Kapuso artists conquer the global stage

MANILA, Philippines - 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 VP for International Operations Joseph 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 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, Julie Anne San Jose and Gladys Guevarra were featured in Musika at Tawanan 4, which gathered more than 3,000 overseas workers in the region.

And finally, the Independence Day celebrations culminated with Dingdong Dantes joining his kababayan in Bolingbrook, Chicago for the Philippine Fest Piyesta Pinoy 2014 and Lovi Poe delighting over 7,000 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 Benjamin Alves and Steven Silva to the Flores de Mayo Festival in Hawaii, which highlighted iconic Filipino traditions, while 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 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 Kapusong Pinoy concert series. As one of the hottest love teams on TV, Carla Abellana and Tom thrilled the crowd in the sold-out concert titled Kapusong Pinoy sa LA with their undeniable chemistry. They were joined by Julie Anne, Miguel Tanfelix and Betong Sumaya who portrayed his popular character Antonietta from Bubble Gang.

This was followed by the equally successful Kapusong Pinoy sa Dubai which brought the Kapuso Network’s now-married Dingdong and Marian Rivera as well as Julie Anne to Dubai’s Global Village. Over 7,000 spectators witnessed Dingdong and Marian’s romantic duet and each artist’s individual performances.

GMA completed the concert series and concluded 2014 with a tribute to its loyal fans abroad. Dennis Trillo along with 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, bridging Filipinos all over the world to their home country.