Real-life Santas in GMA Christmas ID

MANILA, Philippines - This Christmas, GMA Network recognizes the heart of the Filipino through a series of true-to-life inspiring stories.

Tagged, Isang Pagkilala sa Puso ng Pilipino Ngayong Pasko, the stories tell the real-life tales of Filipinos who, by sharing what they can, have made a difference in the lives of many.

“When we came across these stories, we immediately knew that we had to share them with our audience,” said Regie Bautista, VP, GMA Program Support Department. “This Christmas campaign reaffirms what Filipinos should always be proud of — the inherent goodness of their hearts.”

Starring in the vignettes are three of GMA’s biggest and most renowned Kapuso stars: Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera and Richard Gutierrez.

Richard plays Ed, a US immigrant based in Las Vegas, Nevada, whose heart remains very Filipino. With his wife, he personally packs balikbayan boxes with toys and school supplies and ships these at Christmas time to children in different provinces.

Marian portrays Mila, a woman who literally opens her home to the less fortunate. Mila welcomes the Season of Advent by selling Christmas decors in her garage. She uses the money she earns to prepare food and feed more than 200 families on New Year’s Eve.

Meanwhile, Dingdong is cast as Jose, a modern-day Christmas angel. Jose spends Christmas Eve going to different hospitals in Metro Manila, paying the bills of indigent patients unable to afford treatment. When the surprised families of these patients ask to thank him in person, they are told by hospital staffers that Jose has already left.

“These are real-life Santas,” explained director Paul Ticzon, when asked what he found special about this project after having directed many of the network’s Christmas campaigns. “These are people who go out of their way to create a meaningful Christmas for others. Their stories will hit you in the heart.”

GMA’s Christmas vignettes are now airing. Shot in high-definition (HD) digital video technology, the plugs are also slated to roll in SM Cinemas.

The GMA project team is composed of cinematographer Ding Achacoso (director of photography), Paul (director), Vince Gealogo (co-director), Ingrid Navarro (producer) and cameramen Hanniel Aguilar, Javier Delgado and Paul Arrojado.

The campaign was spearheaded by the creative team of GMA’s Program Support Department of Regie B., Armie Herrera (associate creative director), Caca Ko and Weng Espiritu (writers), Chris Roxas, Calvin Anchores and Donn Dacalanio (artists), Hasmin Marable (senior project manager) and Minette Lopez (project manager).