THE SHAKESPEAREAN DRAMA OF SHOWBIZ: Executive Resignations, Ghost Clones, and the Vanishing King of Rock

The curtains have risen on January 10, 2026, and the Philippine entertainment industry is not just witnessing a new year—it is witnessing a seismic shift that threatens to redraw the map of television and cinema. From the cold, empty offices of Mandaluyong to the mysterious departure of a “King” and the international flight of a “Clone,” the stories coming out of the TVJ Production and MediaQuest camps are nothing short of sensational.

This is an investigative deep-dive into the corporate bloodletting at the top, the sudden disappearance of a rising star, and the secret “Kingdom” being built behind the scenes.

THE FALL OF THE QUEEN: The Mystery of Jane Basas’s Empty Office

The most explosive news rocking the industry today is the reported departure of Jane Basas, the President and CEO of MediaQuest Ventures. MediaQuest is the titan that breathes life into TV5, The Philippine Star, and BusinessWorld, and Basas has long been considered the “Right Hand” of tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP).

But as of yesterday, January 9, 2026, reports surfaced that Basas has officially cleared out her desk at the TV5 headquarters. The imagery is haunting: a powerful executive, known for steering the ship through the “Network Wars,” suddenly packing her things while the world watches.

The “Classified” Reason: Rumors are swirling that the exit is tied to the premature termination of the ABS-CBN and TV5 Content Partnership, which was supposed to last until 2027 but abruptly ended this month.

The “Box Office” Ghost: Insiders suggest the underwhelming performance of “Manila’s Finest” at the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) may have been the final straw.

The “Cleaning” Defense: Supporters of Basas claim this is a simple misunderstanding, stating she “cleans her office every New Year” as a tradition. However, with Ricky Vargas already stepping in to take the reins, the “tradition” looks more like a transition.

The Question: What happens to Eat Bulaga? As the mother company undergoes a leadership crisis, fans are terrified that the rules of the legendary noontime show might change. For now, TVJ Production remains the iron fortress, but with a new executive at the helm, the “Bulaga” world is holding its breath.

THE VANISHING ELVIS: Where is Jerome Ibardome?

While the boardrooms are in chaos, the stage of Eat Bulaga is missing its brightest new spark. Jerome Ibardome, the sensational “Elvis Presley Clone” who captured the nation’s heart in late 2025, has vanished.

Our investigation into Ibardome’s status reveals a confusing paper trail. On one hand, reports from November 2025 confirmed he had officially signed a contract with TVJ Productions. On the other hand, since January 7, 2026, Jerome has been a “Ghost.”

“He is on a temporary hiatus,” say some sources. “He has permanently departed over contract disputes,” whisper others.

The mystery of the “Missing Elvis” has left fan groups in a frenzy. Is he being hidden away for a bigger project, or has the “King” truly left the building? Only a direct statement from Jerome himself can break this silence, but for now, his absence is the loudest sound in the studio.

THE CLONE EXODUS: Jazzara’s International Flight

The “Clone” saga takes an international turn as Jazzara, the celebrated clone of Claire de la Fuente, prepares for takeoff. Just days ago, she was spotted at the DFA, clutching her passport with a caption that sent chills of excitement through her followers: “Boarding Soon. Glory to God.”

The investigation into Jazzara’s flight suggests a massive “Clone Concert” may be brewing on the international stage. Are the TVJ Clones going global? The timing of her departure—amidst the corporate restructuring of MediaQuest—suggests that the talent is moving even if the executives are shifting.

BEYOND THE KINGDOM: A Sequel Without a King

In the world of cinema, the “Kingdom” is expanding, but it is doing so in the shadow of death. Bossing Vic Sotto’s massive hit, The Kingdom, is officially getting a part two: “The Kingdom: Magkabilang Mundo.”

The sensation here lies in the script. Because Bossing’s character was killed in the first installment, he will be absent from the sequel. Instead, new blood like Raya Senon is entering the fray. It is a bold move—a Kingdom without its King. Can the franchise survive the loss of its patriarch, or is this the beginning of a new era for TV5’s film arm?

Conclusion: The Changing of the Guard

From the birthday celebrations of Luna Santos (turning 10) to the retirement of office desks in Mandaluyong, the landscape of 2026 is unrecognizable. The “Peace Out” message from Jodian Santos to her daughter’s single digits reflects the sentiment of the entire industry: The childhood era of these partnerships is over.

We are entering a sophisticated, cold, and often ruthless age of entertainment. Executives are falling, stars are disappearing, and “Clones” are taking flight. The “Dabarkads” remain loyal, but the ground beneath them is shifting.

The “Kingdom” is being rebuilt, but who will be left to sit on the throne?

Do you believe Jane Basas’s departure will lead to a total rebrand of TV5’s content, or is Jerome Ibardome’s “Missing” status the real story we should be worried about?