September 2019 Kapuso Magazine

LOCAL NEWS MATTERS: GMA Regional TV Beefs Up its Newscasts All Over the Philippines

NEW PROGRAMS

• Beautiful Justice • Prima Donnas

2

September 2019

CONTENTS 2

GMA News Strengthens Facebook Engagement Among Users Via Exclusive Content

3

GMA Network Names Dennis Caharian as GMA New Media President

4

Various Homegrown Kapuso Artists Renew Contracts New Talents Share Excitement on Their New Roles and Projects

GMA News Strengthens Facebook Engagement Among Users Via Exclusive Content

G

MA News continued to strengthen its Facebook presence by creating quality content and better discussions on the top social media platform, keeping netizens well-informed on the latest news and updates in the country and around the world.

#GMAnewsfeed, Magtanong Kay Mang Tani, Stand For Truth, #FYI with Richard Heydarian, #AskAway, Fact or Fake with Joseph Morong, and YouScoop.

The total view count for these shows on Facebook reached 18.9 million in July.

For the month of July, the GMA News Facebook page gained 9.8 million total engagements which outscored ABSCBN’s 9.2 million. Engagement refers to the total number of times a specific Facebook post gets a Like, a Comment, or a Share, which gives a significant measure of how compelling the content of the page is. This content includes videos, photos, info graphics posted, and links to articles on the GMA News Online website.

“We note that our competitor has an advantage in terms of having more Facebook followers and has more chances that their content will be seen. However, that did not stop our team to work harder to overcome that and improved the GMA News Facebook page by offering more exclusive and quality content to have better interactions among netizens,” said GMA Network Assistant Vice President for News and Public Affairs Digital Media Jaemark Tordecilla.

This was achieved through the combined efforts of the GMA News Social Media Team (SMT) which curates the Facebook page’s content in real time, relying on data and analytics for the best social strategy to serve the most engaging posts to users.

Fittingly, July was also the 10th anniversary of the GMA News Facebook page.

As it marked a decade, netizens can expect more new and innovative programs from the award-winning producers of GMA News.

Most of the interactions recorded during the month were from the exclusive online programs such as the

For the latest news and updates, visit www.facebook.com/GMANews.

Born To Be Wild Hosts Renew Contract with GMA Network XOXO, A New Generation of Divas

6

GMA Network Sustains TV Ratings Lead in August

7

Tadhana, Hosted by Marian Rivera, Celebrates 2 Successful Years on Air Seoul International Drama Awards 2019 2019 EBS International Documentary Festival YAEHADEMIC Awards

8 9 10 12 14

Prima Donnas

15 16

Kadayawan Festival

18

Beautiful Justice The Gift Q2 2019 GMA General Assembly Emergency Preparedeness Day GMA Dramas Make Waves in Southeast Asia Local news matters: GMA Regional TV Beefs Up its Newscasts All Over the Philippines Tom Rodriguez Brings Fun and Excitement to Three Cities in the US Lovi Poe Banners Back-to-Back Shows in Canada with GMA Pinoy TV

19

GMA Kapuso Foundation Begins Construction of First Kapuso Bridge in Mindanao

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, Q.C. Trunkline No. (632) 982-7777.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

ON THE COVER: Alden Richards

UPDATES 3

GMA Network Names Dennis Caharian as GMA New Media President G

MA Network, Inc. (GMA) announces the promotion of Dennis Augusto “Dingdong” L. Caharian as President and Chief Operating Officer of GMA New Media, Inc. (NMI), a wholly-owned subsidiary that serves as its digital media and technology arm, and future-proofing agent.

A Kapuso for almost two decades, Caharian is a pioneer member of NMI and previously served as its Senior Vice President and General Manager since 2009. He plays a key role in GMA Network’s transformation from a broadcast giant into a dominant multi-platform content provider.

Caharian has more than 20 years of experience in information technology, information management, and new media.

Previous stints in network engineering, application development, project management, R&D, product development, business development, and general management have given him a keen grasp of all the crucial aspects of the industry.

With NMI’s mandate to design and implement GMA’s grand digital blueprint to ensure the company’s leadership in the digital era, NMI has launched categorybreaking projects in web, mobile, digital television and other new and emerging platforms since it began in mid-2000.

Caharian has led initiatives that are aimed to broaden GMA’s online footprint

worldwide through Over-the-Top (OTT) and programmatic collaborations.

Through NMI, GMA built strategic alliances with industry forerunners to prepare for the launch of a game-changing digital strategy that will raise the TV viewing experience in the Philippines to a whole new level.

Notably, supporting Caharian in leading GMA New Media is Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer Raymund C. Sarmiento.

Sarmiento has been in the Information Technology industry for 30 years. He has spent a decade in a Japanese company as one of its pioneers working with NEC Japan for projects that involved LSI/VLSI Microchip development and embedded systems development. Sarmiento was the Chief

Technology Officer (CTO) for EDSAMAIL Philippines and has been the CTO of GMA NMI for 17 years. He designed the backend modules for the PLDT PLAYTYM program launched on GMA, the first landline phonebased interactive live TV game done in partnership with the Network and PLDT. Sarmiento’s solid technology background can also be gleaned from his experience in developing AD servers specifically for GMA websites and Summit Media’s websites that are done as joint ventures with NMI. He is currently part of the R&D team that developed in-house the Conditional Access modules both from the head-end and client side. Sarmiento is also the coinventor of some of the R&D projects in NMI with patents already obtained and applied locally and abroad. His interests include Robotics and Artificial Intelligence projects, one of which is a Rubik’s Cube Solver. He has likewise developed applications for Observatory Automation as a hobby which is currently being used by amateur astronomers worldwide.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

4 UPDATES

“Soaring to Greater Heights” Va r i o u s h o m e g r o w n K a p u s o a r t i s t s r e n e w t h e i r c o n t r a c t s

A

sia’s Multi-media Star Alden Richards is right where he deserves to be – on top of his game.

The Kapuso homegrown talent is one of the country’s premier actors, a top celebrity endorser, a successful businessman, a highly-talented host, an award-winning performer, a charttopping recording artist, and a recordbreaking box office star. But it is his genuine dedication towards excelling in his craft that sets him apart.

Despite all his feats, Alden remains an inspiration to the people around him and his legions of fans for his humility and passion in acting. As he renewed his contract with GMA Network last September 3, Alden attributed his success to his home network for almost a decade.

ALDEN RICHARDS S

V

ought-after leading man Juancho Triviño is looking forward to start a new journey as a Kapuso as he renewed his exclusive contract with GMA Network last August 8.

JUANCHO TRIVINO

Juancho is grateful for the trust that the Network has been giving him for the past seven years, “I’m very thankful na binigyan pa rin ako ng tiwala. I’ve been with them since the very beginning of my career. There’s no place I’d rather be than GMA, it feels like home talaga. I couldn’t imagine being elsewhere,” he said.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

“Since I started in GMA up to this point of my career, sila ‘yung sumusugal sa’kin. They gave me huge projects, huge opportunities and regardless kung successful or hindi, hindi sila tumitigil.

Hindi nila ako pinabayaan. They kept on believing, kahit na minsan wala ng angle to believe in. Hinawakan nila ‘yung kamay ko through ups and downs, hindi ko nakita ‘yon with others,” he said.

ersatile and highly-talented actor Rocco Nacino remains a loyal Kapuso as he renewed his exclusive contract with GMA Network last August 8.

ROCCO NACINO

Rocco attributes his success to the talent show that discovered and honed his craft, “I’m very grateful that through StarStruck ay na-recognize ako ng mga Kapuso natin pati na ng GMA. It was a season of training us to be the perfect actor and person na kayang isabak sa harap ng camera, sa maraming tao para makapagperform to be a total artista, sila talaga ang humasa sa akin.”

New Talents Share Excitement on Their New Roles & Projects JON LUCAS He is part of GMA’s Philippine remake of Descendants of the Sun, as Benjo Tamayo, one of the members of Alpha Team led by the Captain Lucas Manalo aka Big Boss (Dingdong Dantes).

“Nakaka-relate po ako sa character ko kasi bukod sa medyo makulit po siya pag kasama ‘yung mga kaibigan niya, hindi rin po niya hahayaang maiwan mag-isa ‘yung kasamahan niya,” Jon shared about his character. “Ako rin po ganoon sa totoong buhay, kahit anong mangyari, I’ll be by your side.”

YSABELA ORTEGA She will bring to life the character of Sabina, a loving and family-oriented girl in the primetime drama The Gift.

She shared, “Excited po akong maging part ng isang teleserye na mag-iinspire sa mga manonood. Marami pong life lessons na mapupulot ang viewers from the show when it comes to life, family, and tiwala sa Diyos.”

ERIN OCAMPO She is part of the powerhouse cast of Beautiful Justice, where she plays the role of Maica, a strong-willed agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

She is looking forward for the audience to watch her upcoming show, “I gave my all to every character I portray, I really focus on the scenes and the scripts. I hope the Kapuso viewers will love my character and support her.”

FAYE LORENZO She will be joining the cast of the highlyanticipated GMA Afternoon Prime series Madrasta. She portrays the role of a nurse named Joan, Audrey’s (Arra San Agustin) officemate and close friend.

Faye feels blessed to be part of the soap, “Naka-relate ako sa character ni Joan dito kasi kalog na kikay siya, pati masipag and very friendly. Excited ako mapanood ito ng mga tao kasi hindi lang siya drama, may comedy din siya at ang gagaling ng mga artista dito at direktor.”

ANGELA ALARCON She is Chloe in the newest Kapuso drama-action series Beautiful Justice.

UPDATES 5

12 years of environmental advocacy:

Born to be Wild Hosts Renew Contract with GMA Network

(L-R) Doc Nielsen Donato and Doc Ferds Recio

B

orn to be Wild hosts and expert veterinarians Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato recently renewed their commitment to GMA Network and to the environment in a contract signing held last August 14.

The country’s pioneer environmental program, Born to be Wild premiered on the Kapuso Network in 2007 to provide environmental awareness to viewers of all ages.

XOXO, A New Generation of Divas

“I am looking forward to a strong friendship between Chloe and Brie. The show in general is full of surprises, has a good narrative and is action-packed; portrayed by really talented actors in the industry.”

ANJO DAMILES He will be part of Madrasta, where he will play George, Audrey’s (Arra San Agustin) ex-boyfriend, who took her for granted.

As a promise to the viewers, Anjo said, “Siguradong-sigurado ako na mapapasaya, mapapaiyak, at mapaparamdam namin ang sakit at hirap ng mga characters namin. Pinaghandaan ko rin ito sa pamamagitan ng series of workshops para mas mahasa ang talent ko.”

M

eet a new roster of powerhouse performers as GMA Network introduces their newest all-female quartet composed of Riel, Dani, Lyra, and Mel collectively known as XOXO. Coming from the original singing competition ‘The Clash,’ these promising artists will combine talent and edgy personalities, with such irresistible harmony to its audience.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

New Primetime Offerings

6 UPDATES

ONE OF THE BAES

For their first-ever primetime project, Ken Chan and Rita Daniela are teaming up for ‘One of the Baes’, a millennial fairytale that will take viewers on a voyage of love.

GMA Network Sustains TV Ratings Lead in August G

MA Network continued to stay ahead of competition in its bailiwick areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila according to the latest data from ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

In Urban Luzon, which accounts for 72 percent of all urban TV viewers in the country, GMA registered an average of 31.8 percent total day people audience share, which was still higher than ABS-CBN’s 31.7 percent for the month of August (with August 25 to 31 based on overnight data).

The Kapuso Network led in the afternoon block with 33.3 percent people audience share, while rival network got 32.2 percent.

GMA also kept its upper hand in the evening block with 33.9 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 33.4 percent.

Cementing its spot as the highest-rating show in Urban Luzon’s top programs list was Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS). The award-winning magazine program likewise ranked number one in National Urban Philippines.

Joining KMJS as the Network’s ratings drivers for the month were 24 Oras, Sahaya, Magpakailanman, Daddy’s Gurl, Pepito Manaloto, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, StarStruck, and The Better Woman.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

MR. SUNSHINE Completing the list of most-watched Kapuso shows were Love You Two, Amazing Earth, Eat Bulaga, 24 Oras Weekend, Bihag, and Imbestigador.

With official data from August 1 to 24, GMA Network similarly won in Mega Manila which accounts for 60 percent of all urban viewers in the country. The Kapuso Network tallied an average total day people audience share of 32.4 percent outscoring ABS-CBN’s 29.1 percent. GMA also bagged 15 out of the top 30 shows in Mega Manila’s top programs list.

Nielsen TV

Audience Measurement Nielsen’s client pool covers a total of 32 clients/subscribers consisting of 6 local TV networks including ABS-CBN, TV5, Aksyon TV and CNN Philippines, among others; 3 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; and 21 agencies (17 media agencies, 3 consulting agencies, and 1 digital agency).

A Korean hit drama which centers on a young boy who is born into slavery but escapes to the United States and returns to Joseon later as a United States Marine Corps officer.

AND WELCOME THE RETURN OF

WAGAS

Viewers should also look forward to the return of the much-loved, award-winning romance anthology ‘Wagas’ —this time around as a daily series airing before Eat Bulaga.

The Clash Season 2

GMA Network’s musical competition ‘The Clash’ opens its doors once again to all talented Filipinos who want to become the country’s next singing sensation.

Every Saturday and Sunday beginning September 21, witness the journey of the Top 64 contenders as they clash to fulfill their dreams.

AWARDS 7

Tadhana, Hosted by Marian Rivera, Celebrates 2 Successful Years on Air

Seoul International Drama Awards 2019 A festival that brings global TV drama production together and fisters cultural diversity.

Alden Richards Asian Star Prize

2019 EBS International Documentary Festival

A

fter another successful year of featuring the many stories of struggle, failure, hope, and triumphs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), GMA Public Affairs’ award-winning weekly drama anthology “Tadhana” proudly presents a twin-bill of two-part special episodes in celebration of its second anniversary this September.

Hosted by Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, the special episodes air in two installments each, with the first story scheduled on September 7. Entitled “Serial Killer’”, it tells the harrowing tale of Ilocano OFW friends Jasmine, Daisy, and Hana who find themselves trapped in the gruesome web of murders involving foreign domestic helpers. This is the first-ever case of serial killing in Cyprus. The episode stars Benjamin Alves, Juancho Trivino, Diva Montelaba, Analyn Barro, Lara Morena, and Rhian Ramos.

Meanwhile, Kapuso Premier Drama Actress Lovi Poe banners Tadhana’s

second story, “CEO Maid”. The two-part episode features the inspiring story of Myrna, a former seaweed diver from Bohol who gets recruited abroad as an entertainer. However, she ends up being a victim of human trafficking. She survives the ordeal and finds herself in Hong Kong working as a domestic helper and her kind employers teach her how to use the computer. Through sheer hard work, she returns to the Philippines and becomes the CEO of her very own BPO company.

In the past two years, Tadhana has continued to build a loyal audience, even hitting more than 1 million followers on Facebook. It has also been honored with various awards, including the TV Journalism Award for “Best TV Series on Migration” at the 2017 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

At the 8th OFW Gawad Parangal, Tadhana took home the “Best OFW True-to-Life Stories” prize while Marian won the “Best Actress” award for the episode “Sugat ni Inay”.

The EBS International Documentary Festival (EIDF) is the only documentary event in South Korea to promote the world’s best documentaries through festival screenings as well as non-fiction TV broadcasting and online/mobile VoD service.

Bryan Brazil

World Vision Award for “Stand for Truth”

YAEHADEMIC Awards The YAEHADEMIC Awards are given by The LoveLife Project for Health and Environment Inc., a non-profit independent media organization composed of multimedia professionals.

Atom Araullo

Exemplar Innovative Digital Influencer / Digital Show (non-scripted content)

Drew Arellano

Exemplar Digital Influencer/Content (Sports and Adventure Video Blog)

Marisol Abdhuraman

Exemplar Digital Content Reporter/Host GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

8 NEW PROGRAM

(L-R) Aiko Melendez, Wendell Ramos, Katrina Halili, Sofia Pablo, Jillian Ward, and Althea Ablan

Three siblings in search of their rightful place as heiresses on GMA’s Newest Afternoon Prime Series

G

MA Network unveils a heartwarming tale about family and love among siblings with the Afternoon Prime series Prima Donnas.

The original drama is headlined by one of the country’s best kontrabidas and excellent character actress Katrina Halili as Lilian Madreal; former Bubble Gang mainstay and hunk celebrity dad Wendell Ramos as Jaime Claveria; veteran and award-winning actress Ms. Chanda Romero as Lady Primarosa Claveria; basketball legend and well-loved comedian and actor Benjie Paras as Agaton; fast-rising teen star Elijah Alejo as Brianna; and 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival and Gawad Pasado Awards 2019 Best Supporting Actress and one of the industry’s formidable and multiawarded actresses Ms. Aiko Melendez as Kendra Fajardo.

Playing equally vital roles are three of GMA’s brightest and sought-after teen stars Jillian Ward as Donna Marie, Althea Ablan as Donna Belle, Sofia Pablo as Donna Lyn. Highly-talented Kapuso actress Glaiza de Castro plays a special role as Maita

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

Claveria, Jaime’s wife and the mother of the three Donnas.

strong amidst the many challenges life throws at them?

Married couple Jaime (Wendell), the sole inheritor to the affluent Claveria Group of Companies, and Maita (Glaiza) find it difficult to bear a child. The couple then hired Lilian (Katrina), the daughter of their most trusted house helper, to be the surrogate mother of their unborn offspring.

Lilian accepts the proposal and later on gives birth to three beautiful girls named Donna Marie (Jillian), kindhearted and driven; Donna Belle (Althea), ambitious and strong-willed; and Donna Lyn (Sofia), soft-spoken and the mediator between the two.

The show’s creative team is composed of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Unit Head Dode Cruz; Concept Consultant Kit Langit; Concept Creator Maria Zita Garganera; Headwriter Luningning Interino-Ribay; writers Borgy Danao, Mike Ladera, Kuts Enriquez.

Life takes an unexpected turn for the three Donnas when Kendra (Aiko), managing director of Claveria Group of Companies who has been eyeing Jaime and the Claveria fortune, will stop at nothing to get a hold of all of Claveria’s wealth and Jaime’s affection at the expense of the three young heiresses.

Under the helm of esteemed director and actress Gina Alajar Prima Donnas airs right after Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko at GMA Afternoon Prime.

Family secrets, grudging relatives, and an endless pursuit of their real identity – will the bond of the three Donnas remain

This original series is headed by the SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Redgynn S. Alba and Executive Producer Marissa Hilario.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

NEW PROGRAM 9

GMA Network Unveils Newest Drama-Action Series, ‘Beautiful Justice’ H

businesswoman and philanthropist who is also the head of the Black Pentagon drug syndicate known as “Ninang.”

The original soap is headlined by five of the Kapuso Network’s prime and most soughtafter stars.

In preparation for this series, its cast members underwent Krav Maga and intense gun training sessions. Their costar, Victor Neri, is also one of the stunt trainers and plays an active role in the series to make sure that every scene is accurate and mirrors real-life situations.

ow far are you willing to go in the name of justice?

Multi-talented actress and entrepreneur Bea Binene, Global Endorser Gabbi Garcia, and 32nd PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama Actress Yasmien Kurdi will narrate the story of Kitkat, Brie, and Alice – three women brought together by the tragic death of their loved ones.

Versatile actor and Kapuso hunk Derrick Monasterio and international modelturned-actor Gil Cuerva will heat up primetime viewing as they take on the roles of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents Lance and Vin, respectively.

Alice’s (Yasmien) husband, together with Kitkat’s (Bea) brother, and Brie’s (Gabbi) boyfriend, Lance (Derrick), are all PDEA agents who died on a failed mission.

Eventually, Alice will discover that their passing was not an accident, and that a powerful drug syndicate actually murdered their loved ones. Armed with special skills and with the help of Vin (Gil), the three women will unite to track down the syndicate and seek justice for everything they lost.

In addition, Beautiful Justice is also sanctioned by the PDEA and is working closely with its agents to bring viewers a realistic look into their lives.

Esteemed director Mark Reyes V is at the helm of this exciting soap.

SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Redgynn S. Alba, and Senior Executive Producer Mona Mayuga.

The show’s creative team is composed of Creative director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head RJ Nuevas; Creative Consultant Denoy Punio; Headwriter Des Garbes Severino; Concept Creator Loi Nova; Writers Obet Villela and Glaiza Ramirez; Brainstormers Loi Nova, Jake Somera, and Erwin Bravo.

(L-R) Bea Binene, Derrick Monasterio, Yasmien Kurdi, Gil Cuerva, and Gabbi Garcia

This original series is headed by the

Completing the stellar cast are: veteran action star Victor Neri as Tony Bautista, the Regional Director of PDEA and head of the task force to which Lance and Vin belonged; sultry Kapuso actress Valeen Montenegro as Miranda Samonte, the sexy, fierce, and deadly leader of the Black Pentagon syndicate; and highly-respected drama actress Bing Loyzaga as Charmaine Tan, the

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

10 COVER

B

eginning September 16, a glimmer of hope will shine through in the midst of darkness with GMA Network’s inspirational drama, The Gift.

The original primetime soap is headlined by no less than Asia’s Multi-media Star Alden Richards as the street-smart and highspirited Sep, a visually-impaired vendor in Divisoria who will be blessed with the gift to perceive past and future events.

Alden, who has undergone blind immersion training to be able to fully understand the culture of the visually-impaired people, shared his realizations upon accepting the challenging role.

“Sometimes we take things for granted, normal lang na nakakakita tayo but once na mawala siya, parang that really got me.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

Actually, nalungkot ako ng ma-experience ko kasi ang hirap mawalan ng paningin.

After that immersion, I interviewed people who can see before sila nabulag and nainspire ako sa kanila na tipong ‘what can be my contributions to society now that I’m blind? Iyon ‘yung gusto kong mabaon ng mga manonood sa The Gift - bibigyan natin sila ng peak sa mundo ng mga taong hindi nakakakita para mas maintindihan natin sila,” he said.

Playing important roles in the life of Sep are the members of the Marcelino family: Christian Vasquez as Javier, Nadia’s unfaithful second husband who is a shrewd businessman and a controlling father to his son whom he aspires to be a politician; Martin del Rosario as Jared, son of Nadia and Javier who is always out to please his father and will make use of Sep’s gift for his personal interests as a young politician;

Ysabel Ortega as Sabina, brat but goodnatured daughter of Nadia and Javier; Betong Sumaya as Asi, the trusted assistant and driver of Javier and Jared; Tetay as Tonya, Nadia’s best friend and Javier’s wealthy cousin; Rochelle Pangilinan as Francine, Javier’s feisty and entitled executive assistant and mistress; Luz Valdez as Puring, Javier’s doting grandmother who took care of him when his parents passed away.

Giving life and meaning into Sep’s journey are: Elizabeth Oropesa as Lola Char, Sep’s adoptive grandmother who saved him from an attempted kidnapping in Quiapo when he got lost as a kid; Victor Anastacio as Andoy, comical leader of young delinquents in Divisoria who adores Amor; Mikoy Morales as Bistek, outgoing friend of Sep and Amor who sells anything under the sun in Divisoria; Thia Thomalla as Faith, fancied by Sep and dubbed as the

COVER 11

‘Princess of Divisoria’ for her beauty and for being the daughter of a wealthy fabric store owner; Mikee Quintos as Amor, a spunky vendor who secretly admires Sep; Jo Berry as Strawberry, Sep’s adoptive and overprotective mother who doesn’t let her disability get in the way of providing for her family; and Ms. Jean Garcia as Nadia, Sep’s biological mother who loses her faith in God after the death of her first husband and the disappearance of her son.

The Gift also features the special participation of TJ Trinidad as Gener.

Joseph or Sep is not your average vendor along the buzzing streets of Divisoria. He uses his undeniable charm and enthusiasm to get through the tough days. Together with his adoptive mother, Strawberry (Jo Berry) who sells fruits for a living, and adoptive grandmother, Lola Char (Elizabeth

Oropesa) who is a self-proclaimed fortune teller in Quiapo, Sep continues to find the silver lining amidst the harsh realities of life. Although struggling to make ends meet, all seems well in Sep’s simple life not until that fateful day when he got in a near-death experience and woke up in literal darkness.

At the expense of losing his vision, Sep has been given the gift of ‘clairvoyance’ or the ability to see things beyond the naked eye.

brainstormers El Agustin Ortizluis, Meryl Margaux Bunyi.

Will Sep’s God-given talent be of blessing to others? Or will this ignite another misfortune in the already complicated life of Sep?

Under the helm of esteemed Director LA Madridejos, catch the world premiere of The Gift beginning September 16, weeknights, after Beautiful Justice on GMA Telebabad.

The show’s creative team is composed of creative director Aloy Adlawan; creative head RJ Nuevas; creative consultant Arlene Navarro-Punio; headwriter Agnes Gagelonia-Uligan; writers Rona Lean Sales, Patrick Ilagan, Loi Argel Nova;

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

This original series, created by the GMA Drama group, is headed by the SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Helen Rose Sese and Executive Producer Shielyn Atienza.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

12 UPDATES

G

MA Network held its 2nd General Assembly for 2019 last August 29 at Studio 7. The event was hosted by Boobay and Tekla with special guest performances by Andrea Torres and XOXO. The Network also recognized its loyal employees for their exemplary service through the years.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

CITIZEN KAPUSO

Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon delivers his speech.

Boobay and Tekla hosts the General Assembly.

Andrea Torres sets the stage on fire with a dance number.

Powerhouse performance of XOXO.

25 years service awardees with GMA executives.

GMA Entertainment Group Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable recipient of 20 years Service Award.

15 Years service awardees with GMA executives.

GMA Engineering Senior Vice President Elvis B. Ancheta as one of the service awardees of 30 years.

14 UPDATES

GMA Dramas Make Waves in Southeast Asia

G

MA programs continue to gain popularity in Southeast Asia through successful partnerships between GMA Worldwide, Inc., (GWI) the Network’s content distribution subsidiary, and prominent broadcasters and content aggregators in the country.

Employees take turns doing CPR.

Shows currently airing in Myanmar are Heart and Soul (Kambal Karibal), Happy Together (Inday Will Always Love You), Angela (Haplos), and Alyas Robin Hood (Bow of Justice).

In Malaysia, the acclaimed GMA drama Legally Blind is gaining popularity through free TV channel TV3 Malaysia.

G

MA Network held its first ever Emergency Preparedness Day last August 30. The event had two major activities: Prepper Bazaar -- a onestop shop for survival gadgets, emergency kits, among others; and a Learning Session -- short lectures about survival, self-defense, and disaster preparedness.

Employees witness a bomb simulation incident.

Another GMA series in Vietnam is the revenge drama Beautiful Strangers currently aired by Vietnam Cable TV’s Giải Trí TV. Learning session with the resource speaker.

Various survival and emergency kits on sale during the bazaar.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

Legally Blind is also being aired in Vietnam through Vietnam Television’s cable division Saigon Tourist Cable Television Company Limited (SCTV) on SCTV17, as part of their line-up of dramas for August.

In Brunei, GWI brings romantic comedy series Poor Señorita, broadcast by the country’s oldest freeto-air terrestrial television channel, Radio Televisyen Brunei’s (RTB) Aneka.

Finally, in Thailand, GMA’s adaptation of the hit Korean drama My Love From The Star recently premiered through the cooperation between JKN Global Media and digital terrestrial television channel GMM 25.

REGIONAL 15

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

T

he month of August was filled with fun and excitement as GMA Regional TV, the regional arm of leading broadcast company GMA Network, brought some of the country’s most sought-after stars to various cities and provinces in the regions to give Kapuso viewers an experience of a lifetime.

G

MA Network held its 2nd General Assembly for 2019 last August 29 at Studio 7. The event was hosted by Boobay and Tekla with special guest performances by Andrea Torres and XOXO.

cepcion ove You Two lead actor Gabby Con City SM in yos wen Daba to kilig brought ng him were Joini .

2019 18, st Augu last o Dava s The the lead stars of the primetime serie rea And and say Ram k Better Woman—Dere en— RitK of -up team cute uber the Torres, and ming upco Rita Daniela and Ken Chan of the . primetime series One of the Baes

L

GMA also recognized the employees that gave resh from the successful run of their series Bihag, Jason Abalos their exemplary service through thePrime years.

Afternoon

F

and Mark Herras treated their fans to a Kapuso Mall Show in Gaisano Mall Toril last August 18.

T

ogether with Alden are his co-stars in his upcoming primetime series The Gift— Mikee Quintos, Thia Th omalla, Ysabel Ortega , and Martin del Rosario . The cast celebrated the Kadayawan Festiva l with the Dabawenyos at The Atrium, Gaisan o Grand Citygate in Buhangin, Davao City last August 23.

Like and follow RTV!

A

lden and his co-stars boarded the Kapuso Float for the Pamulak sa Kadayawan Float Parade.

G

MA Regional TV made this year’s Kapuso Float Parade Par ticipation extra special as GMA TV 5 Da vao airs “Pamulak sa Kadayawan: A GMA Regional TV One Mindanao Special Live Coverage”. Hosted by One Mindanao anchor s Tek Ocampo, Sarah Hilomen-Velasco, and Real Sorroche. Live updates along the par ade route were report ed by correspondents She illah Vergara-Rubio, Rgil Relator, and Jandi Esteban.

GMARegionalTV

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

16 UPDATES

Local news matters:

GMA Regio Newscasts

From Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the roster of news personalities of award-winning and top-rating local newscasts Balitang Amianan, Balitang Bisdak, One Western Visayas, and One Mindanao continue to deliver topnotch news stories and inspiring features all over the country, staying true to GMA Regional TV’s battle cry – local news matters.

B

alitang Bisdak airs from Monday to Friday at 5 p.m.

With its tagline, “Balitang Bisdak, bugtong kasaligan, kasandigan ug kadangpan sa mga Bisaya [Balitang Bisdak, the most trusted, dependable and reliable (newscast) of the Bisaya]”, it features comprehensive and in-depth delivery of news and information in Central and Eastern Visayas.

The award-winning newscast is anchored by tri-media personality Bobby Nalzaro, award-winning local news correspondent Alan Domingo, and news presenter Cecille Quibod-Castro. Joining the team are various local news teams based in Cebu and local news stringers based in different parts of Central and Eastern Visayas lead

by Chona Carreon, Lou Anne Mae Rondina, and Nikko Sereno.

T

he top-rating and awardwinning newscast is anchored by seasoned TV journalist CJ Torida, and award-winning local news correspondents Joanne Ponsoy and Jasmin GabrielGalban. Joining them are the various local news teams based in Pangasinan and local news stringers based in different parts of North Central Luzon.

With the tagline “Sandigan ng katotohanan. Serbisyong totoo lamang. Solid Amianan,” Balitang Amianan features comprehensive and in-depth delivery of news and information in North Central Luzon. It airs from Monday to Friday at 5 p.m.

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oli Amoroso (standing in center), GMA Regional TV Cebu Station Manager Ann Marie Tan, Program Manager Suzanne Alueta and RTV Managers with the production team of Balitang Bisdak in GMA Cebu after the relaunch of the bigger, better, Balitang Bisdak. GMA Regional TV thanks our Kapuso viewers in Central and Eastern Visayas for their continuous support --- and making Balitang Bisdak No.1 in their hearts and minds.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oli Amoroso (2nd from left), GMA North Central Luzon Station Manager Jojo Balingit (leftmost), with anchors Joanne Ponsoy, CJ Torida, Jasmin Gabriel-Galban and correspondents King Guevarra, Russel Simorio, and Ivy Hernando of #BalitangAmianan during the media conference in Dagupan City.

nal TV Beefs Up its All Over the Philippines

REGIONAL 17

G

MA Regional TV’s local flagship news programs continues to get bigger and better with its fresh new look and levelledup content as part of its commitment to delivering news that matters to local audience.

NUMBER 1 IN RATINGS! Balitang Amianan in North Central Luzon and Balitang Bisdak in Eastern and Central Visayas – both emerged as the leading local news source in their respective areas for the period January 1 to July 20, 2019.

Source: Nielsen TV Audience Measurement

I

t was on August 27 last year when GMA Regional TV took the bold step of launching its fourth regional newscast to cater to Kapuso viewers in Iloilo, Bacolod, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.

One Western Visayas further challenges itself this time as it breaks the monotony of having the news delivered from a desk which viewers have been accustomed of. Instead, its revamped news studio now consists of a more relaxed environment where anchor Atty. Sedfrey Cabaluna will be seen seated on a couch, somehow reaching out to viewers like a family member in their extended living room.

GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oli Amoroso , GMA Regional TV IloiloBacolod Station Manager Jonathan Cabillon, Program Manager Joecel Huesca and RTV Managers with the production team of One Western Visayas in GMA Iloilo after the relaunch of the bigger, better, One Western Visayas. GMA Regional TV thanks our Kapuso viewers in Western Visayas for their continuous support --- and making One Western Visayas No.1 in their hearts and minds.

T

he beefed-up version of One Mindanao sees seasoned TV journalist Tek Ocampo, reputable TV host and news presenter Sarah Hilomen-Velasco, and experienced news correspondent Real Sorroche in a more relaxed environment as they are seated on couches instead of chairs behind the desk usually seen on newscasts. The One Mindanao studio somehow becomes an extension of the viewers’ living room, further connecting the news anchors and the Kapuso in the regions.

The One Mindanao logo dons a new color as well—green that symbolizes GMA Regional TV’s branding throughout the Philippines. In addition to the new studio set, One Mindanao opens its doors to the public as it invites viewers to participate as live studio audience every Friday.

Anchors of One Mindanao Sarah Hilomen-Velasco, Tek Ocampo and Real Sorroche after the relaunch of the bigger, better, One Mindanao

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

18 INTERNATIONAL

Lovi Poe Banners Back-to-Back Shows in Canada with GMA Pinoy TV

P

inoys in Canada had an exceptional weekend as Kapuso Premier Actress Lovi Poe bannered two consecutive celebrations last August 31 and September 1.

Tom Rodriguez Brings Fun and Excitement to Three Cities in the US

T

here’s no stopping GMA Pinoy TV as it continues to bring the biggest Kapuso stars to different parts of the world. For the month of August, multitalented actor Tom Rodriguez went on a tri-city trip in the US to spend more time with Kapuso abroad.

Tummies and hearts were full as Tom graced the 14th Adobo Festival last August 4 held at 101 N. Main Street in Milpitas, California. The crowd greatly enjoyed the Kapuso actor’s swoonworthy performance of classic OPM and ballad hits. He also got to perform a duet with Rachel Bergado, one of the Fil-Am finalists from the first season of The Clash.

Tom’s next stop was Florida for the Fiesta Ko sa Florida organized by the One Philippines Entertainment and AZ Media Entertainment Service last August 9. Hundreds of Pinoys braved the rain to the Reily Arts Center, Ocala

to see the Kapuso star as well as the fashion pre-show of Fil-Am designer Kirsten Regalado.

The Kapuso leading man later on went to Texas to headline Fiesta Ko Sa Texas at the Bayou City Event Center last August 11 in Houston and serenaded the Pinoys abroad.

Tom got to visit NASA in Houston in time for the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11’s landing on the moon. He also met a colour blind astronaut named Roger Crouch.

The Fil-Am Kapuso actor, who was even able to go home to Arizona and celebrate his mom’s birthday, shared how amazing this tri-city trip was. “I would like to give my sincerest thanks to everyone who organized and produced these events.

We had a lot of fun and I can’t wait to get back again, hopefully to celebrate it with you and Carla Abellana.”

www.gmapinoytv.com @gmapinoytv GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

Despite the cold weather, Lovi received a warm welcome from thousands of attendees at the Fiesta Filipino in Calgary.

Lovi with the Kapuso abroad during the Food Trip Filipino Festival in Winnipeg.

19

GMA Kapuso Foundation Begins Construction of First Kapuso Bridge in Mindanao Rikki Escudero-Catibog; together with Philippine Army Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command Lt. General Felimon Santos; Davao City Acting Mayor Hon. Sebastian Duterte; Peace 911 Focal Person Atty. Elisa Evangelista-Lapina; and DPWH Regional Director Allan Borromeo.

G

MA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony together with its key partners and stakeholders for the construction of a steel and concrete hanging bridge in Paquibato, Davao.

Under its Kapuso Tulay Para sa Kaunlaran project, GMAKF is building a 50-meter bridge made out of steel and concrete at Barangay Mapula in Paquibato, Davao City.

This bridge will provide safe and easier access to schools and markets for the benefit of over 2,000 residents including members of the Ata Manobo tribe. This will be the third Kapuso Tulay that GMAKF is building following its successful bridge construction in two barangays in Buhi, Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region.

The groundbreaking and MOA signing ceremony was led by GMAKF EVP and COO

The project was also made possible through the support of the following donors and partners: DMI Philippines- MX3 Natural Supplements; The Royal Mandaya Hotel; CEMEX Philippines; PPG Philippines; Equator Energy Corporation; Magnalume Roofs; AFP Eastern Mindanao Command; 52nd Engineer Brigade PA, 10th Infantry Division; Peace 911; DPWH Region XI; and the local government of Davao City.

To donate to GMAKF’s projects, visit www. gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE