August 2020 Kapuso Magazine

AUGUST 2020 KAPUSO MAGAZINE

CONTENTS PAYONG KAPUSO

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UPDATES

GMA Network Appoints Regie Bautista as Senior AVP GMA News, GMA Public Affairs are Top PH Online News Outlets

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AWARDS

15th Seoul International Drama Awards UPDATES

Imbestigador AHA! Born To Be Wild Amazing Earth Madam Pushy and I COVER

150 Days: Caring for Our People Since Day One REGIONAL TV

GMA Regional TV Rolls out First Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels GMA Regional TV Earns Isko at Iska’s Nod at Gandingan 2020 Awards

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Gandingan Awards

15 Years of GMA Pinoy TV

GMA Network has been lauded anew by the students of the University of the Philippines Los Baños

Bringing Filipinos abroad closer

GMA Kapuso Magazine (Electronic) is a monthly publication of GMA Network, Inc. published by the Corporate Affairs and Communications Department, 16th Floor, GMA Network Center, EDSA cor. Timog, Ave., Diliman, Quezon City. Trunkline No. (632)8982-7777.

COVER: GMA Network always puts the safety

and wellbeing of its employees as its top priority. Cover shows the Kapuso Network’s journalists on the front lines, engineering and technical teams on the field, and people supporting key business operations from home.

UPDATES 3

GMA News, GMA Public Affairs are Top PH Online News Outlets

GMA Network Appoints Regie Bautista as Senior VP

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edia giant GMA Network, Inc. recently promoted Regie C. Bautista as Senior Vice President for Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development. She is also the Network’s concurrent Chief Risk Officer and Head of Program Support.

Bautista led the successful development and market launch of GMA Affordabox, the Network’s digital TV device.

As First Vice President for Corporate Strategic Planning, she has led the Network’s strategic planning process, which established the Network’s strategic priorities and fasttracked the Network’s end-to-end digital transformation, among others.

As Chief Risk Officer, she established the company’s enterprise-wide risk management system, increasing the Network’s ability to manage uncertainty, respond to risks and opportunities, and boost organizational resilience. She also instituted the network’s sustainability reporting and successfully registered GMA Network as the first media and broadcast company in the Philippines to sign with the United Nations (UN) Global Compact.

Bautista, as Program Support Head, manages the company’s marketing communications, creative services, media and on-air continuity, and digital media divisions. Among other things, her group is responsible for managing the media and on-air continuity of several of the Network’s multi-media platforms and crafting Network promotions and campaigns that have garnered multiple recognitions from local and international award-giving bodies including PromaxBDA and the New York Festivals.

Bautista’s group likewise established the Network’s growing online community, registering millions of fans and followers across the different social media platforms. In conjunction with GMA News Online, her team also created the Network’s online portal, GMANetwork. com, one of the country’s leading websites which logs over a billion page views annually.

Bautista has been a loyal Kapuso for almost two decades now.

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MA Network further strengthens its reputation as a digital powerhouse as two of its online platforms–GMA News and GMA Public Affairs –reign as the top news outlets in the Philippines according to Tubular Labs, the leading crossplatform digital video measurement and analytics data solution provider.

Tubular Labs’ June 2020 leaderboard for the News and Politics category showed that GMA News remained as the country’s number one online news video publisher. With 223.7 million views on Facebook and 139.9 million views on YouTube, GMA News is the only Filipino news outlet to make it in the top 20 worldwide for the month.

Contributing a significant amount of views on GMA News’ Facebook and YouTube pages is the livestream of 24 Oras, which is still the most viewed newscast online. Also available for viewing worldwide are Express versions of GMA’s newscasts 24 Oras, Saksi, and Unang Hirit.

With 219 million views on YouTube and 71.2 million on Facebook, the award-winning group of GMA Public Affairs emerged as the second top video publisher in the Philippines under the same category.

The Philippines’ leading TV program, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), is among the most viewed public affairs programs online along with Tadhana, Wish Ko, Lang, I-Witness, and Imbestigador.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |AUGUST 2020 ISSUE

4 AWARDS

Gandingan 2020 Awards

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MA Network has been lauded anew by the students of the University of the Philippines Los Baños as various Kapuso programs and personalities won at the “Gandingan 2020: The 14th UPLB Isko’t Iska Multi-media Awards”, with the awarding ceremonies held virtually last July 25.

With the theme “Midya: Kakampi ng Bayan sa Laban para sa Katarungan,” Gandingan Awards highlights the value of development communication and the contribution of both national and local or communitybased media workers and organizations in changing the lives of the Filipinos.

Top: Mike Enriquez and Mang Tani Bottom: Arnold Clavio and Pia Arcangel

Arnold Clavio & Pia Arcangel Best News Anchor

Winnie Monsod (Bawal ang Pasaway kay Mareng Winnie)

Mang Tani Cruz

Gandingan ng Edukasyon

Gandingan ng Agham at Teknolohiya

State of the Nation (SONA) with Jessica Soho: SONA Voter Education Special

Jam Sisante-Cayco Best Field Reporter

Imbestigador: The Gomez-Sarmenta Rape Slay Case Most Development Oriented Drama Program

Reporter’s Notebook: Batas ng Karagatan Pagbabalik sa Scarborough Most Development Oriented Investigative Program

The Atom Araullo Specials: Sa Magkabilang Dulo Most Development Oriented Documentary

Debate 2019: The GMA Senatorial Face-off Most Development Oriented Talk/Discussion Program

Studio 7: Musikalye Special Citation for Most Development Oriented Musical Segment/Program

15th Seoul International Drama Awards

Most Development Oriented Educational Program

Investigative Documentaries: Pride Most Gender Transformative Program

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao: Rehabilitation of Naboc River in Compostela Valley Province Polluted

by Mining Waste Most Development Oriented News Story

The Kapuso Campus Tour: The Regional Masterclass Series Most Development Oriented TV Plug

Mike Enriquez (Super Radyo DZBB 594) Best AM Radio Program Host for Saksi sa Dobol B

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Super Radyo DZBB 594 Most Development Oriented AM Station

DZBB: Eleksyon 2019 Most Development Oriented Radio Plug

Barangay LS 97.1 Most Development Oriented FM Station (Special Citation)

Barangay Love Stories Most Development Oriented FM Program

Papa Dudut Best FM Radio Program Host (Special Citation)

GMA News Online: Pasyentiis Most Development Oriented Online News

A Very Long Summer Most Development Oriented Feature Article

Ang Islang Walang Lupa Most Development Oriented Photograph/Photo Story (Special Citation)

Kinaya ni Mama Most Development Oriented Online Video (Special Citation)

Dingdong Dantes and Jennylyn Mercado

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MA Entertainment Group’s Pinoy adaptation of one of the world’s most well-loved drama series, Descendants of the Sun (DOTS), brought honor to the Network after winning the Most Popular Foreign Drama of the Year in the 15th Seoul International Drama Awards.

DOTSPh is the very first Philippine TV program to receive this recognition from the annual global festival.

The prestigious award ceremony selected GMA’s Pinoy version among several remakes that originated from the KBS drama aired in South Korea in 2016, highlighting the infuence of K-drama not only in Asia but also around the world.

Seoul International Drama Awards is a festival that brings together all professionals in the field of TV drama production and media industry and global audiences who enjoy television dramas.

This year’s festival will be held on September 10 at MBC Media Center Public Hall without an audience.

UPDATES 5

Imbestigador

Saturdays | 4:45 PM | GMA 7

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ccording to the Philippine National Police, crime rate has dipped in the country by 50% with the implementation of quarantine amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the decrease however, several crimes made headlines and even sparked outrage during the quarantine period.

This August, GMA News and Public Affairs’ longest-running investigative program Imbestigador aired “Quarantine Crimes”—a series of all-new episodes that feature various crimes that happened during quarantine.

Born To Be Wild Returns with All-New Episodes Sundays| After AHA!| GMA 7

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fter more than 100 days, and still counting, of community quarantine, GMA’s award-winning environmental and wildlife program Born To Be Wild returned with all-new episodes this August.

Last August 2, hosts and expert veterinarians Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato went back to the outdoors to continue the mission of saving animals.

Last August 8, Imbestigador featured the sensational case of Fabel Pineda, a 15-yearold girl who was killed in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur last July 2. Prior to her death, Fabel filed a complaint against two policemen of San Juan, Ilocos Sur who arrested her and her cousin for violating the curfew. Based on Fabel’s account, the two officers initially offered to bring them home, but they ended up being molested by the two policemen.

Fabel then filed a case against them. But days later, Fabel was gunned down.

Several groups and netizens denounced what happened to Fabel and her cousin.

The two police officers were since relieved from their posts and charges were also filed against them. Will the families of the victims ever attain justice?

In Tanay, Rizal, locals sought the help of Born to be Wild when they discovered that a pair of endemic North Luzon cloud rats is hiding underneath their roof. The cloud rats have been waiting to be freed since they became “locked down” inside this home in June. Doc Nielsen and his team stepped into the forest to help these endemic animals return to the Sierra Madre mountain range.

For the first time since the declaration of general community quarantine, a wildlife rescue was finally underway.

Long before the pandemic, Doc Ferds and his team were frequent visitors of a sea turtle rescue facility in Iloilo. Doc Ferds checked on his former sea turtle patients to see how they are doing and to find out if they can still go back to the wild.

AHA!

Sundays | 8:15 AM|GMA 7 Award-winning Kapuso infotainment program AHA! started airing brand-new episodes this August and launched its fully animated virtual learning studio.

Last August 9, AHA! host Drew Arellano took viewers to a virtual tour of the learning studio and introduced his new techie BFF A! Robot. Everyone’s favorite interactive quiz, AHA Quiz Party, returned with new and exciting features.

Last August 9, Doc Ferds visited a place in Old Balara, Quezon City where stray dogs are kept. With many areas under lockdown in the past months, local authorities say that the number of stray or abandoned dogs has increased. These dogs are now up for adoption thanks to a concerned citizen.

But before the dogs could meet their new families, Doc Ferds checked the animals to make sure they were healthy.

In recent months, many have found it more difficult to acquire food supplies. In the animal world, finding food in the changing environment has already been a struggle.

Some species bury themselves under mud and wait for hours for their prey. Others wait for low tide so they can search for their meals. Doc Nielsen and his team documented these food hunters.

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6 UPDATES

Madam Pushy and I Weekdays & Saturdays | 10:45 AM & 10:45 AM | GMA 7

Brace for kilig mornings as GMA Heart of Asia airs the hit romantic comedy Madam Pushy and I from Thailand featuring the first teamup of Thai superstars Mario Maurer and Ploy Laila Boonsayak.

Amazing Earth

Sundays | 5:25 PM | GMA 7 Exciting adventures and inspiring stories of local heroes await Kapuso viewers as GMA Network’s high-rating infotainment show Amazing Earth offered brand new episodes.

Following the interruption of tapings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kapuso Primetime King and award-winning actor-TV host Dingdong Dantes shared his excitement on returning to work and talked about the safety measures they have to follow during the shoot.

“Malinaw naman ‘yung mga rules na binigay nila. Katulad naman ng lahat, basta may social distancing, kailangan naka-mask, kailangan naka-PPE pwera ako. Kasi, kapag on-cam kailangan tanggalin ko na ‘yung mask ko. Okay

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |AUGUST 2020 ISSUE

naman ‘yung ventilation dahil nasa rooftop kami, open air,” said Dingdong.

In an exclusive interview, Dingdong talked to Filipino post-graduate student, Jan Robert Go, who is currently residing on Wuhan, China – once, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. The assistant professor from UP revealed how his day goes during the two-month lockdown in a foreign land.

“Sobrang interesting para sa akin din, isang estudyante na nasa Wuhan nu’ng nag-lockdown. By choice, nanatili siya roon at ikukuwento niya sa atin kung ano ‘yung naging experience niya sa loob mismo ng Wuhan, kung saan nagmula ang COVID-19,” Dingdong shared.

Explore and learn more about our one and only planet in Amazing Earth - under the helm of esteemed Director Rico Gutierrez - every Sunday, 5:25PM, only on GMA Network.

Madam Pushy (Ploy Laila Boonsayak) is an ambitious talent agent and manager who searches for a new potential star as she goes against her rival Jeric (Chai Chatayodom Hiranyatithi) in the industry. Madam Pushy blames Jeric for her best friend’s death and since then, vows to bring Jeric down.

With the help of her assistant, she finds Next (Mario) in the countryside, a young man who was adopted by a childless couple. Next agrees to work with Madam Pushy to build his finances to search for his biological parents.

Will Madam Pushy be successful in turning Next into a superstar?

PAYONG KAPUSO 7

This August, as we celebrate the National Month of Philippine Language, we shine the spotlight on a champion of Philippine culture and an icon in the entertainment industry our very own, Michael V.

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8 PAYONG KAPUSO

The Kapuso Multi -Talented Comedian

A master of parody and comedy, Bitoy can easily imitate and exaggerate any character

Michael V. likes to wear many hats – literally and figuratively. Fondly known as Bitoy, he is not one to shy away from exploring facets of his imagination and it goes without saying that he has made an indelible mark in the industry as a comedian, an actor, an illustrator, a director, a producer, a vlogger, a writer, a content creator, and so much more.

“Ine-express ko ‘yung kagustuhan ko na maging total entertainer,” he shared in a vlog entry on his YouTube channel, #BitoyStory. “Gusto ko ipakita hindi lang sa audience kundi pati sa industriya ‘yung binigay sa aking kakayanan ni Lord, kasi sayang naman kung hindi ko iku-cultivate.”

Michael V with his wife and Executive Producer of Mic Test Entertainment Inc., Carol Bunagan

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Undoubtedly, GMA Network’s longestrunning and award-winning gag show, Bubble Gang, is one of Bitoy’s dearest shows.

As its Creative Director since the beginning, he has created and breathed life into colorful characters that the Filipino audience loved – from the catchy beats of DJ Bumbay, to his self-confessed favorite, Junie Lee, and to the overly irate Mr. Assimo – his signature brand of comedy has made a mark in the Pinoy culture of entertainment.

Pepito Manaloto is another multi-awarded brainchild of Bitoy, where he stands as the Concept Creator and the Creative Director.

The show offers a much more “realistic” take on comedy for Filipino viewers. In an interview with GMA News Online, he shared that people enjoy the family sitcom because it draws inspiration from real-life events, “The reason that most of you find it easy to laugh at our jokes, punch lines, and scenarios is because most of our stories happen in real life. Siguro mga 50 to 60 percent ng mga stories namin.”

PAYONG KAPUSO 9

The Director In July of last year, Michael V. dipped his toes into the filmmaking industry.

Mic Test Entertainment, Inc. and GMA Pictures teamed up to co-produce Family History, a heartwarming movie that gave a poignant yet humorous view of the values of life, family and marriage.

He was not only the producer, but also the director, lead actor, writer, and the composer of the original theme song entitled “Ba’T Gano’N?” The film went on to receive glowing reviews from moviegoers and film critics.

And for Michael V., it was a dream come true, “Matagal na akong fan ng movies at matagal ko na gustong gumawa ng pelikula. Gusto ko i-expand ‘yung horizon ko bilang entertainer, bilang performer, and I think itong pelikula ay perfect way para mai-showcase ko ‘yung kakayanan ko sa pagsusulat, sa pagdidirek, at higit sa lahat ay sa pag-arte.”

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Maganda siyempre na ‘pag binigyan ka ng talent, mai-share mo sa mas maraming tao hindi lang para sa sarili mo, kundi para ma-inspire mo ‘yung susunod na generation. Ginamit tayong instruments, kaya dapat bonggahan natin ‘yung tugtog.

Michael V

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Laughter is the Bitoy made a fan art in tribute to pandemic frontliners. According to an article in Manila Bulletin, Bitoy said, “I made sure na mailalagay lahat ng detalye na tumatak sa isip ko, ‘yung tagaktak ng pawis nila paghubad ng PPE, ‘yung pangungulubot ng mga kamay dahil sa ilang patong na gloves, ‘yung marka na iniwan ng maghapon na pagsusuot ng face mask.”

The Content Creator

Michael V took everyone by surprise via his Youtube channel when he announced that he has COVID-19

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Because of the community quarantine, Bitoy was able to make time to hone other skills. Nowadays, he is more active in creating illustrations and sketches, mostly of people and superheroes that he admires.

He also became more active in the online community by regularly uploading vlogs.

“Ngayon nagkaroon ng pagkakataon kasi sinimulan ko ‘yan two years ago pa.

Pabugso-bugso ‘yung pagpu-post ko ng vlog. This time around, dahil sa quarantine, nagkaroon ng time. Kinaka-career ko na maging weekly,” he said during an interview for Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.

Best Medicine Last July 20, Bitoy took everyone by surprise when he announced in one of his vlogs that he tested positive for COVID-19. Despite this, he continued to make people laugh with jokes and videos that he uploaded on his social media accounts. Three weeks later, he was happy to share the news that he has already recovered from the virus, “Sa ngayon tapos na ‘yung quarantine ko and masasabi ko okay na, naka-recover na.”

Bitoy was quick to liken medical frontliners to his favorite superheroes, “Sila ang mga totoong nagliligtas ng mga buhay ngayong pandemic. Nung nag-positive ako, firsthand kong nakita ‘yung hirap nila, ‘yung sakripisyo nila, at ‘yung dedication nila.” Through an inspiring illustration and the hashtag #FrontlinerFanart, he encouraged people to use their creativity to spread positivity and post uplifting messages to our brave healthcare workers.

PAYONG KAPUSO 11 Michael V.’s significant contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry will stay for decades on end. What makes him a champion of the arts is his desire to inspire other people to showcase and develop their God-given talents, “Maganda siyempre na ‘pag binigyan ka ng talent, mai-share mo sa mas maraming tao hindi lang para sa sarili mo, kundi para ma-inspire mo ‘yung susunod na generation. Ginamit tayong instruments, kaya dapat bonggahan natin ‘yung tugtog.”

It’s safe to say that much like his favorite superheroes, Bitoy’s Story still has so much in store, one wonderful chapter after another.

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12 COVER

150 Days CARING FOR OUR PEOPLE SINCE DAY ONE

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t’s been 150 days and counting since the world has experienced deep disruption. Despite these difficult times, our employees keep true to the Network’s mission, providing credible news and outstanding entertainment for the Filipino.

From our journalists on the front lines risking their lives to deliver the news, to our engineering and technical teams on the field working to maintain vital connectivity, and to our people supporting key business operations from home–their bravery and commitment have been inspiring.

At GMA, people are our best assets. They are the heart of our business. Thus, we took a broad range of steps to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing.

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COVER 13

From the first week of the community quarantine, we provided financial assistance for Kapuso employees, talents, and support personnel, earmarking an estimate of P350 million to cover the salaries, cash equivalent of rice benefits, and cash advances. During the quarantine, all employees working in the Network and on field received hazard pay pursuant to the provisions of our collective bargaining agreement.

COMMITMENT TO OUR PEOPLE

SPECIAL WORK ARRANGEMENTS While operating on a skeletal work force, we made work from home options possible while enhancing safety measures for those on the frontlines. We implemented flexible attendance policies as we transition to new processes. Paid personal leave was also made available for all employees while paid Company time are given for those employees who are being required to undergo quarantine.

VALUING HEALTH We comply with IATF guidelines and have been taking extra precautionary measures in our operations. Employees who come to work are subject to temperature scanning before entry. They are required to fill up a Daily Health Monitoring form to check their state of health. Aside from our HMO coverage, we have expanded health benefits such as including vitamins in the medical allowance.

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14 COVER

KEEPING A SAFE WORKPLACE Across the Network, we have enhanced sanitization practices and implemented daily temperature checks. Our offices are disinfected daily while alcohol dispensers and footbaths were placed in strategic locations. As added precautionary measure, we mounted acrylic barriers in select workspaces, installed foot pedestals in the comfort rooms, and mandated social distancing protocols.

Workspaces were decongested and work areas were spread out.

PROTECTING THOSE AT THE FRONTLINES

In consultation with medical experts and Department of Health officials, GMA News came out with COVID-19 coverage guidelines for field teams.

We gave news teams personal protective gear such as face masks, goggles, face shields, gloves, and alcohol. They were also provided with microphone poles to allow them to shoot and conduct interviews while observing physical distancing.

When Metro Manila was under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) we provided on-duty employees with meals, both those in the office and in the field. This continued until our canteen was able

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to reopen to service our personnel.

With the lack of public transportation, shuttle services were provided, and this continues to this day.

The Network conducted free rapid testing for field personnel and committed to shoulder the cost of the confirmatory RT-PCR test to anyone who tested positive due to exposure in their line of work. We coordinated with local government units to ensure that employees who need COVID-related assistance are taken care of. For those diagnosed with COVID-19, we were with them every step of the way until they have fully recovered and returned to work.

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Mga Kapuso, hinihingi ko ang inyong kooperasyon at pag-unawa sa panahong ito. Higit sa lahat, ating pagtibayin ang ating pananampalataya sa Diyos.

Marami na tayong napagdaanan sa pitumpung taon ng paghahatid ng Serbisyong Totoo. Kaya naman naniniwala akong sama-sama nating malalampasan ang hamong ito.

Atty. Felipe L. Gozon Chairman and CEO GMA Network, Inc.

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KEEPING EMPLOYEES CONNECTED Keeping the company connected to critical services is more important than ever. Our technology team works to ensure 24/7 network health and provides round the clock support to ensure security and reliability.

We provided meeting management tools, a virtual kiosk, and online systems which helped employees stay productive and secure.

COVER 15

PROVIDING A NEW WAY TO LEARN We delivered learning in new ways– offering courses through live streaming webinars and on-demand. Our HR learning team curated a collection of educational resources for year-round learning and development. Recognizing how vital creativity and growth is, we partnered with South East Asia Adobe Creative to launch the Adobe Creative Jam Event, a series of webinars culminated with Design Challenge Competition among participating employees. In addition to that, we established an in-house One Digital HR Learning Management System (ODHR LMS) powered by Talent LMS to access the online training courses anytime, anywhere while employees work from home or on duty.

FOSTERING CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT While live shows and tapings had to stop for a few months and programming had to adapt, we devoted our energies to creative development–from upskilling our employees and artists, to writing scripts, to pitching new stories and ideas. Various groups across the Network have been training its employees and artists under esteemed directors and mentors in the industry. Aside from learning new skills, our artists were inspired to collaborate with each other. One of the fruits of this workshop is the digital show How Do You Feel? Usapang Artista. We provided continuous training not just to our people in Metro Manila but also to our regional correspondents and stringers across the country. Together, we accelerated full digital approaches to enable everyone to learn remotely and thrive in the post-COVID world.

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16 REGIONAL TV

KAPUSO BARANGAYAN ON WHEELS A

s the country continues to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, GMA Regional TV (RTV) remains committed to aid Kapuso in the regions through its Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels—with the first wave benefiting more than 2,000 families and the second phase set to begin this August.

While the Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels has been temporarily discontinued in Cebu following the declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in the province, GMA Central and Eastern Visayas was able to provide fresh vegetables and poultry to more than 200 families during the first wave of the activity.

Launched last May, Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels is a mobile version of GMA RTV’s Kapuso Barangayan, originally a community activity held in key barangays across the regions. As various provinces and cities have been placed under community quarantine, GMA RTV modified it to Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels to reach more communities and directly provide its residents essential items they urgently need.

In Western Visayas, some 940 families received breakfast food packs.

For the first wave, the program focused on North Central Luzon; Central and Eastern Visayas; Western Visayas; and North, Central and Southern Mindanao.

In North Central Luzon, GMA Dagupan distributed food and grocery packs to more than 400 Kapuso families from various barangays.

GMA Regional TV Earns Isko at Iska’s Nod at

Gandingan 2020 Awards GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |AUGUST 2020 ISSUE

GMA RTV also activated its teams in North, Central, and Southern Mindanao to reach more than 400 families who received grocery packs.

“Through the Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels, GMA Regional TV aims to not just provide essential items but instill hope as well to all our Kapuso in the regions,” said GMA Regional TV and Synergy Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso. “We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners across the Philippines.

We also commend our regional events teams whose dedication allowed us to realize every Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels activity. We will roll out the second wave of Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels with the hope that we can help more communities and families in these very challenging times,” he added.

To further instill hope in the hearts of the beneficiaries, each pack of Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels items included notes of encouragement from the anchors and hosts of GMA Regional TV’s newscasts and morning programs: Balitang Amianan, Balitang Bisdak, One Western Visayas, One Mindanao, GMA Regional Weekend News, GMA Regional TV Live!, and At Home with GMA Regional TV.

Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels is scheduled to begin this month with the aim of reaching more communities with around 4,200 familybeneficiaries. Ensuring the safety and welfare of everyone involved in the program, GMA RTV continues to strictly observe all preventive measures in conducting its outreach project in coordination with the LGUs, government agencies, and other partners.

GMA Networks’ regional arm GMA Regional TV (RTV) has once again proven that it is the choice of the Iskolar ng Bayan as it won two recognitions at the “Gandingan 2020: The 14th UPLB Isko’t Iska Multi-media Awards”.

Masterclass Series. The RTV-produced plug showcased the regional masterclass series which RTV brought to seven key cities across the Philippines as a major component of the Network’s election advocacy, Pusuan ang Totoo—a call to stand for what is true, to fight against corruption and disinformation, and to choose leaders who will truly serve the country.

This year, GMA RTV took home the Most Development Oriented News Story for One Mindanao’s feature on the “Rehabilitation of Naboc River in Compostela Valley Province Polluted by Mining Waste”. Produced by RTV correspondent Jandi Esteban and video journalist Melchor Awing, the winning piece is part of GMA RTV’s efforts to tackle community stories and issues that affect the environment.

Recognized as the Most Development Oriented TV Plug, on the other hand, was The Kapuso Campus Tour: The Regional

“Maraming salamat sa bumubuo ng Gandingan 2020, lalong lalo na sa mga estudyante ng University of the PhilippinesLos Baños, sa inyong pagkilala sa GMA Regional TV,” said GMA Regional TV and Synergy Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso. “We would like to share this award to all our Kapuso viewers, advertisers, and partners who tirelessly support our efforts to bring you regional activities and local news

REGIONAL TV 17

that matters to communities outside of NCR. GMA RTV believes that no matter where we are from and what language we speak, we are one. Thus, we continue to bring all the local news as well as other inspiring stories from the regions to the rest of the Philippines.”

With the theme “Midya: Kakampi ng Bayan sa Laban para sa Katarungan,” Gandingan Awards highlights the value of development communication and the contribution of both national and local or community-based media workers and organizations in changing the lives of the Filipinos.

This year’s awarding ceremonies were held virtually last July 25 thru a livestream on its official Facebook page, Gandingan Awards (www.facebook.com/GandinganAwards).

Joining the first leg of the Kapuso Campus Tour: The Regional Masterclass Series at Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City last February 28, 2019 are GMA Regional TV and Synergy Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso (2nd from left), Capitol University President Casimiro Juarez Jr. (6th from left), Capitol University Executive Vice President Fe Juarez (4th from right), with RTV One Mindanao’s Tek Ocampo, GMA News Online’s Audrey Domasian, AFS Intercultural Program Philippines President Rahiema Guerra, GMA News and Public Affairs’ Mariz Umali and Howie Severino, GMA Network Excellence Ambassador Benjamin Alves, RTV One Mindanao’s Sheillah Vergara Rubio, GMA Regional TV Cagayan de Oro Station Manager Armi Sobremisana.

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18 KAPUSO ABROAD

L GMA Pinoy TV

“This week 15 years ago,” Joseph T. Francia, First Vice President (FVP) of GMA International (GMAI) gladly recalls, “we launched GMA Pinoy TV in San Francisco, California, following earlier launches in Guam and Japan.” GMA Pinoy TV began broadcasting in the US, August of 2005 with Comcast and DirecTV, two of the biggest cable and satellite providers in the territory. This launch into arguably the biggest market for mainstream television broadcasting was the beginning of a colorful 15-year (and counting) journey of bringing Filipinos abroad closer to home.

15 Years of Bringing Filipinos Abroad Closer To Home

Comcast Northern California, our first GMA distributor had this to say about GMA Pinoy TV’s launch, “Before Comcast was the first U.S. company to offer GMA Pinoy TV in Northern California, we knew the August 1 launch would be a tremendous success because it was one of the most frequently requested networks by our Filipino customers,” said Natalie Rouse, Comcast’s Ethnic Marketing Manager for Northern California during the launch in 2005.

“But the call volume we received in the first 48 hours, and the orders we have received since then, has completely surpassed our expectations!

Clearly, local Filipinos feel that GMA Pinoy TV enriches their lives and brings them closer to their culture.”

LAUNCH IN ASIA PACIFIC, THE MIDDLE EAST, AND EUROPE Earlier that same year, GMA Pinoy TV launched a little closer to home.

Beginning in March of 2005, GMA Pinoy TV commenced broadcasting in Guam with Marianas Cable Vision (now Docomo Pacific) and only a month later, broadcasting started in Japan with IPSVox TV and Americable. In April and May of 2008, GMA Pinoy TV would launch in the Middle East and Europe respectively with Orbit (now OSN), extending GMA’s global reach even further.

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ast August 3, 2020, GMA International had a town hall meeting to celebrate GMA Pinoy TV’s 15th anniversary.

GMA Pinoy TV came to the US with a bang.

GMA International sought to bring the distinctly Pinoy concert-going experience with SOP in San Francisco: The GMA Pinoy TV USA Launch to officially introduce the channel to the growing Filipino community in the US. Featuring some of the greatest homegrown Kapuso talents at the time, including the Pinoy entertainment icon, German “Kuya Germs” Moreno, this concert would be but one of the many memorable times Kapuso Abroad would be able to get up close and personal with their favorite GMA stars.

From these first few carriers, GMA Pinoy TV will continue to expand its reach through numerous states across the US and over North America, into the Middle East and Europe, and close to home around the rest of Asia and the Pacific.

GETTING UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH KAPUSO ARTISTS Following the successful launch in mainland USA, GMA Pinoy TV continued highlighting world-class Filipino talents when the channel was launched in Hawaii in 2006 with SOP Hawaii: The Great Pacific Party.

Through the years, GMA International has endeavored to bring Imelda Antoc, Maryland, USA: GMA Pinoy TV to Filipino communities “Mahigit dalawang dekada all over the world and na akong wala diyan sa create that uniquely Pilipinas. Tapos one day, umuwi Pinoy experience ‘yung asawa ko from work. through Philippine Napakasaya niyang ibinalita sa Independence Day akin na mayroon na raw GMA participations, the Kapusong Pinoy concert Pinoy TV, Naku tuwang-tuwa series in Singapore, Japan, kami ng nanay ko kasi updated Dubai, Vancouver, LA, na kami sa news, lalo na dahil Anaheim, and New York, sa 24 Oras.” and other celebrations in partnership with various Filipino communities

GMA Pinoy TV continues to evolve but one thing remains constant: Our Kapuso Abroad is at the heart of our operation..

around the world. GMA Pinoy TV has also supported GMA programs that shot episodes abroad like Pepito Manaloto, Manny Many Prizes, Meant To Be, and aims to propel more of these to happen in the future.

Not only are these events centered around Kapuso shows, but Kapuso artists as well.

Worldwide Kapuso clamor for Asia’s Multimedia Star, Alden Richards, has rendered him a frequent flyer. Especially during the height of the AlDub phenomenon, Alden toured around the world by popular demand. He sold out concert venues in Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, and even London, and GMA Pinoy TV was with him every step of the way with 100% support.

Another equally phenomenal event in GMA International’s arsenal is Wowowin’s World Tour. Bringing one of the most popular game show/variety programs within arm’s reach to Kapuso Abroad, Wowowin’s World Tour

KAPUSO ABROAD 19 Tadhana, and other Kapuso documentaries.

In 2019, GMA’s drama Dahil Sa Pag-ibig also featured a story on the struggles of Filipinos in the Middle East, and the impact of overseas work to them and their families.

GMA continues to generate meaningful discourse, as well as provide top-tier Pinoy entertainment, through innovative storytelling.

“We honor our colleagues at GMA Entertainment, GMA News and Public Affairs, and Kapuso stars who brought these top-notch programming to life and helped us put together the best content for our Kapuso abroad,” shares GMA International AVP and Head of Programming, Cheri C. Domingo.

puts a characteristically fun spin on GMA International’s call to “bring Filipinos abroad closer to home” by taking the great “Kuya Will” beyond the Philippine shores.

PINOY PROGRAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

And never to be forgotten, the one and only Eat Bulaga - who has been a great partner of GMA Pinoy TV for EB Live through the years. Staged in Singapore, Japan, Las Vegas, Anaheim, San Francisco, Toronto, London, the latest of which were The Lolas of Kalyeserye in New York and Eat Bulaga in Dubai in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The longest-running Philippine noontime variety show’s extended 40th Anniversary celebration expanded its barangay all the way to the Middle East.

Over the years, GMA programming has made a mark in Filipino homes abroad. Some of which grew up alongside GMA Pinoy TV like Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, 24 Oras, Unang Hirit, Wish Ko Lang, Eat Bulaga, and Starstruck among others. Kapuso Abroad also enjoy programs that regularly feature stories of overseas Filipinos, such as in Magpakailanman and

ACCOLADES Arnel Auyong,

Henry and Beth Bautista, London, United Kingdom: “Marami kaming TV programs na pinapanood sa GMA Pinoy TV. Lumaki kaming nanonood ng Eat Bulaga.

Simula pa lang kina Tito, Vic and Joey, kay JoWaPao, AlDub, Ryzza Mae, napapasaya kami talaga everyday.”

video, audio, and interactive formats, judged and overseen by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA). The AIVA is an organization composed of distinguished individuals from top media, advertising, and marketing firms, including Conde Nast, Disney, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Inc, and Time.

GMA International itself received Vancouver, Canada: its own set of accolades through the years. It earned its first win in “Ang panonood the National Association for Multi- ng masasayang ethnicity in Communications programa sa (NAMIC) Excellence in Multicultural GMA Pinoy TV ay Marketing Awards (EMMA) in 2006 nakakatulong and has 35 EMMAs to date. Since sa amin para its launch in 2005, GMA Pinoy TV mabawasan ang has been consistently recognized pag-aalala sa

by NAMIC for its noteworthy nangyayaring krisis marketing tactics that have resulted in sa mundo ngayon.” better engagement with the channel’s carriers and subscribers. The Network made back-to-back history in 2018 and 2019 as GMA Pinoy TV was the only Asian company inducted into the firstever Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards (EMMA) Top 5 Wall of Distinction along with an elite group of some of the biggest media companies in the world such as HBO, Univision Communications, Comcast NBCUniversal, and BET Networks. GMA International also garnered four Silver Awards of Distinction at the 20th Communicator Awards in 2014. The Communicator Awards is the leading international awards Becoming Pinoy and Home Away from Home program that recognizes creative excellence are just some of GMA International’s in advertising, corporate communications, award-winning originals. public relations, and identity work in print,

GMA International also ventures into co-productions- like Pusong Pinoy Sa Amerika, All in the Family with Dr. Tess, FilAm Now, and #TrendingPinoy to bring programs that resonate with Pinoys abroad- from the young emigrant families to hardworking migrant workers.

Through the highs and lows of the Kapuso Abroad, these programs have been a staple of Pinoy viewing habits for the last 15 years.

In 2019, “Pusong Pinoy Sa Amerika” was selected as the winner for the Television Journalism Award as Best Regular TV Program under the Migration category of the 2019 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards, held by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. GMA International’s interstitial series “Becoming Pinoy” was also selected as a winner for the Television Journalism Award as Best TV Interstitial.

GMA International garnered 35 NAMIC EMMA awards to date since its launch in 2005.

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2020 AND BEYOND: GMA PINOY TV ROLLS WITH THE DIGITAL SHIFT To usher in its 15th anniversary celebrations, GMA Pinoy TV hits one million followers on Facebook. No small feat in a digital landscape where engagement is king, GMA International owes the Filipinos at home and overseas a debt of gratitude for the achievement. GMA Pinoy TV, along with its two other channels- GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International, also keeps connected with the global Pinoys on major social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Our Kapuso Abroad can now watch GMA’s three international linear channels and even video-on-demand services in 104 countries among over 40 carriers globally. The significant jump in the number of potential ways Filipinos abroad can connect with their roots could not have come at a more opportune time as the world enters into a new era—one in which stronger connections would play a significant part as people across the globe brace themselves for a future with a growing amount of uncertainties.

Part of the efforts GMA International has taken in order to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of online entertainment is its growing partnership with its carriers and television providers in making GMA programming available everywhere with the TV Everywhere (TVE) technology. In recent years, GMA International has gone beyond the small screen to the tiny glowing screens at our fingertips. Venturing into more online outlets for streaming such as over-the-top (OTT) and TVE services allows for even more Kapuso Abroad with more dynamic lives to tune in to their favorite Kapuso programs from anywhere in their homes and even on the go. This 2020, GMA Pinoy TV launches TVE with partner-carriers Charter via the Spectrum TV app in the US, Telus via the Optik TV and Pik TV apps in Canada, and StarHub via the StarHub TV+ app in Asia Pacific. GMA International continues to look for more avenues to serve Filipinos abroad and provide better and constantly improving service in the next 15 years and beyond.

GMA International maintains strong ties with various stakeholders in the Philippines and abroad—from payTV and telco operators, consular offices, government agencies,

and organizations in order to serve Kapuso Abroad in more ways than just bringing them closer to home all day, every day with its three international channels and on-demand service.

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Meet the smiles behind the operation that has been bringing Filipinos abroad closer to home.

15 YEARS OF BRINGING FILIPINOS ABROAD CLOSER TO HOME GMA Pinoy TV recognizes the sacrifice and As the GMA Pinoy TV team looks to the burden leaving one’s home entails for Filipinos future, GMA International FVP Joseph T. abroad and has sought to alleviate any amount Francia shares to our Kapuso Abroad: “Buong of homesickness by bringing forth Pinoy puso po kaming patuloy na maghahatid ng programming and experience to them. Distance makabuluhang programa at serbisyong totoo is a challenge GMA Pinoy TV and Kapuso para sa ating mga Kapuso Abroad.” Mr. Francia artists gladly face in order to bring joy and love sums up the entirety of GMA International’s to Kapuso Abroad whom the network values sentiments on the privilege of serving Kapuso Abroad for 15 years. immensely—as stated right in the network’s corporate values: “the Viewer is boss.”

Ivy Mendoza, “Ang inyong mainit na Dubai, UAE: pagtangkilik sa loob Of course, none of GMA International’s “Work from home ako sa ng labinlimang taon accomplishments could have been possible ay walang kapantay. without the support and consistently world- Dubai. GMA Pinoy TV ang ka-bonding ko during this Salamat po sa inyong class effort GMA Network provides. From suporta and happy lockdown.

Salamat sa award-winning shows and personalities, to 15th anniversary to us, the unrelenting generosity of its public service kasiyahan na ibinibigay mga Kapuso!” and charities, GMA’s internal stakeholders ng inyong mga palabas. with the leadership of its parent Network’s management have been instrumental in the continued success of the company not just at home, but across the globe.

In a landscape of broadcasting steadily shifting towards digital, a loyal online following grows more indispensible.

More so now than ever before, truly the Kapuso Abroad—the viewer—is boss.

I really feel home.

Salamat, Kapuso!”

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