21 minute read
COVER
Three Generations of Women Headline GMA Afternoon Prime
THE CAST The drama series is top-billed by the one and only Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor as Mercedes “Cedes” dela Cruz. Playing equally important roles are highly-acclaimed actress Mylene Dizon as Magnolia “Nolie” dela Cruz and Kapuso Breakout Star Kyline Alcantara as Maggie dela Cruz.
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Completing the star-studded cast are: Zoren Legaspi as Anselmo, conceited son of Martina and Ramon who knows his way around women and pursues Nolie for his selfish needs; Gabby Eigenmann as Arthur, an eligible bachelor and promising entrepreneur who falls for Nolie and helps her to exact revenge; Ina Feleo as Margaux, classy and self-absorbed wife of Anselmo who thinks lowly of Nolie; Yasser Marta as Jun, charming and carefree son of Anselmo and Margaux who falls in love with the lovely
Maggie; Divina Valencia as Editha, a rich widow who crosses paths with Cedes and takes her in;
Candy Pangilinan as Connie,
close confidante of Nolie who sticks up for her through
ups and downs; and Isabel Rivas as Martina, controlling and condescending wife of Ramon who will go to great lengths to get what she wants. The program features the special participation of Ricky Davao as Damian, calm and charitable husband of Cedes who serves as the leader of small-time grape farmers in their town and Dante Rivero as Ramon, Martina’s successful husband who owns a liquor business.
THE STORY The Dela Cruz is a humble family of grape farmers. Despite struggling to make ends meet, married couple Cedes (Nora) and Damian (Ricky) are warmly respected by their grape farm community. They supply grapes to notorious liquor magnates Martina (Isabel) and Ramon (Dante). Nolie (Mylene), the diligent daughter of Cedes and Damian, is secretly in a relationship with the son of Martina and Ramon, Anselmo (Zoren) who is only pursuing the former for his selfish desires.
When greed consumes Martina, she orders the plantation to be burned down since the farmers oppose to sell their land. This has led to Damian’s death. Cedes goes berserk and accidentally kills Ramon. Making matters worse, Nolie finds out that she is also carrying Anselmo’s child - Maggie (Kyline). Several years passed, their stars will once again align when Maggie meets Jun (Yasser), the son of Anselmo with Margaux (Ina), and falls in love with him. Meanwhile, Cedes is set to avenge the death of Damian and their stolen land. Nolie will likewise give Anselmo a taste of his own medicine.
How will Maggie fight for the man of her dreams when their love is forbidden to begin with? How will Nolie seek revenge against the man who crushed her heart? How will Cedes avenge the death of her husband from the money-grubbing Martina?
THE CREATIVE TEAM Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit is under the supervision of the GMA Entertainment Group headed by SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl ChingSy, Senior Program Manager Antonio Pastorpide, and Executive Producer James Manabat.
The series is a product of the visionary minds of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head Suzette Doctolero; Creative Consultant Kit Langit; Headwriter Geng Delgado; writers Ken De Leon and Jmee Katanyag; and brainstormers Bylle Tabora, Milo Paz, and Jake Somera.
Ate ng Bayan Vicky Morales Takes on a New Role in Ilaban Natin ‘Yan!
From news reporting to granting wishes, GMA News Pillar Vicky Morales has shown her versatility in public service through the years. The award-winning broadcast journalist takes on yet another role, this time around as the “Ate ng Bayan” in the reality-drama program Ilaban Natin ‘Yan!
“Ibang-iba siya sa mga ginagawa ko,” shares Vicky who has been a broadcast journalist for three decades. “Para sa atin lahat itong show na ito. Kapupulutan natin ng aral at matutuwa pa tayo. Hindi lang namin kayo pakikinggan, ilalaban natin yan!” she adds.
In this program, Vicky helps parties in conflict resolve their issues by reaching out to the people in the barangays, getting to the root of their problems, and encouraging them to make positive changes in their lives. It is not the viewers’ typical public affairs show as it gives new flavor to “Serbisyong Totoo” through a traveling confessional called “Palaban Express”—a modern jeep that will go around various barangays where people from all walks of life can voice out their concerns.
Their stories are brought to life by various Kapuso actors. The featured individual and all the concerned parties will be given the chance to discuss the issue at hand, right in the comfort of their own barangay. The show has experts and resource persons who will help in resolving the problem.
Ordinary Filipinos can definitely relate to the issues that “Ilaban Natin ‘Yan!” will feature such as social media and gaming addiction, teen suicide, sibling rivalry, inheritance disputes, juvenile delinquency, child support and custody battles, adultery and other problems.
GMA Films and Series Now on Amazon Prime and Mavshack
Kapuso Abroad worldwide can now watch the full-length movie Family History and other top-rated GMA films and series on two platforms - Amazon Prime Video and Mavshack.
Prime Video is a video on demand service that streams television shows and films from Amazon Studios or through licensed acquisitions. Mavshack, in turn, operates global Internet TV services in over 80 countries. With the largest library of Filipino and Indian titles, it is the leading choice for Asian entertainment around the world.
Viewers can also watch critically acclaimed news magazine show, Kapuso Mo , Jessica Soho, Wowowin, Eat Bulaga, Mars Pa More!, I-Witness, and many more. To watch more Pinoy programs—anytime, anywhere—visit mavshack.com or download the Mavshack app on Google Play or the App Store or visit Amazon.
Adding to the roster of Kapuso shows on these global streaming platforms are Spanish-dubbed titles Cautiva (starring Bea Binene and Derrick Monasterio) and Una Nueva Oportunidad (starring Raymart Santiago, Camille Prats, Rafael Rosell, and Jennylyn Mercado).
HANGGANG MAKITA KANG MULI Tells the story of a kidnapped child, Ana (played by Bea Binene), who was locked in a warehouse by her mother’s nemesis as revenge. Ana will grow up with a dog causing her to act like an animal. She will eventually escape and meet Calvin (played by Derrick Monasterio), who is her love interest.
Kristoffer Martin’s New Single ‘Lagi Na Lang’ G MA Music offers a new song for the hopeless romantics via the second single of Kapuso heartthrob Kristoffer Martin entitled Lagi Na Lang.
Composed by Mark Atienza, the song describes the bittersweet feeling of moving on from a heartbreak.
According to Kristoffer, he wants the listeners to treat his new single as an “eye-opener.” Getting over someone you loved and hoped for is difficult but he believes it is important to be optimistic.
FAMILY HISTORY Written and directed by the acclaimed Pinoy comedian, Michael V., in which he stars alongside award-winning Filipino actress, Dawn Zulueta, the movie effectively encapsulates the family’s complex dynamics and explores emotional turmoil through the perfect blend of laughter and tears.
SECOND CHANCES Centers on Lyra and Bernard (played by Jennylyn Mercado and Raymart Santiago) who both lost their spouses. Their lives will start to intertwine with each other as well as with Rebecca (who has bipolar disorder) and Jerome (played by Camille Prats and Rafael Rosell).
Mika Gorospe Inks Distribution Deal with GMA Music T he Clash Season 1 alumna Mika Gorospe signed an exclusive contract with GMA Music.
She released a song written by Diane de Mesa entitled Mahal, Paalam Na for those who are feeling blue during this time of the year.
According to Mika, the lyrics tell a painful story, “It’s basically a hugot song, if you’re just tired of loving someone, for your own peace of mind, aalis ka na.”
Everyone is enamored by their mesmerizing talents as seen on screen and on social media, but what really draws us in and captivates their followers are their hearts. These Kapuso personalities inspire others through their advocacies and personal experiences to take action and aspire to become better citizens of the country and of the world.
These Kapuso women are change makers - eager to rise through any situation, take more risks, and inspire young girls to shine brighter.
Jessica Soho: The Woman on TV By SARA FOJAS
In her years in the Kapuso Network, it was GMA News Pillar Jessica Soho’s persistence and curiosity that made her the award-winning broadcast journalist that she is today
Jessica Soho never dreamt of becoming a TV reporter. Her plan when she was taking up Journalism at the University of the PhilippinesDiliman was to finish her undergrad course, find a job, and go into Law.
“I had no plans to become a reporter, none at all. Di ko nga iniisip mag-TV at all. It was the farthest from my mind. They could’ve made me a production assistant or a writer, and I could have been okay with that,” she shares.
But all changed when Jessica was suddenly given an assignment to cover the initial run of LRT 1.
“(When I was hired on GMA), they didn’t know what to do with me. I was made to answer the phone, take down notes, do odd jobs, until one day they needed a reporter for this crew that didn’t have one. So they sent me out to do a feature story on the initial run of the LRT 1,” she says.
When the desk editor at the time, Rey Vidal read the script she wrote, the only thing he corrected was her use of passive voice and told Tina Palma, “Mukhang okay itong bata mo, may ibubuga.”
Fast-forward to 35 years after that out-of-theblue coverage, Jessica watched Philippine history unfold before her eyes then as a news reporter and now as one of the highly respected pillars of GMA News.
“I will never forget the phone call when it came on February 22, 1986. I was a neophyte reporter working alone in the GMA newsroom on a slow Saturday afternoon, or so I thought until I answered that all-important call from Camp Aguinaldo. The caller said that Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Acting Chief of Staff Gen. Fidel Ramos were calling for a news conference and that it was what everybody had been waiting for,” she recounts.
The reporters, including Jessica, were sent to cover the revolution. She witnessed how Filipinos converged in EDSA to oust the then President Ferdinand Marcos, with helicopters hovering above them. She even met the snipers who were supposed to shoot the choppers of the loyalists.
“I was at Club Filipino when Cory Aquino was sworn as President of the Republic on February 25, 1986. I remember counting myself lucky to be a witness to such historic event. I even dressed for the occasion,” she shares.
Come People Power II, Jessica was also there at the turn out of the events when former President Joseph Estrada was ousted. “When it was all over, I could not help but conclude with pride that GMA had the best coverage. Riveting and insightful television—that was GMA’s contribution to People Power twice over,” says Jessica. Currently, she hosts the award-winning magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, which proudly holds the distinction of being the most watched program nationwide. Jessica also anchors GMA News TV’s flagship newscast “State of the Nation with Jessica Soho”.
To date, Jessica holds the distinction of being the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist. She became the first Filipino to win the British Fleet Journalism Award. In 1998, she and her I-Witness team were the first Filipinos to receive a George Foster Peabody Award. Just recently, she became the very first Filipino news anchor to become a finalist at the prestigious New York Festivals Television & Film Awards.
Indeed, Jessica inspires people to tell their stories. In her acceptance speech at the prestigious UP Gawad Plaridel in 2018 where she was awarded as Outstanding Journalist, she reminded the students the importance of getting the real story.
Shortly after the revolution, Jessica developed a hunger to do more for the Kapuso Network. The long form of news appealed to her when GMA Public Affairs was created by Tina Palma.She collaborated with the team until she was finally given her first TV program in 2004, “Jessica Soho Reports”. She also served as the Network’s First Vice President for News Programs until 2014.
Sources: • 50th and 60th Anniversary GMA Coffee Table Books • www. gmanetwork.com
Going after ‘The Story’ has brought me to some of the most dangerous places on earth. Of course, I love my job but I also sometimes ask existential questions: Why am I here? Is it all worth it? Why do we do the things we do and for what? Every time I ask those questions or rant, it goes back to the same answer: The Story. Many journalists have died pursuing it. It sounds so basic and fundamental but The Story is very powerful! I’ve had my share of fighting battles to defend it. Some were won, some were lost but life goes on. I am a Filipino journalist and I am not torn between public interest and the truth. I do not see any conflict there because at the bottom of it all is The Story. The Truth. The Story can never be changed nor revised, even if memories are short. What happened, happened! Pagbalibaligtarin man natin ang mundo. “
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Julie Anne San Jose
Success is not something that can usually be achieved overnight. It requires a lot of hard work, patience and courage.
Julie Anne San Jose was a product of the reality talent competition “Popstar Kids.” She didn’t win the grand prize but it became her stepping stone to pursuing her dreams further because she always loved to sing and perform.
Julie Anne has had her fair share of career ups and downs. From rejections, inner battles and insecurities up to her journey toward self-love and breakthroughs, Julie Anne has weathered many career storms. Instead of being disheartened, she uses her personal experiences to her own songs in the hopes that her music would speak to others.
“There were challenges in my life that I had to go through when it came to my career transformation. I was trying to figure out pa
kung saang track ako papunta, what I wanted to do,” said the multitalented Kapuso star.
In between showbiz projects, Julie Anne has diligently pursued her studies earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from Angelicum College in 2016.
Fast forward to 2020. Julie Anne is now acknowledged as one of the industry’s best in performing, hosting and acting. This has earned for her the the title and honor of being “Asia’s Pop Diva.”
Being one of the most sought-after singers of her generation with chart-topping songs, multi-selling albums, sold-out concerts and multiple recognitions from awardgiving bodies, Julie Anne continues to work very hard to achieve her dreams and make her fans happy.
Julie Anne was recently named one of the newest ambassadors for music by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Bianca Umali
“Self-made, brave, and independent” is how Bianca Umali wants to be known for as a woman. An award-winning young actress, amazing performer, fashion and beauty inspo and a passionate advocate for education and women empowerment, Bianca has achieved so many things at such a young age.
Bianca has experienced loss, rejections and redirections. After all these setbacks, she learned important life lessons and discovered the authenticity of being human and of being a woman.
“It takes time. You don’t have to please other people. What matters is your opinion of yourself. If people have a problem with you, it’s their problem and not yours,” said Bianca.
In 2017, Bianca was named the World Vision Youth Ambassador for Education. Starting early in the business never stopped Bianca from pursuing more knowledge and skills and inspiring young girls and women.
In 2019, Bianca led World Vision’s “1000 Girls” campaign which aimed to gather sponsors for 1,000 girls living in disadvantaged communities.
For nearly a decade, Filipino viewers have witnessed Bianca grow in her craft with every character she has excellently portrayed in various Kapuso programs. Through her outstanding performance in “Sahaya,” the drama series where she played a strong-willed Badjao woman, Bianca earned even more admiration and recognition from her fans and peers. This year, Bianca will portray another empowering character as she takes on the lead role in HBO Asia’s longest-running series “Halfworlds.”
Hold on to your dreams and never give up. Always seek guidance from your parents.
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We only have each other. Sino pa ang lalaban para sa atin kung hindi tayu-tayo lang din? If men can’t fight for us, then we should learn how to fight for ourselves. We know we can.
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Gabbi Garcia
Gabbi Garcia started 2020 with a lot of career milestones and busier than ever. With her hosting, acting and performing skills, it’s no wonder Gabbi has built a great following and fanbase for her to be dubbed the “Global Endorser.”
At 21-years-old, Gabbi has already starred in various TV series and movies where she received notable recognitions from award-giving bodies. She is also the face of numerous brands here and abroad because of her healthy and positive image in the industry.
Gabbi’s influence continues to grow. With five million followers on Instagram and more than four million on Facebook, Gabbi is considered as one of the most influential social media celebrities and trusted endorsers in the country.
The “All-Out Sundays” host treats every project with passion and responsibility to be an inspiration to her loyal fans and supporters through social media. “I choose to be relatable to people especially when it comes to social media. You would want people to actually reach out to you. You would want them to see you behind the camera and I feel like relating to people is really important when it comes to projects,” she said.
Gabbi said she used to be insecure about her morena complexion when she was growing up. It was only during her high school years that Gabbi began to appreciate her features she thought were “flaws.” “I’ve had issues about it before when I was a kid. Siyempre we all go through that,” she said. “Whenever I would do VTRs for commercials, I would be shortlisted but would always end up not getting the project.”
Like what any strong woman would do, Gabbi used her voice for body positivity and beauty in diversity. She helps and inspires other girls on “self-love” and “selfacceptance.”
Kyline Alcantara
As a former child star who grew up in the public eye, Kapuso Breakout Star Kyline Alcantara felt the pressure from people expecting her to always be at her best and look perfect all the time.
Kyline got her big break on GMA’s primetime series “Kambal Karibal,” where she played the complex character of Cheska/Crisel. Soon after, she starred in the drama musical series “Inagaw na Bituin” and topbilled the movie “Black Lipstick,” which underscored the importance of self-love and acceptance among millennials amid the pressures of social media.
Now, Kyline is part of the cast of GMA Network’s TV adaptation of the 1989 award-winning blockbuster movie by Regal Films, “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit.”
Last year, in an Instagram post, Kyline opened up about her struggle with acne and how it affected both her showbiz commitments and mental health. “Imagine people are always expecting you to be at your best, to look perfect, to look like the polished girl that they always see in TV and magazines, but you can’t even look at yourself in the mirror.”
Since then, Kyline has courageously embraced her imperfections and used social media to give herself and her fans a voice.
To all those women who are afraid to speak for themselves, this is what Kyline has to say, “Have some courage to speak up and fight for what you truly believe in. You might be young but there’s no minimum age for speaking up your mind, fighting for your happiness, dreams, rights, and most especially fighting for your fellow women who is still afraid to speak up and encourage them that they can do it, too.”
It’s about pulling each other up instead of pulling each other down. It’s about women supporting each other, women supporting the beliefs of each other, women uplifting each other
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GMA Regional TV Newscasts Balitang Amianan and Balitang Bisdak are Top Local News Sources in 2019 #LocalNewsMatters
Balitang Amianan is anchored by (L-R) award-winning local news correspondent Joanne Ponsoy, seasoned TV journalist CJ Torida, and news presenter Jasmin Gabriel-Galban. Balitang Bisdak is anchored by (L-R) award-winning local news correspondent Alan Domingo, tri-media personality Bobby Nalzaro, and news presenter Cecille Quibod-Castro.
More and more Kapuso in the regions are tuning in to GMA Regional TV’s award-winning local news programs with Balitang Amianan in North Central Luzon and Balitang Bisdak in Eastern and Central Visayas winning throughout 2019.
Data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement showed that from January to December 2019, Balitang Amianan posted an average people rating of 5.5 percent in MCTAM Dagupan, toppling its rival program ABS-CBN TV Patrol North Luzon’s 4.2 percent. In the Visayas region, Balitang Bisdak, earned an average people rating of 7.2 percent in MCTAM Cebu compared with TV Patrol Central Visayas’ 6.7 percent. “The success of our local newscasts reflects GMA Regional TV’s commitment to produce relevant programs that matter to our Kapuso in the regions amid the ever-changing landscape of broadcast journalism,” says GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso.
MEET THE TEAM The Balitang Amianan’s regional correspondents are King Guevarra, Russel Simorio, Ivy Hernando, and Kim Bandarlipe, as well as news stringers across North Central Luzon.
The Balitang Bisdak’s regional correspondents are Chona Carreon, Lou Ann Mae Rondina, and Nikko Sereno, with local news stringers based in different parts of Central and Eastern Visayas. GMA Regional TV also made its local newscasts available to more viewers nationwide through “GMA Regional TV Weekend News”, which airs every Saturday at 5 p.m. on the leading news channel GMA News TV.
“Indeed, local news matters…There’s undeniably focus and interest on the Philippine regions, our culture and heritage, our people and its leaders. As from the regions myself, I always believe that there’s no better time than now in our nation’s history that the regions, outside of NCR, is given the opportunity and airtime to tell its stories and make its voices be heard by the rest of the country, and the world,” says Amoroso.
Fun-filled Activities in the Regions!
February was filled with entertainment and public service as GMA Regional TV brought star-studded shows and community activities to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The Sweetheart and The Balladeer (Fun Night Only)
February 8 was an early Valentine’s Day treat for music and comedy fans up north with Asia’s Pop Diva Julie Anne San Jose and Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista’s “The Sweetheart and The Balladeer (Fun Night Only)” at the Urdaneta City Cultural and Sports Center in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Joining them were the comedic duo of Donita Nose and Super Tekla with Kyline Alcantara as special guest.
KANNAWIDAN FESTIVAL 2020
(L-R) GMA Regional TV’s Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso, Kyline Alcantara, Christian Bautista, Julie Anne San Jose, Donita Nose, Super Tekla, Director Paolo Valenciano, and GMA Entertainment Group Vice President for Business Development Department III Darling de Jesus Bodegon.
KAPUSO MALL SHOW
KAPUSO MEET AND GREET
Benjamin Alves, Rhian Ramos, Dave Bornea, and Yasser Marta were in Paniqui, Tarlac last February
KAPUSO CAMPUS TOUR
Manolo Pedrosa was in LapuLapu City last February 15.
KAPUSO MEET AND GREET
Derrick Monasterio, Ken Chan,Gabby Concepcion, Bianca Umali, and Ashley Ortega were in Vigan City, Ilocos last February 4.
Gabby Concepcion, Kyline Alcantara, and Rayver Cruz were in Iloilo City last February 6.
Rhian Ramos and Mikael Daez were in Davao City last February 14.
