When GMA Network began as a fledgling radio station in the 1950s, it would have been difficult to imagine the media giant it would eventually become. Operating from a rented unit at the Calvo Building in Escolta, its equipment consisted of a microphone, a turntable, and a surplus AM transmitter. There were no scripts, no cameras, no teleprompters. And when the radio station later became a TV station, moving its headquarters to a small building on EDSA, it broadcasted from simple studios devoid of color and stereo sound.
This year, as an industry leader celebrating its 60th year, GMA remembers the past, celebrates today, and looks forward to scaling greater heights in the future.
Tagumpay ng Kapuso
GMA’s 60th anniversary network ID celebrates how far it has come in the last six decades and takes the opportunity to share this achievement with its audience.
Titled “Tagumpay ng Kapuso,” the ID showcases the men and women of GMA, and their efforts, on and off-camera, to deliver the Network’s commitment to superior entertainment and the responsible delivery of news and information to its Filipino audience.
“This ID fuses together all individuals who collectively contribute to the growth of GMA – the executives, on-cam talents, behind-the-scenes production crew, employees and audiences,” explained Dong Tan, Associate Creative Director of the project.
Viewers are taken from rehearsal rooms to high-tech studios and control rooms, where camera shots are a work of art and where talent and technology fuse in a carefully synchronized act.
“This ID is different from the previous ones in that it shows what goes on behind the scenes,” said Director Paul Ticzon.
“In a nutshell, it’s a dramatization of what every Kapuso goes through to bring out the best that the Network can give,” added Assistant Director Vince Gealogo.
In Tagumpay, GMA’s stars share the spotlight with Network employees.
In what was probably the most difficult scene to set up, employees and celebrities got together at the GMA Network Drive in a festive scenario of singing and dancing, as fireworks lit up the evening sky.
Touching Hearts, Enriching Lives
GMA, being the most-awarded and leading broadcast network in the country today, carries on its commitment to continuously touch the hearts and enrich the lives of Filipinos.
And after sixty years, the Network – known for being one in heart with every Filipino – remains thankful to the millions of viewers worldwide that have made GMA a part of their lives.
"We want every Kapuso to feel proud of being a Kapuso when they see Tagumpay," said BJ Camaya, lyricist of the ID’s theme song by the same name. “Everything we have accomplished, we did with them and for them.”
Tagumpay ng Kapuso fittingly heralds another landmark
in Philippine television history. GMA’s 60th Anniversary Network ID will be launched today, May 30, on Party Pilipinas.
Tagumpay’s theme song was composed by Simon Peter Tan and sung by Are You the Next Big Star winners Frencheska Farr and Geoff Taylor with the Six Feet Long band.
The production team included multi-awarded cinematographer Ding Achacoso as director of photography, Director Paul Ticzon, Assistant Director Vince Gealogo, Producer Ingrid Navarro and cameramen Hanniel Aguilar, Javier Delgado and Paul Arrojado.
The campaign was conceptualized by the creative team of GMA's Program Support Department composed of Vice-President Regie Bautista, Associate Creative Director Dong Tan, Senior Promo Writer BJ Camaya, Art Director Hendricks Gonzales, Senior Project Manager Hasmin Marable, and Project Manager Minette Lopez.
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The Regal Films and GMA Films co-production "You to Me are Everything" is now P2 million short to cross the P100 million box office status!
The Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera romantic comedy has raked-in a total of P98,056,256.70 in it's 3rd week of screening in theaters. It will only need P2 million on its 4th week to be the second Pinoy movie after "Miss You Like Crazy" to surpass the P100 million mark.
But since the film is already on it's 4th week as of this post, then it is perhaps safe to assume that "You to Me are Everything" has already earned more than P100 million. We'll just wait for the official report from 3rd party tabulator Box Office Mojo.
Topping the local box office chart for the weekend of May 19 to 23, 2010 is the animated film "Shrek Goes Fourth" with P59.38 million.
Following in second position is the Star Cinema comedy "Here Comes the Bride" with P32.24 million. The Eugene Domingo-Angelica Panganiban starrer has already grossed P84.44 million in two weeks.
Running in 3rd is Robin Hood while Iron Man 2 occupied the 4th position.
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Marian Rivera is on the cover of Cosmopolitan Philippines for the third time this June.
This is Marian Rivera's 3rd cover for Cosmopolitan Philippines magazine. The first was in October 2007 and the second was in March 2009.
She will be back on primetime television in the upcoming Philippine adaptation of the hit koreanovela "Endless Love." In the said series, she will be reunited with real-life boyfriend Dingdong Dantes who's been his leading man in the top-rating series "MariMar" and "Dyesebel."
Her last movie, "You to Me are Everything," also opposite Dingdong Dantes, has already grossed P98 million in 3 weeks at the box office.
Furthermore, she is currently leading in FHM's 100 Sexiest Women for 2010 poll.
So how to be as blooming (in love life and career) as this sizzlin' siren? Find out in the June 2010 issue of Cosmopolitan Philippines with Agua Bendita star Matteo Guidicelli as the Man on Fire for this month.
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GMA's primetime queen Marian Rivera is still the leader in the ongoing 100 Sexiest Women in the World poll by FHM Philippines.
The Top 4 maintained their respective rankings--Marian Rivera at no. 1, Angel Locsin at no. 2, Cristine Reyes at no. 3 and Iwa Moto at no. 4. The fifth position is now occupied by Erich Gonzales who climbed 2 notches from no. 7 three weeks ago. On the other hand, Angelica Panganiban entered the Top 10 at no. 6. The star of "Here Comes the Bride" was not in the top 10 three weeks ago. Also entering the Top 10 to date are Katrina Halili (#8) and Jennylyn Mercado (#10).
The Top 10 as of the moment are as follows:
1. Marian Rivera - 52,124
2. Angel Locsin - 35,126
3. Christine Reyes - 34,998
4. Erich Gonzales - 26,355
5. Angelica Panganiban - 24,786
6. Iwa Moto - 24,552
7. Katrina Halili - 23,671
8. Anne Curtis - 19,990
9. Sarah Geronimo - 15,663
10. Ehra Madrigal - 14,898
Last May 6, FHM released the first update of the ongoing poll. Marian Rivera captured the top spot. Here's the ranking 3 weeks ago:
TOP 10:
1. Marian Rivera
2. Angel Locsin
3. Cristine Reyes
4. Iwa Moto
5. EB Babes
6. Anne Curtis
7. Erich Gonzales
8. Ehra Madrigal
9. Regine Velasquez
10. Iya Villania
TOP 30-39:
30. Bianca King
31. Abby Poblador
32. Iza Calzado
33. Jacq Yu
34. Rhian Ramos
35. Toni Gonzaga
36. Alessandra De Rossi
37. Kris Bernal
38. Cherry Ann Kubota
39. Sofie
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“I believe there is a time and place for everything. And this is my time,” so said Lee DeWyze, a paint salesman from Mount Prospect, Illinois during his audition in Chicago. Lee went on take the crown as this season’s AMERICAN IDOL.
The finale, which aired live via satellite on GMA Network (with same day replay on Q Channel 11), also featured a tribute to famously acerbic judge Simon Cowell who is leaving the show after this season. Past IDOL winners Kelly Clarkson, Reuben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Taylor Hicks, Kris Allen, Jordin Sparks and Carrie Underwood performed a tribute for the beloved Brit judge. Former IDOL judge Paula Abdul also appeared onstage for the emotional farewell to Simon.
“I didn't think I was going to be this emotional, but I genuinely am,” Simon said on stage. “What Paula says is true: The show goes forward, it will be different, but I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support, the fun.”
“The truth is, you guys are the judge of this show, and you've done an incredible job over the years,” he added.
DeWyze, the shy 24-year-old rocker became the dark horse in a season that was, in the beginning, filled with talented female finalists. But one by one, the girls got eliminated from the competition and Crystal Bowersox, the 24-year-old young mom from Elliston, Ohio, was the only one left to carry the torch for the girl finalists.
The Top 2 faced each other in a final showdown held in front of more than 7,000 fans at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. They sang three songs each: one of their choice from earlier in the season, one chosen for them by show producer Simon Fuller and the last song, the single that they will release if they win.
Bowersox, the dreadlocked soulful rock chick, put up a good fight. She performed knockout versions of “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Black Velvet” and “Up to the Mountain.”
The judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Ellen DeGeneres were all impressed. “I thought that was by far the best performance and the song of the night,” Simon added. “And since this is going to be the final critique I'm ever going to give, I would just like to say that was outstanding.”
Lee, on the other hand, chose “Everybody Hurts,” “The Boxer,” and “Beautiful Day.” Kara told him, “You have one of the most commercial voices this season and you deserve to be here tonight.” During performance night, Simon and the other judges have expressed admiration for Lee’s talent and character.
And after the viewer votes have been counted, the results are in and Lee was announced as the new AMERICAN IDOL. “I have never been happier in my life,” an emotional Lee said seconds after his name was called.
“This whole thing has been amazing from the very beginning,” Lee said during the final showdown as he looked back on his amazing IDOL journey. “I hope to be doing this for the rest of my life, whatever happens.” (30)
Catch the replay of the final performance night on Saturday, May 29, 4:30 pm and the replay of the finale on Sunday, May 30, 3:30 pm on Q Channel 11!
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Beginning Monday, May 31, GMA 7 unravels the glamorous, colorful, and fascinating world of the airline industry with the much-awaited maiden flight of its latest primetime drama LANGIT SA PILING MO.
Starring the fresh and promising tandem of award-winning young actress Heart Evangelista and Starstruck’s first Ultimate Male Survivor Mark Herras, this original series follows the intertwined lives of two individuals bound by a common dream that is to fly.
Marj (Heart Evangelista), a strong-willed domestic flight attendant sees every flight assignment as an opportunity, not merely to travel, but more importantly, to search for her long-lost siblings who were taken away against her will.
Despite having several admirers, she was never really serious about finding the right man, not until she reunites with her family and gathers them under her family’s rundown home she is currently rebuilding.
But then, Marj meets Rigo (Mark Herras), the endearingly handsome but juvenile son of the owner of Eagle Airways, the airline company she works for. Rigo is engaged to be married to Aurora (Katrina Halili), an insecure and spiteful woman belonging to an influential family in Cebu.
Quite unexpectedly, Rigo becomes a catalyst in Marj’s constant search for her siblings, while Marj, on the other hand, enlightens Rigo on the painful realities that confront his life (including the fact that Aurora has been cheating on him all this time).
However, in the midst of fulfilling their personal destinies, a deep and dark secret that apparently involves a murderous incident involving both Marj and Rigo’s fathers suddenly resurfaces. Such revelation will reignite the tension between the two families and will ultimately make Marj and Rigo question their feelings for each other.
How much longer does Marj have to wait before she can finally be with her family again? In the event that she does, will she be pleased or be surprised by the changes that would greet her? Can Rigo find enough fortitude to do the things that will genuinely make him happy? In the end, what with all the turbulence that surrounds them, will Marj and Rigo reach their intended destinations together, or apart?
Aside from Mark, Heart also has Brazilian hunk Daniel Matsunaga and Survivor Philippines’ first Sole Survivor JC Tiuseco as her leading men in the story. Completing the star-studded cast of LANGIT SA PILING MO are Maritoni Fernandez, Sylvia Sanchez, Ricardo Cepeda, Joonee Gamboa, Say Alonzo, Marky Lopez, Jay Aquitania, Ryza Cenon, Carlo Gonzales, Joanne Quintas, Arci Muñoz, Soliman Cruz, Philip Lazaro, Evelyn Vargas, featuring Mr. Tonton Gutierrez, and in very special roles Sheryl Cruz and Rey “PJ” Abellana.
Directed by Gil Tejada Jr. and originally written by Senedy Que, LANGIT SA PILING MO has fittingly chosen the spacious and bustling expanse of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 as its main location for this heartwarming tale about people trying fulfill their destinies. Aside from offering an exclusive peek into the intriguing world of traveling and flying, the program will also feature many of the country’s famous tourist destinations giving it a local dash of flavor.
Meanwhile, GMA 7, under the supervision of creative consultants Jun Lana, Aloy Adlawan, and RJ Nuevas, has sought the expertise of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Manila International Airport, and professional cabin crew instructors to ensure that proper guidelines on aviation and in-flight services are followed all throughout taping.
Witness another first in Philippine TV history and be part of this one of a kind journey as LANGIT SA PILING MO takes off this Monday, May 31, before 24 Oras. 
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Laugh out loud!
Join the first ever Comedy Bar online as Ms. Eugene Domingo logs on sa iGMA.tv to chat with her fans from all over the world on May 26, 2010 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Philippine time).
Kasama si Fabio Ide at ang Six Feet Long band, siguradong riot ang hapong ito. Kaya naman don't miss this chance to experience this milestone sa iGMA Live Chat.
Kaya naman mag-prepare na kayo ng mga questions at jokes at live na live kayong sasagutin at papatawanin ni Ms. Eugene Domingo.
To join the live chat, click here.
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Beginning May 26, after Saksi, BORN TO BE WILD takes environmental filmmaking to the next level by mounting the season’s biggest wildlife expeditions.
Around this time of year, gigantic visitors are known to cross the Babuyan Islands. Majestic humpback whales, easily the size of a bus, are glimpsed showing off their dorsal fins and flukes on the water’s surface. In the summer of 2009, while filming a story in Camiguin Island, Kiko Rustia and the team chanced upon a group of researchers who have been studying the whales for almost a decade. The researchers hope to learn more about the humpback’s ways and the threats they face. The Born team was in luck. A day’s detour to the Babuyan Channel produced what researchers say is the first footage of a double breach or the humpback’s full-bodied rise from the water ever to be taken by local media.
A year later, Kiko Rustia embarks on the journey of a lifetime. He makes a comeback to the memorable island where he first met the “friendlies’. This is what experts and whale-watchers call humpbacks that linger around boats. But their journey was not easy. On their way back to the Babuyan Islands, their boat was nearly capsized by big waves. Yet the team did not give up. Their first morning on the island was greeted by several pods of dolphins that seemed to welcome them on their trip. Dolphins are said to escort whales at sea. And when dolphins are near, it can only mean one thing–the humpbacks are here.
Meanwhile, at the heart of Palanan’s rainforest lives a creature that has gone under the radar of science for centuries. Only discovered and named as a new species this April, the reptile locally known as butikaw became subject of local and international news. Described as a “man-sized” lizard, the butikaw can easily compete with the popularity of other “dragons” like the komodo. The Philippines in fact is a haven for reptiles, and many giant monitor lizards can only be found here. Doc Ferds Recio joins world-renowned reptile expert Daniel Bennett to scour the forests for signs of the elusive reptile’s presence.
At their first attempt to search for the butikaw, Doc Ferds discovers the hidden wealth and beauty of Palanan. Apart from seeing various species of insects and amphibians that are endemic to the region, the wildlife veterinarian finds himself in the middle of Dicocotan Beach. In this serene shoreline, he already encounters one wild reptile—the black-banded sea krait, one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Could it be that this place is really the perfect habitat for reptiles? And will Doc Ferds come face to face with the “dragon” that he came for?
Let the expeditions begin. This is nature in the raw as only the country’s pioneer environment and wildlife show can deliver. Humpback Saga and Dragon Hunt, a special three-part series, premieres this Wednesday, May 26, after Saksi, on GMA Network.
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During the recent historic elections, at a critical time in Philippine history, more viewers clearly preferred ELEKSYON 2010, GMA-7’s election coverage.
ELEKSYON 2010 posted a 12.3 TV ratings average from May 10 to 11 based on Mega Manila Household ratings from AGB Nielsen, compared to ABS CBN’s 10. The May 10 average of ELEKSYON 2010 is also higher at 12.5, compared to ABS’ 11.2. The next day, GMA’s election coverage pulled ahead with a commanding 3.5 lead.
GMA’s primetime newscast on May 10, 24 Oras ELEKSYON 2010, posted an imposing rating percentage of 33.7 as against TV Patrol World’s 22, resulting to a staggering 11.7 margin. The lead based on the corresponding audience share is even more imposing – a whopping 16.8 %! – with GMA posting a commanding 51.3 % against the other station’s 34.5 %.
What kept more viewers tuned in to ELEKSYON 2010 is its unbiased and comprehensive coverage from all over the country and the most reliable and up to the minute tally. ELEKSYON 2010's partial and unofficial count was consistently ahead of the competitor and was always first in bringing to the public the latest tally of election results from all over the country.
As Filipinos awaited the results of the country’s very first automated elections, they knew they could count on GMA Network’s historic coverage to deliver lightning-quick and comprehensive updates from the GMA News and Public Affairs team and election partners that include the biggest and most respected entities in tri-media, telecommunications, information technology, education, business, research and public service.
GMA’s election coverage had more remote points across the country, and aired nonstop updates on the historic elections from 5am of May 10 until 12 noon of May 11.
ELEKSYON 2010 also used the latest available technology such as the touchscreen, virtual screen, immersive 3D graphics and the hologram effect – a first in Philippine television. The public was also able to participate in the coverage by sending photos and videos to Youscoop, and calling the Eleksyon 2010 Action Center to report Election Day incidents and seek assistance from election lawyers.
GMA’s voter education project “Bilog na Hugis Itlog” was widely recognized to have created the biggest impact. Not a few voters sang the jingle on the way to the precincts to help them remember how to cast their vote.
Reliability, unbiased reporting, comprehensive coverage were needed during the recent historic elections. GMA News and Public Affairs stepped up to the challenge by upholding the highest standards of journalism and remaining faithful to Serbisyong Totoo.
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GMA launches their new primetime star, Barbie Forteza, in the upcoming fantaserye "Pilyang Querubin" (a.k.a. Pilyang Kerubin).
"Pilyang Querubin" is said to replace "The Last Prince" on GMA-7's Telebabad line-up. It stars Barbie Forteza and Joshua Dionisio of First Time. Francis M.'s son, Elmo Magalona, will be launched as an actor in this series. Also starring are Jewel Mische, Angelika dela Cruz and Eddie Garcia.
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Following the romantic hookups and dates, GMA’s hottest reality dating show, Take Me Out, unloads surprising and star-studded twists that will surely excite and jazz up the weeknights of the televiewers.
Beginning May 17, the dating show will feature episodes that will delight, thrill, dazzle and touch the heart not only of the 30 single ladies but also the viewers. It will also display a brighter and livelier set with the girls stepping out of their podiums to do production numbers and sketches.
Witness a wonderfully touching and intimate reunion where the guy, who hails from Cebu, gets very emotional when he sees his parents live in the studio. This particular episode will even make the girls and the audience teary-eyed.
Televiewers should look forward to viewing the episode where the bachelor, after three rounds of selection, succeeds in impressing all the 30 ladies, with all their lights still switched on.
What’s more, an all male celebrity week special will unfold where the 30 women get a chance to meet and win a date with a famous star, a cutie survivor, a Brazilian model, a rock band singer, and a Kapuso hunk.
Meanwhile, all single guys and girls, 20 to 40 years-old, who are looking for love, are invited to audition for Take Me Out. Auditions are held every Saturday and Sunday from 12nn to 5pm at the GMA Network Drive.
Applicants need to bring the original and photocopy of their birth certificate, valid ID, and whole body and close-up photos. They should bring the requirements personally and should look for Virna Cañete.
Take Me Out is hosted by the Platinum Prince of Soul Jay-R which airs from Monday to Friday at 5PM on GMA.
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From a surrogate mother, Claudine plays a stagemom who insists on sending her 8-year old daughter from one beauty pageant to another in this Saturday’s episode of her drama anthology. Playing the part of her daughter is child actress Cruzita who was best known for her role as Marian Rivera’s child in Marimar and who is now part of the GMA telefantasya Panday Kids.
A frustrated beauty queen herself, Claudine passes on to her daughter the dream which she never got to realize after getting pregnant at an early age.
Amidst the preparation for yet another pageant, the child’s biological father (Bobby Andrews) appears and starts claiming custody of the child. Claudine’s daughter ended up losing the pageant which frustrates Claudine even more. In a fit of rage, Claudine blames her daughter for how her life has turned out to be which naturally hurts the child. Cruzita runs away from home, and meets an unfortunate accident.
If and when Cruzita wakes up will Claudine still get a second chance to make it right with her daughter?
The answer will be revealed this Saturday as Ms. Claudine Barretto brings to light another gripping drama performance. Directed by Soxie Topacio, this episode titled “Stagemother” also stars Candy Pangilinan and Sweet Ramos. Catch it this Saturday after Pinoy Records on GMA Network.
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"You to Me are Everything" starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes reportedly hauled a whopping P26 million on its first 2 days.
GMA Films and Regal Films held a victory party last May 7 at the imperial suites to celebrate the box office success of their romantic comedy film topbilled by "Dongyan" love team.
The film received mixed reviews from the critics. While Pinoy Entertainment Portal (PEP) described it as "enjoyable" and "crowd pleaser", Click the City tagged it as a "waste of time." One thing is undeniable though. The chemistry between real-life lovers Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, who starred in the nationwide top-rating tv series MariMar and Dyesebel, still has magic that was able to charm their fans.
By virtue of its 2 days gross of P26 million and more than P10 million on its 3rd day, then it's safe to assume that the film has surpassed the P50 million mark on its weekend debut. It may also have beaten the second week screening of the Hollywood film Iron Man 2.
Although it's early to say but we can assume that "You to Me are Everything" has bested the box office gross of Dongyan's first movie together, "One True Love." Their first pairing on the big screen clashed with the monster hit movie "Twilight" last November 2008. The total gross of the film was a modest P53.2 million at the box office.
Meanwhile, Dingdong and Marian flew to the US yesterday for a series of concerts together with Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez. They will stay there for a month. After the concert, the top kapuso love team will focus in their upcoming primetime series--Endless Love--with Dennis Trillo.
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