At GTV 'It's Showtime' signing: 'Thank you for your kindness, GMA' — ABS exec Carlo Katigbak

"Its Showtime" formally signed a contract with GMA's GTV on Wednesday, with executives of both media giants present at SEDA Vertis North in Quezon City.

GMA was led by Network chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide and Support Group, and President and CEO of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, President and COO Jimmy Duavit Jr., and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong.

ABS-CBN’s President and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak, Chairman Mark L. Lopez, COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes, and Officer-in-Charge of Finance Group Paul Piedad were also present.

In his speech, Katigbak thanked GMA for welcoming "It's Showtime."

"Maraming salamat Atty. Gozon, [Atty] Annette, Jimmy [Duavit], Joel who is not here, Philip [Yalung] at sa lahat ng aming mga Kapuso sa pagtanggap sa 'It's Showtime' at sa pagyakap ninyong muli sa ABS-CBN," Katigbak said.

Narrating how the events transpired, the ABS executive admitted they didn't expect another partnership with GMA, shortly after "Unbreak My Heart," the monumental collaboration between the networks and Viu was launched.

According to Katigbak, they quickly called President and CEO of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes to discuss another possibility of a partnership upon learning that "It's Showtime" might be moved to another time slot.

"In less than two weeks, we were again welcomed into your network," he said.

"Thank you for your kindness, GMA," Katigbak added.

In his speech meanwhile, GMA's chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon warmly welcomed "It's Showtime" and ABS CBN, declaring "TV war is over." 

Gozon also said that GMA Network's GTV is more than happy to provide a new home to "It's Showtime."

“Gusto kong sabihin sa pagkakataon na 'to na malugod naming tinatanggap ang popular program na ‘It’s Showtime’,” he said.

"It's Showtime" hosts Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Jhong Hilario, Kim Chiu, Amy Perez, Ogie Alcasid, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, Ryan Bang, Ion Perez, MC, Lassy, Jackie Gonzaga, and Cianne Dominguez were there, with Anne and Kim turning emotional after the bosses' speeches. 

"It's Showtime" will have its GTV premiere on July 1 at 11:30am, after which it will air from Monday to Saturday at 12nn. — LA, GMA Integrated News