasa Lalake” might be set for a retelling.
And, it seems ABS-CBN is taking yeeeaaarrsss to cotton on to this idea.
And the stars re-converged
When Joey Marquez made the first trip back to the Kapamilya network two years back, everyone turned curious when Richard Gomez also returned. Joey and Richard jumped ship from ABS-CBN to rival GMA Network in the late nineties after “Palibhasa” was zapped off the air in 1998.
With John Estrada already in ABS-CBN, having all three “Palibahasa” mainstays in one network created a small buzz that a reunion was in the works.
But nothing transpired.
Separate showbiz gigs remained separate
Joey kept his known job as a showbiz talk show host while Richard appeared in teleseryes.
But with the celebration of ABS-CBN’s 60th year, the idea of a revival seemed worth a revisit as, curiously, two more notable members—both prominent talents of ABS-CBN’s rival networks—have also gone back to the Kapamilya fold.
Carmina Villaroel left her hosting and acting gigs in GMA to to become a Kapamilya again this year. And, just recently, Amy Perez said “bye-bye” to her top-rating morning show on TV5, “Face to Face,” and said “hello again” to her former colleagues in ABS-CBN.
Too dated?
Consider also the other regulars in “Palibhasa” who are all freelancers: Gloria Romero, Anjo Yllana, Cynthia Patag, or the Gwapings (Eric Fructuoso, Mark Anthony Fernandez and Jomari Yllana), all currently acclaimed character actors. They can be called upon easily to revive the comedy.
Everything seems to be in order, yet it seems the network doesn’t seem too pressed for the revival to push through. Can you say a petition at change.org to (hopefully) generate thunderous demand?
Sure, Cynthia Patag can’t reprise her colegiala role; neither can the characters of Carmina and Amy. And, the vaguely sexist undercurrent of the show might raise politically correct hackles. Plus, current viewers may regard the toilet humor and senseless gags of the show as too dated.
A fresh spin is in order
But that’s the precise reason a revival is in order. Retain the premise of the show but give it a fresh spin.
A millennial “Palibhasa Lalaki” may yet resurrect the network’s comedy programming, which has been in the general doldrums as far as mega-ratings are concerned since Dolphy and Tito, Vic and Joey ruled ages ago.
With its classic cast, the new “Palibhasa” could tackle the familiar themes of today, with, say, the added star power of Kathniel. Toss in the sexiness of Georgina Wilson or Anne Curtis and some extra gab from Vice Ganda, Luis Manzano, Ramon Bautista or Vhong Navarro.
Missing the LOL
Then, pull in recurring guests such as John Lloyd Cruz and Angelica Panganiban, Kim Chiu and Xian Lim, Richard Yap and Jodi Sta. Maria, Gerald Anderson and Maja Salvador, Melai and Jason, Ai-Ai—well, you get the picture.
And—this can’t be underestimated—impeccable comedy writing, which is surely not wanting, given the treasure trove of Filipino creative talent.
After all, we all need a sustained “LOL” moment on TV.
It’s something I’ve missed for a really long time.
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