"50 Years with the Master Showman" airs tonight on GMA Network!

Last Wednesday (April 24) the biggest names in the entertainment industry united as they all paid tribute  to the one and only German Moreno or Kuya Germs, as he is fondly addressed by many, for his continuing efforts to discover, build, and nurture stars in the Philippine world of showbiz.

Held at the plush Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, well-known personalities from radio, television, and the movies gathered to share their love and recognize the man who brought out their star potentials and helped shape their destinies.

Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Nora Aunor, Sharon Cuneta, Janno Gibbs, Manilyn Reynes, Dawn Zulueta, Raymond Lauchengco, Jackielou Blanco, Rachel Alejandro, Pilita Corrales, Carmen Soriano, Elizabeth Ramsey, Jean Garcia, John Nite, Glaiza De Castro, Tina Paner, Sheryl Cruz, Keempee De Leon, Dulce, Jessa Zaragosa, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Jaya, Vina Morales, and David Pomeranz are only some of the names who will surely surprise viewers not only with their performances but also with their memorable moments with KuyaGerms.

Today’s hottest stars will also be there in support of their colleagues and their great respect for the Master Showman—Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Rachelle Ann Go, Mark Bautista, Gian Magdangal, Jolina Magdangal, Julie Anne San Jose, La Diva, Frencheska Farr, and the fabulous Club Mwah dancers.

Ready to show off their dance moves are today’s newest breed of artists namely Alden Richards, Aljur Abrenica, Barbie Forteza, Bea Binene, Billy Crawford, Derrick Monasterio, Diva Montelaba, Down to Mars, Enzo Pineda, Jake Vargas, Janine Gutierrez, Joyce Ching, Julian Trono, Kim Rodriguez, Kris Bernal, Kristoffer Martin, Lexi Fernandez, Louise Delos Reyes, Mark Herras, Mayton Eugenio, Sef Cadayona, Steven Silva, Winwyn Marquez, Yssa Muhlach, and Yassi Pressman.



Overall direction and supervision by Al Quinn, directed for stage by Floy Quintos, and directed for television by Louie Ignacio together with a pool of writers and musical directors with lead choreographer Geleen Eugenio, the tribute will surely be a non-stop, all-star musical extravaganza conceived to express the true meaning of “Entertainment”.

Making this momentous occasion doubly special is the grand launch of the coffee table book titled Kuya Germs: 50 Years in Showbiz created by GMA Network in honor of Kuya Germs. The book contains the Master Showman’s life experiences, from his humble beginnings as a janitor and theater actor to discovering stars and hosting his own show.

Don’t miss the grandest and most spectacular TV special with the airing of 50 Years with the Master Showman this Saturday, April 27 on GMA-7.

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Aljur Abrenica is a first class male escort in "Magpakailanman" this Saturday!

Kapuso hunk and matinee idol Aljur Abrenica is starring in this Saturday’s episode (April 27) of the GMA drama anthology program, “Magpakailanman.”

The episode, entitled “Bayarang Adonis: The Kristoffer King Story,” features the true life story of Kristoffer King, a fledging independent actor who sacrificed his own dignity and resorted to prostitution to save his son ailing son.

Kristoffer (Aljur) grew up in a family filled with all the comforts of life.  When he was younger, he got almost anything that he wanted.  Unfortunately, when his breadwinner mom passed away, his family’s fate turned upside down.  Because his father wasn’t always available to guide him while he was growing up, Kristoffer turned to drugs and not long, his life was a mess.

Kristoffer became a father at a very young age.  In order to provide for the needs of his own family, he worked as a back-up dancer, however, his irregular and modest pay was not enough to foot the bill.  He desperately needed to find a higher paying job.

One day, a gay bar owner approached Kristoffer and offered him the job of a macho dancer.  At first he was hesitant to accept the offer but driven by his financial woes, he took the job convincing himself that it will be “temporary.”

With his new job as macho dancer, he became more able to make ends meet but fate, it seemed, wasn’t done throwing hurdles at the young father just yet.  Making things worse, Kristoffer’s son was diagnosed with a rare disease called Hunter’s Syndrome, a serious genetic disorder.

Feeling hopeless, Kristoffer upped the ante and shifted from being just a macho dancer to a high-class male prostitute.  With his good looks and chiseled body, he drew in matrons and gay benefactors who were more than willing to squander huge amounts for a chance to be with Kristoffer in private.

Just as he thought it was too late and that he doesn’t have a way out of the mess he placed himself into, Kristoffer received a marriage proposal -- and a Green Card – from a rich matron.  He saw it as a chance to straighten up his life and start anew.  The offer is enticing, but will he take it?

Featuring Aljur Abrenica as Kristoffer King, “Bayarang Adonis: The Kristoffer King Story” also stars Max Collins, Marc Justine Alvarez, Philip Lazaro and Joel Camacho.  It is written by Paul Sta. Ana and directed by Maryo J. Delos Reyes.

Hosted by veteran broadcast journalist Mel Tiangco, “Magpakailanman” airs every Saturday, after “Vampire Ang Daddy Ko” (approx. 7:45pm) on GMA-7.

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"Magpakailanman" features 'Transman: The Nil Nodalo Story' this Saturday!

Transman. Pinanganak na may kasarian ng babae, pero kinikilala ang sarili na isang lalaki.

Kung unti-unti nang natatanggap ang mga bakla at tomboy, may puwang na rin ba ang mga transgendered at transsexual na matanggap rin ng mga tao? Ito ang magiging tanong ni Nil Nodalo sa kanyang paglaki.

Mula pagkabata, alam na ni Marie Nodalo (Sabrina Mann) na iba siya sa mga ka-edarang babae. Hindi siya mahilig mag-ayos, at ang hilig niya ay ang makipag-baril-barilan sa mga kaibigang lalaki. Pero makukumpirma ni Marie na iba siya talaga nang umibig siya sa kapwa niya babae.

Hindi man tinanggap ng unang niligawan, nalinawan at natanggap na ni Marie na hindi siya babae; kaya magde-desisyon siyang maging si Nil.

Tanggap man ng barkada, isang taong malapit sa puso ni Nil ang hindi alam kung paano haharapin ang katotohanang ito: ang ina niya.

Sa simula ay hahayaan lang ng ina ang ginagawa ng anak, hoping na mawawala rin ito sa isip ni Nil sa kaniyang pagtanda. Pero nang magkaroon ng girlfriend si Nil na tanggap kung ano ang kasarian niya, unti-unting nawalan ng pag-asa ang ina ni Nil.

Lalakas naman ang paniniwala ni Nil na matatanggap nga ng mga tao ang tulad niya: babae ang katawan, pero lalaki ang damdamin.

Hanggang sa ihiwalay sa kaniya ang babaeng minamahal. Hanggang sa maging ang nanay niya ay tumalikod na sa kaniya.

Ito na nga ba ang buhay na gugustuhin ni Nil? Magagawa ba niyang panindigan ang isinisigaw ng puso’t saloobin? O, para muling mahalin ng mga taong minamahal, susundin na lang ba niya ang dikta ng komunidad?

Alamin ang kanyang kuwento ngayong Sabado sa Magpakailanman, pagkatapos ng Vampire ang Daddy Ko.

“Transman: The Nil Nodalo Story” features Andrea Torres, Mike Tan, and Sabrina Mann sa kanilang natatanging pagganap bilang si Nil Nodalo. Kasama rin sa cast sina Dion Ignacio, Rhen Escano at si Miss Sharmaine Arnaiz. The episode was researched by Gel Launo, written by Obet Villela, and directed by Dominic Zapata.

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GMA Network's "Kakambal ni Eliana" set to air on April 15!

Afternoon Prime will now be more exciting with GMA's latest offering, Kakambal ni Eliana, beginning April 15.

This fresh, new series features rising stars Enzo Pineda, Kristoffer Martin, Lexi Fernandez and PMPC Star Awards "New Movie Actress of the Year", Kim Rodriguez as Eliana. 

Eliana was born with a snake attached to her spinal cord. She spends her life hidden away in a basement, until she manages to get away. In the process, she strives to find the truth about herself and her family.

In the outside world, she meets new friends. Both Gabo (Kristoffer Martin) and Julian (Enzo Pineda) will fall in love with her. Gabo is a street smart lad who accepts Eliana for who she is. Julian, on the other hand, is a photographer who will be bewildered by Eliana’s beauty, not knowing that she has a snake twin. Margarita (played by Lexi Fernandez) is Julian’s model girlfriend, who will be Eliana’s rival.

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Richard Gutierrez returns on TV via "Love & Lies," on GMA Telebabad this Monday!

GMA Network offers another original series that will definitely make viewers glued to their TV screens with the premiere of Love & Lies.  It will replace Temptation of Wife beginning April 8 on GMA Telebabad.

Love & Lies is a suspenserye and a fast-paced action-romance series topbilled by Richard Gutierrez. He plays the role of Edward, a highly decorated officer of the Philippine Navy. Richard returns to primetime after appearing in the successful drama and action series entitled Makapiling Kang Muli.  Playing her leading ladies are Michelle Madrigal as Cathy and Bela Padilla as Denise.

The series also stars Sid Lucero, Paolo Contis, Neil Ryan Sese, Miguel Tanfelix, Jeric Gonzales and Thea Tolentino. Completing the star-studded cast are Bobby Andrews, Melissa De Leon, Lloyd Samartino and Luz Valdez.

In its 9-week run, Love & Lies promises its audience with full of unpredictable and breathtaking twists and turns.

The series tells the story of Edward (Richard) who lives a perfect life with his wife Cathy (Michelle). As Cathy belonged to a wealthy family, her parents were against her having a relationship with a mere soldier. However, because of Edward's perseverance, Cathy's parents eventually accepted him as their son-in-law.

Despite his work, Edward doesn't compromise his time with his family. He places his family and his wife on top of his list of priorities. In return, Cathy supports him in every step of the way.

He is content living a simple yet peaceful life with his wife and friends. However, everything changes when he gets assigned to spearhead a naval operation and it suffers a casualty. Since he is the leader of the operation, Edward takes full responsibility of the tragedy. Because of what happened, the lover of the victim, Ricardo (Neil Ryan) vows to make life difficult for Edward.

While contemplating on leaving the service, Edward's wife gets kidnapped. He will think that Ricardo is the mastermind of the kidnapping because he believes he carries a vendetta. With the help of the police and his best friend Gabby (Sid), they will try to look for Ricardo so they can get a lead on where Cathy is. In the process of looking for Ricardo, Edward crosses path with Ricardo's sister, Denise (Bela). She is also looking for her brother.

However, when they finally get a lead where Ricardo is, they find him dead and Cathy is nowhere to be found. Edward becomes more determined in searching for his wife while Denise vows to find out who killed his brother.

At some point in the story, Edward is set up and becomes the prime suspect in his wife's disappearance. Edward denies the allegation, and its only Denise who believes him.

Edward becomes more and more determined in finding his wife to prove that he has nothing to do with the kidnapping. While he is searching, he is also being hunted by the police. Denise believes Edward is innocent and stays with him all through out. Denise never leaves his side and starts to fall for Edward.

Who kidnapped Cathy? Will Edward still find his wife? Who is the mastermind of all the things that is happening to Edward? What further mysteries will Edward uncover while in the process of searching for his wife?

Under the helm of director Mark Reyes and with the original concept by RJ Nuevas, Love & Lies shows how far a man will go to rescue his greatest love.

The creative team is composed of Creative Director, Jun Lana; Creative Head, Jake Tordesillas; Creative Consultant, Denoy Navarro-Punio; Headwriter, Richard "Dode" Cruz; writers,­­­ Jules Katanyag, Christine Novicio, Luningning Ribay; and Brainstormers, RJ Nuevas, Liberty Trinidad, Lobert Vallela.

Love & Lies, created by the GMA Drama Group, is supervised by the Officer-In-charge for Entertainment, Lilybeth G. Rasonable; AVP for Drama, Redgie Acuña Magno; AVP for Drama, Cheryl Ching-Sy;  Program Manager, Helen Rose S. Sese with Executive Producer, Leilani Feliciano-Sandoval. Love & Lies premieres April 8 only on GMA Telebabad.

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Party Pilipinas welcomes Christian Bautista this Sunday!

After making viewers sing and dance along to the beat of Summer Shake, Party Pilipinas now brings SUMMER LOVE featuring the hottest Kapuso actors and actresses, performers, and love teams this Sunday (March 24).

Relive the memories of your sweet summer love with a fresh new set of short love flicks with theme songs courtesy of Party Pilipinas’ resident divas from VOX.

Listen to heartfelt love stories as told thru songs on Love, Party Pilipinas. Get to know this new pop heartthrob Jireh Lim and find out why his song “Buko” is the new chart favorite.

Kapuso Hunk Aljur Abrenica celebrates his birthday. Asia’s Soul Siren Nina is also joining the summer fun with a brand new album. Julie Anne San Jose adds another feather on her cap with a new achievement.

The cast of Temptation of Wife Marian Rivera, Rafael Rosell and Glaiza De Castro will take the stage for a memorable performance as they bid farewell to their top-rating drama.

This episode also welcomes new Kapuso, Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, see what happens as he reunites with his singing partner, Rachelle Ann Go.

Party Pilipinas Summer Love airs this Sunday only on GMA.

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Gutierrez twins Richard and Raymond guest in "Sarap Diva" this Saturday!

Ngayong Sabado sa Sarap Diva, abangan ang pagbisita ng doble-doble sa kaguwapuhang kambal na Gutierrez, Richard at Raymond!

At hindi pa natatapos ang pagbuhos ng bisita dahil may surprise guest na lalong magpapasaya sa episode na ito. Samahan ang Songbird sa paghahanda ng healthy dishes--Quinoa Salad at Roasted Veggie Soup.

Sino nga ba sa kambal na Gutierrez ang kinatatakutan at nakakapagpatahimik kay Tita Anabelle? At sino naman ang hindi na nageentrega ng komisyon kay madam?

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Abangan ang lahat ng ito sa Sarap Diva, 9:45am sa GMA Network.

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Christian Bautista is now officially Kapuso!

Today, March 20, 2013 Christian Bautista officially signed a 3-year contract with GMA Network!

Thus making him officially Kapuso,  his grand Kapuso welcome is set this Sunday, March 24, on Party Pilipinas.

Christian was discovered 10 years ago via the ABS-CBN talent search program “Star in a Million.”

He will join former Kapamilya artists Mark Bautista and former GF Rachelle Anne Go in Party Pilipinas. 

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former Rivermaya frontman Jason Fernandez makes acting debut in "Tanikala"!

In previous interviews, former Rivermaya frontman Jason Fernandez admitted being abandoned by his Cypriot father at a young age. In fact, after his stint in the band, he flew to Cyprus to meet his father.

This Holy Week, Jason was tapped by CBN Asia to be one of the lead stars of their Good Friday presentation – “Tanikala presents Ama Namin,” which also stars Mike Tan, Diva Montelaba, and Tricia Amper. It will air this March 29, 5 p.m., on GMA 7.

Jason can very well relate to his role Arthur, an artist whose father had to leave him to work abroad when he was very young.

“The role is something very close to home,” adds Jason. “I hope people will be blessed, and inspired with this special Lenten Presentation.”

The episode talks about the lives of three friends whose lives were greatly affected by their respective relationships with their fathers.

“Ama Namin” is written by Icko Gonzales, Don Gonzales and Gin Sardea and is directed by Icko Gonzales, John Valdez-Tan, and Derrek Adapon.

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"Pahiram ng Sandali" emotion-filled finale airs this Friday!

GMA Network’s compelling drama on love and relationships, "Pahiram ng Sandali," concludes its run with a touching finale this Friday, March 15.

The series, which is under the helm of award-winning Director Maryo J. Delos Reyes, featured a formidable cast headlined by Ms Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon, Mark Gil, Alessandra de Rossi, Max Collins, Neil Ryan Sese, and Dingdong Dantes.

As the program wraps up this Friday, will Cindy (Max) finally forgive Janice (Lorna)? Will the mother and daughter seek the path of reconciliation in the end?

What will be Cindy’s reaction if she finds out about Alex’s condition? Will Cindy’s heart soften and give Alex another chance at love or be a father to her child?

Pahiram ng Sandali airs after Indio on GMA Telebabad.

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"Temptation of Wife" down to it's last four weeks!

GMA Network’s primetime drama “Temptation of Wife,” which stars Dennis Trillo, Glaiza de Castro, Rafael Rosell, and Marian Rivera, is now down to its last four weeks.

How will Angeline turn the tables on Marcel and Heidi who once betrayed and punished her? What will be the best decisions Angeline will do in the coming days? Will Angeline leave Nigel? These are some of the questions that viewers are asking for the phenomenal drama on primetime is about to end.

With Director Dominic Zapata at the helm, GMA Network’s "Temptation of Wife" definitely made this primetime drama series more intense and empowering with its intriguing and absorbing storyline and interesting characters. That's the reason why this show is one of GMA Network's most successful Pinoy TV series adaptation! Kudos to the cast and of course the staff of this show.

Don't miss the last four weeks of "Temptation of Wife," weeknights after "Pahiram ng Sandali" on GMA Telebabad.

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GMA Network Beats the Summer Heat in more ways than one this March!

The Kapuso Network kicks off the summer season with its first batch of offerings that are sure to beat the summer heat in more ways than one.

In the first of many Summer sa Mundo ng Kapuso on-air plugs, Kapuso personalities get their hands on the cup stacking craze that has become so popular among the youth these days - proving how fun and exciting summer can be when spent watching the Network’s March launches.

These are the Saturday night sitcom Vampire Ang Daddy Ko, the new primetime drama Mundo Mo’y Akin, and the TV airing of the hugely successful Foursome concert.

Starting March 9, Vampire Ang Daddy Ko topbilled by ace comedian and TV host Vic Sotto brings to weekend viewers a funny yet heart-warming story about a family headed by a vampire. Joining bossing Vic in this family sitcom jointly produced by GMA and and MZet Productions are Oyo Sotto, Glaiza de Castro, Bea Binene, Derrick Monasterio, Jackie Lou Blanco, and Ms. Pilita Corales. Set to make Vampire Ang Daddy Ko even more endearing is newest child wonder Ryzza Mae Dizon.

In Mundo Mo’y Akin, the sought-after love team of Alden Richards and Louise delos Reyes reunite in this original story tackling wealth, power, beauty, and deceit. Joining them is new Kapuso young actress, Lauren Young, along with a powerhouse cast composed of some of the Network’s most talented and established stars Sunshine Dizon, Angelika dela Cruz, Jolina Magdangal, Gabby Eigenmann, and Ms. Jacklyn Jose. Mundo Mo’y Akin premieres March 18 on GMA Telebabad.

Completing the line-up is the television debut of the jampacked concert of Concert King Martin Rivera, Concert Queen Pops Fernandez, multi-awarded singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez. See these OPM music royalties come together for the first time on the concert stage in Foursome airing on March 24 on GMA’s SNBO.

Experience the summer thrill with these new Kapuso programs this month. See more of the Summer sa Mundo ng Kapuso campaign on GMA-7 and visit www.gmanetwork.com for more details.

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Aljur Abrenica back in wearing 'bahag' in "Indio"!

Kapuso actor Aljur Abrenica shows off his godly physique and acting prowess in GMA Network’s primetime series "Indio" as he portrays the character of Bagandi, a datu of a small banwa.

According to the actor, he underwent workshops and physical trainings for the role.

“Pinaghandaan ko talaga ang role ko dito sa Indio saka sumailalim rin ako sa workshops dahil kailangang makipagsabayan ako sa mga malalaking artista na bahagi nitong napakalaking programa na Indio” he adds.

Who is Bagandi in Simeon’s life? Will he be a friend or a foe?

Find out on "Indio," weeknights, after "24 Oras" on GMA Telebabad.

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'Pahiram Ng Sandali' is Now Down to Its Exciting Final Two Weeks!

Viewers of GMA Network’s primetime drama PAHIRAM NG SANDALI can look forward to more compelling plot twists and big confrontations as the series comes down to its final two weeks from March 4 to March 15.

The program challenged the conventions of traditional drama soaps because some situations and problems depicted in the series are relatable to the viewers. The entire cast headlined by Ms Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon, Mark Gil, Alessandra de Rossi, Max Collins, Neil Ryan Sese, and Dingdong Dantes delivered noteworthy performances which hooked viewers with each succeeding episode.

More revelations and conflicts will be revealed in the last 10 days of the series as Janice (Lorna) promises to help Alex (Dingdong) to get back with Cindy (Max). Alex tells Janice that he does not want his child to experience his same fate and he wants to be a good father.

However, Cindy continues to give Alex the cold shoulder despite his relentless efforts to win her heart. She will not allow Alex to be the father of her child because of his past affair with Janice. She suspects that Alex and Janice still have a special connection every time she sees them together. It breaks her heart whenever she is reminded of her boyfriend’s ‘brief but life-shattering moment’ he shared with her mom.
Will Cindy finally let go of her anger and frustration and truly give Janice forgiveness? Will the mother and daughter forgive and forget each other’s faults and seek the path of reconciliation in the end? A mother’s love for her child is infinite. But can a child take for granted and turn a blind eye to her mother’s unconditional love?
Will Cindy’s heart soften and give Alex another chance at love or be a father to her child?
Meanwhile, Larry (Mark) asks Andrew (Neil) to mend his relationship with Alex. Andrew agrees with his father’s wishes but he is already sick and turns suicidal.   Will Alex and Andrew peacefully resolve their differences and mend their relationship in the end?
All these and more await viewers as the last two weeks of Pahiram ng Sandali continues right after Indio on GMA Telebabad.

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Heart Evangelista remains a Kapuso renews contract!

Award-winning actress Heart Evangelista remains a Kapuso after she renewed her ties with GMA Network. The contract signing was held today at the GMA Network Center and attended by top Kapuso officers.

Present were GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Abrogar, GMA Entertainment TV's OIC Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Entertainment TV Marivin T. Arayata, Assistant Vice President for Drama Redgie Acuña Magno, Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Program Manager Hazel F. Abonita, and Cecile Ongpauco (Heart's mom and manager).

During the contract signing, Heart reveals that she is very happy with the way GMA is handling her career all these years, "It's a blessing to be here. Hindi ka nawawalan ng trabaho. They appreciate your hard work. I can say that I'm content with what I have here."

Atty. Gozon likewise expressed his gladness on Heart being loyal with GMA. "Si Heart ay isa sa ating mga pinakamamagaling na artista. Ang Heart sa tagalog ay Puso. So she really belongs here. "

Aside from headlining the Afternoon Prime series Forever and her regular stint in Party Pilipinas, Heart is also part of iBilib where she showcases her hosting skills opposite Chris Tiu. She looks forward to be working with more Kapuso stars in the future including Alden Richards, and Aljur Abrenica.

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GMA Network Hits P13.083 Billion Consolidated Revenues in 2011!

GMA Network, Incorporated (GMA), the leading broadcast media company in the Philippines, hit consolidated revenues worth P13.083 billion in 2011.

Notwithstanding the absence of P2.054 billion worth of revenues from political advertisements generated in 2010 and the global impact of financial crisis in Europe and slow economic recovery in the US last year, the Company delivered a fairly competitive business performance.

In fact, despite the cutback in the advertising budget of top multinationals whose headquarters are based abroad, the Network’s leadership in nationwide ratings won for the Company a substantial portion of the available ad spend.

GMA Channel 7, the Company’s top performing business unit and the country’s most watched television station, posted an eight-percent revenue growth from regular advertising during the financial period versus the preceding year, more than double the gross national product (GNP) growth rate of only 3.5 percent in 2011.

The channel also raised its ad loading minutes by 2.1 percent even with rate adjustments that took effect in February of 2011. ABS-CBN, meanwhile, suffered the hardest hit by the ad spend cutback among local broadcasting companies with a 7.1-percent drop in ad loading minutes during the comparable period.

GMA Radio, with improved ratings both in the AM and FM bands, delivered a 15-percent revenue growth from regular advertising. GMA Regional TV made a 21-percent hike year-on-year in recurring ad placements.

Meanwhile, GMA International ended 2011 with a six-percent growth in revenues in US dollar terms, but the growth rate slowed down to only four percent in peso terms due to the appreciation of the Philippine peso exchange rate. Total revenues from subscription, licensing and advertising revenues made thru overseas operations reached P965 million.

GMA International runs the Network’s flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV (GPTV) and the Filipino lifestyle channel GMA Life TV (GLTV) with estimated global viewer counts of two million and one million, respectively.

Both channels can be accessed thru a number of channel carriers in Filipino viewer-rich territories abroad such as the US, Canada, Middle East, Africa, Japan, Guam, Saipan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Diego Garcia, Europe, and the Carribean.

The International Edition of the Philippines’ number one news channel – GMA News TV International (GNTVI) – currently airs in Australia, Canada, Guam, Japan, Madagascar, UAE and soon in Europe, Malaysia and the US. It is also now available for downlinking in North America.

Alongside GMA’s three linear channels, GMA’s top-rating radio stations DZBB (AM band) and DWLS (FM band) are also now widely distributed among Filipino communities abroad. Soon, GMA will also strengthen its international video-on-demand (VOD) offer for multiple platform distribution to take advantage of changes in subscribers’ viewing habits and the growing popularity of viewing content via the Internet and mobile and portable devices.

In the domestic market, GMA continues its aggressive expansion efforts with the rise of capital-intensive originating stations in Ilocos and Bicol, which will be operational by the third quarter of this year.

Total operating expenses for the financial period had a single digit growth to P8.984 billion amid higher costing programs on primetime television, and the station-wide reformatting of Channel 11 from QTV to GMA News TV.

Total programming hours of in-house produced programs aired both on GMA Channel 7 and GMA News TV substantially hiked from 2010 to 2011, causing an 11-percent growth in production costs across all business segments to P5.105 billion. The aforementioned programming mix for Channel 11 drove down the amortization of program rights.


The four-percent rise in general and administrative expenses came mostly from the growth in personnel costs aligned with bonuses and merit increases to sustain competitiveness of compensation packages.

The year ended with earnings before income, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of P3.090 billion, and net income after tax of P1.715 billion.

The Company announced the release of cash dividends amounting to P1.944 billion at P0.40 per share, equivalent to 114 percent of its full 2011 net income. Payout date is on May 9, 2012.

The Company is poised to deliver better business performance in the new financial cycle. GMA used the 2011 drop in ad spend as an opportunity to strengthen its product and programming as reflected in its permanent standing as the nationwide ratings leader. This makes GMA an even stronger contender for a bigger share in the advertising pie as the industry recovers at the onset of 2012. As early as end-February this year, the GMA marketing group already closed 85 percent of 2012 sales targets with signed agreements from regular advertisers.

In both traditional and new media, GMA continues to be the Filipinos’ preferred source of news and entertainment.

With the recent launch of the Company’s umbrella site, www.gmanetwork.com, its online audience can access news, entertainment, and public service right at their finger tips anywhere.

The flagship international channel GPTV also made its mobile television service available to Filipinos in the Middle East. The service had 4,600 subscriptions in two months since its launch in September of last year.

The go-to portal for timely information, www.gmanews.tv, enlarged the presence of television content from GMA News and Public Affairs. The site has a lead of more than 200,000 followers over closest competitor ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) on Twitter, and a similar lead over ABS-CBN News on Facebook.

On television, GMA kept a significant 3.1-point lead in household audience share over ABS-CBN and a whopping 18.6-point lead over TV5 in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) in the previous year.

This is according to broadcast industry’s recognized ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

GMA’s established presence in the country’s key viewer hubs, Total Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively comprise 77 percent and 59 percent of total television households nationwide, is reflected in the Network’s yearlong double-digit margins over competitors.

The Nielsen TV Audience Measurement used by GMA is also used by 21 companies including two other local networks, namely, TV5 and Solar Entertainment; Faulkner Media; CBN Asia; 14 advertising agencies and three regional clients. On the other hand, ABS-CBN is the only local major TV network reportedly subscribing to Kantar Media, formerly known as TNS.

In Mega Manila alone, the Nielsen TV Audience Measurement has a sample size of 1,190 homes as compared to Kantar Media’s 770 homes. Nationwide, Nielsen has a total sample size of 2,000 homes compared to the lower sample size of 1,370 utilized by Kantar Media.

GMA Films partnered with US Film Distributor Freestyle Releasing for The Road’s theatrical release in the US next month, making history as the first ever Filipino film to be distributed commercially in North America and Canada.

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