Another landmark achievement for GMA Kapuso Foundation

Kapuso stars joined GMAKF EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco in giving the residents an early Christmas gift last December.

Mel Tiangco in Kapuso Village Tacloban

With the help of the GMA Kapuso Foundation’s donors and partners, this landmark undertaking, which includes 403 permanent concrete houses, was officially completed on May 21

GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) recently marked another milestone achievement with the completion of its 403-unit housing project in Tacloban, Leyte.

 

The Kapuso Village in Tacloban is the first permanent concrete housing project in the area for survivors of typhoon Yolanda.

 

With the help of its donors and partners, GMAKF continues to reach out to the survivors and other affected people surrounding the area of Tacloban.

 

Along with the housing project, GMAKF is planning to build 24 new classrooms under its Kapuso School Development project within the Kapuso Village in Tacloban. A Kapuso Village will also soon rise in Palo with 169 more concrete houses to further accommodate the survivors.

 

GMAKF EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco recalls all the hardwork and expresses her gratitude for those who made the project possible. “Besides financial assistance, some donors gave us construction materials or appliances, while some gave us really good discounts,” shares Tiangco. “Needless to say, we are grateful for the trust and generosity bestowed to us by numerous citizens all over the world.”

 

GMAKF also requested the local government to provide an additional 2,000 square meter space for an office for the homeowners association, function hall and a multi-purpose center, where residents can set up sari-sari stores and other establishments they deem wise, to further make the area a barangay.

 

Meanwhile, GMAKF recently formed a group of volunteers under the guidance of the Department of Community Development of the College of Social Work and Community Development in UP Diliman to help and guide the beneficiaries of the Kapuso Village in terms of having a sense of community and building camaraderie.

There are currently 403 families or more than 3,000 individuals, who were left homeless by the super typhoon, who are now residing in the Kapuso Village in Tacloban.

 

Indeed, GMAKF gives these survivors a new hope, and a new story to tell.

Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko, 39 years of unwavering public service

Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko conducted 118 medical missions nationwide in 2014

KKMK’s Batang K program also boosts the morale of children diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia through fun group activities such as the BK Christmas Party.

Connie Angeles

GMA Logo

Orly Mercado

New Kapwa Logo

Thirty nine years on the air and counting, the Philippines’ longest running public service program Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko (KKMK) shows no signs of slowing down as it remains committed to its mission of improving the welfare of indigent Filipinos across the country, especially children afflicted with cancer.

 

Since 1975, the program has served as a bridge between patients in need of financial assistance and the generous donors who wish to make a difference in other people’s lives. Subsequently, the Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko Foundation, Inc. was established to further the program’s dedication to public service.

 

With KKMK Foundation President Dr. Orly Mercado and KKMK Foundation, Inc. Board Director Connie Angeles, who also serve as the program’s hosts, the Foundation continues to promote its health advocacies and extend medical assistance to Filipinos.

 

In 2014, the Foundation came to the aid of residents affected by the earthquake in Bohol through a medical mission conducted in the area. Along with partners in the private sector, KKMK also took part in the restoration of the Tacloban City Hospital which was turned over to the local government in August of that year.

 

Continuing its advocacy of raising the standards of public health, the Foundation also conducted 118 medical missions nationwide, which benefited a total of 105,936 patients last year. With the help of the private sector, other non-government organizations and the local government units, KKMK was able to provide free check-ups and laboratory procedures to the beneficiaries.

 

Also in the same year, Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko’s long-standing project “Batang Kapwa” or “Batang K” saw 13 of its beneficiaries graduate from the program. “Batang K” helps children afflicted with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and their families find financial assistance for the patient’s chemotherapy. The program also boosts the children’s morale through support group activities.

 

Moreover, the Foundation has heeded the call of over 800 patients who came to their office in the form of medicines and financial assistance for laboratory procedures and surgical needs, while 592 patients were referred to hospitals and medical institutions.

 

With 39 years of unwavering commitment to public service to its name, Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko moves closer towards its vision of raising the quality of life of Filipinos in need.

Kapuso Foundation conducts Operation Bayanihan in Maguindanao. 5,000 families receive relief goods from GMA, partners.

GMAKF Operation Bayanihan Maguindanao

GMAKF Operation Bayanihan Maguindanao

GMAKF’s Operation Bayanihan team handed out relief goods to over 20, 000 individuals in the conflict-stricken area of Maguindanao.

 

GMA Kapuso Foundation, GMA Network’s socio-civic arm, recently rolled out its Operation Bayanihan program in Maguindanao, effectively serving 5,000 families affected by the ongoing armed conflict.

 

In partnership with Solid Shipping Lines, ARMM Heart, Department of Health-ARMM, and Department of Public Works and Highways-ARMM, the Kapuso Foundation team handed out relief goods consisting of rice, noodles and canned goods.

 

GMAKF was among the first to provide relief operations in Maguindanao. In Mamasapano, relief goods were distributed to 3,320 families. Meanwhile, 621 families in Sharif Saydona and 1,059 families in Sharif Aguak also received support from the foundation.

 

GMAKF’s team had to travel for seven hours from General Santos City to Cotabato just to reach the communities affected by the conflict in Maguindanao. Didith Nucum, GMAKF relief operations project staff, said they were stopped several times by armed men.

 

“We talked to them and explained our intentions. We had to rush every now and then for our safety. It wasn’t easy but what pushed us to keep moving were the people waiting for us who needed our help,” says Nucum.

 

When the team finally reached the evacuation center, all of the fear they experienced on the road banished.

 

“The people greeted us with a smile and it was priceless. We could never imagine how they can still manage to smile knowing that a few kilometers from them, a war is going on,” recalls Nucum.

 

“While we continue praying for the stability of our country and the safety of its people, the Foundation is also working to create a concrete and positive impact in the lives of our fellowmen,” says GMA Kapuso Foundation EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco. “They can rest assured knowing that, wherever there is a Filipino in need, the Foundation will also be there, because that’s what bayanihan and being a Kapuso is all about.”

Mel Tiangco: At home in Kapuso Network

Mel Tiangco

(L-R) GMA Network SVP for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., GMA News pillar and multi-awarded news anchor Mel C. Tiangco, Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, and EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong

 

GMA News pillar and multi-awarded news anchor Mel C. Tiangco renewed ties with GMA Network at a contract signing held on March 9.

 

Present during the contract signing were GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, and SVP for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores.

 

Tiangco, who has been with the Network since 1996, expressed her continued loyalty to GMA Network. “The day I entered GMA, I knew it was going to be my home forever,” says the veteran broadcaster.

24

Apart from co-anchoring GMA’s flagship newscast 24 Oras with Mike Enriquez and Vicky Morales, and hosting the award-winning drama anthology Magpakailanman, Tiangco is also the EVP and COO of GMA’s socio-civic arm, GMA Kapuso Foundation.

 

In these various roles, she is highly regarded by GMA’s top management with Gozon saying, “Napakaganda ng aming experience, not only with each other but also with the Network, so that it has come to the point na mahirap nang isipin na may GMA without Tita Mel.” [Our experience has been a good one, not just personally but also with the Network, so that it has come to the point that it’s difficult to think of GMA without Tita Mel.]

 

Moreover, Duavit  extols Tiangco’s credibility and commitment to service as seen in her work with the Kapuso Foundation and GMA News and Public Affairs. “Madalang makatagpo ng isang tao na lahat halos nasa kanya na,” he says. “Sa madaling salita, isang tao kung saan napapaloob ang lahat ng ibig nating sabihin sa serbisyong totoo. Mapalad tayo na si Mel ay bahagi ng Kapuso and we are proud to be Kapuso dahil sa mga katulad ni Mel,” he shares. [Seldom would you find a person who has almost every good quality,” he says. “Suffice it to say, a person who truly espouses true service. We are fortunate that Mel is part of the Kapuso Network and we are proud to be Kapuso because of people like her,” he shares]

 

Of her contributions to the Network, Flores shares, “Tita Mel has been instrumental in cementing GMA News and Public Affairs’ reputation as the most credible news organization in the country. We look forward to more years of working with her.”

 

Indeed, Mel Tiangco has consistently shown the heart of a Kapuso throughout her years of service. “To say that I love this company is an understatement. I have served it with all my heart and with all my soul and I will continue to do so,” she expresses.

Donations from the heart GMA Network turns over 1,783 blood bags to the Philippine Red Cross

Award winning GMA News personality Kara David

GMA Artist Center star Phytos Ramirez

GMA’s resident meteorologist Mang Tani

Kapuso bloodletting turnover

Regional bloodletting in Cagayan de Oro

Regional bloodletting in Ilocos

Regional bloodletting in Iloilo

This February, the station with a heart continues to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos with the annual Kapuso Bloodletting Day held in key areas across the Philippines.

 

Now on its 7^th year, the Kapuso Bloodletting Day is a project of GMA Network’s Corporate Affairs Division in cooperation with the Network’s socio-civic arm, GMA Kapuso Foundation and GMA Regional TV, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross.

 

The event, which encouraged the entire Kapuso workforce to take part in saving lives by donating blood, was held last February 11 at GMA Network Center in Quezon City. The whole day affair saw employees, officers, artists and even their family and friends taking time out from their daily work activities to participate in the worthy cause.

 

The initiative was also extended nationwide with bloodletting drives held in the regions, namely, Ilocos, Dagupan, Bicol, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and GenSan, on February 14.

 

The Kapuso Bloodletting Day yielded a total of 1, 783 blood bags (799, 550 cc) with the event in Quezon City producing 333 blood bags (147, 050 cc) and the regional bloodletting drives producing 1, 450 blood bags (652, 500 cc).

 

“This event was a success, not only because the donations this year surpassed the prior year but also because this huge turnout and continued support is a testament to our solidarity with the Network’s commitment to uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” says GMA Kapuso Foundation EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco.

 

“None of this would be possible without the generosity and bravery of each Kapuso donor who believe in and donated to our cause,” she furthers.

 

GMA Corporate Affairs AVP Teresa L. Pacis, meanwhile, says this activity is a concrete means by which employees can engage in the Network’s corporate social responsibility efforts. “The annual bloodletting program is an integral part of our CSR platform. We look after the welfare of our employees by encouraging them to mine the health benefits of donating blood. At the same time, we get our employees to actively take part in enriching the lives of our fellow Filipinos.”

Kapuso artists take acting course under the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA)

Benjamin Alves

Glaiza de Castro

Louise delos Reyes

Mike Tan

GMA Artist Center teamed up with the Royal Academy for Dramatic Arts (RADA), through the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), and supported Louise delos Reyes, Benjamin Alves, Mike Tan and Glaiza de Castro in undergoing a six-day short course on Acting Techniques which ended last Saturday under esteemed RADA facilitators.

 

Royal Academy for Dramatic Arts is one of the foremost drama academies in the world and has forged a reputation as a world leader and the centre of excellence in drama and theatre.

 

Notable RADA alumni includes Alan Rickman (Severus Snape in Harry Potter), Sean Bean (Boromir in Lord of The Rings), Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives), Ralph Fiennes, Allison Janney and Anthony Hopkins.

 

Respected director and GMA Network’s Talent Development consultant Maryo J. Delos Reyes believes that education in an artist’s craft is a continuous process. He poses a challenge to the artists to always develop their skills and techniques as performers.

 

“The time to learn new knowledge and expand one’s horizon, the quest for new technique to update oneself with fresh approaches is never ending. I do greatly encourage enhancing their craftsmanship. I would like to congratulate the participants from GMA Artist Center, ” he shares.

 

Through this educational venture, GMA Artist Center only proves that though talent is innate, consistency and permanence on a chosen career can be achieved by thorough training and continuous learning.

GMA News’ “Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas” is Most Watched Papal Visit Coverage

ANG PEOPLES POPE

Pope Francis’ visit to the country has been a resounding success – providing an electrifying atmosphere in the five days that he was here and winning the hearts of Filipinos not only through his words and deeds but also because of his captivating smile and sincerity that communicate directly to the soul.

 

And just like in the past – during significant events that help shape the country’s history – more viewers nationwide trusted GMA Network as their primary source of news and information.

 

Pope Francis’ five-day apostolic and state visit to the Philippines, from January 15 to 19, is no exception as GMA-7 and GMA News TV’s joint special “Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas” emerged as the most watched coverage of the said Papal visit nationwide.

 

Based on household data from the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, GMA-7’s “Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas” posted an average of 15% from January 15 to 19 (based on overnight ratings) in NUTAM (National Urban Television Audience Measurement). It led ABS-CBN’s11.7% by 3.3 rating points.

 

The Kapuso Network’s special coverage, which was bannered by GMA News pillars Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, Vicky Morales, Arnold Clavio, Howie Severino and Jessica Soho, together with the full roster of GMA News and Public Affairs, registered even bigger leads in the viewer-rich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila.

 

In Urban Luzon, which comprises 77% of the total urban TV households nationwide, “Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas” got 16.9%, very much ahead of ABS-CBN’s 10.4%. Likewise in Mega Manila, which accounts for 59% of all urban TV households in the country, the Kapuso special coverage was the most watched with18.2% versus ABS-CBN’s 9.2%.

 

“Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas” special coverage started with the arrival of Pope Francis on Thursday afternoon, followed by the Pope’s activities on Friday that included the state visit to Malacañan Palace, a Eucharistic celebration at the Manila Cathedral, and a special meeting with families at the Mall of Asia Arena.

 

On Saturday, various GMA News teams covered Pope Francis’ visit to Leyte, which was shortened due to typhoon Amang. Highlights of his Leyte visit included the Pope’s heart-touching impromptu homily at the Holy Mass held at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban.

 

And on Sunday, “Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas” continued its coverage of the historic visit as Pope Francis headed a youth gathering at the University of Santo Tomas and led the record-breaking Mass celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, which was attended by approximately six million people.

 

“Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas” also joined the country as it bade farewell to Pope Francis on Monday morning.

 

GMA Pinoy TV, the Network’s flagship international channel, aired the live coverage overseas through its carriers in the US, Canada, Middle East, North Africa and Asia-Pacific region.

 

The Network’s special coverage, available online via GMA News Online’s official papal visit microsite(gmanews.tv/popefrancis), was also a big hit with web users.

 

The microsite, with its liveblog, livestream, Pope Tracker, and the #BlessedByThePope section, consistently provided breaking stories and heart-warming human interest articles including that of the girl who managed to get a selfie with the Pope, the story of the father who lost a child due to an accident after the Tacloban mass, the girl who cried during the UST event, the image of the smiling Pope in the rain, and how almost everyone was moved to tears during the Tacloban mass.

 

Moreover, GMA News’ hashtag #BlessedByThePope became a top trending topic in the Philippines and was also one of the trending topics worldwide for two consecutive days.  GMA News Online was also able to get noteworthy user-generated content, both photos and videos, through YouScoop. And its “The Filipino faith is waterproof” photo was shared by thousands.

 

The Network’s flagship AM radio station DZBB 594 kHz Super Radyo, on the other hand, also had its “Si Pope Francis sa Pilipinas” special coverage.

 

For more information on GMA Network’s artists, programs, international channels and events, visit the websitewww.gmanetwork.com/international.

A GMA News and Public Affairs Special BLESSED BY THE POPE AIRS THIS MONDAY

Blessed by the Pope Special

Twenty years after the last papal visit in Manila, Pope Francis blessed Filipinos with his presence, his wisdom, and his empowering and comforting words that renewed and strengthened the faith of approximately 80 million Catholics in the Philippines.

 

On Monday, January 26, GMA News and Public Affairs presents Blessed by the Pope, a one and a half hour special showing the highlights of Pope Francis’ historic visit – from his arrival at Villamor Air Base, to his meeting with families and the youth, to his touching trip to Leyte, to his momentous concluding mass in Luneta before record-breaking crowds, until his departure.

 

Presented by award-winning broadcast journalist Ms. Jessica Soho, Blessed by the Pope features special interviews with the pilot who flew Pope Francis to Tacloban, the chef who cooked for the Supreme Pontiff, as well as personal insights from various individuals who encountered the Pope.

 

Blessed by the Pope also reveals a special interview with one of the families of the Yolanda survivors who had lunch with the Pope in Leyte. The private lunch was attended by invited families who were survivors of super typhoon Yolanda and the Bohol earthquake.

 

Relive the Pope’s inspiring messages of hope, faith, love, mercy and compassion in Blessed by the Pope, a GMA News and Public Affairs Special, premiering this Monday, January 26 on GMA Pinoy TV, with a replay on January 31.

 

For more information on GMA Network’s artists, programs, international channels and events, visit the websitewww.gmanetwork.com/international.

Renewed hope, a lasting impact! GMAKF turns over 120 permanent concrete housing to Yolanda survivors in Tacloban!

GMAKF’s Operation Bayanihan quickly responded to the needs of those affected by typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

The Kapuso Village Tacloban is the first permanent housing project in the area for survivors of typhoon Yolanda.

It was an emotional turnover ceremony as 120 concrete houses were turned over to the beneficiaries of the Kapuso Village in Tacloban.

City Councilor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez representing the City Government of Tacloban receives the ceremonial key to the Kapuso Village Tacloban from GMAKF EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco.

Kapuso stars Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix, Kris Bernal, Barbie Forteza, Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes and Julie Anne San Jose joined GMAKF EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco in giving the residents an early Christmas gift.

A year after Yolanda hit the Philippines, the survivors’ stories of resilience continue as they rebuild from the ruins of their storm-ravaged homes.

 

Since the typhoon’s landfall in 2013, GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) – with its long-standing commitment to Serbisyong Totoo – has been a steadfast advocate in turning these stories of loss into stories of hope through its quick response in times of need and its extensive disaster relief programs.

 

On the anniversary of Yolanda, GMAKF officially turned over 120 permanent concrete houses of Phase II and III of its Kapuso Village in Tacloban City to select families displaced by the super typhoon.

 

GMAKF is the first NGO to turn over permanent concrete housing to Yolanda survivors in Tacloban City.

 

A total of 172 houses were turned over since July 2014. An additional 231 houses will be ready for occupancy in the coming months, fulfilling in part the Foundations’ 403-unit concrete housing project in the area.

 

“For the Yolanda survivors, a year definitely will not suffice to alleviate the pain from the loss of family members and ruined homes. However, our commitment in rebuilding lives through this long term project will help regain the hope of many displaced residents,” shares GMAKF EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco.

 

The beneficiaries were emotional during the turnover as they recalled the height of the storm and what they went through. Even so, they were grateful for the outpouring of assistance they received from GMAKF and its partners.

 

Through the generosity of numerous citizens all over the world, the project was able to come to fruition. Furthermore, GMA Network and its roster of stars showed the true meaning of the Kapuso spirit by participating in GMAKF’s Yolanda rehabilitation efforts.

 

Just this month, GMA launched its 2014 “Share the Love” Christmas campaign reminding its viewers that rebuilding lives entails a collaborative effort from generous hearts and passionate spirits.

 

GMA unveiled the campaign with an event plug featuring Mel Tiangco joined by Kapuso stars as they shared an early Christmas with the residents of the Kapuso Village in Tacloban.

 

The plug garnered positive reviews on Facebook with users commenting on the wonderful message of the campaign and GMAKF’s tireless efforts in helping those in need. Facebook user Gerolou says, “That’s why kind-hearted people trusted GMA Kapuso Foundation because they can see where their donations go… hope to fulfill 400 or more houses for Yolanda victims onward!”

 

Meanwhile, Facebook user Khryss, a Yolanda survivor, praises the video saying, “It makes my heart smile upon seeing this video and the song has really moved me. Thanks for motivating a lot of people in doing humanitarian missions. We are still blessed to have people like you.”

 

Since its launch, over 100 Kapuso celebrities and News and Public Affairs personalities have shared the love by sponsoring food, toys, medical treatments and medicines for the Kapuso Foundation’s beneficiaries in the country, including other Yolanda-affected areas.

 

In addition to the housing project in Tacloban, GMAKF also pledged the construction of 24 new classrooms under its Kapuso School Development project within the Kapuso Village. Meanwhile, another Kapuso Village will soon rise in Palo, which includes 169 concrete houses and 10 classrooms.

 

GMAKF has also turned over 15 classrooms in Barangay Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Moreover, construction and rehabilitation is underway for 40 classrooms in Quinapondan, Eastern Samar and in Villaba and Kananga in Leyte.

 

Going beyond immediate disaster relief efforts, GMAKF is committed to utilizing its resources to create a lasting impact on the lives of their beneficiaries.

Save the Children names Mikael Daez and Kylie Padilla as official Filipino ambassadors

Mikael Daez and Kylie Padilla for Save the Children

GMA Artist Center stars Mikael Daez and Kylie Padilla are the first Filipino representatives of Save the Children.  They join international ambassadors Hollywood A-listers Jennifer Garner and Julianne Moore, football star Cristiano Ronaldo and distinguished stylist/editor/fashion designer Rachel Zoe in promoting the advocacy that aims to provide both emergency and long-term support to improve the quality of life for children.

Mikael shares that being chosen as one of the first Pinoy ambassadors of Save the Children is such an honor and fulfils his dream to help an advocacy close to his heart. “I’ve always wanted to help children. All children should be able to dream about what they want to be when they grow up. Save the Children’s work means that more children can have those dreams. I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside this amazing charity and am privileged to be able to use my work for this excellent cause.”

Meanwhile, Kylie is eager to take on her new role as ambassador of a children’s organization. “It is a privilege to be a representative of Save the Children and be given the opportunity to help children in need, especially typhoon Yolanda survivors. I want to do whatever I can to help provide them everything they need so they can recover from their experiences and reach their full potential.” 

In the coming days, Mikael and Kylie together with some of the staff of Save the Children will visit Yolanda-affected communities in Tacloban to meet some of the survivors of the typhoon. Save the Children has already reached nearly 800,000 people in some of the ‘Yolanda’ hit areas providing them with emergency life-saving aid and long-term support for livelihood programs that will sustain their everyday living.

Save the Children’s Country Director, Ned Olney, shares that they are happy to be working with passionate Kapuso stars. “Save the Children is delighted to have such passionate engaged young people working with us as we strive to give every child in the Philippines the best start in life. We hope that our relationship with Kylie and Mikael will give us the opportunity to reach many more children and save even more lives.”