It has been a long time battle for network supremacy for the 2 giants in Philippine broadcasting. And each camp has always said that they are the best and they are the number 1. Before TV5 gains momentum anytime soon, here's my take on who I think is better.
Ratings Partnership:
GMA 7 has AGB and ABS-CBN has TNT
This is a toss coin. Both parties have somehow tarnished credibility but at some point, their Mega Manila figures are usually almost identical. TNT covers nationwide ratings, AGB is more focused on Metro Manila. ABS-CBN for the point.
Drama:
ABS-CBN has long been the powerhouse in terms of drama and tear-jerker soaps. And who coule forget the fact that Maalaala Mo Kaya is still there after so many years. It may have been rocked by others in terms of competition but while others come and go, it stayed. Kapamilya has the point.
Comedy:
Even with Comedy King Dolphy on their side, ABS-CBN usually fails in terms of competition for comdey shows. Save for some memorable shows Home Along Da Riles, Palibhasa Lalake, Oki Doki Dok to name a few (well, all of them are already long off the air) Their newest M3 is proving to be quite a dissapointment. Despite strong showings by its Goin' Bulilit and Banana Split shows, it still can't topple GMA-7's supremacy on the comedy lane. Pepito Manoloto, JejeMom, Bitoy and the long-running Bubble Gang are just some of the proofs for that. GMA-7!
Game Show/Reality Show/Contests:
I think ABS-CBN oftentimes come up with bright ideas to really spice up the game show/reality aspect of local TV. Who could not remember "Game Ka Na Ba?" and of course Showtime. They're new show are quite on the border of experimental but somehow makes up for good viewing as well - Twist & Shout and Panahon Ko 'To. GMA-7 usually comes up with game show/reality series which has its international versions - Family Feud, Survivor, Philippine Idol and Hole In the Wall. Let's not forget the Kapamilyas have a good roster to match that as well - Pinoy Big Brother, Fear Factor, Pinoy Dream Academy, Pilipinas Got Talent, 1 vs 100 and Deal or No Deal. ABS-CBN for another point.
News and Current Affairs:
ABS-CBN may have some of the more familiar/famous names - Korina Sanchez, Ted Failon etc. but GMA 7 has often been regarded by critics and viewers as the news bureau with the least bias. With Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez and Jessica Soho leading their pack, they surely have a lot to boast. 24 Oras, Saksi, Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho and Reporter's Notebook are all very good. Kapuso grabs the point here.
Variety Show:
Bigger and veteran names are in GMA 7's roster - Regine, Ogie, Jaya, Janno. But I give the point to ABS-CBN. I like the way they mix and match and try to give budding talents a chance to shine. Plus I like their production numbers more. Kapamilya point.
Talk Show:
Credibility is hard to earn when you're in the talk show genre. And with the likes of KC Concepcion, Kris Aquino, Toni Gonzaga and Boy Abunda leading their forefront one could not bet against them specially if you have Lolit Solis, Raymond Gutierrez and John Lapuz on the other side. ABS-CBN for another point.
Noon-Time Show:
No question about this one. Undeniably, Eat Bulaga reigns supreme over any show it was faced with. MTB, Sang Linggo NaPo Sila and Wowowee tried but can't keep up. The new show on the competitor side "Pilipinas Win na Win" is turning to be a sleeper. Hohumm. GMA takes this point.
Star-power:
I pretty much think that more Kapamilya stars are known in comparison to Kapuso stars. Unless you're a fanatic Kapuso, you'll know them. In the case of ABS-CBN, their stars are more seen on billboards, news and the like. Kapamilya for the point.
For me, they are good in their own rights but combine all the stuff plus their other activities (charity, public service), I'll give the point to ABS-CBN. Kapamilya is broader in range and much more diverse than GMA. 6 points to 3.
Ratings Partnership:
GMA 7 has AGB and ABS-CBN has TNT
This is a toss coin. Both parties have somehow tarnished credibility but at some point, their Mega Manila figures are usually almost identical. TNT covers nationwide ratings, AGB is more focused on Metro Manila. ABS-CBN for the point.
Drama:
ABS-CBN has long been the powerhouse in terms of drama and tear-jerker soaps. And who coule forget the fact that Maalaala Mo Kaya is still there after so many years. It may have been rocked by others in terms of competition but while others come and go, it stayed. Kapamilya has the point.
Comedy:
Even with Comedy King Dolphy on their side, ABS-CBN usually fails in terms of competition for comdey shows. Save for some memorable shows Home Along Da Riles, Palibhasa Lalake, Oki Doki Dok to name a few (well, all of them are already long off the air) Their newest M3 is proving to be quite a dissapointment. Despite strong showings by its Goin' Bulilit and Banana Split shows, it still can't topple GMA-7's supremacy on the comedy lane. Pepito Manoloto, JejeMom, Bitoy and the long-running Bubble Gang are just some of the proofs for that. GMA-7!
Game Show/Reality Show/Contests:
I think ABS-CBN oftentimes come up with bright ideas to really spice up the game show/reality aspect of local TV. Who could not remember "Game Ka Na Ba?" and of course Showtime. They're new show are quite on the border of experimental but somehow makes up for good viewing as well - Twist & Shout and Panahon Ko 'To. GMA-7 usually comes up with game show/reality series which has its international versions - Family Feud, Survivor, Philippine Idol and Hole In the Wall. Let's not forget the Kapamilyas have a good roster to match that as well - Pinoy Big Brother, Fear Factor, Pinoy Dream Academy, Pilipinas Got Talent, 1 vs 100 and Deal or No Deal. ABS-CBN for another point.
News and Current Affairs:
ABS-CBN may have some of the more familiar/famous names - Korina Sanchez, Ted Failon etc. but GMA 7 has often been regarded by critics and viewers as the news bureau with the least bias. With Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez and Jessica Soho leading their pack, they surely have a lot to boast. 24 Oras, Saksi, Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho and Reporter's Notebook are all very good. Kapuso grabs the point here.
Variety Show:
Bigger and veteran names are in GMA 7's roster - Regine, Ogie, Jaya, Janno. But I give the point to ABS-CBN. I like the way they mix and match and try to give budding talents a chance to shine. Plus I like their production numbers more. Kapamilya point.
Talk Show:
Credibility is hard to earn when you're in the talk show genre. And with the likes of KC Concepcion, Kris Aquino, Toni Gonzaga and Boy Abunda leading their forefront one could not bet against them specially if you have Lolit Solis, Raymond Gutierrez and John Lapuz on the other side. ABS-CBN for another point.
Noon-Time Show:
No question about this one. Undeniably, Eat Bulaga reigns supreme over any show it was faced with. MTB, Sang Linggo NaPo Sila and Wowowee tried but can't keep up. The new show on the competitor side "Pilipinas Win na Win" is turning to be a sleeper. Hohumm. GMA takes this point.
Star-power:
I pretty much think that more Kapamilya stars are known in comparison to Kapuso stars. Unless you're a fanatic Kapuso, you'll know them. In the case of ABS-CBN, their stars are more seen on billboards, news and the like. Kapamilya for the point.
For me, they are good in their own rights but combine all the stuff plus their other activities (charity, public service), I'll give the point to ABS-CBN. Kapamilya is broader in range and much more diverse than GMA. 6 points to 3.