Life! (TV program)

Life! (stylized as life!)was a cultural variety show created and written by Gerome Magdangal and Herbert Abadiano that was aired on E Television every Saturdays from December 7, 1968 to December 20, 1969. It is known for its eccentric and experimental nature, with a variety of segments featuring civilian interviews, own music charts, comedy skits, and a talk show.

Debuted as a one-off special, It gained popularity after several major newspapers, such as the Manila Daily Bulletin (now known as Manila Bulletin) and the Manila Times, made articles praising the program's unusualness and originality. It later continued as a television show a month later. The program was broadcast in full color.

The program was revived by E Television's successor Television Three on November 8, 1974, now airing every Friday. The show retained its producers and writers, Gerome Magdangal and Herbert Abadiano. The revival led to Television Three's popularity during the 70's and 80's. The revival ended on December 25, 1981.

Creation and promotion: 1968
In September 1968, Gerome Magdangal and Herbert Abadiano pitched the idea of a noontime cultural variety show to E Television executives. However, the TV executives decided to make it a one-off television special instead. Both Magdangal and Abadiano were disappointed about the decision, however chose to do it anyway.

Between October 13 and November 15, 1968, several posters promoting the special was displayed all across Metro Manila. It was also promoted through TV guide magazines. The posters and TV Guide promos featured their P.O. box address, persuading the reader to give suggestions for they want to see on the special.

On October 25, a viewer jokingly sent them a letter suggesting porn to be shown in the special. The creators themselves responded to the letter by sending them a porn magazine and a note saying: "We can't do that. However, here's a porn magazine to compensate."

Debut and rise in popularity: 1968-1969
On Saturday, November 16, 1968 at 4:00 pm, the special was aired. It was named "Television Filled With Life!". The special was broadcast live, and it lasted for two hours. The special introduces fast-paced graphics and transitions, several segments where audiences can participate, live civilian interviews, comedy skits, and talk shows.

After the live special, many people mailed the station about how they loved the live special, suggesting it to become a series. After an overwhelming amount of letters about the special, the TV executives meet with creators Magdangal and Abadiano, and told them that the special has gained popularity and they were planning to make it a TV show.

Weeks after the meeting, filming of the show started and on December 7, 1968, the show premiered its first episode. However, the show is different from the special: its runtime is 45 minutes, the show has become more fast-paced, and the editing became more and more lively and vivid, most notably its psychedelic graphics throughout. The show immediately was a success, especially to youths.