For a new show with more established rivals to contend with, P.O.5 (Party on 5) director Rich Illustre likes what he saw on opening day.

"Until last night makikita mo talaga na everyone's helping one another. Naninibago pa ang lahat but we were able to pull through so we've very happy with the pilot episode. I'm sure gaganda pa 'yan as we get our groove," Direk Rich mentioned to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) after P.O.5's debut offering last April 11.

Illustre's observation was shared by the show's regular, JC De Vera. "Medyo nangangapa pa kami sa isa't-isa dahil first time nga naman gumawa ng network ng ganito and hindi pa talaga kami familiar dun sa flow ng show. But overall, sa tingin ko maganda 'yong ginawa namin for the first episode."

Nerves and opening jitters aside, P.O.5's pilot episode successfully encapsulated all the elements the viewers could surely expect every Sunday. The word "interactive" was incorporated to highlight the program's objective of reaching out to its audience by coming out with games and contests in exchange for cool prizes.

Lucy Torres-Gomez, John Estrada, JC De Vera, Alex Gonzaga, and Ryan Agoncillo will banner the program along with co-regulars Tuesday Vargas, Wilma Doesnt, Mr. Fu, Rufa Mi, and IC Mendoza.

Joining the party on its pilot episode were Mocha, Princess Ryan, Ariana Barouk, Rainier Castillo, Jon Avila, Carla Humphries, Yana and Ykka Asistio, Edgar Allan Guzman, Lucky Mercado, rock band Callalily, Gloc 9, Bituin Escalante Chris Cayzer, Jan Nieto, Apple Chiu, and Regine Tolentino, among others.

"Sobrang support sila [TV5 management] and 'yon 'yung maganda kasi lahat ng ideas mo pinakikinggan nila. They gave me a voice hindi ka lang 'yong 'Gawin mo to, ito 'yong gusto namin gawin mo.' Meron ka talagang opportunity to share your inputs and creativity to the show, which I'm happy about kasi baguhang director pa lang naman din ako," beamed Illustre.

Catch P.O.5 every Sunday at 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m. on TV5.

(CLICK HERE to view photos taken during the event)