GMA’s Puso ang Una programming

MANILA, Philippines - For many years, the Kapuso network has been home to prestigious, high-caliber programs that forge an even stronger connection with its audience.

In celebration of GMA 7’s 64th anniversary this year, a bigger and bolder roster of offerings — primetime and afternoon dramas, plus a family-oriented sitcom, a musical variety dance show, infotainment and game shows — accounts for the mixture of entertainment programs that will dominate the airwaves and meet the evolving needs of its audience for quality program content both in the local and international arenas.

GMA Entertainment TV SVP Lilybeth Rasonable said that the network ramps up its commitment to provide only the best for its viewers.

On primetime, the network has rolled out all-original primetime drama series, including Niño, Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real and My Destiny.

Rasonable said that the three primetime soaps have different themes, which cater to viewers of all ages from all walks of life.

The inspirational drama series Niño features the story of a boy who motivates other people to remain hopeful in the midst of life’s challenges. Miguel Tanfelix is 15-year-old Niño with mental incapacities who becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration to his townmates with the help of his namesake, a Sto. Niño incarnate portrayed by child star David Remo.

The award-winning Maryo J. delos Reyes, who helms the original masterpiece, said that he is very happy with his latest project because he wants to inspire people through his work, “Niño aims to bring people hope and strengthen their faith.”

Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real is another refreshing and compelling concept from the GMA Drama Group. It is topbilled by Dingdong Dantes, Lovi Poe and Maricel Soriano.

Directed by Andoy Ranay, Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real delves into the story of a man caught in a bigamous relationship with an older woman and a younger flame.

My Destiny, on the other hand, reunites Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez. Their characters’ love for each other will be tested when the character of Rhian Ramos, who plays the cancer-stricken sister of Carla, falls in love with Tom. 

Lorna Tolentino shows her acting prowess as the mother of Carla and Rhian, torn between her two daughters’ happiness. Sid Lucero also plays an important role as the knight in shining armor to a broken-hearted Carla.

My Destiny is under the helm of Bb. Joyce Bernal.

GMA is at its best in creating programs that tug the viewers’ heartstrings with its equally exciting Afternoon Prime shows The Half Sisters and Dading.

Rasonable said that the GMA Drama Group once again raised the bar of programming as it brings to afternoon viewers another series with an attention-grabbing premise.

The Half Sisters, which has been consistently winning in the ratings since it premiered last month, explores the phenomenon of hetero-paternal superfecundation wherein there is a successive fertilization of two or more ova from the same ovulation by different sires.

The Half Sisters is under the direction of Mark Reyes and stars Barbie Forteza and Thea Tolentino.

Dading, topbilled by Gabby Eigenmann and directed by Ricky Davao, is another program capturing the interest of viewers with its storyline exploring an unusual parent-child relationship.   

“Dading is a light drama but at the same time may kurot sa puso. My Husband’s Lover was a breakthrough also in the sense that we gave a voice to the LGBT and showed them as real characters not as comical figures. Same thing with Dading, it is not a gay show, but we will show here not caricature characters but real people who can be good fathers, who can love with the same intensity,” said Rasonable.

GMA aims for a family-friendly feel with My BFF that highlights the value of family togetherness, and the joy of having each and every member of the household by our side.

My BFF is headlined by child stars Jillian Ward and Mona Louise Rey with Janno Gibbs and Manilyn Reynes. It is under the direction of Roderick Lindayag.

GMA also goes all-out in its weekend programming with Marian and Ismol Family.

In her self-titled show, Marian Rivera heats up the stage through her contagious energetic vibe, showcasing show-stopping costumes, make-up and hairstyles every Saturday evening. 

Joining Marian are Christian Bautista and Paolo Ballesteros who alternate as co-hosts.  Adding musical beat to the show is Julie Anne San Jose. Marian, which is directed by Louie Ignacio, airs after Pepito Manaloto.

Meanwhile, Ismol Family, which airs Sunday nights after Vampire Ang Daddy Ko, takes the viewers on a fun but inspiring family adventure that both parents and kids can enjoy.

Director Dominic Zapata said that Ismol Family is relatable because “it’s very wholesome. It’s both comedy and drama. Every episode has a lesson. But we package it by way of a heartwarming comedy (starring) a family that you could all relate to, and that you could love and you could even think that it’s your own.”

Ismol Family is headlined by Ryan Agoncillo and Carla Abellana.

GMA 7 is also set to present more brand-new shows. One of them is Don’t Lose The Money, which is one of the most popular franchise game shows in the world. It features two teams of three players who are given a total of half a million pesos in cold, hard cash. The money is theirs to keep — all they have to do is catch, carry and ultimately hold on to the cash through a series of physical challenges.

The network also brings to viewers the upcoming show of boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao via the infotainment program that will feature the videos from Sport Science. The program will showcase different professional athletes participating in a variety of challenges to test the limits of the human body. 

With these new programs, the Kapuso network is set to endear itself more to its televiewers.