Marimar dances her way into viewers’ hearts this August!

Tommy Abuel

Zoren Legaspi

Tom and Megan

Tom and Megan

Tom and Megan

Tom Rodriguez

Tom and Megan

Tom and Megan

Tom Rodriguez

Ricardo Cepeda

Megan Young

Megan Young

Lauren Young

Nova Villa

Jaya

Jaclyn Jose

Ina Raymundo

Frank Magalona

Dion Ignacio

Carmi Martin

Candy Pangilinan

Alice Dixson

One of the highly-anticipated programs this 2015, GMA Network reimagines television history’s most successful telenovela, Marimar, with the sizzling team up of Kapuso prime artists Tom Rodriguez and Megan Young. The primetime series begins August 25 on GMA Pinoy TV.

Giving a fresh take on the role of Sergio Santibañez is Kapuso Prime leading man, Tom. With his devilishly good looks and compelling charisma, there is no doubt that the Kapuso prime leading man will have viewers swooning.

Coming from the wealthy Santibañez family, Sergio is a spoiled trust fund kid who loves extreme sports and adventure. One day, he meets Marimar and decides to use her to get his inheritance from his father. Little did he know that he will soon fall for the girl who he once used for his selfish plan.

Bringing life anew to the iconic character that exemplifies the best traits of the Filipina barrio lass is Kapuso multi-talented actress, Megan. She is definitely a fitting choice for the character as she represents a woman who is brave with her sense of purpose and has conquered the world with her countenance.

Despite being separated from her real parents at a young age, Marimar was raised filled with love by a couple who found her. Modest and carefree as she’s known to be, Marimar makes money out of being a pearl diver. To sell her pearls in the island, she dances her signature moves to get people’s attention. It is through this instance that Marimar will be noticed by Sergio.

Witness another dimension of acting prowess as Marimar brings together a roster of A-list actors and actresses including Ms. Jaclyn Jose as Señora Angelika Santibañez, the outrageously extravagant and flamboyantly dressed second wife of Renato who likes attention and loves being the center of it all; Zoren Legaspi as Gustavo Aldama, the biological father of Marimar who chooses to fight his love for Mia despite his family’s objection; Lauren Young as Antonia, the pretentious socialite daughter of Angelika who will join her mother in depriving Marimar of everything that was rightfully hers; and the returning Kapuso, Ms. Alice Dixson, as Mia Aldama, the biological mother of Marimar who becomes determined in life after having a whirlwind romance with Gustavo.

Marimar also takes pride in bringing to life once again colorful characters to be portrayed by Nova Villa as Lola Cruz, the woman who gives shelter to Marimar and treats her as her own child; Tommy Abuel as Lola Pancho, the husband of Lola Cruz who will teach Marimar how to dive for pearls; Carmi Martin as Esperanza Aldama, the fabulous business-minded cousin of Gustavo; Ina Raymundo as Brenda, a social and sophisticated woman who will try her best to win Gustavo back; Dion Ignacio as Nicandro, the crooked and dishonest staff officer on the Santibañez Island who is envious of Sergio; Ricardo Cepeda as Renato Santibañez, the kind-hearted and responsible father of Sergio; Jaya as Corazon, the trustworthy chambermaid of the Santibañez family; Cris Villanueva as Padresito Porres, the witty and kind-hearted priest on the island who always encourages Marimar to pursue her dreams; Candy Pangilinan as Perfecta, the personal assistant of Angelika and the greatest rival of Corazon in the mansion; Frank Magalona as Franco, the outspoken companion of Sergio; Ashley Cabrera as Cruzita Santibañez, the charming sister of Sergio who will get close to Marimar; plus Boobay who will give voice to the adorable dog, Fulgoso.

From making the hit TV series, The Rich Man’s Daughter, My Husband’s Lover, Darna, Mulawin, My Beloved, and Temptation of Wife, just to name a few, Dominic Zapata is more than ready to offer viewers a refreshing take on this riveting primetime series.

Aiming to inspire every Filipina to become the best version of herself while fulfilling her dreams, witness the journey of Marimar beginning August 25 on GMA Pinoy TV.

“Hangga’t mayroong show yung Kapuso, hangga’t nandyaan ang GMA, solid kami.” Loyal Kapuso subscribers share their #Sampuso stories

Vallesteros Family

Nick and Jeremy Enciso

Neneth Abello

Lontoc Family

Gorospe Family

Edith AndresGMA Pinoy TV,

Anaheim, California, says she has been a GMA Pinoy TV subscriber for 10 years already. “I have three kids, they were born in the Philippines but raised here, and GMA particularly helped me connect them to our culture,” she shares. “When I’m at home, I’m in the Philippines, thanks to GMA,” she adds.

 

GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Network’s flagship international channel, serves comprehensive and up-to-date news and public affairs programs and pure quality entertainment shows. The second international channel of GMA, GMA Life TV, reflects the vibrance of life to cater to the ever-changing preferences of Filipino audiences abroad. GMA News TV International provides the latest news straight from the Philippines and delivered to the viewers without delay.

 

Meanwhile, the Vallesteros family, from Vancouver, Canada, relays their love for GMA and its programs, and admits that even though they have watched an episode of their favorite program, they patiently wait for the replay to be able to watch it again.  Lola Ester and Lolo Simeon particularly love watching GMA News TV International. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa GMA dahil updated kami sa mga balita, alam naming kung anu-ano ang nangyayari sa ating bayan,” shares Lolo Simeon.

 

Abello, Gorospe and Lontoc families also shared their favorite Kapuso programs and artists, and admitted that they feel the heart in every show. “Nakakatanggal ng pagod paguwi galing ng trabaho, nakakamiss ang Pilipinas,” said the Gorospe family. “Hangga’t mayroong show yung Kapuso, hangga’t nandyaan ang GMA, solid kami.”

 

Father and son Nick and Jeremy Enciso from Anaheim, California spend quality time together watching the latest news about the Philippines on GMA. Nick said GMA made it easier for him to instill Filipino tradition and culture within Jeremy while he was growing up. “Congratulations on your 10th year, when I have kids I will definitely have them watch GMA as well,” admits Jeremy.

 

“It’s been a great 10 years of providing quality news and entertainment to our Kapuso subscribers abroad and we are grateful for their never ending support for GMA,” expresses GMA First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia. “They can rest assured that GMA International will remain committed as we continue to nurture our relationship with Kapuso supporters abroad,” he adds.

 

Watch these #Sampuso stories and more on the newly launched GMA International playlist http://bit.do/GMAPinoyTV on GMA Network’s YouTube Channelhttp://bit.do/GMANetwork.

Ai-Ai, Jose, Wally and Marian headline GMA’s upcoming program Sunday PinaSaya

Aiai delas Alas

Aiai delas Alas

Alden Richards

Alden Richards

Barbie Forteza

Barbie Forteza

Jerald Napoles

Jerald Napoles

Joey Paras

Joey Paras

Jose Manalo

Jose Manalo

Julie Anne San Jose

Julie Anne San Jose

Marian Rivera

Marian Rivera

Valeen Montenegro

Valeen Montenegro

Wally Bayola

Wally Bayola

On August 9, GMA Network raises the bar in Philippine entertainment with the premiere of its newest comedy-musical variety program Sunday PinaSaya on its flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.

 

The program redefines the usual variety show, as it offers viewers unique production numbers featuring the hottest celebrities, comedy sketches and fun-filled games. It also unites the country’s biggest names in showbiz – Philippine Comedy Queen Aiai delas Alas, well-loved comic tandem Jose Manalo andWally Bayola, and Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera.

 

Ai-Ai admits that she couldn’t wait for the show to start. “Sabi ko, parang, ‘game na ba ‘to? Kailan na ba magsisimula?’ Tapos ayan na, game na talaga. Excited ako kasi this show is comedy-based. Patatawanin muna namin kayo bago namin kayo mas lalong pasasayahin sa hatid naming mga papremyo. At marami pa rin silang dapat abangan na mga bonggang performances mula sa kanilang mga paboritong artista. [I said to myself, ‘Is this really it? When will it start?’ And then they said it was a go. I’m excited because this show is comedy-based. We’ll make you laugh first before we make you even happier with prizes. They can look forward to more great performances from their favorite artists.]”

 

Meanwhile, Marian is excited for the program as it promises a new Sunday variety show experience, “Patatawanin namin sila, magbibigay kami ng papremyo, at makikita nila ang iba’t ibang klaseng talento ng mga cast dito. At ang maganda sa Sunday PinaSaya, hindi lang kami yung makakasama nila dito dahilevery Sunday ay may mga Kapuso tayo na pwedeng mag-guest sa show. So everybody’s welcome sa Sunday PinaSaya. [We’ll make them laugh, we’ll give prizes and they’ll be able to see the various talents of the cast. The great thing about Sunday PinaSaya is that it’s not just the hosts that they get to see every week, but they can also watch other Kapuso artists as guests on the show. So everybody’s welcome on Sunday PinaSaya.]”

 

Expect nothing but the best banters and funny antics from Alden Richards, Julie Anne San Jose, Barbie Forteza, Joey Paras, Valeen Montenegroand Jerald Napoles, who will also bring more fun to the show.

 

On its pilot episode, over 10 million worth of prizes are to be given away, tax free.

 

Don’t miss the much-awaited premiere of the newest and trendiest comedy-musical variety show this Sunday on GMA Pinoy TV, because Sundays are fun days with Sunday PinaSaya!

 

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.

GMA International channels widen reach abroad

Joseph T Francia – First VP and Head of International Operations, GMA Network

GMA Pinoy TV

GMA Life TV

GMA News TV International

GMA International, which manages the operations and distribution of GMA Network’s international channels abroad, continues to expand its presence further across the globe.

 

“As we celebrate our 10^th anniversary, we continue to uphold our commitment to bring quality Kapuso programming to a wider audience,” expresses GMA First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia.

 

For the first time since the launch of first two flagship international channels GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV, GMA News TV International is now within reach of Filipinos in the United States.

 

Since July 1, subscribers of Charter Spectrum TV all over the United States have been able to watch and enjoy their favorite Kapuso entertainment and news programs through GMA’s three international channels.

 

Charter Spectrum TV is a leading broadband communications company and the fourth largest cable operator in the US, which provides a full range of advanced broadband services all throughout the country.

 

While GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV have been available in the US since 2005 and 2007, respectively, this year marks the first time that GMA News TV International will be available for all Kapuso fans in the United States.

 

According to Allan Singer, Charter Communications Senior Vice President for Programming, “Spectrum TV offers a wide array of diverse, quality content that touches many cultures, and we are pleased to bring GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International to our customers in these communities, and more will follow.”

 

GMA’s international channels offer a diverse menu of Kapuso programs which Filipinos abroad will surely enjoy. Regular Kapuso shows in the Philippines can be watched from GMA Pinoy TV, and lifestyle programs can be followed through GMA Life TV. Meanwhile, GMA News TV International serves up the latest news straight from the Philippines and delivered to the viewers without much delay.

 

Aside from the US launch, GMA’s flagship international channels have already been widely available in other parts of the world.

 

PCCW recently carried GMA News TV International and brought it to Filipino viewers in Hong Kong beginning June 2, 2015.

 

GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International will also soon be available on LycaTV to cater to Kapuso fans in Europe.

Barbie Forteza turns 18, does not want an extravagant party

Barbie Forteza

Barbie Forteza

Barbie Forteza

Barbie Forteza

“Like every girl, excited ako at the thought of turning 18. Pero pwede bang magwish? Pwede po bang wala ng party?,” says Kapuso teen actress Barbie Forteza, who is looking forward to celebrating this important milestone in her life on July 31.

Barbie emphasized that instead of spending so much on a grand debut, she would rather use the money for other more meaningful things.

Children have always had special place in Barbie’s sweet heart, thus, in celebration of her debut, Barbie adopted a room at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Diliman, Quezon City. She has been helping PCMC in the past 4 years and plans to continue sharing her blessings to the kids in the hospital.

The “Adopt-A-Room” program of PCMC enables entities or individuals to choose and adopt a private room which they want to renovate and convert into a special private room. Once renovated and occupied, the proceeds of the room will go to “charity rooms”.

Other private institutions and brand giants have already adopted rooms from PCMC, but Barbie is the first ever celebrity to participate in this worthy cause.

The renovation for Barbie’s adopted room is currently on-going with the talented young actress actively participating in the process with the help of GMA Artist Center and Architects Jose Ricky Martinez and Richie Ongteco.

Barbie’s partners in making her dreams come to life include her generous sponsors BNY, Unisilver Time, Posh Nails, BS Mobile, Fruitas, Belladona Bags, Megawide, Happy Haus Donuts, Pizza Pedricos, Cris-Carl Stuffed Toys, Megasoft Diapers, Muebles De Cristina Furniture, Fernando’s Bakeshop, Chocovron, Ritz Biscuits, Jao Ming Glutathione, Rotary Club of Makati and Flawless.

Barbie stars as the other half in the highly successful GMA drama The Half Sisters, which airs worldwide on GMA Pinoy TV. She will also be part of the new Sunday noontime show, PinaSaya.

Den and Jen, together again!

My Faithful Husband

Dennis Trillo posts a photo of Jennylyn

Dennis and Jennylyn at the gym together

Dennis and Jennylyn

Jennylyn and Dennis wrap up a scene for the series

Jennylyn and Dennis on set

Love seems to be sweeter the second time around. For a Kapuso love team, that is.

This August, the award-winning actors – Drama King Dennis Trillo and Kapuso leading lady Jennylyn Mercado – reunite for GMA Network’s upcoming series My Faithful Husband.

The two first starred opposite each other in the GMA program Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak.

Exuding undeniable chemistry on-screen, the two play a married couple in the new series, with Dennis as Emman, a doting husband to Melanie, portrayed by Jennylyn, and a devoted father to their children.

The pair’s marriage is tested, however, when Melanie comes across her ex-boyfriend and her feelings get confused.

And while the series has yet to air on GMA Network, fans are already eager to see Dennis and Jennylyn’s reunion project as the two have been posting photos showing them together on their personal Instagram accounts.

Their seemingly sweet posts, along with the hashtag #emmanie (a cross between their characters’ names), have viewers and netizens buzzing about a possible rekindled romance. The two had dated in the past and fans have been clamouring for a real life reunion.

However, the duo remains tight-lipped regarding the issue and prefers to focus on their new show.

Both are thrilled to be working with each other once more on another Kapuso series. “Siyempre excited ako na makatrabaho si Jen. Last time ko siya nakatrabaho five years ago, dramarama sa hapon yung ginawa namin. Ngayon naman sa primetime,” says Dennis.

On her part, Jennylyn is looking forward to how their pair-up will be received. “Excited ako kasi gusto ko rin namang makita kung anong kakalabasan lalo na pag nagsisimula na talaga kami kasi dun natin makikita kung inaabangan ba talaga kami, papanoorin ba kami.”

Catch their exciting portrayals on the drama series My Faithful Husband airing soon on GMA Pinoy TV.

Lovi Poe excited for TV comeback

Lovi Poe at the Philippine Embassy in Hateen

Lovi Poe

Lovi Poe onstage

Hot off the heels of her successful GMA Pinoy TV show in Kuwait, Kapuso actress Lovi Poe returns to primetime via Beautiful Strangers.

 

Lovi is filled with excitement as she portrays her character, Joyce, a woman who is seeking revenge from a family who wronged her.

 

“I’m so happy to be part of an exciting series, which will feature some of the best actors on TV and film. Kaya naman ganado at masayang-masaya ako na muling mapanood sa primetime,” she says.

 

She also recently finished working on a movie, Lakambini, wherein she plays the role of Gregoria ‘Oryang’ De Jesus, the founder of the women’s chapter of the Katipunan.

 

“It’s a dream role for me, and it’s such a huge challenge to be doing a film about a woman who made a history,” relates Lovi.

 

Catch more of her this August in Beautiful Strangers on GMA Pinoy TV.

Why is Benjamin Alves happy to work with Christopher de Leon and Dina Bonnevie?

Benjamin Alves

Benjamin Alves

Benjamin Alves

Kapuso star Benjamin Alves says bagging a role in the upcoming primetime series Beautiful Strangers as Lawrence Castillo, the son of the characters portrayed by well-lauded actors Christopher de Leon and Dina Bonnevie, is a dream come true.

 

In an interview with Benjamin during his contract signing with GMA Network, he reveals that this is something he wished would happen. “I’ve seen these guys act and I look up to these guys since I was young. It’s cliché but when you’re a kid you want to work with them and then you are [working with them].”

 

Still, Benjamin admits feeling overwhelmed whenever he films scenes with Christopher and Dina. “When I’m working with Tito Boyet and Miss D, the hardest part is to just stay relaxed. You know you just do diligence naman, memorizing the lines and everything, but it’s just to not be in awe, because you’re working with these people,” he says.

 

Benjamin also shares what Christopher once told him in the set. “He pointed it out to me that he’s already worked with my uncle (Piolo Pascual), as a son. Sabi niya, ‘I’m working with you now, I hope I see something different.’ That’s where the challenge is, I think, to make sure that he sees something different; and also because I want to make sure everybody sees something different from me here, as far as acting.”

 

In Beautiful Strangers, Benjamin’s character, Lawrence is a son who constantly fights with his dad simply because he doesn’t like him. “There are reasons naman, and I’m very much like my dad in the sense na pareho kaming babaero. He’s not bad naman but he’s not clean. He’s more on the dirtier side or the rougher side.”

 

Under the direction of Albert Langitan, Beautiful Strangers which also stars Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe, and Rocco Nacino, will soon air on GMA Pinoy TV.

Dina Bonnevie portrays challenging role in GMA’s Beautiful Strangers

Dina Bonnevie

Seasoned actress Dina Bonnevie finds her role in GMA Network’s upcoming primetime series Beautiful Strangers a challenging one.

 

Dina, who is back as a Kapuso, plays the role of Alejandra Castillo, wife of Ronaldo (Christopher de Leon) and a doting mother to Lawrence (Benjamin Alves). Alejandra is a strong woman in the outside, but weak in the inside.

 

“I don’t want to do the typical kontrabida na pasigaw-sigaw na nagtataray. I’m trying a different attack now. No loud voices. Parang meek as a lamb. Parang for me, I always make what I do my truth. Every scene I do, iyon ang truth in Alejandra. If you make every scene your own truth which is not the truth the audience knows, then you are not the typical kontrabida, we are gonna make it a little different. Alejandra is just fighting what is hers,” explained Dina in an interview.

 

Aside from being reunited with Heart Evangelista, Dina also revealed that she really wanted to work with Lovi Poe that’s why she accepted this project.

 

“I really wanted to work with Lovi because I haven’t worked with her. I like her. Nagagandahan ako sa kanya. She is dusky, olive skin, na really beautiful, doe eyes. Ang ganda ganda ng mata niya.  And I really wanted to reunite with Heart.”

 

She is very excited for this show which she hopes will pique the interest of viewers since “there are a lot of scenes that imitate life. Very real yung mga eksena. The scenes are so real.”

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.