Expect no less from GMA Network as it unveils a pioneering line up of groundbreaking programs primed to dominate the airwaves for the second half of 2012.
An innovative and fresh dose of primetime and afternoon prime soaps as well as reality, sitcoms, talk shows and talent searches accounts for the variety of entertainment programs that will not only take viewing satisfaction to greater heights but also create waves in the hearts of every Pinoy.
Leading the explosive program launches is the network’s first multigenerational drama, "Luna Blanca", which premiered last May 21. With an all-star cast and top-notch production values, this Kapuso offering will run for three generations with a different lineup of actors to topbill each generation’s tale. Chosen to play the coveted lead roles in the first generation are Jillian Ward as Luna and Mona Louise Rey as Blanca. Portraying the teen characters in the second generation are Barbie Forteza as Blanca and Bea Binene as Luna. For the third generation, the adult characters will be played by Ms Heart Evangelista as Blanca; and Bianca King as Luna. Under the direction of Dominic Zapata, Luna Blanca tells the story of the twin sisters and their journey towards discovering their ancestry and, at the same time, fulfilling their personal destinies.
Another premium creation of the GMA Entertainment TV Group is the latest primetime series, "Makapiling Kang Muli". This original drama marks the comeback of Richard Gutierrez and Carla Abellana on Primetime TV. Playing equally important roles in the series are Mark Anthony Fernandez and Sarah Lahbati. Completing the powerhouse ensemble are award-winning and respected movie and television actors: Phillip Salvador, Robert Arevalo, Rio Locsin, Mark Gil and Ms. Gloria Romero together with TJ Trinidad, John Lapus, Paolo Paraiso, Rocky Gutierrez and introducing Janine Gutierrez. Under the helm of award-winning actor/director Ricky Davao, Makapiling Kang Muli, which premiered last June 4, features a riveting story about love, family and dreams.
Soon to soar viewership ratings is GMA’s compelling primetime drama, "One True Love" which premiered last night, June 11. This highly dramatic and heart-rending series introduces the network’s next big primetime leading man and leading lady, Alden Richards and Louise delos Reyes. Alden and Louise land their biggest roles to date as the lead stars of this program about the enduring power of love between two people from two different walks of life. Under the direction of Andoy Ranay, One True Love brings together an ensemble cast headlined by three of the country’s biggest and brightest actors in film and television: Jean Garcia, Raymond Bagatsing and making her television debut as a Kapuso, Agot Isidro.
Aside from producing an arsenal of breakthrough primetime soaps, the GMA Entertainment TV Group also unveils the exciting line-up of new shows in the network’s unbeatable Afternoon Prime Block.
First on the list is the original drama series, "Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka?", which premiered last June 4. Starring Geoff Eigenmann, Jennica Garcia, Jackie Rice and Michael de Mesa, Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka? follows a compelling storyline that explores how bonds between family members are put to the test in the face of love. It also features Bobby Andrews, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Diego Castro, Bubbles Paraiso, Pancho Magno, and Angelika de la Cruz. Banking on its unique storyline and exceptional portrayals of cast, Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka? clearly is off to a promising start after it topped its timeslot with high TV ratings.
GMA-7 offers a compelling drama to its indomitable afternoon drama block with "Faithfully". Premiering June 18, this absorbing and intriguing daytime soap gathers seven of the network’s brightest and talented actors and actresses: Maxene Magalona, Isabel Oli, Vaness del Moral and Michelle Madrigal, introducing Isabelle Daza with Marc Abaya and Mike Tan. Directed by Mike Tuviera, Faithfully is filled with drama, mystery and suspense as the families and friendships of these women are broken by secrets and lies.
Also in the offing is "Hindi Ka Na Mag-iisa", a family drama all set to make audiences laugh, cry and fall in love beginning July 9. Under the direction of Gil Tejada, Jr., multitalented actress Jennylyn Mercado and prized leading man Sid Lucero team up for the first time in this afternoon drama about a girl who at a very young age learned and experienced all the hardships in life. Angelu de Leon, Saab Magalona, Frank Magalona, Crystal Reyes, Carl Guevarra and Liza Lorena complete the stellar cast of this original soap filled to the brim with drama, mystery and romance.
To complete the list of prime dramas in the afternoon block is "My Daddy Dearest" which premiered yesterday, June 11. The new afternoon program revolves around the story of a hardworking father whose life turns upside down as he transforms from a Macho-Papa to a Sexy-Mama. Multi-awarded singer-songwriter-actor Mr. Ogie Alcasid headlines this spell-binding yet heart-warming family series together with Jolina Magdangal, Pauleen Luna, Ehra Madrigral, JC Tiuseco together with Pinky Amador, Sherilyn Reyes, Mike ‘Pekto’ Nacua, Kyle Ocampo, and GMA’s adorable child star Milkcah Wynne Nacion.
In addition, GMA launches another family drama series every Sunday afternoon via "Together Forever". Premiering June 17, this newest program is topbilled by the popular tandem of Elmo Magalona and Julie Ann San Jose together with Steven Silva, Enzo Pineda, Renz Valerio, Sef Cadayona, Benedict Campos and introducing Janine Gutierrez. Under the direction of Dick Lindayag, Together Forever tells the story of how a fateful accident will bridge two people and change the lives of three siblings.
Following its highly-successful first season, Protégé — Kapuso Network’s all-original talent search — is back with an exciting twist! Premiering August 5, Protégé opens its doors to all artista aspirants who want to bare their dreams in the biggest platform to stardom via "Protege: The Battle for the Big Artista Break!" This competition will be hosted by multi-awarded Kapuso star Dingdong Dantes as the Gala Presenter and versatile actress Carla Abellana as the Journey Host. Jennylyn Mercado returns as the host of Inside Protégé while Maxene Magalona is the Web Jock for the daily updates in Protégé Webisodes. This search is said to be the biggest yet as Protégé taps the professional guidance of five celebrity mentors who would lead the hunt for their respective artista protégés around the country. The impressive roster of high-profile and formidable mentors are Phillip Salvador, Roderick Paulate, Gina Alajar, Ricky Davao, and Jolina Magdangal.
The network also brings to Kapuso viewers the upcoming talk show of Mrs Jinkee Pacquiao via "Love.Life." Mrs Pacman steps into the spotlight as she hosts her very first talk show in the Kapuso Network.
Viewers can only expect better and more exciting programs on the second quarter of the year as GMA Network launched several programs last May.
The much awaited comeback of GMA’s Primetime Queen Marian Rivera to comedy happens, as she embarks on her newest project, "Tweets for My Sweet", which premiered last May 6. The highly-anticipated “dramedy” tells a story of a young lady Meg (Marian Rivera) who grew up in the province and will take chances in obtaining her dream of having a Cafe transform into reality. Completing the cast are Ms Nova Villa, Roderick Paulate, Sheena Halili, Chef Boy Logro, Barbie Forteza and Elmo Magalona.
The well-loved tandem of multi-awarded singer and songwriter Ogie Alcasid and Asian TV Best Comedy Actor recipient Michael V. headline the newest comedy-musical-talk show of GMA Network, "Pare & Pare", which premiered last May 20. Kapuso viewers get to see a refreshingly different yet infectious humor of Pareng Ogie and Pareng Bitoy as they host their very first late-night talk show every Sunday night.
GMA-7 and San Miguel Pure Foods Company Inc. (SMPFC), launch a new cooking show that features the country’s top showbiz and lifestyle personalities via "Cooking with the Stars", which premiered last May 28. TV host and radio deejay Grace Lee banners this cooking program that showcases delectable, easy-to-prepare dishes that have viewers’ nationwide craving for more.
With its well-chosen cast, high production values, and pioneering concepts, GMA Network is sure to remain No. 1 in the hearts of the televiewers.
- GMA-7 Network Press Release