Diamond Star Maricel Soriano signs contract with GMA Network, Inc.

 

Diamond Star Maricel Soriano is now a Kapuso after signing a contract for a primetime soap opera with GMA Network, Inc.

 

The contract signing was held on February 19 at the GMA Network Center and attended by the top officers of the Network.

 

Present during the contract signing were GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Entertainment TV’s Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie Acuña-Magno, and Maricel’s manager Shirley Kuan.

 

Maricel, one of the country’s most respected and multi-awarded television actresses, is part of the network’s upcoming primetime drama series with a working title Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real.

 

The Diamond Star says her role in Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real is very challenging and she looks forward to working with Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and Kapuso Premier Actress Lovi Poe, “Excited na excited ako kasi maganda yung story. Ibang set ng mga kabataan naman yung mga makakatrabaho ko ngayon. Alam ko ito ay magiging masaya.”

 

As she officially becomes part of the Kapuso Network, Maricel wants to start anew and be an inspiration to her fans and supporters. Of this exciting new chapter in her life as a Kapuso, she says,“Lahat tayo pwedeng mag-move on. Positive na lahat. Gusto ko maging happy ako. At gusto ko silang lahat makatrabaho ko. Masarap maging masaya.”

 

Rasonable is very happy that Maricel is joining GMA’s stable of stars. “We’re looking forward sa tagisan ng acting ng show na ito na dapat abangan ng mga manonood. She is a precious actress na makakadagdag sa drama ng GMA. At sana maging pleasant na experience sa kanya ang maging isang Kapuso. We look forward na mapanood natin siya sa telebisyon sa mga susunod na buwan,” she says.

 

Among the Kapuso stars, Maricel also wishes to work with Dennis Trillo, Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana.

 

Kapuso fans abroad can look forward to seeing the Diamond star in her forthcoming series Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real on GMA Network’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.

 

For more details and program information, visit the GMA International website www.gmanetwork.com/international, Facebook pages www.facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV, www.facebook.com/gmalifetv, and,www.facebook.com/gmanewsinternational, and Twitter pages @GMAPinoyTV and @GMA_LifeTV.

Marian Rivera turns over 100 bangka to Yolanda victims Via GMA Network’s Kapuso-Adopt-A-Bangka Project

Marian turns over 100 bangkas via GMA’s Kapuso Adopt-A-Bangka Project

 

Exactly a month after its launch, GMA Network’s Kapuso Adopt-A-Bangka Project was able to fulfill its commitment to give out, for its first wave, 100 bangka to the fisherfolk communities of the Bantayan Island in Northern Cebu through a turnover ceremony held on February 18.

 

Said campaign, which was launched by GMA Regional TV, the business unit which manages the regional TV operations of GMA, on January 18, in partnership with the Bantayan Island Association of Hotels, Resorts, Bars, and Restaurants Inc., intends to help provide long term livelihood opportunities to those affected by super typhoon Yolanda in Northern Cebu by rehabilitating and rebuilding their bangka through the help of various sponsors.

 

Present during the formal turnover of bangka were: Kapuso Adopt-A-Bangka Project Ambassadress, Marian Rivera; Kapuso Adopt-A-Bangka Project Key Point Person and AVP/Head, Integrated Marketing Services Division of GMA Regional TV, Oliver Victor Amoroso; Kapuso Adopt-A-Bangka Project Co-key Point Person and Station Manager of GMA Central and Eastern Visayas, Ann Marie Tan; and Bantayan Island Association of Hotels, Resorts, Bars and Restaurants, Inc. President, Allan Monreal.

 

For updates and developments on the Kapuso Adopt-A-Bangka Project, the campaign websitewww.kapusoadoptabangkaproject.blogspot.com may be visited.

Terrible Traffic Tragedy!

Metro Manila is going to encounter what I call a Traffic Tragedy.  This week work on the Skyway Project 3, which would connect South to North or vice versa, started already.  People and the Philippine government are panicking, as they are anticipating the head ache inducing traffic congestion that would ensue, as construction will be starting soon, and some of the roads are being closed/narrowed to make way for the project.  I do concur with the initial reaction of the public, but I would like to point out to the Philippine government, that there are a few avenues that can be explored, to lessen the impact of the major road projects that would last for 2 years or more.

The government could revive the Pasig River Ferry Service, which would provide an alternative mode of transportation for the public, as long as the Pasig River is cleaned, so as not to hamper the operations of the ferry service, and also informal settlers along the Pasig River should be relocated, so as not to add to the pollution of the river.  The ferry service could also be a tourist attraction likes the river or ferry services of European cities, if all of those mentioned before are met.  Also the ferry service would be running smoothly as there is no traffic in the river passages, which would mean faster travel time for the public.

Also the government could adapt what is already present in Europe, in developed cities, and even in our very own backyard.  What I mean is the rent a bike program and bike paths in major cities  overseas.  This would provide alternative mode of transport and at the same time a healthy way to exercise for the public.  Our very own Makati has a bike rental program in place already, which we can further enhance and replicate in Metro Manila cities.

Also we can use the existing transport facilities we have, such as the PNR (Philippine National Railways) train which plies from Alabang to Tutuban, the LRT, and MRT.  We just need to have it developed further, such as adding train service, frequency, and if possible add more carriages/cabins.

There is also another alternative mode, which is popular in the United States, which is the carpooling.  This would lessen the numbers of vehicles on the roads, and save more on fuel.  In the U.S. the system works like this, in a neighborhood one person with a vehicle(car/van) picks up those who joined the carpool, and brings them to a certain location close to the working locations of those who joined the carpool.  Each passenger either pitch in by paying for fuel, and other costs (parking, incidentals) incurred by the vehicle, during the duration of the carpooling, this is done on a monthly, weekly, daily basis, depending on the vehicles owners whim.  This can be done either one way or roundtrip, based on the agreement that was made.

There are various possibilities to explore.  The only thing that would make it all work is through the cooperation of the government, and the public.  Because if either one of them, does not do its part, then the whole system will not work, adding to more head aches for both parties.

Dennis Trillo renews exclusive contract with GMA Network!

Dennis Trillo renews exclusive contract with GMA!

Award-winning dramatic actor Dennis Trillo remains a Kapuso after signing another exclusive contract with GMA Network, Inc.

The contract signing was held on February 17 at the Executive Lounge of GMA Network Center and attended by the top officers of the Network.

Present in the contract signing were GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., GMA Entertainment TV’s Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie Acuña-Magno, and Dennis’ manager Popoy Caritativo.

Dennis expressed his happiness over the renewal of his contract with GMA 7 which he considers his home for the past 11 years, “Sobrang proud ako na Kapuso pa rin ako. Excited na akong gumawa ng mga bagong shows. Excited na akong magtrabaho ulit. Wala na akong mahihiling pa. Dito sa GMA ako sobrang at home dahil kilala ko na ang mga tao dito mula sa pinakamaliit hanggang sa pinakamalaki. Dito ako sobrang kumportable dahil sila ang nagbigay sa akin ng mga projects na memorable kaya nandito ako ngayon. Kailanman hindi ko makakalimutan yung pagtitiwala na ibinigay nila sa akin. Secured ako sa GMA dahil alam ko na hindi nila ako pababayaan. Hindi ko nga napansin na 11 years na ako dito sa GMA.”

Following the launch of his career in GMA in 2003,  Dennis was given a variety of TV projects which showcased his versatility and range as an actor. He has also been a visible presence in the international Filipino community’s celebration of Philippine Independence Day in the United States.  More recently, he received an enthusiastic reception from Kapuso fans abroad for his role in the groundbreaking hit My Husband’s Lover, which became a worldwide phenomenon and culminated in the MHL US concert tour in 2013.

Moreover, the Network’s international lifestyle channel, GMA Life TV, is set to air an english-dubbed version of the riveting series Sinner or Saint in the 2^nd quarter of 2014. Featuring Dennis as Raul, an aspiring law student, and Bianca King as Noemi, his childhood friend-turned-lover, the show weaves a tale of love, revenge and deception as a tragic incident that lands Noemi in jail tests their relationship.

Dennis has not only excelled in acting but also in singing following the success of his record album – TomDen – with his MHL co-star Tom Rodriguez. Their album has now reached Gold record  status with over 10,000 units sold in combined digital and CD sales.

GMA Network SVP for Entertainment TV Ms. Lilybeth Rasonable  considers  Dennis  as one the most talented and hardworking actors in GMA and is very happy that Dennis continues to remain loyal to the Kapuso Network, “Sobra kaming nagagalak. More than 10 years na dito si Dennis. Pinili pa rin niyang magstay. It’s a sign that we have a good relationship with him and we’ve nurtured that over the years. Palagi kaming naeenganyo na magbigay sa kanya ng mga projects at mag-isip ng mga roles for him kasi we know he will always deliver. We are excited to give him new projects and offer him something that will still continue his stature as a great dramatic actor.”

GMA Life TV

GMA Kapuso Villages soon to rise in Leyte

Groundbreaking ceremony for Kapuso Village Palo

Rebuilding the lives of the many displaced residents in Leyte due to typhoon Yolanda begins as GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) starts construction on two Kapuso Villages in Tacloban and Palo.

The groundbreaking ceremonies of the Kapuso Villages, one in the city of Tacloban and the other in the municipality of Palo, were held last January 21.

In partnership with the local government units and the National Housing Authority (NHA), GMAKF’s Kapuso Villages will serve as resettlement areas for the residents of Tacloban and Palo who were displaced by Yolanda last year.

GMAKF EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco led the groundbreaking ceremonies together with NHA represented by its Regional Project Manager Engr. Rizalde.

 

Joining them were staff and officers of the local government units – in Tacloban, Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, barangay chairpersons Hon. Alden Villarmino of Barangay Sto. Nino, and Hon. Emilita Montalban of Barangay 88; and in Palo, Mayor Remedios L. Petilla and Leyte Vice Governor Hon. Carlo Loreto – as well as the beneficiaries of the project.

Driven by its mission to uplift the lives of underprivileged Filipinos all over the Philippines, GMAKF’s housing project aims to provide indigent victims of Yolanda with sustainable permanent shelter that could withstand future calamities. “The donations entrusted to us by the many compassionate and concerned citizens from all over the world will materialize into a wonderful new beginning for the families here in Leyte,” shares Tiangco.

Former residents of Barangay　San Jose　in Tacloban　will be given priority　for　the 400 houses that will be built in the Kapuso Village in the　area. Furthermore, GMAKF hopes to foster learning among the youth with the construction of 20 new classrooms within the village.　The construction site stands on a　3.5-hectare plot of land donated by the city government of Tacloban.

Meanwhile, the relocation site in Sitio Caloogan, Palo will have 200 houses and 10 classrooms which will be allocated　to　former residents of Barangay San Joaquin, Barangay Baras and Barangay Guindaponan. The site is situated on approximately 2.5 hectares of forest land.

 

For details on how to contribute to the GMA Kapuso Foundation’s projects, you may visit their website,www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation. Meanwhile, for details and information on your favorite Kapuso artists, visit the GMA International website www.gmanetwork.com/international, Facebook pageswww.facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV, www.facebook.com/gmalifetv, and, www.facebook.com/gmanewsinternational, and Twitter pages @GMAPinoyTV and @GMA_LifeTV.

The problem with our government and with us!

Our government cannot implement changes within each of its many departments, which is why we are lagging behind our Asian counterparts.  It is because each individual, especially those who are in the higher chain of command, has each their own agenda.  Changes that is crucial for the country to grow are being hampered, as it might prove to be a money losing option for the departments management.  Each one is in it to enrich himself/herself, no one is looking for the benefit of the country, and for the improvement of the lives of millions of Filipinos, impoverished or otherwise.

Why can’t we copy or duplicate the methods used by other countries in implementing changes that would improve the lives of its citizens? Do not think of it as not being original, or plagiarizing, but think of it as improving the lives of every Filipino.

In Hong Kong, the Mass Transit Railway is controlled by the government, and so is the payment system that it uses, the Octopus Card.  They have proven and shown that the business is sound and profitable earning the government billions of dollars in revenue, while at the same time creating a clean, convenient, and comfortable mass transport and payment system, that has been a great factor in improving the lives of its citizens.  Why can’t we adopt their system, and duplicate it here? What is stopping us?

Why are our airports dilapidated and in shambles? Where has all the money that has been invested into it go? Why do we need too many terminals? Can’t we create one mega terminal to service all of the flights? This would eliminate unnecessary employment to numerous individuals, who sometimes do nothing, and just sit around, beefing up their pockets? Why can’t we copy Hong Kong (again), and the way it runs its airport? Their airport and ours are so far apart.  The only difference I see here is because the head of the governments, compliment and continue what the previous head of government has done, unlike here, the new one undermines and destroys the good that the previous one has done.  Don’t they know that these improvements would have bettered the lives of the millions of Filipinos?

Why are our mass transport systems unstructured and in shambles? Why are there numerous buses who are old, and dilapidated that still ply the streets, which breakdown, create traffic, and causes accidents? Why are their franchises renewed time and time again, and are not revoked even if their buses have cause numerous accidents, and unnecessary deaths? Why are there so many taxis, jeeps, tricycles, and other forms of mass transport franchises that are approved, even if the streets are littered with them, who do not have passengers?

Why does the government not install solar powered lights or provide solar energy to those affected by disaster, and isolation, even if it takes years for the energy providers to repair or install light or power? Why does the government wait and see, and not help improve the plight of the Filipinos? Are they afraid that power generators/energy suppliers complain? They can remove or pull out these improvements, when they have repaired or installed light or electricity, and simply transfer or reuse them again when the need arise.

I am not one to complain, but I have seen enough suffering and not enough action, that it has left me wondering and disgruntled by the inept and inaction that our government is doing.  When can we be proud? When can we say that our lives have improved? When will our descendants see the day that our beloved Philippines, is at par with the rest of the world, or at least with its Asian neighbors?

Welcome ResDiary.ph and BookToEat.ph! The Hardest Working Restaurant Manager is Now in the Philippines!

 

BookToEat.ph

                 

We have been used to the traditional methods of making a reservation, which is  through phone calls and sometimes e-mail.  But isn’t it frustrating that when we arrive at our favorite digs, restaurants or hangouts, and check with the reservations desk, that our reservation could not be found! Who among you have experienced this? I bet most of you have experienced this kind of situation.

For this reason the management of ResDiary.ph and BookToEat.ph, is introducing the latest in reservation system technology.  You can make a booking/reservation with just a click! You can use different avenues such as Facebook, the restaurants website, and your mobile apps.  You can do this anywhere you are, in the office, at home, or on the go! And the best part of this is you get a confirmation code for your booking/reservation, which means that it cannot be lost as it is in the system.  Also you will be notified of Specials and Promotions that the restaurant is offering, all with the touch of a finger.

ResDiary and BookToEat are worldwide brands/services which is present in the U.S.A., U.K., Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, UA.E., Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, etc.  They are both now in the Philippines to service select individuals, who have the flair for delicious food, great ambience, and classy yet comfortable interiors.

There are various restaurants, that are members of the ResDiary.ph and BookToEat.ph family, which are serving different cuisines, flavors, and specialties.  You can choose which one you prefer through our reservation system.

Watch out in ResDiary.ph and BookToEat.ph for your favorite digs, restaurants, or hangouts nearest you!

We are also accepting applications from restaurants, who wish to become a part of our ResDiary.ph and BookToEat.ph family.  It’s so easy to join.  Visit us at ResDiary.ph or BookToEat.ph in Facebook and drop us an e-mail inquiry, and we will get back to you, or visit us at www.ResDiary.com.

Resdiary.ph

4000 Restaurants Cannot Be Wrong!

Would it not be great, as a restaurateurs, to know how many diners will be coming, what time, and what will they be having? No more surprised and terrified kitchen staff and only satisfied diners.

ResDiary provides a web-based reservation and table-management tool to restaurant operators in over 4,500 restaurants, in 17 countries, allowing them to take online bookings throughout their websites, Facebook pages, and through Twitter as well, as by telephone, and to process walk-in bookings. 

With ResDiary.com now available in the Philippines, restauranteurs now have and efficient system that allows them to allocate reservations in a way to make the most effective use of the tables available and capture customers contact details and other data of the customer.

The system offers restaurant executives the ability to manage table reservations using laptop, iPad or even a smartphone or to even e-mail or text to confirm customers’ reservations, remind them 24-hours before and request a review afterwards on a responsive micro-website.

Since its launch in September 2006, ResDiary is widely employed in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and United States.

ResDiary is charged for on a flat monthly fee basis, with no additional charges for bookings taken through the restaurant’s website, Facebook page, Twitter account or through www.booktoeat.com the portal operated for ResDiary customers by ResDiary.

For more information on our restaurant reservation system please give us a call at 0925.5002659 or visit www.ResDiary.com.

GMA Network puts heart first in Kapuso Month campaign

Behind the scene photos of Puso Ang Una campaign (by GMANetwork.com)

This February, GMA Network departs from the conventional concept of the love month by highlighting how love deepens all kinds of relationships in its Kapuso Month campaign titled “Puso Ang Una” (Putting the Heart First).

 

The different slices of life show diverse expressions of love depicted between a couple, a father and son, and among colleagues that will surely make their mark in the hearts of Kapuso viewers everywhere.

 

“At the heart of this Network are its viewers,” explains GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon. “That is why we always aim to develop a deeper bond with them by sending the message that in the Kapuso Network, we put our hearts in everything we do.”

 

Moreover, GMA Network President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. shares, “Moving beyond the typical Valentine’s Day fare, we thought it timely to celebrate the broader types of love – and how much more love can be felt in such relationships through small acts of the heart, be it through reconciliation, forgiveness, even solidarity.”

 

The campaign imparts the message that in our daily lives, many little things given and received become more touching and gain a deeper meaning because they come from the heart. As the Kapuso station, GMA believes in “putting the heart first” and this manifests in the heart that goes into delivering entertainment, news, and public service to its Kapuso viewers here and abroad.

 

The three clips can be seen on GMA Pinoy TV, GMA’s flagship international channel, in the entire month of February.

 

Puso Ang Una was spearheaded by members of the Network’s Program Support Department (PSD): Regie Bautista (First Vice President), Grace Feliciano (Assistant Vice President), Dino Garcia (Creative Director), Joy Comia-Ashipaoloye (Junior Associate Creative Director), Jason Faustino (Sr. Visualizer), Raymond Ignacio (Sr. Visualizer) and Hasmin Marable (Senior Project Manager).

 

Working hand in hand with PSD are representatives from the Post Production Department: Paul Hendrick Ticzon and Vince Gealogo (Directors), John Paul Arojado (Director of Photography),  Neil Nanquil (Colorist/Master Editor/Edit Supervisor), Nep Rebao and Ryan Reyes (Colorist/Master Editor), Allyn de Ocampo (Main Cam/Ari Operator), Percival de Leon (Assistant Director), Rey Coloma (Digital Imaging Technician), Isagani Mauleon (1st Cameraman), Janros Avellana (2nd Cameraman), Michael Ongleo (Live Sound Recording),  Angie Reyes/JR Lobitos (Audio – Sound Design), Ingrid Navarro (Shoot Producer), Hazel Joy Raymundo (Post Production Admin), Jann Buencamino and Jewelyn Archie Dave (Project Managers), CriseldaDacanay (Production Designer) and Steve Salvador (Costume Supervisor).