TV

Reasons why you should not miss the pilot of 'Open 24/7'

By Aedrianne Acar

Shopping is more fun on Saturday primetime with the newest comedy program that will tickle your funny bones.

What's more, three of the biggest stars in show business are joining forces to deliver quality laughs to viewers that will give good vibes beginning May 27.

Open 24/7, bannered by multi-talented comedian Jose Manalo, award-winning actress Maja Salvador, and comedy icon Bossing Vic Sotto, is one of the much-awaited shows this 2023 on GMA-7.

The story revolves around Boss EZ's (played by Vic Sotto) convenience store, Open 24/7, which was started by his brother through a bank loan. Unfortunately, his brother had an accident and is temporarily disabled.

As the co-borrower, Boss EZ has no option but to take responsibility and deal with all the difficulties of managing his zany Gen Z crew, and quirky clients, or risk losing everything.

But before we watch the grand premiere this coming weekend, here are more reasons why staying at home and watching Open 24/7 on Saturday night is the new habit you should embrace.

1. It's Maja Salvador's first Kapuso sitcom

Open 24/7 is a momentous project for the Majestic Superstar Maja Salvador, because it will be her first sitcom with the leading broadcast giant GMA-7.

The versatile TV-movie actress told the press at their media conference last May 8 why she decided to take on this project with Bossing.

She explained, “Para bigyan ko lang din po kayo ng background kung bakit ko tinanggap ito. Hindi lang siyang basta 'yung nagawa ko ng role dati. Challenging din ito for me. Ang character name ko dito si Mikaela, isang kikay, maarte na babae,” she explained.

“Lahat sila magagandahan kay Mikaela, pero hindi nila alam kung ano'ng ganda o hindi maganda darating po sa convenience store. Guguluhin ko 'yung mundo nung convenience store without them knowing.”

2. Kilig tandem of AlFia

After the successful run of their primetime series Luv Is: Caught In His Arms, Sparkle loveteam Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay were again entrusted with another big project via Open 24/7.

This time, they will not only provide us with the kilig moments every Saturday night, but they will also flex their comedic talents as Kitty (Sofia Pablo) and Al (Allen Ansay).

3. New hunks to watch for

Aside from the exceptionally funny moments to watch in Open 24/7, the show will also feature three new hunks under Sparkle GMA Artist Center that will make your Saturday night viewing a lot more interesting.

Fil-Chinese heartthrob Kimson Tan is Kokoy, while Moreno hottie Abed Green is the delivery rider Fred. Meanwhile, Doe will be portrayed by former Kapuso teen star Bruce Roeland.

Which of these hunks is your dream guy, ladies?

Source: mr.abedgreen (IG), kimsontann (IG) and roelandbruce (IG)

4. Versatile actors Riel Lomadilla and Anjay Anson

Making this sitcom a lot more exciting are two multi-talented Sparkle artists Riel Lomadilla and Anjay Anson.

Riel is an exceptional singer and is a product of the singing talent competition The Clash. It will be nice to see her deliver funny lines and jokes this time around as Bekbek in Open 24/7.

We have seen Anjay Anson work the catwalk and brighten up every morning as a host of Unang Hirit, but now, he is ready to unleash his “kakulitan” as the smooth-talking shelf refiller Andoy.

Source: _anjayanson (IG) and xoxo_gma_riel (IG)

5. Return of Jose Manalo and Vic Sotto's tandem

Fans are craving for the hilarious tandem of Jose Manalo and Vic Sotto in a sitcom. Their last comedy show was Hay, Bahay!, which ended in August 2017.

Admittedly, Jose is feeling a bit of pressure, especially he'll be sharing screen time with Bossing in Open 24/7 again.

He told Kapuso Insider, “Unang-una, siyempre, masaya kasi nagkaroon uli tayo with Bossing.

“Napahinga nang matagal-tagal. 'Tapos, pangalawa, kinakabahan. Kaya ko bang mag-dialogue? Medyo maninibago. Panibagong taping na naman, adjustment.

“Pero 'yung makasama uli ako ni Bossing, masaya. 'Yung tandem namin, chemistry, mabubuhay. Bagong character, bagong simula. Siguradong magulo ito, e. At si Bossing naman, kasi e, kahit sino naman i-salpak mo diyan. Kahit siguro hindi niya ka-partner or 'di niya ka-team, kaya, e.”

6. Bossing is in charge!

Time and time again, Vic Sotto has proven that comedy is his bread and butter.

After the phenomenal run of Daddy's Gurl, the seasoned comedian is already back to showcase quality laughs to the delight of viewers.

In addition, Bossing chose to pivot away from his usual “dad” roles to give something new to the viewers.

The highly-respected actor and host explained, “'Yung character ko rito as the boss [Boss EZ] supposedly the boss nung convenience store. Ito 'yung aking mga tauhan, mga kasama. 'Tapos si Maja [Salvador], so iba! Iba ang magiging personalidad ko dito. Usually sa Daddy's Gurl, ako 'yung tatay, daddy. Ganun din sa Daddy Di Do Du, daddy rin. So, right now medyo aalis muna ako sa daddy roles. Kumbaga e, ano lang 'to dabarkads role.”

Open 24/7 is under the helm of JR Reyes and is a major collaboration between GMA Network and M-Zet Productions.

The show will have its grand opening beginning May 27, after #MPK (Magpakailanman) on GMA-7. Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.