One in heart with every Kapuso abroad

Giving Filipinos a slice of home wherever they may be in the world has always been at the core of GMA International’s every endeavor. This rings true not only for its various programs and on-ground events, but also for its global campaigns and marketing initiatives. Indeed, several years after its official launch in 2005, the international business unit of GMA Network has remarkably expanded its reach, grown its audience and affirmed its presence in areas with the most number of Filipinos around the world. And in celebration of GMA International’s eighth year of Bringing Filipinos Abroad Closer to Home this month, Kapuso Day recalls eight of the biggest milestones that have shaped GMA International into becoming the fastest growing and most requested source of Filipino channels abroad today.

GMA’s flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV first started airing in the US in August 2005 through COMCAST North California. This eventually led to the conception of GMA Life TV two years after, and GMA News TV International three years after that. To date, GMA International offers its broadcast services in almost a hundred countries and territories â€” from the pristine shores of Diego Garcia to the prairies of Saskatchewan in Canada — and in various platforms through its partnership with the biggest carriers across the globe. Truly a testament to its mandate of bringing Filipinos closer to home though their favorite Kapuso shows.

Over the years, GMA International saw how Filipino viewers abroad have changed in terms of lifestyle, purchasing power and program preferences. But despite these changes, one thing remains the same, said GMA VP and head of international operations Joseph Francia: “It is their need to stay connected with their roots that will always remain constant. And that is why we make it a point to always provide them with content that is familiar, unique and relevant.” Aside from being a 24/7 source of superior news and entertainment from home, GMA International serves as a cradle of Filipino pride with its projects and programs that espouse nationalism. Its commitment to supporting the first Filipino global runner Cesar Guarin in his quest to be the first Filipino and Asian to run around the world, and GMA Pinoy TV’s advocacy programs Power ng Pinoy, Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika and the annual TV special Proud to be Pinoy, are just few of the many examples of how GMA International lives by the tagline “Proud to be Pinoy, Proud to be Kapuso.” Apart from being inspiring, these programs are also award-winning, earning recognition from various international award-giving bodies.

Particularly in the US, this affinity with the Filipino audience abroad extends not only to the older members of the household but more so to the second-generation Filipino-Americans, which Francia describes as those “yearning to discover and understand their Filipino heritage.” Bearing this in mind, GMA International recently partnered with Gawad Kalinga-USA and the Department of Tourism for the Bayani Tour, which provides a group of second-generation Fil-Ams a historical and cultural tour of the Philippines. GMA International also regularly lends support to events that are close to the hearts of young Filipinos abroad whether it be in field of sports, fashion, arts, education, among others, in order to strengthen its connection with this particular audience segment.

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GMA International runs three international channels with GMA Pinoy TV as its flagship brand. Through which, GMA’s top-rating programs can be seen in the US, Canada, Middle East, Europe, North Africa, Australia and Asia Pacific — contributing to the worldwide trending of Kapuso shows such as the still most talked about primetime series today, My Husband’s Lover. “This only proves that Filipinos in any part of the world value quality Filipino programming despite being far from home,” affirmed Francia.

Aside from offering informative and entertaining programs, GMA International also responds to the diverse programming needs of its subscribers by bringing them inspiring and meaningful Filipino lifestyle shows through GMA Life TV. Launched in 2008, GMA Life TV recently marked its fifth year of being the first Filipino lifestyle channel abroad through a colorful campaign that highlighted the best qualities of the channel. From the mother searching for new Filipino-inspired dishes, the teenager who wants to trace his roots in a way he can truly relate with, to the doting grandmother who misses watching classic Pinoy flicks, GMA Life TV has something for every member of the family.

Realizing the need of at least 11 million Filipinos overseas to stay connected with what is happening back home, GMA International launched its third international channel — GMA News TV International in 2011. With its fast growing subscriber base, the international version of the Philippines’ No. 1 news channel brings not only national news, but also news from the regions — as it values our kababayan abroad’s need to be updated with the latest and most credible news, current events and issues from home as its utmost priority.

Beyond television, GMA International also plays a key figure in the commemoration of Filipino customs. Every year, GMA International joins thousands of Filipinos all over the world in celebrating the Philippine Independence Day, among other noteworthy Filipino community events, to remind them of their role in the making and shaping of Filipino history. “This is also our kababayans’ chance to see their favorite Kapuso stars in the flesh, who equally see every event as an opportunity to personally thank their supporters overseas,” mentioned Francia. In fact, as it celebrates its eighth year, GMA International is bringing four of the brightest Kapuso stars Christian Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, Julie Anne San Jose and Marian Rivera to Dubai for a special two-part show this coming Sept.  27.

All these efforts, fortunately, do not go unnoticed as GMA International takes pride in being the most awarded international business unit among all Filipino TV networks. Its string of notable achievements from various award-giving bodies such as the Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards, NAMIC Vision Awards, Telly Awards and Hermes Awards, applies not only to the locally produced and exclusive shows aired on GMA’s international channels, but also to its marketing efforts that keep GMA International a step ahead of its competitors. “These awards, and of course, the continued patronage of our Kapuso viewers from all parts of the world, inspire us to always go above and beyond our commitment of giving Filipinos a piece of home through the programs that we offer,” concludes Francia.

Eight years, three international channels, about a hundred countries and territories, an estimated two million viewers, and a multitude of Filipino gatherings and world-class recognitions later, GMA International is poised to scale greater heights and break into new territories, while upholding its promise to be one in heart with each and every Filipino abroad.