GMA revives the good old Pinoy tales with ‘Alamat’

Alamat

GMA News and Public Affairs—the group behind the groundbreaking socio-political and historical TV series Bayan Ko, Katipunan, Ilustrado, Titser, and Sa Puso Ni Dok—is coming up with a new weekly series that hopes to revive Filipinos’ interest in folk tales.

Entitled Alamat, the series features six episodes of 2D and 3D animated renditions of Philippine legends namely, Alamat ng Bayabas, Juan Tamad, Langgam at Tipaklong, Mariang Sinukuan, Mahiwagang Singsing, and Ang Unang Bahaghari. It will air worldwide on GMA Pinoy TV beginning July 19.

Six teams of writers, directors, producers, actor-dubbers and professional animators, some of whom had prior experience in giant animation studios abroad, worked on the project.

According to Jaileen Jimeno, program manager, the primary goal of the series is to encourage the audience, especially young viewers, to appreciate the once well-loved but now almost forgotten tales of lore which were used by elders to impart good values and traditions to the youth of their time.

Each episode features the voices of various Kapuso stars and personalities who give life to the characters. The first episode, Alamat ng Bayabas, will showcase the voices of veteran actor Pen Medina and GMA Artist Center talent Harvey Almoneda.

Characters for the next five episodes are voiced by Gabby Eigenmann, Glaiza de Castro, Mike Tan, Kylie Padilla, Louise de los Reyes, Bea Binene, Jeric Gonzales, Betong Sumaya, Love Añover, Maey Bautista, Pekto, John Feir, Tonipet Gaba, and Roi Vinzon.

 

Tune in to the premiere episode of Alamat on July 19 on GMA Pinoy TV.

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.

GMA Network tops Urban Luzon and Mega Manila ratings in May

Michael V

Barbie and Thea

Manny Pacquiao

Magpakailanman – Mel Tiangco

Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho

GMA Network continued to dominate the ratings in its stronghold areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila in May, according to data from the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

 

Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, represent 77 and 59 percent, respectively, of all urban TV households in the country.

 

During the covered period (with the dates of May 24 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA led competition in Urban Luzon with a 37.6 percent total day household audience share, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 31.3 percent by 6.3 points and TV5’s 8.2 percent by 29.4 points.

 

In Mega Manila, GMA led across all dayparts with 39.4 percent, besting ABS-CBN’s 27.6 percent by 11.8 points and TV5’s 8.4 percent by 31 points.

 

Meanwhile, GMA kept its lead in the daytime blocks in NUTAM (National Urban Television Audience Measurement). In the morning block, GMA recorded an average household share of 34 percent, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 29.9 percent by 4.1 points and TV5’s 10.1 percent by 23.9 points. In the afternoon block, GMA posted 36.7 percent, up 3.3 points from ABS-CBN’s 33.4 percent and up 28.2 points from TV5’s 8.5 percent.

 

Majority of the programs that entered the list of top-rating shows in NUTAM, Urban Luzon and Mega Manila came from GMA.

 

GMA’s telecast of the highly anticipated face-off between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr., which was simulcast via the three networks, rated highest nationwide (NUTAM) at 47.4 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 31.5 percent and TV5’s 7 percent. The fight dubbed “Battle for Greatness: Pacquiao vs. Mayweather” was also the highest-rating Kapuso program in NUTAM and Urban Luzon.

 

Other Kapuso programs that figured prominently in the lists include Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Magpakailanman, Once Upon A Kiss, Pepito Manaloto and The Half Sisters.

 

Catch these programs worldwide on GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. Visit www.gmanetwork.com/international for details.

Ai-Ai delas Alas: I have returned.

Ai-Ai delas Alas’ Contract Signing

The long wait is over. Philippine Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas returns to her home network as she signed an exclusive contract with GMA Network today, April 16.

 

Present during the contract signing were GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon; GMA President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit,  Jr.; GMA Entertainment TV’s Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable; GMA Vice President for Entertainment TV Marivin T. Arayata; GMA Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie Acuña-Magno; and GMA Vice President for Corporate Communications Angela Javier Cruz.

 

Ai-Ai started her showbiz career in GMA 7 as one of the hosts of the noontime shows, Lunch Date and Salo-Salo Together. She became even more popular as Cheenie La Chika in her show, R.S.V.P.

 

And after 14 years, she is back in her home network. “I have returned… Ngayon po ay babalik na ako sa totoo kong bahay…Ang GMA, hindi ako kinalimutan…Maraming maraming salamat po sa mainit ninyong pagtanggap sa akin,” says Ai-Ai.

 

The multitalented actress/comedienne/TV host became emotional when the network executives delivered their welcome remarks.

 

Atty. Gozon not only expressed his excitement on Ai-Ai’s homecoming, but he also admitted that she is one of his favorite TV personalities, “Masaya akong nagbalik si Ai-Ai sa kanyang pinanggalingan. Hindi ko nakakalimutang Kapuso natin si Ai-Ai. Medyo nagbakasyon lang siya at nagpunta sa ibang istasyon. Pero higit sa lahat, kaya ako natutuwa, hindi lamang magaling na comedienne si Ai-Ai, magaling na artista at saka talagang professional, well, sasabihin ko na rin, si Ai-Ai ay paborito kong personal.”

 

Mr. Duavit, in turn, revealed that the whole Kapuso Network family is very excited with her comeback, “Noong ako ay paakyat sa elevator at nagmamadali, tinanong sa akin kung sa 17th Floor ako pupunta, may balita raw na may signing. Noong nalaman na si Ai-Ai ay darating para i-formalize ang kanyang pagbalik, ay nagpalakpakan sa elevator. Talagang lahat ng mga Kapuso, natutuwa. Ai-Ai, kaming lahat ay bukod sa nagagalak, ay nasisiyahan sa iyong pagbalik and we look forward with great anticipation to working with you again. You make us all proud to be a Kapuso.”

 

Meanwhile, Rasonable said that she is grateful to Ai-Ai for trusting GMA and she hopes for more productive years with her as a Kapuso, “Galak na galak kami na ngayong nagbalik siya kung saan siya nagsimula.  Si Cheenie La Chicka, tandang-tanda ko ang character niya na hanggang ngayon ay memorable pa rin sa atin na nagtrabaho din sa GMA and we are very very excited and looking forward na hindi ka lang maging ka-trabaho, kundi maging masaya ang pagsasama natin in the next years.”

 

Aside from the other shows being lined up for Ai-Ai, her initial project in GMA is the upcoming primetime series Let the Love Begin which is slated to air this May./

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.”

GMA Summer Primetime Treats

Let the Love Begin – Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia

Let the Love Begin – Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia

Pari Koy – Dingdong Dantes with David Remo (back turned)

Pari Koy clip

The Rich Mans Daughter – Mike Tan, Sheena Halili, Glaiza de Castro, Marian Rivera and Luis Alandy

The Rich Mans Daughter – Mike Tan, Sheena Halili, Glaiza de Castro, Marian Rivera and Luis Alandy

GMA Network kicks off the summer season as it presents an exciting line-up of new programs – among which are the faith serye Pari ‘Koy, the romantic drama Let The Love Begin and the intriguing soap opera The Rich Man’s Daughter.

 

First on the list is the family-friendly series Pari ‘Koy starring Primetime King Dingdong Dantes in his first-time portrayal of an unconventional priest known for his non-traditional ways of bringing the people closer to God. Dingdong as Father Kokoy made his international debut this March on GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Network’s flagship international channel. Also in the cast are Sunshine Dizon, Gabby Eigenmann, Chanda Romero, Jillian Ward, Luz Valdez, Dexter Doria, Rap Fernandez, JC Tiuseco, Carlo Gonzales, Jeric Gonzales, Hiro Peralta, Jojit Lorenzo, Lindsay de Vera, among others.  Also, GMA Network’s newest child prodigy David Remo stars as Pinggoy, the high-spirited “village’s son” of Barangay Pinagpala who will put Fr. Kokoy to the ultimate test of faith.

 

The Kapuso Network’s fast-rising love team Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia topbill the romantic drama Let the Love Begin. The program is all set to make audiences laugh, cry and fall in love as it presents the beautiful story of two individuals who will share a special friendship that withstands the test of time.

 

Last but certainly not least, the premiere of the compelling drama series The Rich Man’s Daughter with Primetime Queen Marian Rivera in the title role. Marian takes on the challenging character of Jade Tanchingco, an heiress from a very wealthy family. In the story, Jade’s father is looking for a suitor for her and is willing to pay millions to any man who can make her fall in love with him. She will be joined by Glaiza de Castro, Katrina Halili and Luis Alandy. The series also stars Paolo Contis, Mike Tan, Pauleen Luna, TJ Trinidad, Sheena Halili, Charee Pineda together with Al Tantay, Glydel Mercado, Tony Mabesa and Ms. Gloria Romero.

 

Without a doubt, primetime viewing will never be the same as GMA-7 continues to chart new grounds this year. Catch a preview of GMA’s newest offerings in the summer launches plug currently airing on GMA Pinoy TV.

 

To see your favourite Kapuso shows on GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International, check the airing schedules in your territory through the website www.gmanetwork.com/international/programguide.

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.”

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.