SOP Rules

Infobox Television
show_name = SOP Rules


caption =
format = Musical variety show
camera = multicamera setup
picture_format = 480i SDTV
runtime = 2 hours
creator = GMA Entertainment TV Group
developer = GMA Entertainment TV Group
executive_producer =
starring = see SOP Hosts and Co-hosts
narrated =
opentheme =
endtheme =
country = Philippines
network = GMA Network
first_aired = February 2, 1997
last_aired = present
num_episodes =
website = http://www.igma.tv/showeps.php?showid=44
imdb_id =
tv_com_id =
preceded_by = GMA Supershow
succeeded_by =

SOP Rules is a Philippine noontime music/variety show aired by GMA Network. The show airs from 12pm-3pm on Sundays. The show is broadcast from Studio 3 at the GMA Network Center. The show title stands for “Sobrang Okey, Pare!” a Filipino expression which connotes enjoyment and appreciation of a particular thing that catches the imagination of the people. The title was coined by a group of GMA executives (led by Wilma Galvante) in early 1997 who conceptualized an interactive musical-variety show to replace the long-running GMA Supershow.

History

Sobrang Okey, Pare

Initially, the show’s cast was supposed to be composed of Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez and Vina Morales with the TGIS gang (led by Angelu de Leon) as co-hosts. However, only Janno, Ogie and Vina confirmed their participation in the show. Regine could not devote time to the show because she had prior singing engagements to attend to abroad. The TGIS gang on the other hand, was not allowed by the Viva management to do the show because their showbiz schedule was already fully-booked for the year. Instead, the GMA management took in Regine’s sister, Cacai Velasquez, sexy star Amanda Page, and upcoming young stars Gabby Eigenmann (son of character actor Mark Gil) and Bernadette Allyson to join the new group.

“Sobrang Okey, Pare” first started airing on February 2, 1997 with a live show from the GMA Broadway studios. Regular dancers include the VIP Dancers, Universal Motion Dancers, Abstract Dancers and Kidz at Work; with Al Quinn as director and German Moreno as production consultant. However, the show suffered in comparison to ABS-CBN’s “ASAP” and even had to endure a lot of criticisms from the entertainment press for using an acronym for the show’s title that sounded like the rival show’s. Despite the effort by the hosts and staff to make the show more exciting for the viewers every Sunday, “Sobrang Okey Pare” registered low ratings from the start and hardly gained support from the advertisers.

The show was rocked by controversies after they celebrated their first season on air despite low ratings and few advertisers. This started when GMA management called for an audition for a group of new in-house dancers to be known as SOP Dancers. This did not sit well with SOP’s resident choreographer, Maribeth Bichara and as a result, she pulled out the VIP Dancers from the show and resigned. SOP co-host Amanda Page also resigned from the show in sympathy for Maribeth and the VIP Dancers.

Another controversy that tainted the show in 1997 was the Rivermaya incident where the band was reportedly forced by a member of the production staff to vacate the stage immediately to make way for SOP’s in-house band. An altercation followed, resulting in an injury on one of Rivermaya’s members. The incident was brought to attention by the GMA management and as a result, Al Quinn resigned as the show’s director. Louie Ignacio, a known music video and commercial director, replaced Quinn and immediately made major changes to the show. Soon after, “Sobrang Okey, Pare” quickly caught the attention of the viewers and advertisers and soon was becoming on its way as a threat to the dominance of rival “ASAP”.

SOP

In 1998, the GMA management decided to reformat the show, introduce new segments and add new hosts. On its first anniversary, the show’s title “Sobrang Okey Pare” was shortened to “SOP” and introduced a new, lively theme song that says it all: "“S-O-P dito sa GMA!”"

Beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez and young stars Angelu de Leon, Jake Roxas, Antoinette Taus, Angelika dela Cruz, Dingdong Dantes and K. C. Montero were some of the latest additions in 1998. But what made “SOP” inch closer to rival “ASAP” in the ratings was the inclusion of Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez in the roster of SOP hosts and performers. Regine immediately blended with Janno, Ogie and the rest of the SOP gang as they started to conquer the Sunday noontime scene with aplomb like no other.

In January 1999, one of SOP’s pioneer host Vina Morales left the show due to alleged conflict of interest. While hosting “SOP”, Vina (a long-time contract star of Viva Films) became a freelancer and made movies for other film outfits like Octo Arts Films and signed a movie contract with Star Cinema, the film arm of ABS-CBN, which airs “ASAP”, a direct competitor of “SOP”. According to reports, the contract that Vina signed with Star Cinema required her first to have a show on ABS-CBN before making a movie for the network’s film outfit. Vina’s camp has already denied this, but on March 1999, she joined the Kapamilya network’s daily noontime show, Magandang Tanghali Bayan where she was a mainstay for two years before formally joining “ASAP” in 2001.

Despite Vina’s exit, “SOP”’s showing in the ratings game was going stronger. In 2000, a lot of changes were in store when the show moved to the brand-new Studio 3 of the GMA Network Center. Their roster of hosts got more formidable when rising divas Jaya and Lani Misalucha joined the show. The following year, they also added rising young singers Kyla, Nina and Karylle along with some upcoming teen stars, some of which are children of some of the respected actors in the showbiz industry. Among them were Danica and Oyo Boy Sotto (children of Vic Sotto and Dina Bonnevie), Kevin Vernal (son of character actor Ruel Vernal), Champagne Morales (daughter of singer Dinah Dominguez), and the "late" Miko Sotto (son of TV host Ali Sotto). Karylle herself is the daughter of “ASAP” host Zsa Zsa Padilla. Others who joined the show were Cogie Domingo, Roxanne Barcelo and James Blanco.

In 2002, the show finally grabbed the No. 1 spot from “ASAP” in the ratings game. Not only that, young stars like Judy Ann Santos and Rica Peralejo began their duties as guest co-hosts for a time. Soon after, multimedia young singer/actress Jolina Magdangal bolted out of “ASAP” and moved to “SOP” after she decided not to renew her contract with the ABS-CBN Talent Center, which managed her showbiz career since 1992.

SOP Rules/SOP Gigsters

In 2003, SOP’s tagline (and secondary show title) became “SOP Rules” after “ASAP” reformatted when its main hosts Pops Fernandez and Ariel Rivera left. “SOP” added more rising young singers with the likes of Jay-R, 604 and Malik joining the fold. Young actors like Richard Gutierrez, Brad Turvey & Chynna Ortaleza joined the show as well.

In 2004, comedian Rufa Mae Quinto and Starstruck’s Final 4 of Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, Yasmien Kurdi and Rainier Castillo added glitter to the already star-studded “SOP” cast. However Lani Misalucha left the show after she decided to accept a series of singing engagements in Las Vegas, Nevada. She vowed to return to “SOP” upon ending her stint in Las Vegas amidst rumors that she is being pirated by ABS-CBN to join “ASAP”. In June of the same year, SOP produced a spin-off show, SOP Gigsters which feature the young contract stars of GMA. Richard Gutierrez and twin brother Raymond Gutierrez were named as hosts of the new show.

In 2005, the entire cast of “SOP” and “SOP Gigsters” together with Mel Tiangco, Joey de Leon, Richard Gomez and German Moreno went to San Francisco, California in USA for the launch of GMA Pinoy TV, GMA’s direct-to-home TV service for Filipinos abroad. The reception that they got from Filipinos abroad was warm as they were welcomed with open arms. The show also broadcasted from other places in the Philippines, attracting people from as far as Dagupan, Cebu and Davao. Moreover, the show added the country’s premier R&B band, South Border, April, Aryana and Jerome John Hughes to its growing number of concert performers.

In September 2006, SOP did another show this time in Hawaii, minus hosts Regine Velasquez and Jolina Magdangal. In November 2006, the spin-off show "SOP Gigsters" was cancelled and Gigsters hosts Richard and Raymond Gutierrez were absorbed in the original "SOP" roster of co-hosts. Some cast members of "SOP Gigsters" were also absorbed in the show but only as featured performers.

In January 7, 2007, Gian Magdangal of Philippine Idol fame became the latest addition to the show's line-up becoming a show regular contributing in both hosting and performing chores. Consequently, the show relieved long-time SOP co-hosts K. C. Montero, Gabby Eigenmann, Aryanna, and April Villanueva as the show plans for a major 're-vamp' in 2007 with its hopes of signing more freelance talent. Recent additions in the show included Karel Marquez, Isabella and Sugarpop, a singing group composed of finalists from PopStar Kids, a Kiddie Talent Show in QTV 11. However, the show also suffered a big blow when one of its main hosts Lani Misalucha decided to sign up with rival show "ASAP" of ABS-CBN.

SOP has also been pre-empted only twice (compared to "ASAP") to accommodate important events covered by GMA News such as the Oakwood Mutiny in 2003 and the Manny Pacquiao-Jorge Solis fight in April 2007 (in cooperation with Solar Sports). SOP has also replayed on Sunday primetime during the Kapuso launch in 2002 and Christmas special in 2004, at that same time SOP's ratings began to rise against it's rival show and shows that it will once again dominate the Sunday Noontime show ratings.

On June 23, 2007, "SOP" began airing simultaneously over 97.1 Barangay LS, GMA's FM radio station in Metro Manila.

In 2008, top leading men Richard Gutierrez and Dingdong Dantes left the show because of their hectic schedules, but some showbiz insiders suspected there was a rift among the two actors because Dingdong was reportedly given more exposure because of his ties with "SOP" executive producer and manager Perry Lansigan. Both Richard and Dingdong have denied there was a gap in their friendship but promised they will still appear in "SOP" during special promos.

Currently, "SOP" has become a venue not only for its in-house concert artists but also serves as a launching pad for the future stars of the Philippine entertainment industry, GMA's groundbreaking shows and current raffle promos of some of its sponsors.

SOP is currently set to have a new home set via GMA Network's new Studio, Studio 4. Which will be one og the biggest studios in the Philippines holding 1,000 audience. This is set to release October 17, 2008. [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/19300/FIRST-READ-ON-PEP:-GMA-7-reveals-upcoming-lineup-of-shows FIRST READ ON PEP: GMA-7 reveals upcoming lineup of shows] ]

Other controversies faced by SOP

“SOP” suffered a controversy in early 2003 when one of its main hosts, Janno Gibbs, walked out after the show’s opening number in a particular episode and never came back. The incident was triggered when Janno’s wife, Bing Loyzaga reportedly that she was given a cold treatment by the people who were together with her in the dressing room. GMA executives conducted an investigation on the incident and suspended Janno from the show for 2 months.

While the suspension was in effect, Janno appeared in the rival show “ASAP” where his wife Bing Loyzaga celebrated her birthday. He also guested in Aga Muhlach’s comedy show “OK Fine Whatever”. This fueled speculations that he was transferring to ABS-CBN. Reports said that ABS-CBN has presented an offer to Janno where his talent fee will be doubled, and will have 3 regular shows (including “ASAP”), movies with Star Cinema (the network’s film arm), and recordings with Star Records. But Janno refused the offer made by ABS-CBN after GMA decided to lift his suspension from “SOP” and signed him up for a new comedy program that will further boost his team-up with bosom buddy Anjo Yllana and veteran comedian Joey de Leon. Janno returned to “SOP” on May 2003 and started working for his new comedy program on GMA, “Nuts Entertainment.”

Also on that same year, rumors spread that Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez were making beautiful music together. The story surfaced while the two were doing a series of Valentine concerts entitled “The Singer and the Songwriter.” Ogie’s wife, Michelle Van Eimeren was reportedly affected by the rumors but she has already denied this. Moreover, Ogie and Regine have denied the rumor as well as they have stressed that the two of them have a “wonderful working relationship and are very good friends.”

In 2005, some SOP hosts like Janno Gibbs, Jay-R, Kyla and Aryana were feted by their rival hosts in ASAP's Platinum Circle Awards. The awarding became a controversy because GMA executives felt that SOP was being used for ASAP's own gain. But ABS-CBN's Deo Endrinal pointed out that the inclusion of the four SOP hosts in the winners circle of the ASAP Platinum Circle was done without malice and it was not an intention to insult their rival show. As a result, the GMA management did not allow any of the representatives from their subsidiary GMA Records nor the 4 SOP hosts to appear in the rival show ASAP to accept the awards.

In August 19, 2006, rumors about Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez's love affair once again came out in the open after the Philippine broadsheet, The Philippine Star came out with a banner headline in the entertainment section that Ogie has filed for an annulment case against his wife Michelle Van Eimeren so that he could marry Regine. The article was written by Ricky Lo who supposedly had a lawyer as his source. A day after the story came out, Ogie spoke out during his birthday celebration at "SOP" and asked the press to spare his family. He immediately denied the whole story and apologized to Regine for the incident.

However, the supposed denial of their relationship did not quickly die down as actions spoke louder than words. During the Star Awards ceremony in October, Regine and Ogie dedicated their awards to one another (Ogie won as Best Comedy Actor while Regine won as Best Talent Show Host). During the 2007 New Year celebration at Baywalk jointly sponsored by GMA Network and Tanduay, the two "SOP" co-hosts hugged and kissed one another. Recently, GMA talk show "Showbiz Central" dished out the latest news about the couple: they will be marrying this June. Neither Ogie nor Regine admitted the news until recently, when Ogie decided to tell all in an exclusive interview with Philippine magazine YES. In the 16-page interview on YES Ogie admitted he and former wife Michelle Van Eimeren have separated, while declaring that he loves Regine so much.

And in 2007, a controversy sparked in the S.O.P set when Asia's songbird Regine Velasquez sang the lyrics of the Dream Girls' song "Listen" incorrectly. Reportedly, one of the staff members of SOP covered the idiot board, meaning that Velasquez may not have seen the lyrics correctly thus paving her to sing incorrect lyrics such as "Listen, I am the dog who leaves you", "And atchay atchay to say what's on your mind", and "You've made me you know, cannot complete".And coincidentally, some clips of Ogie Alcasid nodding disappointedly but supportively are shown. Tons of criticism boomed, but Regine and SOP fans remain unperturbed by this nonsense issues. According to some fan clubs and critics, mishaps can happen, not only to Velasquez, but to other singers as well. There are also some rumors that this controversy is one of the prime factors that lead Velasquez to nearly transfer at rival station ABS-CBN.

With the controversies surrounding the show and its cast members, the staff decided to make fun of it instead by creating a segment titled "Sobrang OJ Pare" where main hosts Ogie Alcasid and Janno Gibbs sing top hit songs with lyrics involving the hottest issues and poking fun at the personalities involved in it.

SOP's Unexpected Moments

Though SOP is packaged as a wholesome musical variety show, it also had its share of unguarded moments caught live on camera before a national audience. The show created a big controversy on February 2005 when co-hosts Dingdong Dantes and Karylle locked lips while doing an interpretative dance repertoire where Janno Gibbs and Jolina Magdangal sang. Because of what happened, many people started to become interested in what's the real score behind Dingdong and Karylle considering the fact that Dingdong and previous SOP co-host Antoinette Taus were an item. It didn't take long for Dingdong and Karylle to admit that they were going steady as lovers after they guested at GMA's talk show "Startalk" on April 2005.

The kissing incident was repeated on February 2006 when SOP Gigsters co-hosts Mark Herras and Jennylyn Mercado kissed on the lips before the cameras, while Jay-R and Janno Gibbs were singing. The sequence was supposed to be part of the show's Videoke segment where chosen actors play a part while the host/guest performer is singing. Apparently, Mark and Jennylyn got carried away and their live kissing became talk of the town, apparently because when that incident happened the popular loveteam were no longer an item in real life.

SOP's other unguarded moment was in April 2005 when Rufa Mae Quinto uttered the word "pekpek" (Filipino slang for vagina) on national television, in reference to the "short" shorts that she was wearing during the opening number. She actually called the shorts she was wearing as "pekpek" shorts. As a result, the MTRCB reviewed the particular episode and reprimanded Rufa Mae for her actions.

Regine leaves "SOP", then returns

On February 17, 2008, the viewers were in for a shock when Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez cried during the show's "Constellation of Stars" segment where she was serenaded by her SOP co-hosts. Speculations were fuelling that it might be Regine's last appearance in the show since she was bent to accept ABS-CBN's lucrative offer after taping earlier for the drama anthology "Maalaala Mo Kaya" and guesting in Kapamilya network shows like "Sharon" and "Entertainment Live".

After Regine's tearful appearance at "SOP", it was reported that among ABS-CBN's lucrative offer was the lead role in the Philippine version of "Betty La Fea", and her own musical variety show on primetime. But GMA executives were quick to the draw, as they called Regine for an emergency meeting on February 18. In some tabloid articles it was revealed that GMA gave in to Regine's demands by "tripling" her talent fee and give her 2 more shows.

It was expected then that Regine will appear again on the show last February 24, 2008. However, the Songbird was a no-show. Instead, she opted to guest at ABS-CBN's "The Buzz" where she confirmed she expressed her interest to play Betty in the local version of "Betty La Fea" and also declared that she has "no job" since the February 17 episode of "SOP" was her last show.

However, on March 2, 2008 Regine set foot once again at the GMA studios where she declared that she will remain a Kapuso and will continue to be seen at "SOP" and in other GMA shows in the next months. Recently she signed a two-year exclusive contract with the Kapuso network.

Awards & Recognition

Best Musical Variety Show

* 2000 Star Awards for Television (tied with ASAP)
* 2001 Star Awards for Television
* 2002 Star Awards for Television
* 2005 Golden Screen Awards

Hosting Awards

* Janno Gibbs (Best Male TV Host, Star Awards)
* Ogie Alcasid (Best Male TV Host, Star Awards and Golden Screen)
* Regine Velasquez (Best Female TV Host, Star Awards)

International Recognitions

* 1999 Finalist, New York Festivals- TV Programing and Promotion
* 2001 Finalist, New York Festivals- TV Programing and Promotion
* 2004 Finalist, New York Festivals- TV Programing and Promotion
* 2006 Finalist, Asian TV Awards- Variety
* 2007 Finalist, New York Festivals- TV Programing and Promotion

SOP Music Awards

In recognition of Filipino performers and songwriters, SOP created the "SOP Music Awards" in 2004. The winners were determined through text votes by SOP viewers. The first awards ceremony was held at UP Theater on August 2004. The resounding success of SOP Music Awards on that year prompted the GMA management and SOP staff to make it a yearly event.

Notable winners

* 2005 Yasmien Kurdi, MYMP, Cueshe and South Border
* 2006 Lovi Poe, Shamrock, and 6 Cyclemind
* 2007 Dennis Trillo and Yasmien Kurdi

Hosts

;Main hosts
* Regine Velasquez
* Ogie Alcasid
* Jaya
* Janno Gibbs

;Co-hosts
* Rufa Mae Quinto
* Raymond Gutierrez
* Dennis Trillo
* Jolina Magdangal
* Gian Magdangal
* Kyla
* Jay-R
* Karylle
* Heart Evangelista

Featured Performers in selected Segments

tanding Ovation

* Regine Velasquez
* Jaya
* Ogie Alcasid
* Janno Gibbs
* Kyla
* Jay-R
* Karylle
* Brenan Espartinez
* Gerald Santos
* Jolina Magdangal

Three of a kind

La Diva

* Jonalyn Viray
* Aicelle Santos
* Maricris Garcia
* Mae Flores (from Pinoy Idol)

You've Got Male

* Bryan Termulo
* Gian Magdangal
* Jan Nieto
* Harry Santos

ugarPop

*Rita Iringan
*Julie San Jose
*Renzo Almario
*Pocholo Bismonte
*Vanessa Ragandhol

ouled Out

*JayR
*Kyla

ayawONE

* Mark Herras
* Ryza Cenon
* Marky Cielo
* SexBomb Girls
* Rich Asuncion
* Miggy
* Jenny Miller
* Mart Escudero
* Aljur Abrenica
* Manoeuvres

;Ultimate Acoustic Number
* Gian Magdangal
* Dennis Trillo
* Aljur Abrenica
* Jimmy Bondoc
* Paolo Santos
* Nyoy Volante

Divas Now

* Jolina Magdangal
* Kyla
* Karylle
* Jennylyn Mercado
* Yasmien Kurdi

;Sobrang OJ, Pare
* Janno Gibbs
* Ogie Alcasid

emi-regular Performers

*Karel Marquez
* Harry Santos
* Michael Garcia
* Charmaine Piamonte
* MC Monterola
* Kristel Astor
* Lovi Poe
* Denver Regencia
* Joyce Tañaña
* Jennylyn Mercado
* Faith Cuneta
* Sheena Halili
* Arnell Ignacio
* Mocha
* Showboys
* Boys.com

Previous co-hosts

* Toni Gonzaga
* Vina Morales
* Angelu de Leon
* Antoinette Taus
* Anne Curtis
* Roxanne Barcelo
* James Blanco
* Nina
* Mo Twister
* Bobby Andrews
* Amanda Page
* Bernadette Allyson
* Sarah Geronimo
* Lani Misalucha
* Rachelle Ann Go
* Cacai Velasquez-Mitra
* South Border
* Jake Roxas
* Chico and Delamar
* Giselle Toengi
* Ruffa Gutierrez-Bektas
* Danica Sotto
* Oyo Boy Sotto
* Miko Sotto†
* Kevyn Vernal
* Champagne Morales
* Cogie Domingo
* Jerome John Hughes
* Nancy Castiglione
* Tanya Garcia
* Brad Turvey
* Greg Turvey
* Marielle
* Malik
* Radha
* 604
* Jake Cuenca
* K. C. Montero
* Gabby Eigenmann
* April Villanueva
* Aryana
* Richard Gutierrez
* Dingdong Dantes

* Stags
**Dion Ignacio
**Arthur Solinap
**Mike Tan
**Tyron Perez
**Marco Alcaraz
**Paolo Paraiso

Guest Co-hosts

If some of "SOP"'s main hosts could not make it to the show due to various reasons, the staff also hires a big-named star to guest co-host in the show. Some of the guest co-hosts were only good for an episode, while some continue their hosting and performing duties for a maximum of 1 month or more.

*Nora Aunor
*Joey de Leon
*Martin Nievera
*Judy Ann Santos
*Mel Tiangco
*Bong Revilla
*Michael V.
*Francis Magalona
*Ara Mina
*Dina Bonnevie
*Sharon Cuneta
*Pops Fernandez
*Ariel Rivera
*Richard Gomez
*Paolo Montalban

See also

*List of Philippine television shows
*List of programs broadcast by GMA Network

References

External links

* [http://telebisyon.net/serye/SOP/detalye/123/ SOP Rules] at [http://telebisyon.net Telebisyon.net]
* [http://www.igma.tv GMA Network Site]