By Marinel Cruz
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–When news first broke that the local horseracing channel on cable TV was going off the air, aficionados panicked.

But a group of horserace owners led by Hermie Esguerra took over the racing channel (76 on Sky and Home cable providers, 80 on Destiny Cable) to ensure continued coverage.

To the rescue thus came Makisig Network, the first Filipino male-oriented channel. It had its first broadcast on Monday.

Esguerra said Makisig’s main goal was to upgrade the quality of horse racing coverage.

“We want to position horseracing as an entertainment sport, not as a form of gambling,” added Esguerra, chair and CEO.

Esguerra is also the owner of Wind Blown, the highest-priced, most famous and most-awarded horse in Philippine racing history, according to Inquirer columnist Manolo Iñigo. “Viewers will learn all about breeding, horse lineage, as well as relationships between horses and jockeys, horses and trainers, horses and horse owners,” Esguerra said.

Jake Maderazo, Makisig president and veteran broadcaster — and also a horse race owner — noted that the network will also devote programs to other male interests like business, gaming, entertainment, health and fitness, parenting, relationships, travel and lifestyle.

“The shows will be informative and therapeutic,” said Maderazo.

In “At Your Pleasure,” host Nancy Castiglione talks about cars, bikes, drinking, toys, gadgets, even women and gambling.

Men will speak their mind on sexuality, spirituality, hobbies and interests in Ariel Ureta’s “Man To Man Talk.”

“Macho Gwapito,” hosted by Rico J. Puno, is an hour-long musical show. Tim Tayag’s “Menpower” reports on subjects of interest to men as tackled in current men’s magazines.

There are also specialized shows: Monsour del Rosario’s “Fit and Fast with Monsour,” about martial arts; Dominic Ochoa’s “Mad About Wheels,” for car lovers; and Inquirer food columnist Reggie Espiras’ “Venus Cooks for Mars.”

Claudine Trillo and Kit Cojuangco’s “Timepieces” is all about watches. In “Living the Life,” Trillo talks with high-profile men about their collections and hobbies.

“Pinoy Gamers,” hosted by Reema Chanco, are for lovers of video games, and “Your Sport” is about extreme sports.

“Retrosports” features successful Filipinos in the field of sports. “The Bachelor’s Pad” presents a bachelor’s lifestyle.

The horse racing shows are: “Racing Roundtable,” “Largabista,” “King of Sports,” “Ensayo at Trangko,” “The Finish Line,” “Racing Live” and “Inside Racing.”