Is this the year TV5 will leave behind its no. 3 spot in the network war? The Manny V. Pangilinan media venture hopes so.

It starts the New Year on a high note with a fresh wave of programs this January. Leading the pack is the superhero series Kidlat, which premiered strongly on January 7, and is said to excite young and the old alike. Kidlat stars Kapatid hunk Derek Ramsay, Ritz Azul, Nadine Samonte, Baron Geisler, Wendell Ramos and acclaimed actor Christopher de Leon.

Jeepney Jackpot also began on January 7 rolling in the laughs with comedians Mr. Fu and Valeen Montenegro, along with sexy Saida Diola and charming driver Andres. This fast-paced game show-on-wheels is characteristically Filipino, with program’s pimped out jeepney at the heart of all the fun. Lucky commuters across Metro Manila stand the chance to win cash and prizes just by answering simple questions. It airs weekdays at 5 p.m.

“Our dynamic push for 2013 represents TV5’s commitment to lead with innovative programming and quality shows that respond to the Pinoys’ evolving tastes and needs” said TV5 president and CEO Atty. Ray Espinosa.

“More than ever, the entire Kapatid Network stands by its vision for a truly national network that celebrates the best and the brightest of the Filipino and to raise the standards by which Philippine television would be seen by the rest of the world. We are optimistic that TV5 will make even more Filipino viewers happy all over the country and wherever they may be in the globe,” he added.

The Kapatid Network also brings back two fan favorites from the first season of The Amazing Race Philippines for their very own reality show, Alabang Housewives. Pamela Spella and Vanessa Ishitani are ready for new kinds of adventures, starting January 14 at 9:30 a.m. before Face to Face. The new program will see Pam and Vanessa, as well as their celebrity guests, completing different tasks with elan and style, sharing with us their humor and grit which made them fan favorites in The Amazing Race.

According to TV5, “This only the beginning!” More new programs are in the works in their bid to make it to the No. 1 spot in local broadcasting.