TV5 is cooking the next big food program and it’s called “Karinderya Wars.” It may sound like your usual “Top Chef” knock-off, but it surely isn’t. It is the search for the next “luto–negosyo” star so apart from being good cooks, the contestants need to be good business people, as well. The spotlight is on the humble karinderya and how it is a testament to the Pinoy’s passion for food and proof of our street smarts and uncanny business sense.
This morning, TV5 introduced to members of the press their new food-oriented show at the TV5 Studio in Broadway Centrum. Actor Marvin Agustin, who is also an entrepreneur and a restaurateur, is the show’s host. This is his third show with the Kapatid Network; the first two were “Artista Academy” and “Kanta Pilipinas.” Actually, his company Futuretainment, is producing “Karinderya Wars” together with the station.
All nine contestants were also present at the event: former OFW Vivian Pinlac, self-proclaimed kitchen performer Cesar Enriquez, mother figure Rose Estanol, lively Mary Jane Ahunciacion, all-around hottie Rona dela Rosa, hardworking Sha-Sha Resimolo, spice master Aashish Mirpuri, former model Aiman Perea, and jolly Agot Evangelista. Some of them shared how much (little, actually) they started with; for example, one had just P800 as capital. Others also shared how successful they and their karinderyas are. One earns approximately P25,000 a day, while another contestant boasted that she’s always pirated by karinderya owners.
In the show, all nine will undergo a series of challenges that test their taste buds and also their business savvy. One gets eliminated every week, and the last one cooking brings home one million pesos worth of cash and a negosyo showcase that will help them start their culinary empire.
Apart from being very localized (we’re talking about people who own/work in a karinderya, after all), one thing that will most probably make the show click with the viewers is the roster of interesting contestants. It’s a mix bag; there’s a former model who will probably get more air time, a lovable lady everyone wants to win, plus an Indian guy who should give Sam YG a run for his money.
This show is definitely not a “Top Chef” wannabe.
Catch “Karinderya Wars” premiering this Monday, April 8, weekdays at 11:15 a.m. on TV5.
