Ambassador Endo emphasized that Japan’s partnership with GMA Network is “more than just being friends.” He highlighted the adaptation of the iconic Japanese anime Voltes V as a shining example of this collaboration.

GMA Network President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. welcomed Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Endo Kazuya, at the GMA Network Center on July 12, 2024.

Ambassador Endo accompanied Matsuda Shigehiro, Director of the Japan Information & Culture Center, Press Officer Shigeyoshi Rintaro, and National Staff members Angela de la Rama and Dyan Lamando.

Meanwhile, Duavit was joined by GMA Network Executive Vice President, CFO Felipe S. Yalong, Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, GMA Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.

In his message, Duavit recalled launching the Network’s international channel in Japan and highlighted the ongoing participation of GMA talents in various events for Filipinos there.

“I distinctly remember 2005 in April, when we launched there, providentially in Japan because many of our countrymen were in Japan,” Duavit said.

Duavit also mentioned the Network’s collaboration with the Japanese government on various socio-civic projects. “A part of the company is a foundation called the GMA Kapuso Foundation, which has also become a partner of the Japanese government. Specifically, in 2019, the Japanese embassy gave a grant to our foundation to build a multi-story, seven-classroom school building in Marawi City.”

Ambassador Endo, in turn, expressed gratitude for GMA Network’s hospitality and acknowledged its role in strengthening the bond between the two countries.

“I am deeply grateful to step on the grounds of the largest media network in the Philippines. It is an honor to be here at GMA, a true beacon of culture and storytelling,” he said.

Ambassador Endo emphasized that Japan’s partnership with GMA Network is “more than just being friends. It is a tapestry woven with threads of shared dreams, culture, and mutual respect,” adding that the Network has been instrumental in bringing Japanese culture closer to Filipinos.

“GMA has been a remarkable storyteller showcasing the beauty and wonder of Japan to Filipino audiences,” he added, citing the Network’s live-action series adaptation of the iconic Japanese anime Voltes V as a shining example of this collaboration.

“These anime stories aren’t just shows; they are cultural phenomena that have captured the imagination of generations of Filipinos, and particularly the generations of ours. Through these adventures and triumphs, Voltes V has become a symbol of hope, courage, unity, and values that resonate deeply in our culture.”

After his official visit, Ambassador Endo was given a tour of the network’s newsroom. This was followed by an exclusive interview with GMA Integrated News anchor Vicky Morales, during which the Ambassador discussed the recently signed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Japan and the Philippines, collaborative efforts in disaster response, and opportunities for Filipinos in Japan, among other major issues.

La entrada Japan Ambassador Pays Courtesy Call on GMA Network se publicó primero en TTV News.

Alongside the Network’s 79 analog broadcast stations are its 22 digital TV broadcast stations, which include its newest DTT station in San Pablo, Laguna

Media giant GMA Network further widens its reach across the Philippines, providing an unparalleled viewing experience for Filipinos through its 101 stations nationwide.

Alongside the Network’s 79 analog broadcast stations are its 22 digital TV broadcast stations, which include its newest DTT station in San Pablo, Laguna. This brings the Network’s combined analog and digital TV transmitter stations to a new total of 101.

Further, through the Network’s digital receivers, GMA Affordabox and GMA Now, more Kapuso viewers are able to have a clearer and more vibrant TV viewing experience.

Earlier this year, the Network, through its regional arm GMA Regional TV, also launched GMA Ilocos Norte station – its 12th regional station to date.

GMA also made all its shows available in widescreen format, where favorite Kapuso programs are in a wider scope in terms of what can be seen on screen. The 16:9 widescreen format is now available on GMA and GTV, as well as on digital channels Heart of Asia, Hallypop, I Heart Movies, and Pinoy Hits.

These latest developments further complement the Network’s cutting-edge shows, which include the primetime hits Voltes V: Legacy, Royal Blood, and Unbreak My Heart, and other upcoming Kapuso shows to watch out for.

La entrada GMA Network Widens Reach with 101 Stations in Philippines se publicó primero en TTV News.

The series will premiere on May 8 and air Mondays to Fridays at 4:05 pm on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Beginning May 8, witness the most intense and gripping tale of love and revenge via GMA Network’s upcoming afternoon series, The Seed of Love.

The program is bannered by Sparkle prime actress Glaiza de Castro and highly-talented leading man Mike Tan. Playing important roles are dramatic actress Valerie Concepcion and well-rounded actor Boy2 Quizon.

The Seed of Love follows the story of Bobby (Mike) who decides to have his sperm frozen due to cancer scare. He has been in a long, tedious relationship with a bratty socialite Alexa (Valerie) until Bobby finally breaks up with her.

Later on, Bobby meets the optimistic and doting Eileen (Glaiza). Their love blossoms and soon, the two get married. Bobby and Eileen agree to have their child via in-vitro fertilization using his preserved sperm cell.

But Alexa will do everything to destroy the couple and win her ex-boyfriend back. One day, Alexa steals the embryo of Eileen and Bobby. She does this in connivance with Peter (Boy2), her obsessed and hopeless romantic lover.

Peter then implants the stolen embryo in Alexa’s uterus and replaces Eileen’s with a random embryo. Alexa eventually convinces Bobby that he impregnated her after a recent one-night stand.

How will the truth unravel? Is it really goodbye for Eileen and Bobby’s happy family? How far can Alexa and Peter go for the sake of their wrong and unfair love?

Starring in this daring and intriguing series are Alan Paule as Nelson, a self-made millionaire and Bobby’s supportive father; Bernadette Allyson as Ginny, Bobby’s loving sister-in-law and Eileen’s OB-GYNE; Tina Paner as Ludy, the kind and caring sister of Eileen; Ervic Vijandre as Mandy, Bobby’s trusted friend and colleague in their real estate business.

Completing the star-studded cast are Ashley Rivera as Frieda, Alexa’s best friend and partner-in-crime; Yanna Asistio as Mona, the funny and protective best friend of Eileen.

The Seed of Love is an original concept of RJ Nuevas and Nehemiarey Debad Dallego.

The show is made possible under the supervision of GMA SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; VP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; AVP for Drama Ali Nokom-Dedicatoria; Senior Program Manager Redgynn S. Alba; and Executive Producer Michele Robles Borja.

The creative team behind this incredible drama is composed of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head for Afternoon Prime Dode Cruz; Creative Consultant Denoy Navarro-Punio; Head Writer RJ Nuevas; and Writers Ken De Leon, Nehemiarey Debad Dallego, Benjamin Benson Logronio.

La entrada GMA Premieres New Love Story The Seed of Love se publicó primero en TTV News.

The network won two Gold and two Bronze medals, and five Finalist Certificates.

GMA Network gives the Philippines another set of international recognitions as it brings home two Gold and two Bronze medals, and five Finalist Certificates at the prestigious 2023 New York Festivals TV & Film (NYF) Awards.

Winners were revealed last April 19 during the virtual Storytellers Gala.

Setting another record is award-winning public affairs show and multi-platform leader Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), earning its first-ever NYF World Gold medal for “Sugat ng Pangungulila (Wounds of Woes).” Besting other entries in the Documentary: Health/Medical Information category, the segment featured a 14-year-old boy suffering from wounds all over his body and later diagnosed with lamellar ichthyosis. Its host, Jessica Soho, is the first-ever Filipino to win a Bronze medal in the Best News Anchor category at the NYF Awards in 2018.

Multi-awarded documentary program The Atom Araullo Specials adds another World Gold medal to its roster of NYF trophies after conquering the Documentary: Social Issues category with “Mata sa Dilim (Eye in the Dark).” First aired in 2022, the story by Atom Araullo showed how and why online sexual abuse and exploitation of children has become a silent pandemic.

GMA Integrated News – Digital Video Lab’s online newscast Stand for Truth receives its first NYF award, taking home the Bronze medal in the Documentary: Cultural Issues category. The Integrated News and Public Affairs’ entry, “Runaway Child Brides: Ang Kuwento ng mga Tumakas sa Buya (Stories of Escape from the Manobos’ Buya),” tackled arranged marriages or a tradition called “buya” among Manobo tribes.

Maria Clara at Ibarra, GMA Entertainment Group’s primetime masterpiece, makes history anew as it won a Bronze medal in the Entertainment Program: Drama category. The highly-successful series, which made waves on-air and online during its TV run, featured the story of Klay Infantes, a nursing student who is transported to the world of Dr. Jose Rizal’s novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.” The series was headlined by 2016 Fantasporto International Best Actress and Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza as Klay, Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose as Maria Clara, and Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo as Ibarra.

On top of their Gold medals, KMJS and The Atom Araullo Specials made it to the NYF shortlist for their other stories. KMJS’ “Onse” and The Atom Araullo Specials’ “Ang Nawawala (The Missing)” each received a Finalist Certificate in the Documentary: Human Concerns and Documentary: Health/Medical Information and Documentary: Human Concerns categories, respectively.

Also scoring Finalist Certificates for the Philippines are GMA Public Affairs programs Reporter’s Notebook, I-Witness, and Born to be Wild.

Nine-time NYF World Medalist Reporter’s Notebook was conferred with Finalist Certificate for “Baha to School (Our School is Sinking)” in the Documentary: Community Portraits category. Long-running public affairs program I-Witness made it to the list of finalists in the Documentary: Science & Technology category for “Ang Langaw na Hindi Binubugaw (Black Soldier Fly).” Completing the Public Affairs shows was the environment and wildlife program Born to be Wild which won a Finalist Certificate for “Primate Planet” in the Documentary: Environment & Ecology category.

Held annually, the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards honors content in all lengths and forms from over 50 countries. GMA Network has been representing the Philippines at the NYF, consistently getting the most nominees and winners for the country over the years.

La entrada GMA Network Lands Several Wins at NY Festivals TV & Film Awards se publicó primero en TTV News.

Launched in 2018, the GMA Masterclass Series aims to provide students and professors another venue for new learning and discourse on various local and national issues.

GMA Masterclass: The Icons Series is back in featuring some of the biggest names in various industries, with GMA Network’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Lizelle Maralag gracing the event last March 3 in St. John Paul II College of Davao, Davao City and last March 4 in Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, General Santos City.

Maralag shared to students and other participants the journey towards her passion for integrity as one of the respected icons in the marketing field. The event was also open to online participants. Last October 28, GMA’s CMO also led the first leg of the 2022 ‘The Icons Series’ at the University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu City.

The first Mindanao leg of the 2023 series last March 3 and 4 was joined by the equally respected First Vice President and Head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy, and Acting Head of GMA Integrated News Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, whose vision gave birth to the GMA Masterclass Series.

“The campaign for truth and education never stops for GMA Network. We are honored to have our very own Chief Marketing Officer Lizelle Maralag joining us in the continuation of our ‘GMA Masterclass: The Icon Series.’ Her experience and expertise has definitely inspired students and other participants to be the best in their respective fields. Through ‘The Icon Series,’ we at GMA Regional TV and Synergy hope that we can spread the passion and inspiration to more Filipinos all over the Philippines by sharing with them the insights from the country’s icons themselves,” says Amoroso.

GMA Regional TV Anchor and Senior Desk Editor Sarah Hilomen-Velasco and Kapuso Sportscaster Martin Javier hosted the said Davao and General Santos legs. Successfully closing both events is Senior Assistant Vice President and Deputy Head for Regional TV Operations and concurrent Station Manager for Southern Mindanao Mariles G. Puentevella. Kapuso OST Princess Hannah Prescillas also graced the event with a musical performance.

The GMA Masterclass: Icon Series is another initiative by GMA Regional TV and GMA Synergy, the same teams that produced the GMA Masterclass Series. Launched in 2018, the GMA Masterclass Series aims to provide students and professors another venue for new learning and discourse on various local and national issues. It has been recognized as “The Most Development Oriented TV Plug” at the “Gandingan 2020: The 14th UPLB Isko’t Iska Multi-media Awards” and took home the second Excellence Award under Communication Training and Education Category at the 18th Philippine Quill Awards.

The Icons Series, which began in November last year, is a continuation of the GMA Masterclass Series in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Award-winning broadcast journalist Howie Severino conducted the second leg of the 2022 The Icons Series last November 12 at Naga College Foundation in Naga City.

La entrada GMA Network Brings Back Award-Winning GMA Masterclass: The Icons Series se publicó primero en TTV News.

The series will take viewers inside the Kingdom of Tawalisi located in the pre-colonial Philippines

Mga Lihim ni Urduja, that will premiere this February 27 on GMA Networ, is a reunion project of the well-loved Encantadia Sang’gres and the jewels of Philippine TV primetime: Kylie Padilla as Gem, Gabbi Garcia as Crystal, and Sanya Lopez as Hara Urduja.

The series follows the story of Gem, a career-driven rookie cop and Crystal, a budding entrepreneur and jewelry designer. They were assigned to work in a special law enforcement operation to recover priceless heritage jewelries. The said jewels are believed to have been used as magical amulets of the legendary Hara Urduja.

The operation becomes more difficult because of their personal differences—Gem is a bit uptight while Crystal can be too spontaneous. But aside from their clashing personalities, they must also navigate through combat challenges and deadly opponents. Will they succeed amid the presence of bounty hunters who are out to possess Urduja’s jewels?

Meanwhile, the show will also take the viewers inside the Kingdom of Tawalisi located in the pre-colonial Philippines. There lives Hara Urduja, a mystical warrior queen who rules an army of strong, skillful, and extraordinary women.

She holds a big responsibility to lead her followers and maintain peace in their land. But will Hara Urduja be able to protect herself from people who want to dethrone her and use her power in vain? How will the lives of Gem, Crystal, and Hara Urduja intertwine in this epic-modern adventure?

Completing the star-studded cast are Zoren Legaspi as Maestro Marius, the ill-defined head of the Mission Urduja; Jeric Gonzales as Agent Greg, a liaison officer that will protect Gem and Crystal in their special operation; Arra San Agustin as Valencia, a seductive bounty hunter who is best in disguises; Rochelle Pangilinan as Dayang Salaknib, Urduja’s most trusted Amazon general; Pancho Magno as Kenzo, the fearsome and most brutal member of the huntsmen squad; Winwyn Marquez as Dayang Iloguin, the deceitful Amazon general of Urduja; Michelle Dee as Freya, a highly-skilled combatant and Onyx’s most trusted member; Kristoffer Martin as Ryker, a slick bounty hunter who is an expert in gadgets and weaponry; Vin Abrenica as Onyx, the cunning leader of huntsmen searching for Urduja’s jewels.

Mga Lihim ni Urduja is made possible under the supervision of GMA SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; VP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; AVP for Drama Helen Rose Sese; Program Manager Dennis Joi K. Bentulan; and Senior Executive Producer Mona Coles-Mayuga.

The creative team behind this unique drama is composed of Senior Creative Consultant Agnes Gagelonia Uligan; Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Content Development Consultant Ricky Lee; Head Writer Jojo Nones; Senior Writer John Roque; and Writers Renei Dimla, Patrick Ilagan, and Jai Cañete.

Mga Lihim ni Urduja –under the helm of director Jorron Lee Monroy and co-director Dominic Zapata with associate director Ralf Malabunga– will premiere this February 27, weeknights at 8:00 p.m. on GMA and at 9:40 p.m. on GTV.

La entrada GMA Reimagines History in New Series Mga Lihim ni Urduja se publicó primero en TTV News.

GMA Network’s combined people net reach was at 96% or 78 million viewers in Total Philippines.

GMA Network continued to widen its viewership and reach for during 2022, while further strengthening its dominance across online platforms, reports the media giant in a press release.

Based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement data from January to December 2022, GMA Network’s combined people net reach, including GTV and its other digital channels, was at 96 percent or 78 million viewers in Total Philippines.

GMA, GTV, and the Network’s digital channels I Heart Movies, Heart of Asia, and Hallypop registered a combined people audience share of 59.5 percent in Total Philippines.

GMA was the most watched channel in Total Philippines for the said period with 42.7 percent people audience share.

GTV, the Network’s second free-to-air channel, sustained its lead over counterparts TV5, A2Z, and Kapamilya Channel. GTV logged people audience share of 10.5 percent in Total Philippines against its closest rival TV5, which got 9.8 percent.

Out of the top 30 programs in Total Philippines for 2022, 28 were from GMA. The Network swept the top 12 spots with hit series Lolong taking the number 1 spot. Completing the top 12 shows were 24 Oras; Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho; First Lady; Maria Clara at Ibarra; Running Man PH; Happy ToGetHer; Bolera; The World Between Us; I Left My Heart in Sorsogon; Magpakailanman; and Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa.

GMA further widened its reach with a total of 95 TV stations all over the country, including its new Ilocos Norte station. Alongside its analog broadcast stations are its digital TV broadcast stations, which include the Network’s Legazpi and Zamboanga stations.

On radio, GMA’s flagship AM and FM stations remained unrivaled in Mega Manila for 2022. Data from Nielsen’s Radio Audience Measurement show that from January to December 2022, Super Radyo DZBB recorded an audience share of 37.4 percent, beating its closest competitor DZRH’s 31.2 percent. DZBB likewise posted a total reach of 1.4 million listeners – way ahead of DZRH’s 755,840.

Meanwhile, its FM counterpart, Barangay LS 97.1, tallied a 38.5 percent total audience share for 2022, which was more than double the 14.8 percent of its nearest competitor, DZMB. It also recorded a total reach of 6.6 million listeners, ahead of DZMB’s 4 million listeners.

Outside Metro Manila, GMA Network also strengthened its dominance in key regional cities. Metro Cities TV Audience Measurement (MCTAM) 2022 data also cited that GMA reached 99 percent or an estimated 344,000 viewers in Metro Dagupan; 93 percent (2 million viewers) in Metro Cebu; and 96 percent (2 million viewers) in Metro Davao.

Reaching Filipinos beyond television and radio, GMA Network has demonstrated its solid dominance across various digital platforms, outperforming rivals in just two weeks of 2023.

From January 1 to 15, the Network’s official YouTube channel (GMANetwork) has beaten ABS-CBN’s in terms of views. GMA Network tallied a total of 167 million views against ABS-CBN Entertainment’s 158 million views.

GMA Integrated News on YouTube recorded 61.5 million views – way ahead of ABS-CBN News’ 35 million. GMA Public Affairs’ YouTube channel likewise beat ABS-CBN News with 59.3 million views.

The Network’s official website, GMANetwork.com, has generated an average of 3.7 million organic traffic for the first 15 days of the year according to SEO tool Semrush.

GMA Network’s official Facebook page continues to gain traction with 22,702,130 likes as of January 31. The page has logged 218 million views from videos posted during the month of January based on data from Tubular Labs.

On Tiktok, the Network’s official handle now has 2,283,435 followers as of January 31.

The Network’s regional arm, GMA Regional TV, also brought back its series of regional on-ground shows and participated in various festivals with the return of physical events, bringing Kapuso programs and personalities closer to viewers in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Likewise, GMA Synergy led various Network initiatives, including multi-platform events and specials such as holding of the GMA Masterclass: Icons Series, airing of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 98 games, and producing ticketed events including the award-winning Limitless: A Musical Trilogy and the hit concert JulieVerse.

Global Pinoys, meanwhile, continue to catch GMA shows through the Network’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV. 2022 was also a great year for GMA International as Stronger Together: The GMA Pinoy TV Podcast landed on the top 10 percent of the most followed (TV and Film Category) and top 5 percent most shared podcast globally according to Spotify Wrapped 2022 for Podcasts. GMA Pinoy TV was also ahead of the competition in terms of following on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok all throughout 2022.

With the continued efforts in reaching out to Global Pinoys abroad, GMA International expects to get wider distribution on OTT/mobile platforms in the near term. GMAI has started to see improvement in subscription take up in selected markets abroad that it intends to sustain through compelling programming, continuous engagement with viewers, and strengthened partnership with carriers and other stakeholders.

This year, GMA Network is all set to bring the biggest and grandest roster of content on air and online. These also include cutting-edge primetime shows such as Voltes V: Legacy, Mga Lihim ni Urduja, Luv Is: Caught In His Arms, Luv Is: Love at First Read, Hearts on Ice, Lady Boxer, Royal Blood, and Love, Die, Repeat. GMA has also partnered with streaming platforms to bring its upcoming series The Write One, Love Before Sunrise, and Unbreak My Heart to more viewers beyond television.

La entrada GMA Network Reached a Bigger Audience and Led in Content in Philippines in 2022 se publicó primero en TTV News.

The romantic-drama series, which will be filmed in Switzerland, will air on GMA this 2023 and stream in 15 territories outside of the Philippines on Viu.

GMA Network and ABS-CBN Corporation have sealed a new historic partnership for the co-production of a groundbreaking teleserye titled Unbreak My Heart with a stellar cast top-billed by the premiere artists of both companies Joshua Garcia, Gabbi Garcia, Richard Yap, and Jodi Sta. Maria.

The romantic-drama series, which will be filmed in Switzerland, will air on GMA this 2023 and stream in 15 territories outside of the Philippines on Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional over-the-top video streaming service.

The partnership was made official during a contract signing and story conference event held at ABS-CBN with top officials from the three companies led by GMA Senior Vice-President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Groups Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, ABS-CBN COO of Broadcast Cory Vidanes, and Viu Philippines Deputy Country Manager Vinchi Sy-Quia.

GMA officials who were welcomed at the signing event were First Vice-President for Program Management Department Joey Abacan and Assistant Vice-President for Sparkle Joy Marcelo.

Representing ABS-CBN in the historic event were Group CFO Rick Tan, TV Production and Star Magic Head Lauren Dyogi, International Sales and Distribution Head Pia Laurel, and Dreamscape Entertainment led by its Head Deo Endrinal, Creatives Head Rondel Lindayag, Creatives Manager Joel Mercado, and Business Unit Head Carlina Dela Merced.

The momentous event was also graced by Viu Philippines Senior Project Manager Mil Alcain and Content Partnerships Head Garlic Garcia.

“It’s a first for Philippine TV and I’m sure it’s the audience that will be the winners in this collaboration. We’re very excited to be working with ABS-CBN on TV for the first time,” said Annette at the story conference held on the same day.

“This is a milestone in the industry. We’re thankful for this opportunity and we’re very happy to work with GMA to serve our audiences. We unite as one team. We never imagined that this was going to happen,” said Cory.

“Today, we are able to proudly showcase that on our platform with premium Filipino content not just for Filipino audiences but also for global audiences to appreciate and enjoy. This is with a vision of bringing the best of the Filipino talent on-cam and off-cam to the world,” said Garlic.

Joining the ensemble cast of Unbreak My Heart are Maey Bautista, Will Ashley, Bianca de Vera, Nikki Valdez, Eula Valdes, and Laurice Guillen, and directed by Emmanuel Q. Palo and Dolly Dulu.

Viewers can expect an exciting collaboration as the teleserye marks the first project of Jodi with young stars Joshua and Gabbi, who will also be paired together for the first time ever. Meanwhile, Jodi reunites with Richard, her former on-screen partner.

“This collaboration will really bring in opportunities not only to the networks, but for the people working in the network, for the people in the industry,” said Jodi.

“I’m really proud, honored, and excited to be part of this show which is history in the making since this is the first time that two network giants will be working with each other. Of course I’m also excited to be working with Jodi again and all the other people in the cast,” said Richard.

“I’m really honored to be part of this project. I can’t wait to give life to my character,” said Joshua. While Gabbi shared, “It’s my first time doing this kind of role. You’ll see in this series the type of growth and depth my character exhibits.”

La entrada GMA and ABS-CBN to Co-Produce Unbreak My Heart se publicó primero en TTV News.