Maybe it is, at least in the Philippines.
Netflix Killer became a hot buzz term among pundits in 2019 to describe those new services that aim to topple the streaming giant. But, like we all know, Netflix can still chill.
In the Philippines, however, Vivamax is making good numbers and interesting progress. Although it caters to a different market, Viva Entertainment’s streaming app has amplified itself, despite the presence of other local and international entertainment apps, to become the leader in its category. Yes, even toppling Netflix.
With over two million downloads since its launch in January last year, Vivamax is now the most downloaded entertainment app on Google Play, outdoing other long-established local and international streaming brands. It’s actually a feat it already achieved back in July.
In an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment six months ago, Viva’s Vic del Rosario said that he wanted to have a massive library of local titles, a one-stop entertainment hub, which consumers can access as easily as lifting a finger.
“We have developed an entertainment platform that’s easy to be appreciated by everyone. I guess it’s the uniqueness of the offerings between the originals, the Tagalized content, and the concerts that makes people like the platform,” he shared.
“It’s the novelty that attracts them. We also look at the renewals, some users keep on coming back after a month or two to renew their subscription. I think we did something good,” Del Rosario added.
Starting with over 500 titles, with a mix of Filipino content, Tagalized Hollywood, and Asian content (including the biggest offering of Korean blockbuster films), Vivamax continues with its commitment to provide new content every week — a combination of originals, premieres, exclusives, and all-time favorites.
Since its launch, Vivamax has produced 35 original films and series on the platform. Debuting with Darryl Yap’s Pornstar, films of different genres soon followed: Death of a Girlfriend, Revirginized, The Housemaid, Mahjong Nights, Taya, More Than Blue, and Vivamax’s first original sequel, Pornstar 2. Also notable are two original series, Parang Kayo Pero Hindi and KPL.
Vivamax likewise features many classic films not just from the Viva library but also from other production companies like Star Cinema, Regal Entertainment, 1017P, Reality, IdeaFirst, Brillante Mendoza’s Center Stage Productions. Vivamax is committed to work with the country’s biggest stars—Sharon Cuneta, Sarah Geronimo, Anne Curtis, Bela Padilla, Nadine Lustre, Andrew E., Yassi Pressman, Kim Molina, Jerald Napoles, Dingdong Dantes, Piolo Pascual, Carlo Aquino, Toni and Alex Gonzaga, among many others—and the finest directors—among them Brillante Mendoza, Lawrence Fajardo, Roman Perez, Darryl Yap, Joel Lamangan, and Yam Laranas.
The leading Pinoy streaming platform is committed to even expanding its library this year by releasing two originals per week.
Viva is slated to produce at least 52 films/series this 2022 for a regular weekly release of Vivamax Originals.
As of December, there are 15 finished films scheduled to be shown in Q1 and over 40 projects greenlit in various stages of production. Some of the 2022 titles include Siklo, Hugas, Reroute, Lulu, Deception, Slip Sa Apoy, Kinsenas Katapusan, The Wife, Exorsis, Boy Bastos, Island of Desire, The Last Five Years, Sisid, Tatak Thyro, Xdeal 2, Bahay Na Pula, Eskandalo, Scorpio Nights 3, Us X Her, Kunwari Mahal Kita, Kitty K-7, Greed, Girl Friday, The Certifieds, The Velvet Skies, and Laundromat.
Also, with the reopening of cinemas, at least eight films will see a theatrical release for a return to the classic viewing experience. Viva stays true to its commitment of a P1 billion production budget per year despite the pandemic and will continue to support the industry workers in order to serve the Filipino audience.