Some of the country's most popular content creators and influencers led by Boss Toyo are bringing their online content to mainstream via Geng Geng Network on D8TV, accessible nationwide via digital free TV. (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Facebook/Geng Geng Network) |
D8TV, the newest hub for Filipino influencers and vloggers, is making waves on mainstream television ahead of the Philippine government's implementation of the country's full transition to digital terrestrial television (DTT). Headlined by the Geng Geng Network featuring an exciting lineup of popular content creators and influencers comprising of Jayson Luzadas a.k.a. Boss Toyo, Rendon Labador, Ava Mendez, Lai Austria, JP Bacallan, Dane Grospe, Whamos, Tukomi, Team Veron, Makagago, Mommy Gangster, Princess Tan, and Mikay among others, D8TV is poised to redefine entertainment for Filipino audiences.
During a recent media conference for Geng Geng Network held last December 2, 2024 at the Trigger Cine Studio in Quezon City, Boss Toyo, who now serves as D8TV’s Vice President for Creative Content, highlighted the hurdles they face in establishing the Geng Geng Network’s presence. Among these challenges, he emphasized the following priorities:
• Filling airtime from morning to evening across daily and weekly schedules
• Encouraging fellow influencers and content creators to join the network
• Navigating the struggles of traditional TV including layoffs and stiff competition from other channels
• Securing advertising partners to sustain operations and provide returns for sponsors
Toyo shared, “Isa yon sa mga major challenge: paano natin mahihikayat yung ating mga kapwa content creator at influencer na mag-come dito sa aming Geng Geng Network sa D8TV. (One of the major challenges is how to encourage fellow content creators and influencers to join our Geng Geng Network on D8TV.)” He also outlined their step-by-step approach, prioritizing the completion of airtime slots, explaining, “Inuuna muna namin is mapuno yung airtime nitong Geng Geng Network namin. (We are prioritizing filling the airtime of our Geng Geng Network.)” Rendon Labador, one of the network’s prominent personalities, shared their vision of becoming role models for other content creators, saying, “Dagdag sa sagot kung bakit kami nag-mainstream, gusto naming maging role model sa mga kapwa namin content creator na magkaroon ng responsibility sa tao. (Adding to why we transitioned to mainstream, we want to be role models for fellow content creators in taking responsibility for their audience.)” He stressed the importance of addressing the unregulated nature of social media where inappropriate content often proliferates. The Geng Geng Network aims to collaborate with the MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) to establish standards for creating meaningful and educational content. Labrador explained, “Gusto naming makagawa ng standard, na tingalain kami as a good example. (We want to set a standard that others can look up to as a good example.)” This initiative, he hopes, will inspire aspiring creators to produce valuable content that imparts life lessons.
Boss Toyo expressed his excitement about creating a platform that bridges social media and traditional TV, saying, “Talagang dream ko ito na magkaroon ng ganitong platform ang mga influencer, para mas malawak pang audience ang marating namin sa Pilipinas. (It has always been my dream to create this kind of platform for influencers to reach a wider audience in the Philippines.)” Meanwhile, former People's Television Network Inc. (PTV-4) General Manager and currently D8TV Creative Consultant Ana Puod explained the network's goal of evolving TV entertainment to meet changing viewer demands, noting, “Gusto namin sa D8TV na punuan ang mga nagbabagong anyo ng entertainment na hinahanap ng mga manonood ng TV. (We want D8TV to fill the changing forms of entertainment that TV viewers are looking for.)” she noted. Notable figures who graced the event in support of the new network were former ABS-CBN News reporter and now D8TV Sales and Marketing Manager Jay Ruiz and even Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC 13) President Jimmy Policarpio. Currently airing on D8TV are “Pinoy Pawnstars”, "Bigayan Na With Boss Toyo", "The Game Changer", "Motivated 3x3 Basketball League", "Motivated Billiards League", and "Pigeon Insider" as well as programs of Island Living Channel and Pilipinas HD. Expect more shows to be launched on the network in the coming months including "OFW Diaries", "Remember Me", "I Heart You", "Moto Vated", "Geng Geng News", "Zypher Philippines", "Food Vlog", "Mommy Gangster", "Real Talk", "Bini Rosa", "What’s Up Klasmeyts" and the PCSO Lottery Draw. Assembling some of the top vloggers, influencers, and content creators in the country, D8TV ushers in a fresh wave of entertainment for Filipino audiences.
D8TV can be accessed across the Philippines on digital free TV via Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media Inc. (BEAM) through the following channels:
• Mega Manila: DTT channel 31.7 and GMA Affordabox channel 43
• Baguio: DTT channel 26.7
• Naga: DTT channel 32.7
• Iloilo: DTT channel 26.7
• Cebu: DTT channel 31.7
• Davao: DTT channel 31.7
• Zamboanga: DTT channel 31.7
By the end of 2024, the network will also be available in Batangas (DTT channel 51.7) and General Santos (DTT channel 45.7). (Note: Availability may vary depending on your digital box.)