GMA International marked another banner year in 2014 with a series of successful events held in key regions around the globe.
Driven by its goal of strengthening the Kapuso equity among its viewers in ways beyond television, GMA’s international business unit gave Filipinos abroad a taste of home through various on-ground events featuring the Network’s top artists.
As GMA Vice President for International Operations Joseph T. Francia notes, “More than providing quality programs and services through our international channels, these events are an opportunity for our artists to interact with the viewers, which is integral to extending the Kapuso experience to our audience overseas.”
In the first half of the year, GMA participated in several well-attended events held in various cities worldwide for the annual celebration of Philippine Independence Day.
Last year’s festivities saw Kapuso prime artists Tom Rodriguez and Heart Evangelista gracing the Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City while Kapuso leading man Geoff Eigenmann joined fans in Carson City, California.
Over in Kuwait, Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose and singer-comedienne Gladys Guevarra were featured in Musika at Tawanan 4, which gathered more than 3000 overseas workers in the region.
And finally, the Independence Day celebrations culminated with Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes joining his kababayan in Bolingbrook, Chicago for the Philippine Fest Piyesta Pinoy 2014 and Kapuso Premier Actress Lovi Poe delighting over 7000 Filipino-Canadians who came to the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show sa Toronto.
Apart from these, GMA also celebrated the vibrancy of Filipino culture as it brought Kapuso stars Benjamin Alves and Steven Silva to the Flores de Mayo Festival in Hawaii, which highlighted iconic Filipino traditions, while Kapuso Soul Diva Jaya headlined the third Vancouver OPM Festival in Canada, commemorating decades of great Filipino music.
Moreover, the country’s longest running noontime show brought its trademark “isang libo’t isang tuwa” to the Filipino community in Canada with the much-awaited Eat Bulaga Live in Toronto concert led by the renowned comedic trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, who were joined by the rest of the Dabarkads Pauleen Luna, Ruby Rodriguez, Jimmy Santos, Allan K., Julia Clarete, Keempee de Leon, the “Sugod Bahay Gang” of Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and Paolo Ballesteros, as well as the show’s well-loved Aleng Maliit, Ryzza Mae Dizon.
“Through our continued presence abroad, GMA hopes to remain instrumental in cultivating the Filipino spirit outside our home country,” Francia explains.
Capping off the year’s successful endeavors, GMA International brought some of its brightest stars to Los Angeles, Dubai and Singapore for the much-anticipated Kapusong Pinoy concert series.
As one of the hottest love teams on television, Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez thrilled the crowd in the sold-out concert titled Kapusong Pinoy sa LA with their undeniable chemistry. They were joined by Julie Anne San Jose, Kapuso teen star Miguel Tanfelix and actor-comedian Betong Sumaya who portrayed his popular character Antonietta from the country’s longest running comedy show Bubble Gang.
This was followed by the equally successful Kapusong Pinoy sa Dubai which brought the Kapuso Network’s now-married Royal Couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera and Julie Anne San Jose to Dubai’s Global Village. Over 7000 spectators witnessed GMA’s Primetime King and Queen’s romantic duet and each artist’s individual performances.
GMA completed the concert series and concluded 2014 with a tribute to its loyal Kapuso fans abroad. Drama King Dennis Trillo along with the Fearless Diva Jonalyn Viray and Betong as Antonietta topbilled Kapusong Pinoy sa Singapore, giving their audience an entertainment-filled night to remember.
As another year commences, GMA International remains committed in the service of its overseas audiences, effectively bridging Filipinos all over the world to their home country.
For updates on GMA Network’s artists, programs, international channels and events, visit the website www.gmanetwork.com/international, Facebook pages www.facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV, www.facebook.com/gmalifetv, and www.facebook.com/gmanewsinternational, Twitter pages @gmapinoytv, @gma_lifetv, and @gmanewstvintl and Instagram account @gmapinoytv.