• Anthony Taberna’s mascot Tonton has sparked curiosity about Arn-Arn’s whereabouts.
• It is said that the puppeteer of Arn-Arn got sick and is unable to come to work anymore, resulting for the puppet to be stored in a room at the Network.

Anthony Taberna‘s introduction of Tonton at the opening of the 8th branch of Ka Tunying at SM North, has sparked curiosity about a certain puppet’s whereabouts.

Unlike Arnold Clavio‘s Arn-Arn, Tonton has the capability to walk, dance, and entertain the attendees of the event. But Arn-Arn also has his advantages. One of which is that he can talk.

Look-Up with Tito Arnold Clavio and Arn-Arn! pic.twitter.com/FN8XxCAwbw

— Eat Bulaga (@EatBulaga) March 10, 2014

But before people talk about a showdown between the two, where is Arnold Clavio’s sidekick?

Arn-Arn used to appear in Unang Hirit daily, helping with the commentary and reporting of news.

According to a staff of Unang Hirit, the puppet is sadly stored away in a corner of a room at the News and Current Affairs department of GMA Network.

Magpapahuli ba naman si Arn-Arn sa #ALDUBEBForLove? Of course not! Cutie! ♥ (Photo by Janela Paguio) pic.twitter.com/z2Gl9Jblod

— Unang Hirit (@UnangHirit) September 26, 2015

It is said to be that the puppeteer got sick and is unable to work anymore.

“Nakatago na lang si Arn-Arn. Nagkasakit kasi yung puppetter kaya hindi na siya puwedeng magtrabaho.”

Arn-Arn was known as the “Pambansang Puppet ng Pilipinas” who even had its own Twitter account.

• AlDub fans pushed for Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza to portray the lead roles of GMA Network’s upcoming rendition of ‘Descendants of the Sun’.
• Others expressed their opinions against the idea.

Fans of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza are pushing the loveteam to star in the upcoming Kapuso remake of the popular Korean drama Descendants of the Sun.

READ: “Sama-sama pa rin tayo!” Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza reassures AlDub fans

As the remake was announced as one of the Network’s upcoming projects this 2019, the Aldub fans have been tweeting nonstop, requesting for their favorite celebrities to be the main stars.

https://twitter.com/Sinag78217857/status/1081165189507035138

https://twitter.com/empath_ako/status/1081581801561182210

A Netizen said that the loveteam can do it as Richards has experience when it comes to action scenes and Mendoza can also do the character of Dra. Kang.

Pwedeng-pwede talaga ang AlDub sa Descendants of the Sun. Magaling naman sa action si Alden at 'yung character ni Doc Kang eh kaya naman ni Maine.

— Kharl (@superkav16) January 1, 2019

Gusto ko un sundalo si Alden at nurse si Maine, mala Descendants of the Sun o mas masakit un Pearl Harbor.
Gusto ko sila makita sa ganung eksena.#ALDUBHomeOfLove #ADNSantasDay1NgPahavs

— ⚫ HuwagKangManghusga ⚫ (@jolmarion) December 10, 2018

READ: GMA Network releases 24 titles of the shows to look forward to this 2019

But there are also some who were against the idea of the duo assuming the roles, saying that Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado are to be the leads instead.

https://twitter.com/rod_rin49/status/1081373078326730752

On the other hand, a Netizen questioned GMA-7‘s ability to produce quality shows as she mentioned that she has learned her lesson from the Philippine version of My Love from the Star.

GMA network will make an adaptation of "DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN"

Alden and Maine will be the lead.

wtf. HINDI NGA MAKAGAWA NG MAAYOS NA FILIPINO DRAMA EH SABAY GAGAWA NITO.

NADALA NA AKO SA ADAPTATION NG MY LOVE FROM THE STAR HA! kainis. ayusan nyo GMA.

— 정말사랑해방탄 (@loveallpeople00) January 4, 2019

“Hindi ko pa rin po alam. Sana po,” he said when asked at his Thanksgiving Party.

“Pero sa ngayon po, as of the moment, wala pa pong final words sa soap opera.”

• Ogie Diaz said that it’s okay for Kiray Celis to make a sudden network transfer.
• He also shared his sentiments over other timely subjects this Christmas season.

Ogie Diaz shared his opinion over Kiray Celis‘ transfer from ABS-CBN to GMA Network.

In his Mama Ogs Say Facebook post on December 24, the writer and talent manager shared his thoughts about timely subjects including Kiray’s network transfer, the Metro Manila Film Festival, and even the godmothers and godfathers who hide from their godchildren when it’s Christmas season.

He said that he sees no problem with Kiray’s signing with GMA-7 because that doesn’t chang who she is.

“Okay lang naman. Pagbali-baligtarin man ang mundo, Kiray Celis is Kiray Celis. Just like Anna Dizon is Anna Dizon.”

View this post on Instagram

IT’S OFFICIAL! Kiray Celis signs with GMA Artist Center.

A post shared by LionhearTV (@lionheartvnet) on Dec 20, 2018 at 1:45am PST

Ogie also shared his fearless forecast regarding the MMFF entries.

“Obvious namang topgrosser na naman ang pelikula ni Vice Ganda, ‘yung “Fantastika. Followed by “Puliscredibles” nina Vic Sotto at Coco Martin, then tie ‘yung “Aurora” ni Anne Curtis at “Rainbow Sunset, then “Orange Dress” nina Jericho at Jessy Mendiola. Hanggang du’n na lang muna at nakalimutan kong hindi naman ako si Madame Auring. Wala bang entry ang Ms. Valenzuela?”

He then gave advice to the godparents who hid from their godchildren this Holiday season, saying that instead of not showing themselves, they should just tell the truth.

“So kung wala kang pambigay na regalo o aginaldo, sabihin mo ang totoo kesa takasan mo. Kung malalaki na ang mga inaanak mo, i-tag mo sa post mo sa fb na pasensiya na at walang-wala si ninong. ‘Yan ay kung mapapaniwala mo sila sa paeklat mo.

“Maging totoo na lang, kesa mangutang ka para lang magpabida sa mga inaanak mo. Pangakuan mo na lang na magreregalo ka sa birthday niya, tutal, hindi naman magkaka-birthday ang mga inaanak mo. Kung walang-wala, magpakatotoo. Kung meron, ‘wag magdamot. Hindi naman araw-araw ang Pasko.”

He also admitted that he, too, has a lot of godchildren then shared circumstances that he faced in the past regarding the giving of gifts.

“Diyos ko, sobra. ‘Yung iba, binigyan mo na, tapos, ‘yung magulang, sasabihin, ‘Pare, baka pwede mo namang dagdagan, minsan lang naman ang Pasko.’ Sinasagot ko ng, ‘Pare, hindi ikaw ang inaanak ko… ‘yung anak mo.’

“Meron pang eksena, ‘Pare, baka pwede mong dagdagan, magmo-mall pa kami ng inaanak mo.’ Sasagutin ko ng, ;Ah, gano’n ba? O, sige, bawasan mo ng 3k ‘yung utang mo sa akin.’ Di ba, nakakalokah? As if ‘yung anak lang nila ang kaisa-isa mong inaanak na umaasa sa ‘yo ng aginaldo?

“Kaya ako, dumating na talaga ako sa point na pag hindi ko ka-close ‘yung kumukuha sa aking ninong sa binyag ng anak nila, sinasabi ko, ‘Kelan lang naman tayo nagkakilala. Saka na, sa next na anak mo na lang. By then siguro, close na tayo.'”

• Wowowin contestant shared his unusual love story.
• He said that he thought he was gay until he met the girl that changed his life.

The viewers of GMA Network‘s Wowowin were greeted by a touching story of how a bisexual man thought that he was gay, until he met his now girlfriend.

What’s more amazing is that the girl also turned out to be bisexual.

Austin shared his story during the Willie of Fortune segment on December 14. He said that he really thought that he was gay because he had a boyfriend of six years.

“Akala ko dati bading talaga ako eh kasi nagkaroon po ako ng ex na lalaki, six years. Kaka-break lang po namin. Akala ko siya na eh. Pero ngayon Kuya Wil, hindi ko alam kung bakit.”

Then he met Marie.

“Siguro pain changes people at na-in love ako sa babae. At may plot twist, bisexual din siya.”

The contestant told his girlfriend that if before, she thought that he was just joking around, now she knows that he’s not.

“Akala mo kasi dati biro lang eh. Ngayong gusto ko, ayan nationwide, gusto ko malaman mo na seryoso ako doon at saka sana hayaan mong ako ‘yung maging lalaki ng buhay mo,” Asutin told Marie.

• Lolit Solis said that she doesn’t think GMA Network is petty enough to ban Coco Martin’s name in Kapuso shows.
• Martin replied that he has high regard toward the network and he holding a grudge against the network is not in his capacity.

In a recent Instagram post by entertainment personality Lolit Solis, defended GMA Network, expressing her thoughts about the assumptions of Netizens that Coco Martin is banned from being mentioned in any Kapuso shows.

She said that she doesn’t believe that the network is that petty to actually prohibit the stars from saying the actor’s name and maybe Maine Mendoza just had a “moment” and forgot to mention her other co-star in the movie Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles.

“Imposible na hindi pagbigyan ng GMA si Coco dahil alam din ng lahat na sa 7 nag-umpisa ang career ni Coco Martin. Huwag na natin bigyan malisya na hindi siya nabanggit, baka may big pakulo para sa announcement ng naturang movie, malay natin, wait lang tayo.”

View this post on Instagram

Hindi naman ako maniniwala sa balitang 'ban' si Coco Martin sa GMA. Hindi naman siguro ganun ka-petty na ang co star ni Bossing Vic Sotto sa filmfest movie niya hindi puwedeng banggitin ang pangalan. Baka naman may moment lang si Maine Mendoza kaya nalimutan banggitin ang pangalan ni Coco nang mag-promote siya. Imposible na hindi pagbigyan ng GMA si Coco dahil alam din ng lahat na sa 7 nag-umpisa ang career ni Coco Martin. Huwag na natin bigyan malisya na hindi siya nabanggit, baka may big pakulo para sa announcement ng naturang movie, malay natin, wait lang tayo. Sa bait ni Coco, sure ako mag-melt ang puso ng mga executives ng GMA, sila Lilybeth, Redgie, at Gigi. Naku, excited iyan na personal makita si Coco Martin sa studio ng 7 noh, bet ko iyan. #lolitkulit #instatalk #71naako @mr.cocomartin

A post shared by LolitSolisOfficial (@akosilolitsolis) on Dec 9, 2018 at 5:05pm PST

Martin then replied to the post, saying that he understood and he has high respect toward  GMA Network especially that it’s the Network that first opened its doors for him.

“Napakabait po nila sakin kaya wla pong problema sakin yon at kahit kaylan hindi ako mag tatampo sa kanila.”

He added that he’s also grateful for having the chance to work with Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza.

Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles will be out on December 25 as an entry for the Metro Manila Film Festival.

• Michael V. reacted to Mystica’s request for her be part of Bubble Gang.
• The comedian said that the final decision is still in the hands of GMA Network.
• After appealing for Coco Martin and Michael V. for help, she is now asking Dingdong Dantes to make her be part of GMA-7’s Cain at Abel.

After two weeks of Mystica‘s appeal and calling the attention of comedian and television personality, Michael V., has clarified that he does not have the power on who to accept as a member of sitcom, Bubble Gang.

On Sunday, December 2, he tweeted a message, addressing Mystica’s request.

He stated that as much as he want to make other people a part of his shows such as Pepito Manaloto and Bubble Gang, the final decision still lies with the Kapuso network.

https://twitter.com/michaelbitoygma/status/1069426884985839617

The comedian made the statement after almost two weeks of being silent.

Mystica’s appeal.

In a series of Facebook posts, Mystica has requested the help of Michael V. to make her a mainstay in the gag show.

She wept while sharing her feelings in her videos. The 90s singer said that she thought that Coco Martin would be the key to her comeback in showbiz but the latter was accused of disowning her by killing her character off in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.

https://www.facebook.com/ruby.villanueva.900388/videos/192678555002009/

“Nananawagan po ako kay Michael V. Sana po ampunin niyo na ako. Akala ko kasi aampunin na ako ni Coco Martin pero tinakwil po ako. Hindi lang po ako tinakwil, pinapatay pa ako. Ikaw na lang po ang pag-asa ko para masabi kong may nagmamahal sa akin.”

READ: Mystica asks Dingdong Dantes for help after Michael V. remains silent

After the comedian’s, she is now asking actor Dingdong Dantes for help to get her a part in Cain at Abel.

Adding to her latest appeal, she stated that she will never stop asking for help for those who can guide her.

• Eat Bulaga hinted about a possible studio transfer.
• They are said to move to a four-story building in Cainta, Rizal after using the Broadway Centrum for nearly four decades.

Is Eat Bulaga finally transferring to its new home?

A few viewers of GMA-7‘s daily noontime show have noticed what seemed to be hints that the program will move into a brand new studio.

A short video was shown in the middle of the program after the segment Boom. There, they introduced a kid named Amboy which invited his two friends to play.

It was seen that Amboy was holding a newspaper named Balita Pilipinas that contained the faces of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon. “4 na dekada ng saya” was also written.

The kid made the newspaper into a paper airplane and made it fly in the air. A sign was seen containing the words, “Truckrental para sa lipat-bahay”.

Amboy and his friends then went to a store wherein they were greeted by the owner that said, “Bulaga!”

When the children reached the playground, on of his friends said, “Ang saya naman dito, Amboy.

“Kahit nasaan tayo, masaya.” Amboy replied.

It was no secret that the show has been planning to move out of the said venue and are planning to move in a four-story building in Cainta, Rizal named APT Studios.

Eat Bulaga has been in numerous studios before, including Broadcast City, Celebrity Sports Plaza, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center, and in Broadway Centrum, wherein the show has stayed for almost 40 years.

• GMA News TV to become a digital channel.
• The Kapuso network is also planning to release a DTT device next year. 

GMA Network Incorporated is set to convert GMA News TV into a digital channel by next year.

It started 13 years ago as QTV, which was primarily featured international dramas and lifestyle programs that aimed towards women. It has become a part of the partnership between GMA Network and religious broadcaster, ZOE Broadcasting Network.

On March 18, 2007, QTV introduced a new logo which brands the network simply as Q.

It was discontinued in February 2011 in preparation for the launch of GMA News TV. Its programming now consists of news, public affairs and sports programming produced by GMA News and Public Affairs. Entertainment, lifestyle, cooking shows, talk shows, local and foreign dramas, travel, and foreign animated series were part of the lineup as well.

As soon as the network is turned into a digital channel, it is said that a big part of the news programs, produced by GMA News TV will transfer to online platforms.

As all analog channels will be switched off by 2023, channels are starting to convert to the digital platform, which includes ABS-CBN, GMA Network, UNTV, PTV, TV5, CNN Philippines, and Light Network, among others.

GMA Digital TV Device.

It has been going around that the Kapuso network is planning to release their own Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) device sometime next year. The said DTT is currently under “final testing” and is targeted to be launched at the first quarter of 2019.

• Mystica complained about her short stint in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.
• She proceeded to ask Michael V. for help in getting her in Bubble Gang.
• Netizens expressed their opinions about Mystica’s sentiments.

Mystica (known as Ruby Villianueva in real life) has sought the help of rapper-comedian-actor Michael V. to give her a chance in showbiz. This was also the way she appealed to Coco Martin to be a part of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.

READ: Mystica expresses regrets over her ‘axed character’ in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”; the Split Queen-singer appeals anew but this time to Michael V of “Bubble Gang”

Via a Facebook live, she stated her disappointment when her character, Rosa, got killed in the action-drama series. She is now requesting Michael V. to have her as a part of GMA Network weekly gag show, Bubble Gang.

https://www.facebook.com/ruby.villanueva.900388/videos/192678555002009/

Netizens have expressed their reactions after Mystica has voiced out her request. A certain Duane Lao called her “bastos” and described her as a “primadonna”.

Bastos ka naman girl. Nabigyan ka trabaho ngaun sasabihin mo nasusulsulan k lng. Sana wala ng hanash. Tingnan natin kung makapasok k pa uki sa showboz after. Alam naman na lahat why ka matanggal dahil primadonna ka. Agad nanghingi k agad ng sarili mong tent kaya nabuwisit ang producer sau at pinatay ang karakter mo. Magpaoaawa ka tapos makakuha k lng ng kontong break yumayabang ka agad. Nalukunod k sa isang basong tubig. Girlllll wag ganun. Tsala ung pinirito mong manok sa video kinainan mo tapos binalik mo sa paninda mo. Pota. Ang baboy!

Other netizens told her to be thankful that she even had the chance, instead of complaining about the lack of or short in exposure.

Pasalamat ka pa din dapat Mystica na at least nabigyan ka ng trabaho. Wag puro reklamo.

Walang utang na loob tinulungan na nga nag rereklamo pa…..
Hiya hiya din uy!!!!

Alam mo Mystica maliit man o malaki ang tulong na naibigay sayo dapat mo pa rin ipagpasalamat. Pero kung tinulungan kana ganyan ka pa eh mukhang ang mga Taong gustong tumulong sayo ang Kusang Lalayo sayo.

Anthony Sulayao Mabulac said that it’s because of Mystica’s rude behavior that led her to have only appear in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano for a short stint.

Masama daw kasi ugali ni Mystica.. Kaya tinapos agad character nya

Midge Banua Villarama then implied that she has no sense of gratitude and Coco Martin owed her nothing.

Utang na loob pa ni coco na kinuha ka? Kapal umangat lang ulit ng konti nagyabang kana naman, kaya ka bumabagsak…

Another username then urged Michael V to think about it as no one knew the real reason why she’s not in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano anymore.

Naku michael v. Nagisip ka muna dahil malamang may rason yan bakit pinatay siya sa probinsiyano. Baka bigyan ka rin ng problema

Kate Gamara – Bribon said that it was all due to Mystica’s over-the-top acting.

Oa kasi umarte ni aling rosa. Kya pinatay kagad. Hahaha. Pasalamat k p nga dapat ee. Lahit oa ka pnagtyagaan ka ng ang probinsyano. Gaga! Bawal oa sa bubble gang cpmedy kasi un. Bka mabadtrip lng viewera pg knuha ka!

Neither Michael V. or FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano have commented regarding Mystica‘s statements.

• Hundreds of stars were included in the 2018 Kapamilya Christmas station ID
• But there are still some who were not spotted in the music video.

The internet went crazy when ABS-CBN‘s 2018 Christmas station ID “Family is Love” on Sunday, November 18, during ASAP Natin To.

There has been hundreds of stars seen in the video, which included, Vice Ganda, Coco Martin, Sarah Geronimo, Gary Valenciano, Piolo Pascual, and Regine Velasquez. Loveteams KathNiel, LizQuen, JaDine, JoshLia, and MayWard were also present in the video.

But as it seemed like every Kapamilya star has participated in the Station ID, there are still notable stars who were not sighted in the video.

Janno Gibbs

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnqoO4iHvKT/

Janno openly expressed his disappointment on Instagram. In his now-deleted post, he told everyone not to look for him at the Station ID because he was not even given the chance to participate.

“Throwback to Sept. 12 this year when I signed with @starmusic.ph. Naalala ko lang. Sila yata di ako naalala e.”

He also replied to one comment saying that maybe it’s because he’s not signed on a network contract, but as far as he knows, as long as you’re a recording artist, you’ll be included on the station ID.

When another netizen suggested for him to return to GMA-7, however, he told that the Kapuso network isn’t giving him any projects.

Sharon Cuneta

View this post on Instagram

The best family moments are made in the kitchen, don't you think? Favorite ko talaga mag-bonding with my kids over a hot bowl of Tinola made with Magnolia Chicken 3-Way in Ginger. Mas madali na gawin, heartwarming sa sarap pa rin! @MagnoliaCSPH #3WaystoWOW

A post shared by ActorSingerPresenter (@reallysharoncuneta) on Nov 15, 2018 at 1:04am PST

The Megastar was also not included in the Station ID. She is currently filming for her movie with Kathryn Bernardo and Richard Gomez, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.

Julia Montes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmqeEW4hnUA/

Julia, who is filming for Doctors to the Barrio alongside Kean Cipriano, was also not sighted in the music video.

Angelica Panganiban

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqMSEohhd1z/

The Exes Baggage star was also absent.

Alessandra De Rossi

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqbN9VDHKNy/

Alessandra was also not in the station ID. Her movie ‘Through Night and Day‘ is currently showing in cinemas.

Kisses Delavin

View this post on Instagram

Where the rain falls, the sun also shines. Uwu

A post shared by K I S S E S (@kissesdelavin) on Nov 4, 2018 at 8:32am PST

DonKiss fans fans have noticed the absence of the loveteam’s other half Kisses.

Judy Ann Santos

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpewjBYHz8i/

Like the artists listed above, Judy Ann did not participate in this year’s ABS-CBN Station ID.