More chika and fun with Jefferson Fernando
‘It is a happy watch, and I believe it can be a guilty pleasure for everyone. And the happiness, fun, spontaneity and warmth? It all comes from what Baninay, Donita and I give to the show.’
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‘It is a happy watch, and I believe it can be a guilty pleasure for everyone. And the happiness, fun, spontaneity and warmth? It all comes from what Baninay, Donita and I give to the show.’
One of the better business decisions of the Kapuso network is bankrolling and greenlighting the entertainment talk show format.
On GTV is Chika Cart, which starts airing on 28 September. It is an entertainment show like no other as it uniquely brings together current celebrity news, conversations and discussions about the many shades and sides of the entertainment industry, and interactive live selling.
Its hosts are Baninay Bautista, content creator and now first-time TV talk show anchor billed as the chika influencer; Rodello Solano, popularly known as comedy bar and TV host Donita Nose, the chika beshie; and seasoned entertainment journalist and the senior entertainment and lifestyle news correspondent of DAILY TRIBUNE, Jefferson Fernando, the definitive chika authority.
The Bautista, Solano and Fernando-hosted show is not like the usual entertainment talk programs from the past, like Star Talk and The Buzz
With Chika Cart, audiences get to know about celebrity blind items, controversies, rumors, scandals and facts and, at the same time, browse a literal cart and purchase must-have and "I want some more" kinds of items.
Chika authority
As the seasoned host of Chika Cart, Fernando said about the show, “It is a happy watch, and I believe it can be a guilty pleasure for everyone. And the happiness, fun, spontaneity and warmth? It all comes from what Baninay, Donita and I give to the show. I think all of these are already plus points for people not just to watch us for a few minutes but to give us their precious time and focus and make us their daily companion in this extraordinary entertainment and shopping offering.
“It is gladdening to note that this nostalgia for entertainment talk shows is for real, and that viewers want to see them again. The fact that TV networks are investing in the format again is a welcome development,” said Fernando when asked about the entertainment talk format's comeback. “What differentiates us from the iconic shows of yore is the currency we give to a certain issue, intrigue, or story. We share and talk about it in a light manner, never condescending or sounding like a total turn-off. We talk about our stories like friends during bonding and catch-up time.”
He added: “The footprint and legacy that The Buzz and Star Talk left, and all the shows in this format are the inspirations for Chika Cart.”
On what he wants the show to achieve, Fernando said: “The goal is for the viewers to pass their time with a lot of enjoyment and laughter since showbiz gossip and online shopping are part of Chika Cart’s unique blend and selling proposition. I believe that because of this blending, televiewers will give us their love and support.”
On his co-hosts, Fernando said: “Baninay and Donita surprised me with their know-how, charm and wit. They offer fresh insights and perspectives to the topics for discussion. I also like the fact that we bonded and jelled in an easy-peasy manner. When the taping started to roll, we were already like old friends who share opinions on anything and everything."
Since showbiz thrives on intrigues and gossip, is he ready to be intrigued and gossiped about? Fernando answered: “That aspect of show business is something I need to accept and take. It will be a challenge when it happens, which I hope not, since I have been used to telling and reporting the stories of showbiz personalities, and not me as the subject matter.”
His wishes for Chika Cart, Fernando said in conclusion, “I wish that we stay on TV for a long haul. The present is bright. The future is exciting. I know with Baninay, Donita and the rest of the team, we can become iconic. Kayang-kaya namin 'yun (We can definitely handle that).”
Chika Cart, the main TV show, airs Monday to Friday, 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m., on GTV. Chika Cart Add Pa More, the online aftershow, happens from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the ATM (Adventure, Taste, Moments) YouTube and TikTok channels.
