ABS-CBN, Kroma launch interactive channel
ABS-CBN and Kroma Entertainment, which is backed by the 917Ventures Retirement Fund, launched the Pinoy Interactive Entertainment or PIE Channel (pie.com.ph) on May 23.
PIE channel is a real-time and multi-screen interactive channel where programs will be accessible to both television and digital platform audiences who can participate, often directly, with the shows. The programs air from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m.
“We always look at means to innovate and deliver fresh entertainment. We joined forces with 917Ventures and Kroma for their ecosystem of unique solutions expertise and technology and distribution scale. Combining this with our expertise in content creation, we are ushering in a new one-of-a-kind format for TV and digital entertainment that is designed to celebrate the fun and joy that viewers love,” ABS-CBN Head of Digital Jamie Lopez said during an online press conference on May 18.
“We are always looking for ways to uplift the lives of Filipino people by giving them access to essential services such as health services, financial services, groceries and even education,” 917Ventures managing director Vince Yamat said. “But we also realize that Filipinos should be given access to entertainment and participate in shows from the comfort of their homes.”
“Whether on their TV sets, laptops, desktops, or mobile devices, PIE is accessible to Filipinos who want to try a new way to consume — and play with — the shows they love,” KROMA Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Ian Monsod said.
THE SHOWS
PIE Channel’s programs include talk shows, interactive game shows, and talent shows. Viewers can participate in the programs by creating an account through the channel’s website.
The morning talk show — it airs at 7 a.m. — Piesilog offers inspiring stories and information needed for the day. It is hosted by Home Buddies Facebook community creator and Nobi Home founder Frances Cabatuando.
The variety show Barangay Pie airs at noon. It is hosted by Mayor TV, Abby Trinidad, Ruth Paga, Sunshine Teodoro, Inah Evans, Patsy Reyes, and Coco Cordero.
The talent show Piegalingan — hosted by actor and online streamer Ralph Malibunas, beauty queen and actress Sam Bernardo, and actor Eris Aragoza — highlights the achievements and skills of contestants.
PIE Channel’s Pienalo offers an interactive experience on the viewer’s chosen device. On it, the familiar game “Pera o Bayong” is given a new interactive format. An online player is selected and they have to choose from among 10 bayongs (woven market bags) containing cash prizes ranging from P3,000 to P100,000, winning the money contained in the bag of their choice. Meanwhile, online viewers are also given a chance to select a bag labeled as the “Tambahayan’s Choice.” Five viewers whose names will be raffled will win the amount contained in the “Tambahayan’s Choice” bag.
Another interactive show is the program Palong Follow, where viewers work together to find the country’s next big digital content creator.
Hosted by Aaron Maniego, Karen Bordador, and Renee Dominique, the interactive show PIE Night Long features relatable stories and situations with viewers able to share their opinions and be involved in the storytelling process.
Meanwhile, the interactive soap opera UZI allows viewers to suggest what happens in a story and complete an episode.
P10 MILLION UP FOR GRABS
In line with the launch, the PIE Channel is giving away P10 million in cash prizes over three months to viewers who engage with the shows and join games.
“As technology continues to evolve. We’re going to see more innovations that will make entertainment more immersive, engaging and rewarding. Just as technology evolves, so does the behavior of our audience. We embrace this and look at ways to complement this through entertainment,” ABS-CBN’s Mr. Lopez said.
PIE Channel is accessible to digital TV households in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Naga, Baguio, and nearby provinces through partner station BEAM. Aside from digital TV (PIE can be found by scanning the digibox), the channel can be viewed on its website pie.com.ph, on YouTube (http://youtube.com/iampieofficial), and on Sky Cable Channel 21. PIE will also be available on GCash GLife beginning May 28. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman
