That's Entertainment | GMA 80s Filipino Teenage Variety Show

That's Entertainment or simply known as "That's" was a Filipino youth-oriented talent and variety show that aired in GMA Network from January 6, 1986 – March 23, 1996. That's was hosted by German Moreno together with Ike Lozada. Let's go down memory lane with That's Entertainment here at Retro Pilipinas.

That's Entertainment - The Show
About That's Entertainment

That's Entertainment launched on January 6, 1986 by GMA Network and first aired from the old GMA building in EDSA, but later moved to the GMA Broadway Centrum in 1987 to accommodate it's increasing studio audience and fans. The Filipino youth variety show used song "That's Entertainment" as its main theme song. That's Entertainment was written by Arthur Schwartz with the lyrics of Howard Dietz which was written especially for the 1953 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical film The Band Wagon. Hosted by German Moreno together with Ike Lozada, That's gained popularity almost overnight among young Filipino audiences.




That's Entertainment ushered in new stars whom most have become the Philippine industry's finest. The youth-oriented variety show grouped their talents into five: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday groups. Every Saturday, all of the said five groups were joined together to performed various production numbers. The show paired up various talents to serve as love teams that usually illicit feelings of "kilig" to most of the show's female audiences. The pairing eventually transcended the show and some eventually hooked up in real life. The show was a star maker, those who were exceptional and offered something fresh became the industry's finest celebrity idols. Nobody can be young forever. That's members eventually moved on with their lives. Some got their much needed industry break making them the industry's popular actors, comedian/comedienne, actors, singers, dancers, and performers. Some decided to pursue a much fulfilling and private lives completely vanishing from the radar of the ever scrutinizing eye of the public. The show also catapulted different dance group to popularity, The Maneouvres, Streetboys, Abztract Dancers, Kids at Work, UMD all became the Philippines' premiere dance group because of the show. German "Kuya Germs" Moreno was recognized as the Philippine's star maker because of the said show.

That's went off the air at the height of its popularity back in March 23, 1986. The last episode of "That's Entertainment" was shown on Saturday primetime (9:00 pm) with former members reunited in a TV special entitled "That's The Reunion".

A Fan Tribute Video to That's Entertainment:

I wasn't really that into That's Entertainment that time. I was but a kid back then and had really no interest in an afternoon variety show. But I have to give credit to the show for discovering and launching the career of their talents who most have become the popular celebrities, politicians and professionals in the Philippines and even abroad. I was really not a That's kid, but it will forever have a special place in the hearts of those who supported the show.

What about you guys? Were you a fan of That's Entertainment? If you were, then what's your fondest memory, favorite love teams, favorite talent and general thoughts on the iconic star maker of a variety show from GMA Network back in its 80s-90s run? Share your thoughts on That's Entertainment on the comments section below:

Home Along Da Riles | An ABS-CBN 90s Sitcom Retrospective

Home Along da Riles is the longest running comedy sitcom (situation comedy) from ABS-CBN (ABS-CBN Corporation) that ran from 1992-2003 which primatily stars Philippines' comedy king Dolphy as Kevin Kosme, Smokey Manaloto as Bill Kosme, Gio Alvarez as Bob Kosme, Claudine Barretto as Bing Kosme, Vandolph as Baldomero Kosme or Baldo, Boy2 Quizon as Estong Kosme, Nova Villa as Corazon Madamba or Ason, Maybelyn de la Cruz as Maybelyn Madamba, Dang Cruz as Roxanne, Carding Castro as Elvis, Babalu as Richy, Tommy Angeles as Tomas, Cita Astals as Hilary Lagdameo, Bernardo Bernardo as Steve Carpio, Ericka Fife as Nonie, and Joymee Lim as Linggít.

Home Along Da Riles - The Story

Home Along Da Riles follows the lives of the Kosme headed by Kevin Kosme (Dolphy) widowed by Sion (also played by Nova Villa) leaving him with their four children (Bill, Bob, Bing and Baldo), and later an adopted son Estong. It depicts with struggles of the everyday poor-middle class family, but eventually finds refuge and fulfillment with the love of their family. It usually follows the exploit of the head of the household Kevin with his positive outlook in life amidst the bothersome twin sister of his deceased wife and her brothers, and an ellitist gay superior in the office, and a unstable house that seems to fall apart everytime the train passes through.

Home Along Da Riles Opening Theme
Home Along Da Riles Intro

The creation of the ABS-CBN sitcom Home Along Da Riles was inspired by the Hollywood film Home Alone starring Macaulay Culkin as "Kevin McCallister" and thus the Home Along resemblance in the title and Dolphy named after the movies main character, Kevin. Home Along Da Riles spun two comedy movies under Star Cinema during the sitcom's run. Home Along Da Riles reflect the everyday struggles of most of the impoverishes masses living in uncertainty of poverty but still manages to survive thanks to the love reigning in their family. Many Filipinos relate to Dolphy as Kevin Kosme. He became the image of the middle/working class individual, the dedicated and responsible father, and a friend to count on.

What are your fondest and most memorable moments of the series? How did you find the sitcom itself? Share your thoughts in the comments section below: