TV5 enters the second half of 2026 with a bigger, more diverse slate of stories

By Isabella Cuartero

TV5 is stepping into the second half of 2026 with a bigger, more diverse multiplatform slate, strengthened by its renewed partnership with ABS-CBN and a lineup that puts Filipino stories, talent, and entertainment at the forefront.

At the network’s Tara, Kapatid! 2026 Midyear Media & Trade Celebration on Aug. 6 at the MVP Studio in Mandaluyong City, members of the media and advertising community were treated to performances from StarWorx Block 1 artists before TV5 president and CEO Guido R. Zaballero formally welcomed guests and unveiled the network’s expanded programming lineup.

Zaballero said the renewed partnership with ABS-CBN will help bring TV5’s growing slate to a wider Filipino audience.

“Our partnership is built on a simple belief: when great stories reach more people, everyone benefits — our audiences, our creators, our advertisers and partners, and ultimately our industry,” Zaballero said.

Zaballero added, “As we build on the momentum of the first half of the year, we are strengthening our programming, expanding our digital presence, and creating more opportunities for Filipino stories and talents to reach wider audiences.”

Among the personalities entering a new chapter with TV5 is veteran broadcaster and host Korina Sanchez-Roxas, whose decades-long storytelling journey—from “Balitang K” to “Rated K” and now “Rated Korina”—continues on the network. Her voice indeed has shaped generations. “Face to Face with Ate Koring” is also reaching a larger audience with its expanded airing across TV5 and ABS-CBN platforms.

Sanchez-Roxas welcomed the transition, particularly the opportunity to showcase Filipino talent (especially children’s talent) and stories.

For Sanchez-Roxas, the move to TV5 has been a smooth one.

“I’m very happy. The transition was very smooth. Everybody is also naka-ngiti sa staff natin.”

At the heart of Rated Korina, she said, is the continuing search for compelling Filipino stories.

“Napakayaman ng ating bansa sa mga kuwento ng ordinaryong Pilipino.”

And as long as those stories continue to be told, Sanchez believes there will always be a place for the program.

“Habang may kuwentong Pinoy, nandiyan ang ‘Rated Korina.’”

Meanwhile, “A Secret in Prague,” now airing across TV5 and ABS-CBN platforms, is reaching more viewers while strengthening the network’s primetime lineup.

Starring Andrea Brillantes and Enrique Gil, the action-romance-drama follows Chiara, an empowered young woman whose journey of discovery leads her to the biggest secret of her life. Also joining the cast are Kim Domingo, Cedrick Juan, Edu Manzano, and Joel Torre.

Addressing expectations surrounding her transition to TV5, Brillantes said her evolving image reflects natural growth and maturity rather than an attempt to reinvent herself. No major transformation, she noted.

“Wala naman po talaga akong ginawa na maging new Blythe ako,” she continued, “It’s more of because I grew up in the public eye, tingin talaga nila ako itong child star, bagets ako, but honestly, (in) reality, it’s just that I’m growing up lang po… I’m being more mature, but I’m not trying to do anything new. Just growing up as a woman and learning a lot from myself, sa lahat ng nakakasama ko.”

Bringing heart to the afternoon lineup, Shaina Magdayao and JM De Guzman star in “My Bespren Emman,” now part of TV5’s Hapon Champion lineup and available to Kapamilya viewers. The series explores friendship, family, resilience, faith, and second chances.

For both of them, the series also had a profound impact on their personal lives.

“This is an answered prayer,” Magdayao shared.

After exploring different genres through the years, she said she was grateful to return to this kind of storytelling—and for the unexpected bonus of reaching Book 2.

“It’s beautiful to be able to be given this opportunity (faith-based series/programs).”

De Guzman, meanwhile, admitted that he had struggled with his spiritual life and connection with God before taking on the lead role in “My Bespren Emman.” The actor shared how the series helped him reconnect with his faith.

Preparing for the role encouraged him to meditate and pray regularly, helping him find greater clarity and a deeper connection with God.

“Habang ginagawa namin ‘to, nakakausap-kausap ko si Emman… How (do) I prepare for the role? Nagme-meditate talaga ‘ko and pray and para magkaroon ako ng connection kay God. And I do it every day before shoot, and kung nasa bahay lang before I sleep and masarap siya sa pakiramdam.”

Also joining TV5’s expanded lineup is the much-awaited reunion of Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal in the upcoming morning series “Mommy Guard.”

“Natutuwa kami ni Marvin na ‘yung mga nagmahal sa amin nu’ng 90s ay nagmamahal pa rin hanggang ngayon, at may bago na, ‘yung mga anak na nila ay minamahal na kami,” Jolina said.

Their chemistry and friendship have remained constant through the years, with the pair always striving to bring a fresh perspective to every project.

“Kumbaga nakakatuwa ‘pag nakikita nila kami ni Marvin, yes, naaalala nila ang throwback, nostalgia. Pero every time kaming magkakasama ni Marvin at mayroon kaming project na gagawin, excited kami kasi bago ‘yung ipinapakita namin as Marvin-Jolina and as MarJo.”

In “Mommy Guard,” their chemistry takes on a fresh story about love, family, and the conflicts that come with them.

“Mommy Guard” blends romance, comedy, and family life, bringing Agustin and Magdangal’s unmistakable chemistry to a new generation while giving longtime fans a nostalgic reunion with the iconic tandem—a beloved pair that defined an era in Philippine entertainment.”

Joining Marvin and Jolina in the series are Dominic Ochoa, Roxanne Guinoo, Cedrick Juan, Pearl Gonzales, Nathalie Apollo, Celyn David, among others.

TV5 is likewise strengthening its morning news lineup with “Frontline sa Umaga,” bringing together Ed Lingao, Angela Lagunzad-Castro, Maoui David, Chiqui Roa-Puno, Alvin Pura, and Dr. Richard Gadiaza to deliver the latest news, relevant conversations, public service updates, health insights, and practical advice to help Filipinos start their day informed.

The Kapatid Network is strengthening its commitment to Filipino talent with the launch of “Star Worx: True to Life,” a new platform for emerging artists across television and digital media. The property aims to develop the next generation of performers and personalities while creating opportunities across TV5’s growing slate of entertainment, digital, and live offerings. 

Likewise, “Vibe Plus” is entering a refreshed chapter as it celebrates its anniversary. The music and variety program will feature established performers, rising artists, Filipino musicians, and new voices through live performances, collaborations, and music-driven content. 

Together, the initiatives reinforce TV5’s support for Filipino talent, Original Pilipino Music, and the broader entertainment community.

Alongside ABS-CBN primetime series “Sigabo” and “Someone, Someday,” and game shows “Everybody Sing” and “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal,” the strong audience response to these programs gives TV5 a solid foundation for an even bigger content offering through the rest of the year.