A Threat to Kalye Serye? ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ Debuts on Showtime

THE DECADES-OLD singing contest ‘Tawag Ng Tanghalan’ makes a grand comeback as a segment on ABS-CBN’s noontime show IT’S SHOWTIME, in an effort to win a bigger share of TV ratings against rival EAT BULAGA’s ‘Kalye Serye.’

The show debuted on Saturday, January 2, and found its first winner, Michelle of Davao City, after she bested three other contestants from other regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Metro Manila. The Metro Manila contestant failed to impress the judges and was the first victim of the “Gong,” the abrupt decision not to let a contestant continue when he or she is out of tune.

The board of judges is headed by composer Manny Valera and includes director Edgar Mortiz and singer-songwriters Yeng Constantino, Nyoy Volante, and Rico J. Puno. Mortiz is a product of the 1968 version of ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan.’

The show, which previously aired on radio, has produced many big names in the industry, including Pepe Pimentel and Superstar Nora Aunor. Then a 14-year-old lass from Bicol, Nora Aunor won the 1967 version with her winning piece, ‘Moonlight Becomes You,’ which paved the way for her grand showbiz career.

Nora Aunor (Riding a Moonbeam to Fame, June 17, 1967) – Tawag ng Tanghalan

Ratings Game

Obviously, the move and the recent reformatting aim to combat the popularity of Eat Bulaga, which has dominated the noontime slot with 30-50 percent ratings compared with Showtime’s single-digit ratings for months.

Showtime suffered a major ratings loss and is still having a hard time getting a share of TV viewership nationwide because of the mass acceptance of Kalye Serye.

Kalye Serye features the hit tandem of actor Alden Richards and Dubsmash character Maine Mendoza, known as AlDub, and three grandmothers played by comedians Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and Paolo Ballesteros.