GMA Holds Valentine Thanksgiving Party

GMA hosted a high-powered trade launch and thanksgiving party, entitled “GMA Valentine Partnership Party”, last February 2 to celebrate and strengthen ties with its valued partners in the trade. Spearheaded by GMA Marketing and Productions, the event is the network’s way of expressing their gratitude to the advertisers for their continued and unwavering support to the Kapuso Network.

The evening saw the unveiling of the newest programs that will definitely raise the standards in television programming for 2009 and beyond. A mix of localized programs, new seasons and more innovative shows that will continue to resonate with the viewers were presented before a jampacked A.Venue Events Hall in Makati.

The audience had the chance to feel the excitement of being contestants in a live game of Family Feud under the spell of the charming host Richard Gomez. Several ladies also experienced the thrill of being the feisty Proserfina in a game that recreated a scene from the pilot episode of Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang. Dingdong Dantes had the girls in the audience swooning over him as he played the dreamy Homer.

All curious eyes were on Carla Abellana when she took the spotlight as she was introduced as the chosen one to play the lead in the localized version of Rosalinda. The former commercial model is the latest artist to join GMA’s stable of dynamic and talented actors and actresses.

Likewise, the biggest and brightest Kapuso stars led by Richard Gutierrez, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Regine Velasquez, Robin Padilla, Manny Pacquiao, Richard Gomez, Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Jean Garcia, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Alfred Vargas, Dennis Trillo, Heart Evangelista, JC de Vera, Rhian Ramos, among others, added star-power to the occasion as they came up on stage to promote their respective shows.

GMA’s formidable News and Public Affairs team also came in full force with Mel Tiangco, Jessica Soho, Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, Mike Enriquez and Jiggy Manicad leading the pack.

Over 1,000 attendees flocked to the GMA Trade Launch including business moguls, Kapuso artists, and the network’s top officers headed by Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Network Chairman and CEO, Gilberto R. Duavit, GMA Network EVP and COO, Manuel P. Quiogue, GMA Marketing and Productions President and COO, Joel G. Jimenez, SVP GMA Marketing and Productions, Felipe S. Yalong, SVP for Corporate Services, Wilma V. Galvante, SVP for Entertainment, Marissa L. Flores, SVP for News and Public Affairs, Mike C. Enriquez, SVP for Radio, Marivin Arayata, VP for Entertainment, Butch S. Raquel, VP for Corporate Communications, among others.

The event, which carried the theme “Valentine Partnership”, concluded with a huge raffle draw and was hosted by Paolo Bediones. (30)

GMA - New Shows for 2009!

GMA’s Entertainment Division under the supervision of Senior Vice President Wilma V. Galvante rings in the New Year with a dynamic roster of equally exciting and promising programs to lord it on the boob tube this 2009.

A wide range of drama, action, suspense, fiction and adventure-inspired programs, starred by only the biggest and hottest actors and actresses of Philippine showbusiness, makes up GMA’s successful primetime block for the first quarter of the year. What with an all-star ensemble of casts composed of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera in Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang, Robin Padilla, Regine Velasquez with Manny Pacquiao in Totoy Bato, Richard Gutierrez in Zorro, and finally, Sunshine Dizon, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Iza Calzado, Alfred Vargas and the formidable trio of Jean Garcia, Eula Valdez and Mr. Richard Gomez in All About Eve, GMA will surely be the only place for drama in 2009.

At the forefront is Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang, a TV adaptation of a graphic novel by noted director Carlo J. Caparas. This stunning series, which combines the elements of action, drama, suspense, mystery, and romance, will feature the phenomenal tandem of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera in their most daring roles on television thus far. Director Joyce Bernal, the same director who megged their previous primetime hits Marimar and Dyesebel, directs this upcoming action-packed drama program to replace Lalola in its primetime slot beginning February 9.

Totoy Bato, a remake of another Carlo J. Caparas komiks creation, will also debut in GMA Telebabad within the first quarter of the year of the Ox. Robin Padilla stars as the titular character, a third class boxer, and stars opposite Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez. This action slash romance series is also worth looking forward to, as this will be Robin and Regine’s first time to appear in a high-octane action TV series following their victorious team-up on the silver screen. Totoy Bato will also launch boxing champion Manny Pacquiao’s television acting career.

Also in the offing is Zorro, a Philippine adaptation of the foreign bullwhipping hero starring no less than Richard Gutierrez. From a cyborg hero in Codename: Asero, Richard is currently busy with fencing and horseback riding lessons in preparation for his role as Zorro. This upcoming show follows the courageous life of the dashing masked protagonist whose main mission is to defend good from evil. In line with this, GMA is holding an audition in search of Zorro’s leading lady this January 16, 1 PM onwards at the GMA Network Center.

To complete GMA’s list of upcoming primetime programs is All About Eve which features a casting coup. Topbilled by Sunshine Dizon, Mark Anthony Fernanez, Iza Calzado, Alfred Vargas, and the powerful triumvirate of Jean Garcia, Eula Valdez, and Mr. Richard Gomez. GMA Network has acquired the rights to produce a local remake of the Korean hit drama, which revolves around the lives of two beautiful women whose relationship turned from friendship to fierce rivalry. Needless to say, GMA Telebabad with its solid and impressive primetime block will definitely be a tough force to reckon with not only for the first season, but also for the rest of the year.

Meanwhile, Sine Novela Presents Paano Ba Ang Pangarap, GMA’s latest installment in its afternoon program array premieres on February 16. Former sweethearts and first ever Starstruck Ultimate Survivors Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras are reprising the roles of Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon in the TV Version of the 1983 film under the direction of multi-awarded director Joel Lamangan. This compelling tale of romance hindered by social differences doubles as Jennylyn Mercado’s much-awaited drama comeback as well as the actress’ reunion with ex-boyfriend and love team partner, Mark Herras.

Likewise, the number one undisputed television station is also cooking up a thrilling list of game and reality-based programs that are sure to keep viewers at the edge of their seats. Occupying Family Feud Celebrity Edition’s Sunday timeslot is My Dad is Better Than Your Dad, hosted by actor Paolo Contis. The Pinoy edition of this foreign game show will pit father and kid tandems against each other in three rounds, which measure strength, brains and bravery. At the end of the show, the best among the three teams will have a chance to win as much as P 100,000.

Aside from My Dad is Better Than Your Dad, two other game shows namely Hole in the Wall and Power of 10 await viewers this 2009. Hole in the Wall, a daily 30-minute game show to replace Family Feud in the last week of April, is a local version of a foreign game show known as the “human Tetris Game”. Ogie Alcasid and Michael V. as Angelina and Yaya respectively, will host this hilarious and one-of-a-kind show.

Meanwhile, the local version of Power of 10 scheduled to air in the second week of May, will soon have the distinction of being the biggest, most generous game show in the country. Simply answer 10 poll questions correctly and walk away with a hefty P 10 Million Pesos.

Last but definitely not least, Cool Center - a weekly comedy talk show on TV – will add a new twist to late night viewing beginning March 2009. The show will feature different segments ranging from advice portions to comical Q & A’s and will replace Nuts Entertainment.

Armed with bigger, bolder, and better ideas, the Kapuso Station is all geared up and eager to bring another year full of high quality and well-crafted programs to Filipino viewers here and beyond. (30)

Love Conquers All in “When I Met U”

And it all began…with Richard and KC wanting to work together in a movie. Being exclusive talents of rival networks, this seemed like an impossible dream. But the two young stars were so adamant for this to happen that they were able to make their two film home studios come to an agreement to let them star opposite each other in a movie. Star Cinema already showed the first Richard-KC movie last August. Now for this Valentine’s season, it is GMA Films’ turn, in cooperation with Regal Entertainment. When I Met You is the second (and possibly the last) movie of Richard and KC together.

In When I Met You, Benjie (Richard Gutierrez) plays a young pilot struggling with his career. He finds himself trapped in a meaningless relationship with his girlfriend who uses her wealth as an excuse to manipulate his every action.

Jenny (KC Concepcion), on the other hand, is her family’s breadwinner who tries to make ends meet by working as a mall promodizer. The obedient daughter that she is, she hangs on to her controlling, well-to-do boyfriend at the expense of her own happiness.

Separately, Jenny and Benjie have led lives confined within the walls of the choices others made for them – devoid of meaning, fulfilment and self-realization. But things changed when an unfortunate incident, which turns into a magical moment, brings them together. They meet and suddenly, life for the two of them begins. Is love about what is right… or what is real?

This is the question that will be answered by When I Met U, the much-awaited Valentine movie offering of GMA Films and Regal Entertainment, topbilled by the blockbuster loveteam of Valentine box-office king Richard Gutierrez and tinseltown’s most promising sweetheart KC Concepcion. Together for the second and possibly the last time, they star in this light romantic-comedy film, helmed by award-winning director Joel Lamangan, that is certain to make hearts melt this Valentine’s season.

Backdropped by the pristine beaches of Coron, a small island located at the tip of Palawan, Benjie and Jenny’s love story flourishes beautifully on the shores of this local island paradise. Coron, which is quickly shaping up to be another prime tourist destination in the Philippines, is incidentally one of KC’s most favorite vacation spots. Richard, on the other hand, openly declares his love for the beach. No wonder the movie hits closer to their hearts and thus makes working on it a pleasurable experience for the two of them.

With a deeper understanding of each other’s personalities, Richard and KC are sure to bring sweeter, more comfortable and more credible performances than when they first appeared on the silver screen. Suffice it to say, When I Met U is one heart lifting story moviegoers should not dare miss.

In the course of the coming weeks, fans may get a glimpse of the gorgeous pair in different mall shows and TV guestings while promoting their upcoming movie. They also just finished working on the movie’s soundtrack, including the theme song “When I Met You” sang by KC herself.

The movie also stars Iya Villania, Alfred Vargas, Cherry Pie Picache, Tirso Cruz III, Chinggoy Alonzo, Chanda Romero, Bubbles Paraiso, Paolo Paraiso, Chariz Solomon, Bearwin Meily and Mavi Lozano.

When I Met U hits theatres nationwide on February 11 with a premiere night on February 10 at SM Megamall. (30)

GMA 7, Best Station sa 22nd Star Awards For Television

Muling pinatunayan ng GMA Network ang pangunguna nito sa larangan ng broadcast industry matapos magwagi ng mga tropeyo at tanghalin bilang Best Station sa nakaraang 22nd Star Awards for Television ng Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC).

Nagwagi ang Kapuso station sa maraming kategorya, mapa-entertainment man o news, kabilang na ang Best Daytime Series, Best Comedy Show, Best Youth-oriented Program, Best Variety Show, Best Documentary Program, Best Morning Show Bukod dito, inuwi rin ng GMA Network ang Best Station award dahil sa paghahatid ng mga de-kalidad na mga programa at hindi matawarang serbisyong totoo.

Hinirang na Best Drama Actress ang magaling na aktres na si Sunshine Dizon para sa kanyang natatanging pagganap sa Impostora bilang Sara at Lara habang tinanghal namang bilang Best Daytime Series ang top-rating afternoon show Sine Novela Presents Kaputol ng Isang Awit.

Humataw naman ang mga programa ng GMA sa kategorya ng comedy matapos humakot ng 3 tropeyo. Nanalong Best Comedy Show ang Ful Haus na pinagbibidahan nina Vic Sotto at Pia Guanio. Sina Ogie Alcasid at Rufa Mae Quinto naman ay nagsipaguwi ng parangal bilang Best Comedy Actor at Best Comedy Actress.

Best Male TV Host ang award na nakuha ni Vic Sotto samantalang tie naman ang Eat Bulaga! at ang katapat nitong show sa kabilang istasyon bilang Best Variety Show. Iginawad naman ang award bilang Best Musical Variety Show sa SOP.

Si Kylie Padilla ang nagtagumpay sa kategoryang Best New Female Personality para sa kanyang pagganap sa Joaquin Bordado. Napanalunan naman ng Boys Nxt Door ang Best Youth Oriented Program award.

Nagkamit din ng parangal ang mga News and Public Affairs programs ng GMA. Nanalo bilang Best Best Documentary Program ang I-Witness: The GMA Documentaries at Best Documentary Program Host sina Kara David, Howie Severino, Sandra Aguinaldo, at Jay Taruc para sa I-Witness. Itinanghal namang Best Documentary Special ang Signos: Ang Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima samantalang ang broadcast journalist na si Vicky Morales, isa sa mga news anchor ng Saksi Liga ng Katotohanan ang nagwagi bilang Best Female Newscaster.

Nahakot rin ng masayang barkada ng Unang Hirit na binubuo nina Arnold Clavio, Susie Entrata-Abrera, Lyn Ching-Pascual, Rhea Santos, Jolina Magdangal, Winnie Monsod, Oscar Orbos, Regine Tolentino, Drew Arellano, Eagle Riggs, Love Añover at Lhar Santiago ang Best Morning Show at Best Morning Show Host award.

Best Children’s Show naman ang Art Angel at ang mga host nito na sina Pia Arcanghel, Tonipet Gaba at Krystal Reyes para ang itinanghal na Best Children Show Host samantalang Best Travel Show naman ang Pinoy Meets World.

Hindi rin nagpahuli ang QTV sa ilang mga kategorya dahil nakuha nito ang Best Lifestyle Show at Best Lifestyle Show host para sa Living It Up na kinabibilangan nila Raymond Gutierrez, Issa Litton, Sam Oh at Tim Yap. Nakuha naman ng Gandang Ricky Reyes Parlor Game ang mga parangal para sa parangal na Best Reality Competition Program at Best Reality Competition Program Host.

Ang multi-awarded broadcaster na si Jessica Soho naman ang nagkamit ng Best Public Affairs Program Host para sa kanyang programang Hot Seat.

Sa kabuuan ay humakot ang GMA Network ng 25 parangal kabilang na ang Best Station mula sa nakaraang 22nd Star Awards for Television na pinamumunuan ng Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC). (30)

GMA 7 Wins Best Station in 22nd Star Awards For Television

GMA 7 reaffirms its status as the country’s leading television network as it bagged a total of 25 trophies including “Best Station” in the recently held 22nd PMPC Star Awards for Television 2008. The annual event organized by the Philippine Movie Press Club was held last November 30 at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia.

The Kapuso station won against its fiercest competitor in a number of categories and ended up scoring the second highest number of awards for the night.

Multitalented actress Sunshine Dizon proves her true mettle in acting as she was named Best Drama Actress for her remarkable performance in Impostora. Meanwhile, Sine Novela Presents: Kaputol ng Isang Awit emerged victorious in the Best Daytime Drama Series category.

GMA was a runaway winner in the comedy category after capturing 3 major awards. The Sunday night sitcom Ful Haus, topbilled by Vic Sotto and Pia Guanio, took home the Best Comedy Show award while Bubble Gang mainstays Ogie Alcasid and Rufa Mae Quinto walked away with the Best Comedy Actor and Best Comedy Actress trophies, respectively. Incidentally, Rufa Mae also won as the Female Star of the Night.

Eat Bulaga! shared the award for Best Variety Show with its counterpart in the other station, while veteran host Vic Sotto was voted Best Male TV Host. Similarly, the award for Best Musical Variety went to SOP Rules.

Kylie Padilla was recognized as the Best New Female Personality for her appearance in Joaquin Bordado, while Boys Nxt Door snatched the Best Youth Oriented Program award.

The powerhouse team of Unang Hirit composed of Arnold Clavio, Susie Entrata-Abrera, Lyn Ching-Pascual, Rhea Santos, Jolina Magdangal, Winnie Monsod, Oscar Orbos, Regine Tolentino, Drew Arellano, Eagle Riggs, Love Añover, and Lhar Santiago were proclaimed winners in the Best Morning Show and Best Morning Show Host categories.

QTV 11 also had its share of awards including Best Reality Competition Program and Best Reality Competition Program Host for Gandang Ricky Reyes: Parlor Game. Lifestyle program Living It Up bagged the Best Lifestyle Show Trophy while A-list hosts Raymond Gutierrez, Issa Litton, Sam Oh, and Tim Yap went home with the Best Lifestyle Show Host award. Finally, multi-awarded broadcaster Jessica Soho won Best Public Affairs Program Host for her program, Hot Seat.

Other awards won by GMA are as follows: Best Children’s Show (Art Angel), Best Children Show Host (Pia Archangel, Tonipet Gaba, and Krystal Reyes for Art Angel), Best Travel Show (Pinoy Meets World). Best Documentary Program (I-Witness: The GMA Documentaries), Best Documentary Program Host (Kara David, Howie Severino, Sandra Aguinaldo, and Jay Taruc for I-Witness: The GMA Documentaries), Best Documentary Special (Signos: Ang Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima), and Best Female Newscaster (Vicky Morales, Saksi: Liga ng Katotohanan).

The entire GMA Network is at its proudest after being recognized as the “Best Television Station” by the prestigious PMPC. Once again this year, GMA has reaped another milestone to add to its increasing list of accomplishments that extends not only in terms of ratings but more importantly in its unwavering dedication to the responsible delivery of news and information, and world-class television production. (30)

Experience Romance in One True Love

Can true love come more than once in a lifetime?

Beginning November 19, GMA Films and Regal Films proudly invite viewers to discover the true meaning of love in the highly anticipated, must-see romantic movie, One True Love.

Starring Iza Calzado, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, One True Love gives a whole new meaning to joy, pain, and sacrifice—words all commonly used to refer to the one feeling that will always remain inexplicable yet beautiful – true love.

Following their highly successful team-up in Marimar and Dyesebel, the phenomenal love team of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera makes a stunning debut on the silver screen in One True Love, where they will be portraying their most mature and daring roles so far. Passionate and romantic love scenes, funny and entertaining situations never before seen in their television programs are more than enough reason to see this much-awaited movie of 2008.

Much to the delight of their ever-growing number of fans, Dingdong and Marian reunite along with multi-talented and beautiful actress Iza Calzado, in this captivating tale of romance and drama that is sure to make hearts melt and tears fall in such wondrous and breathtaking ways.

Finally after three years of courtship, Migs (Dingdong Dantes), a medical intern, marries simple and unassuming Joy (Marian Rivera), a nurse in the hospital of Migs’ residency. Several days before the wedding, his first love and childhood best friend Bela, a sophisticated woman, (Iza Calzado) returns from Canada, still single and in love with Migs.

The young couple meets an unfortunate incident turning their newly-found bliss into a tragic existence. Living with Migs turns out to be an agonizing experience as his new state of mind gets more complicated as days pass. A creature of serenity, Joy refuses to name her pains and secretly vows to make Migs remember their love that was inexplicably lost and waiting to be rekindled; faithful that along the way, his heart will remember what his mind forgets.

Will Migs ever find his way to recovery and into the arms of the one he truly loves? Will he find the missing piece to form the conflicted puzzle that is his heart? Will he able to pick up from where he left off or would he rather be with his present and incidentally his past love?

Also in the cast are Bianca King as Ava - the impulsive younger sister of Migs, as Raya - the hardworking younger sister of Joy,Jenica Garcia Tessie Tomas as Mrs. Robles - head nurse, landlady, and love adviser of Joy, Pinky Marquez as Migs’ indecisive mother, Chinggoy Alonzo as Migs’ supportive father, and Boots Anson-Roa as Joy’s endearing grandmother.

Helmed by Director Mac Alejandre, this big-screen romance promises to tackle the indescribable joy, glorious beauty, and inevitable pain of falling in love unlike no movie has ever done before. Fans and followers may catch the Premiere Night on November 18 at SM Megamall and the regular showing nationwide beginning November 19. (30)

Get Up Close With Natural Disasters in Full Force Nature

Reckon with the force of cascading waters, seismic movements, and blistering winds as Full Force Nature, GMA’s latest addition to its Bilib Ka Ba Nights strip, makes a crashing debut on December 2 after GMA Telebabad.

Gear up for an exhilarating night of dramatic short stories about real life natural disasters. Informative and exciting, this 30-minute program, hosted by none other than Richard Gutierrez, aims to awaken viewers about the devastating impacts of natural disasters as told via impressive footage and eyewitness accounts.

An advocate of the environment himself, Richard will revisit, relive, and recount actual events brought about by disasters, be they natural or man-made, and deliver his spiels entirely on location. All scenes will be active, raw, and real life prompting the host to withstand inclement weather or anything else that could deter him from taping.

The host will also impart trivia, eco-friendly tips, as well as helpful pointers on how to survive savage situations ranging from stormy weather to disastrous earthquakes.

For its pilot episode, host Richard Gutierrez will brave a deadly river in San Miguel, Bulacan, where he shot his first primetime hit – Mulawin. He will describe his own experience during the flash flood and meet face to face with the locals within the area.

Premiering on December 2, let Full Force Nature be your weekly guide to discovering and surviving the inevitable and treacherous forces of the natural world. Make it a habit to watch Full Force Nature every Tuesday after GMA Telebabad. (30)