Face 2 Face (formerly Face to Face and abbreviated as F2F) is a Philippine television tabloid talk show broadcast by TV5. Originally hosted by Amy Perez, it premiered on March 22, 2010 on the network's morning-line-up. The show concluded on October 11, 2013. The show returned on May 1, 2023 replacing Tropang LOL on its timeslot, with Karla Estrada as its host.
| Face 2 Face | |
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Title card since 2023
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| Also known as | Face to Face F2F |
| Genre | Tabloid talk show |
| Created by | TV5 Network, Inc. (then ABC Development Corporation) |
| Directed by |
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| Presented by |
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| Opening theme | "Face to Face" by Leah Patricio |
| Country of origin | Philippines |
| Original language | Tagalog |
| No. of episodes |
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| Production | |
| Executive producer | Nel Rodriguez-San Luis |
| Production locations |
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| Camera setup | Multiple-camera setup |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | TV5 |
| Release | March 22, 2010 (2010-03-22) – present |
The program aims to make a televised Barangay Hall, a small local government office where people take arguments to be heard by Tanods (Peacekeepers). It also aims to give its audience lessons by showing the complainant's problems that the hosts and the counselors try to solve.
Any citizen in the Philippines who is fluent in the Tagalog language can file any complaint about someone which will become the basis for an episode. The production crew then goes over the records available and choose which cases to present on the show.[1] They will then interview the two parties and provide background about the problem.
During the show, the host will talk to the complainant in-person to describe the problem. This is the Puti or white side. The Sawsaweros (male studio audience involver) and the Sawsaweras (vice versa), may ask some questions or make statements, along with the persons originally involved.[1] After a live interview with the complainant, the opponent is brought on stage and forms the Pula, or red side.
Next there is a confrontation, which often results in an argument or even a fight on the stage. As the show progresses, both sides may add another person, to persuade the live audience. Before the guests appear on stage, they must undergo a security inspection for the safety of both arguing parties. In the first run, at most key points in the show, the host will ask the audience which side they are on, which is answered by the audience by raising signs with the colors for each side. In the second run, the host will ask the audience, and the audience uses a phone to vote on which side they are on, and the result shows on the screen. The stage crew are always prepared for confrontations and interdicted by two bouncers[2] while a production crew and the security unit provide backup if more than two people are involved. In most cases the fight scenes are removed from the daytime version of the show, but left in the primetime edition, which is a 60-minute replay. The evening edition is always inspected by the MTRCB before it is broadcast. Paramedics are also available in case of serious injuries.
The Trio Tagapayo (Three Advisers) can also give tips and advice to prevent fights. This group is composed of a lawyer, a psychologist and a priest who give legal, psychological, spiritual advice to the two parties respectively.[1][3] Occasionally the show invites a guest expert as appropriate to the conflict involved.
The show sometimes ends with statements from the involved parties that they are not yet ready to be friends again or resolve the problem. After giving the final resolution or not, the host provides her final thoughts on the issue. The show also conducts a follow-up to confirm if there is progress or not.[1]
Face to Face would later be developed into a new program, Face the People, which premiered on October 14, 2013. Amy Perez was supposed to host the new show, along with Gelli de Belen. However, Perez, who resigned as host of Face to Face on July 19, 2013, declined to join the program. Tin-Tin Bersola-Babao was chosen to be co-host instead.[4]
On August 14, 2023, Face 2 Face simulcasts on both TV5 and One PH.
From October 23, 2023 to November 17, 2023, re-runs of the show's past episodes had been broadcast under The Best of Face 2 Face being aired from Mondays to Fridays at 4:30 PM via Hapon Champion lineup, replacing Minsan pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan and was replaced by Revolutionary Love.
Untold Stories is a weekly docu-drama anthology on TV5 and is a spin-off of Face to Face. The show features stories featured on Face to Face and ran from September 9, 2010, until September 29, 2012.[1][7]
In reviewing the program STIR Editor in Chief Edgar O. Cruz said: "The back-of-the-mind thought is that joiners are acting since they are paid" and described portions as "not very believable" and "not realistic". He added "The show gains more credibility points by being more spontaneous."[8] While some critics claim that the show is scripted, host Amy Perez, claims that it is not.[1][9]
