Friday, January 08, 2021

GMA Network Reveals 2021 TV Shows Line-Up

GMA Network offers a beacon of hope this 2021 as it ushers in the New Year with a stellar roster of exciting new programs and offerings.

Kick-starting the line-up for GMA Afternoon Prime is the return of "Magkaagaw" with recap and fresh episodes to ring in the New Year. Magkaagaw is the high-rating soap top-billed by Sunshine Dizon, Klea Pineda, Jeric Gonzales, and Sheryl Cruz.

Next up is the heart-tugging story of "Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat" top-billed by John Estrada and Carmina Villaroel, and in her first starring role, promising Kapuso drama actress Pauline Mendoza.

The well-loved tandem of Rita Daniela and Ken Chan returns to the small screen on "Ang Dalawang Ikaw" and is joined by Kapuso newcomer Ana Vicente.

Set to launch as well on GMA Afternoon Prime is the TV adaptation of the 1988 award-winning film "Nagbabagang Luha" starring Glaiza de Castro, Rayver Cruz, introducing Claire Castro with Mike Tan.

Viewers should also watch out for the riveting legal drama "Artikulo 247"; the multi-layered rivalry of three sisters in "Las Hermanas"; the weekly drama series "Love Connections" that opens with intriguing social media posts and eventually unravels the story behind them; and the story of the little person who one day discovers that she is an heiress despite growing up from a poor family in "Little Princess."

On GMA Telebabad, the rivalry between friends-turned-mortal-enemies continues in the recap and fresh episodes of "Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday," top-billed by Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza and Kate Valdez, together with Migo Adecer and seasoned actresses Snooky Serna and Dina Bonnevie.

Viewers also can't wait for the highly-anticipated romantic comedy series "First Yaya." The series is headlined by award-winning Kapuso actor Gabby Concepcion with Pancho Magno, Maxine Medina, Pilar Pilapil, Cassy Legaspi, JD Domagoso, and Sanya Lopez who plays the lead role of Yaya Melody. It follows the story of the Vice President of the Philippines (Gabby) who will later assume the presidency and his blooming romance with Yaya Melody, the nanny of his children.

Another breakthrough cultural drama series from the GMA Entertainment Group this 2021 is "Legal Wives" where Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo takes on the challenging role of Ishmael, a Maranaw Muslim royalty who has three wives portrayed by talented actresses Alice Dixson, Andrea Torres, and Bianca Umali. Portraying an equally important role is internationally-acclaimed actress Cherie Gil.

Talented and versatile Kapuso stars Lovi Poe and Benjamin Alves are reunited on primetime via the romantic comedy series "Owe My Love." Produced by GMA Public Affairs, "Owe My Love" narrates the story of a financially illiterate woman and a miserly but successful doctor and financial advisor whose lives intertwine when the former gets indebted to the latter.

GMA Public Affairs is also set to bring its biggest action-adventure series to date in "Lolong." Bannered by Kapuso Action-Drama Prince Ruru Madrid, Lolong is inspired by the world's largest crocodile in captivity of the same name. Joining Ruru in the series are Kapuso actresses Arra San Agustin and Shaira Diaz.

Sure to keep viewers glued to the screen every weeknight is the sweeping romance drama "I Left My Heart in Sorsogon" starring Heart Evangelista-Escudero. It dwells on the story of a young woman whose status as a fashion socialite is shaken up after returning to her hometown, rediscovering her roots, and rekindling her love for family, community, and an ex-flame.

Viewers will also be delighted with the return of the exceptional and one-of-a-kind drama anthology "I Can See You" featuring the biggest and brightest Kapuso stars. This ground-breaking program pivots on its common visual storytelling mnemonic device which is the use of a camera as a witness to the tales of love and mystery from everyday people.

Other upcoming soaps to look forward to on GMA Telebabad are "To Have & To Hold," a man searches for answers about his wife's secret affair but soon realizes he's falling for the spouse of his wife's lover; "World Between Us," a principled man gets wronged by the people he considers as family; "Love. Die. Repeat.," a woman is stuck reliving the day of her boyfriend's death over and over again; and "The Witness," a man with high-functioning autism becomes a witness and a secret keeper to a crime.

On weekends, adventure awaits Kapuso viewers in the action-packed family drama "Agimat ng Agila" featuring Senator Bong Revilla Jr. together with Sanya Lopez, Roi Vinzon, Benjie Paras, Allen Dizon, Seth dela Cruz, and Elizabeth Oropesa.

GMA Network's all-original musical competition is also set to return with "The Clash Season 4"; while the quest to find the Bida Kid is back on "Centerstage," hosted by no less than Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards and co-hosted by Betong Sumaya.

Everyday people will take on the challenge of a lifetime in "Catch Me Out Philippines," an exciting show based on the UK original where the greatest pretender wins. It is hosted by Jose Manalo with Kakai Bautista and Derrick Monasterio.

A new breed of talented artists who can make beautiful music together are also set to be discovered in "Sing For Hearts". In this innovative singing contest, male and female singers shall be blindly paired together to see who can create a singing love-team that will capture the hearts of the audience and the judges alike.

Viewers are also in for a treat with new program offerings from GMA News TV!

Travel back in time and have a taste of the past via the fantasy-romance series "The Lost Recipe." The first locally produced daily primetime show on GMA News TV, "The Lost Recipe" features the fresh team up of Mikee Quintos and Kelvin Miranda who have already made a niche for themselves in their previous projects. Together, the fast-rising actors are set to make hearts flutter as they entice viewers to try the new taste of Pinoy drama.

Weekend nights are bound to get more amusing via "Flex" where Gen Z stars Mavy Legaspi, Lexi Gonzales, JD Domagoso and Althea Ablan take the spotlight to celebrate their authentic selves through comedy, music and a variety of wholesome get-together activities.

Adding magic to everyone's TV viewing habit is "My Fantastic Pag-ibig," which features a collection of rom-com tales set in present times but infused with fantasy elements and showcases GMA's most promising young love teams.

Fall in love with the charming story of "Heartful Café," which follows the life of a café owner and online romance novelist named Heart and her journey towards finding her own match. It stars Asia's Pop Diva Julie Anne San Jose alongside David Licauco and Andre Paras.

The much-awaited on-screen team-up of real-life couple Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos is all set in the romance-mystery mini-series "Love You Stranger". The series is about a film designer whose love for her sick mother drives her to look into the existence of a shadow figure from folklore. Her life serendipitously changes when she gets to work on a film about the said folklore with a charming young director. Their filmmaking journey leads them to discover truths about the shadow creature and each other.

Meanwhile, "Game of the Gens" fuses singing, dancing, and playing games among competitors from different generations. The fun will be amped up by hosts Andre Paras and Sef Cadayona, together with comedians and performers called GenDolls.

Kapuso viewers should also stay tuned for an exciting line-up of well-loved Asian dramas beginning with the heart-stirring Koreanovela Fates and Furies, The Romantic Doctor 2, Backstreet Rookie, Doctor John, Penthouse, Bad Genius The Series, The Gifted, The Sand Princess, and My Husband in Law; critically acclaimed local films: Family History, Jowable, Hindi Tayo Pwede, On Vodka, Beers and Regrets, Mindanao, Da Ninang, Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw, The Missing, Coming Home, and Isa Pang Bahaghari; and blockbuster international films: A Star is Born, Crazy Rich Asians, Bumblebee, The Nun, Ocean's 8, Mission Impossible – Fallout, Rampage, Men in Black 4, Charlie's Angels (2019), Jumanji: The Next Level, Angry Birds Movie 2, and The Meg.

GMA Network further elevates TV viewing experience with its most recent offering, GMA Now, a mobile digital TV receiver that can be plugged into an Android phone and allows viewers to watch TV on the go for free and to enjoy a bunch of interactive features at the same time.

The Kapuso Network also extends its Serbisyong Totoo to Filipino learners across the country as it provides a free digital channel for the Department of Education's blended learning program. DepEd TV will soon be available on GMA Affordabox's Channel 7.

Finally, the country's number one network returns to sports broadcasting as GMA signs a landmark deal with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Philippines' first athletic league, for NCAA Season 96 to 101 (2020-2026). NCAA fans can soon catch the games on GMA News TV, GMA Pinoy TV, and via online streaming on GMANetwork.com. The Men's Basketball Finals is also set to air on GMA-7.

For more updates on GMA Network's upcoming programs and offerings, follow its official Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube accounts or visit www.gmanetwork.com.

Tickets for Regine Velasquez’ Valentine Concert “Freedom” Out Now, VIP Tickets Sold Out in Just 12 Hours

The first digital staging of Regine Velasquez-Alcasid's sought-after Valentine's concert this 2021 via KTX.ph proved to be a highly-anticipated event as all VIP tickets were sold out just 12 hours after the selling started.

The biggest online concert of the "Asia's Songbird" to date, "Freedom: Regine Velasquez-Alcasid Digital Concert," also crossed the P500k ticket sales mark merely 10 minutes after the tickets went on sale and the P1 million sales mark less than 12 hours after tickets were released.

Due to the outstanding sales of the limited VIP ticket (P2,500) which includes concert access, virtual meet-and-greet, behind the scenes peek, and the Zoom after party with a request portion with Regine—additional 100 VIP slots have been opened to accommodate more fans. Meanwhile, viewers can still avail the access pass sold at P1,200.

Presented by ABS-CBN Events and IME, "Freedom" will be under the stage direction of Paolo Valenciano and musical direction of Raul Mitra and promises the same electrifying concert experience full of great music and exciting surprise guests.

It will be streamed worldwide via the digital platform KTX.ph, following previous exclusive and successful musical events like Jed Madela's "New Normal" and "Apollo: A Daniel Padilla Digital Experience."

Free yourself from worries and celebrate Valentine's Day with music and love in Regine's "Freedom" digital concert happening on February 14 (Sunday). Book your tickets now at KTX.ph. For more details, check out KTX.ph on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ktxtickets), Twitter (@KtxPH), and Instagram (ktx.ph).

ABS-CBN Solidifies its Rank as PH’s Content Leader in YouTube News and Entertainment Categories

ABS-CBN solidifies its stature as the Philippines' leading content producer for both news and entertainment on digital after receiving its second Diamond Creator Award from YouTube.

ABS-CBN News received last November a diamond play button, which is given to creators that reached 10 million subscribers. It hit the mark last August and now has 11 million subscribers and over 6.7 billion lifetime views on the video-sharing platform.

ABS-CBN first became a YouTube diamond creator in 2018 for its ABS-CBN Entertainment channel, which now has 31.6 million subscribers with over 38.8 billion lifetime views. It is the first YouTube channel in the Philippines to hit 30 million subscribers, the second most subscribed YouTube channel in Southeast Asia, and the tenth most watched channel in the world as of October this year.

ABS-CBN officials led by chairman Mark Lopez, chief executive officer and president Carlo Katigbak, chief operating officer of broadcast Cory Vidanes, Integrated News head Ging Reyes, and Digital head Jamie Lopez presented the two awards from YouTube.

ABS-CBN News' YouTube channel houses a variety of news and current affairs content from its different news programs and platforms including the live streaming of flagship newscast "TV Patrol" and important coverages of TeleRadyo and ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel. Currently, ABS-CBN News now reaches an even wider audience after making its content accessible worldwide.

With the same goal of serving more Filipinos around the world, ABS-CBN Entertainment offers fresh new episodes of ABS-CBN shows, exclusive interviews, and original digital shows on the channel.

After the shutdown of its broadcast operations due to the nonrenewal of its legislative franchise, ABS-CBN has begun to offer more content online to reach viewers all over the world through Kapamilya Online Live on Facebook and YouTube, its streaming service iWantTFC, and through partnerships with other digital companies.

Its digital transformation, however, began many years ago, enabling it to establish the biggest online presence among Filipino media companies and a growing list of digital properties.

Here are other ABS-CBN YouTube channels with millions of subscribers and billions of views as of October 2020: Star Music (5.6 million subscribers and 2.3 billion views), "Pinoy Big Brother" (3.6 million subscribers and two billion views), Star Cinema (3.3 million subscribers and 1.1 billion views), "The Voice Kids Philippines" (2.5 million subscribers and 1.4 billion views), and The Gold Squad (2.4 million subscribers and 204.7 million views).

For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Thursday, January 07, 2021

Music Video: Himig 12 Official Song Entries

ABS-CBN Music has premiered the official Himig 11th Edition music videos, bringing vibrant depictions of the songwriting competition's 12 finalists, which articulate diverse stories of life, love, misery, and optimism.

Watch these newly-released #Himig11thEdition music videos available on Star Music's YouTube channel:

1. "ANG HIRAP MAGING MAHIRAP" - https://youtu.be/p5AC3K64OyE

Davey Langit delivers the angst and pains of a person deprived of wealth in the music video of Kenneth Reodica's "Ang Hirap Maging Mahirap." The video directed by Jude Matanguihan also features rapper Kritiko, who gives a realistic portrayal of a person fighting to survive everyday life.

2. "BULALAKAW" - https://youtu.be/YI3c8bOQ46Q

Janine Berdin and composer Joanna Ang bring healing in the "Bulalakaw" music video directed by Edriel Garcia and Yani Bautista. Dressed in white gowns, the two belters render the Visayan pop song in harmony, ending the story with a view of the sunrise, a perfect scene to bring hope to viewers.

3. "IBANG PLANETA" - https://youtu.be/3P8V6rtFG1o

Zild's "Ibang Planeta" music video, directed by Shaira Luna, is a tacit throwback to the 80s as it evokes the feeling of being taken to a different dimension while in love, visualizing the unique storytelling of composer Dan Tanedo.

4. "IKA'Y BABALIK PA BA" - https://youtu.be/n9Y6UprW4FQ

Juris brings another touching anthem in Jabez Orara's composition "Ika'y Babalik Pa Ba," with its music video expressing an extreme longing for a loved one as rendered by cast members Iana Bernardez and Ilya Nikeshin. Despite being set on a black-and-white screen, the video directed by Frank Mamaril leaves viewers with eagerness to give a failed relationship another try.

5. "KAHIT KUNWARI MAN LANG" - https://youtu.be/1Iy4JmoncoY

The MV is a glimpse into the affecting joint performance of Moira dela Torre and pop-rock band Agsunta of the song "Kahit Kunwari Man Lang," which tells the highs and lows of an unlabeled relationship told by its composer David Mercado. The music video directed by Miko Pelino also stars Ara Dabao and Eian Rances.

6. "KAHIT NA MASUNGIT" - https://youtu.be/l4rg7aRsdp0

The "Kahit Na Masungit" MV complements the hip entry of John Francis and Jayson Franz Pasicolan interpreted by Jeremy G and Kyle Echarri. The video, directed by Cristhian Escolano, showcases Jeremy and Kyle as leading men courting a grouchy lass played by Reign Parani. Viewers will also see the two young heartthrobs doing some dance moves that match the chill track.

7. "KULANG ANG MUNDO" - https://youtu.be/WZQqVHUz4Po

Sam Mangubat sings the power ballad composed by Daryl Cielo, "Kulang Ang Mundo," as a grand profession of love and as a background to Kiara Takahashi and Argel Saycon—collectively known as KiarGel—and their journey towards a happy ending. Jefferson Hao directed the engaging video, which also features Kid Yambao.

8. "MARUPOK" - https://youtu.be/BtDVqfHYKkw

The funky and empowering "Marupok" track composed by Dana Balagtas is brought to life with an enthralling and vivid performance of KZ Tandingan, who echoes a warning to a man she is in love with to be clear with his intentions in the music video directed by Gelo Yellow.

9. "OUT" - https://youtu.be/Pmry6cOsrd0

Former "Idol Philippines'' contestant FANA reinvents herself in the captivating music video of Erica Sabalboro's "Out," which includes words sang in English, Tagalog, and Bicolano. FANA effectively expresses her anguish, appeal, and claim to survival to convey the song's promising message of audacity in the video directed by Edrex Sanchez.

10. "PAHINA" - https://youtu.be/zgmYSrE1w4g

Kiss 'N Tell brings viewers to a painful recollection of a couple, played by Gigi Delana and Mark Rivera, of their love that has gone off track. The visual storytelling of Joshua Ortiz and Aniceto Cabahug III's entry, directed by Jem Cadeliña, paints a picture of an unconditional love told in the pages of a storybook yet taken for granted as time goes by.

11. "TABI-TABI PO" - https://youtu.be/FsjlrOElwo8

"Tabi-Tabi Po's" music video has all the feels of getting attracted, falling in love, and moving cautiously towards officially asking someone out. The music video led by its director Jasper Salimbangon, an accompaniment to Mariah Moriones' composition, highlights JMKO's soothing voice as he implicitly expresses his feelings to the apple of his eye. It also stars Inka Magnaye, Rain Matienzo, and Ady Cotico.

12. "TINADHANA SA'YO" - https://youtu.be/0CsztxYOWCw

Zephanie makes hearts bleed as a young lady hopelessly in love in the music video of "Tinadhana Sa'Yo," a song written by SJ Gandia about unrequited love. Amiel Kirby Balagtas directed the video, which also stars Aaron Gonzalez.

One of these 12 Himig entries will soon be hailed as MYX Choice for Best Music Video, and 30% of the criteria for judging will be based on the number of music video views on Star Music's YouTube channel.

Check out the #Himig11thEdition songs available on digital streaming platforms worldwide. For more details, like @HimigHandog on Facebook.

Tuesday, January 05, 2021

Sharon Cuneta Flaunts Her 55-Year-Old Bikini Body


Megastar Sharon Cuneta celebrates her 55th birthday on January 6 by posting on Facebook series of her photos in bikini with the caption:

Went swimming and had this picture taken today. Now my swimsuit is a size 10. I haven't been a 10 in many years. My normal size when I was thin was 6 or 8 & I would panic na pag 8! Now to get to size 6 means I need to lose the last 20 lbs. after so many years of trying to get rid of all this extra weight and losing anywhere from 60-80 lbs., 20 doesn't seem like too much work anymore.😊🙏🏻❤️ Please pray for me. Then WATCH ME. Hah! Thank You Lord for that all-important bonk on the head before 2020 ended that knocked me into my senses - now it's even been helping me lose weight! Nyahaha! Galing ng Diyos talaga. Love you everyone! Thanks for your loving messages. #sharon2021 @jotlosa @roland_angeles_md @drzteo @draivee

Monday, January 04, 2021

F9 Esports Wins “Call of Duty® Mobile – Garena tournament, Smart Play: Squad Up”


After five grueling rounds, F9 Esports beat out Team Secret to emerge as the winner of the country's biggest non-professional Call of Duty® Mobile – Garena tournament, Smart Play: Squad Up

Both teams played incredibly well and traded numerous kills on the second day of the tournament hosted by mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc., but only one could win the championship at the very end. 
F9 Esports beat over 100 other teams from North Luzon, Central Luzon, South Luzon, NCR, Visayas, and Mindanao to become the Grand Champion. 

The team also won the Best of the Best award for producing the most highlights in the tournament and the Blitz award for winning in the fastest time possible. F9 member Dochaze won the One Man Army around for racking up the most kills in a match. 

During these challenging times, Smart Play: Squad Up is the latest in Smart's efforts to foster a sense of community among the growing number of Filipino Call of Duty® Mobile – Garena players and fans – giving excitement, bringing people together and allowing them to share in each other's love for the game. 


Power up your game with Free Games For All 

One of the hottest mobile games in the world today, Call of Duty®: Mobile – Garena is a free-to-play shooter video game developed by TiMi Studios and published by Activision and Garena for Android and iOS devices. 

Smart and TNT subscribers can take their gaming experience to the next level with Free Games for All, which comes with a solid allocation of 2 GB data per day of your favorite mobile games, including Call of Duty: Mobile. With Free Games for All, subscribers can stay connected, fuel their passion for gaming and forge stronger bonds with their friends in spite of the quarantine. 

To avail of Free Games for All, download the GigaLife App on Google Play or App Store and choose FREE GAMES. Subscribers can also avail of the offer by simply dialing *123#, choosing FREE GAMES, then selecting their preferred GIGA Games package. 


Philippines' fastest mobile data network 

Smart subscribers can enjoy all their favorite mobile games powered by Smart LTE, the country's fastest mobile network, as certified by third-party mobile analytics firms such as Ookla and Opensignal. 

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, recently named Smart LTE as the country's fastest mobile data network in the first half of 2020 after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 18.33, with average speeds of 15.94 Mbps for download and 7.57 Mbps for upload, based on 2,810,963 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest® 

On the other hand, Opensignal, an independent mobile analytics firm, reported in its November 2020 Mobile Network Experience Report for the Philippines that Smart remained ahead of the competition in terms of Video Experience, Upload and Download Speed Experience, 4G Availability, and 4G Coverage Experience. 

For more details on Smart's upcoming esports events and tournaments, follow Smart's official accounts on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.

“BrightWin Manila Virtual Fan Meet” Now Available on iWantTFC PPV

Fans of Bright Vachirawit and Win Metawin can relive the fun and 'kilig' from the Thai stars' first Philippine-exclusive virtual fan meet by streaming it via pay-per-view on iWantTFC. 

Users in the Philippines can purchase "BrightWin Manila Live: The Virtual Fan Meet" for P99 on the iWantTFC website (iwanttfc.com) and watch it over and over in the next seven days upon purchase. 

The show was made special by what fans called its "Pinoy flavor," as Bright performed his cover of the classic hit "With A Smile," while parols also lit up the stage and a jeepney was projected on the LED wall during the actors' opening number. 

The Thai stars also went out in their performances and gamely answered personal and career-related questions from fans. 

Many fans also dubbed the event as BrightWin's "best" fan meet because of its laidback setting and the surprises that catered to Filipinos. 

Twitter user @hahappiest posted, "You know what's best about this fanmeeting? It's because we were able to know the real BrightWin. It feels like it's not a fanmeeting, it's like an open forum. They answered a lot a questions whole-heartedly without any hesitations. BRIGHTWIN IS REAL." 

"I will rewatch it 10000000000 times! I still can't process this! I will never! This is sooo unexpected everything about this fanmeet is AMAZING!" said @brightwinvid. 

"Sa totoo lang yung #BrightWinManilaLIVE yun pinaka the best sa lahat ng fan meet na BrightWin na napanuod ko. Ang happy nya lang tas walang filter! Ang daming ganap na di mo expected… Pasabog ganon!" said @edgeshopmanila. 

Relive the fun and kilig from "BrightWin Manila Live: The Virtual Fan Meet" for only P99 on the iWantTFC website (iwanttfc.com). This is available only to users in the Philippines. 

Download the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) or enjoy watching it on a bigger screen through select smart TV brands, ROKU streaming devices, and Telstra TV for global users. 

For the complete list of compatible devices, sign in instructions, and account activation, visit https://iwanttfc.com/help#tfc-on-smart-tv

For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWantTFC and follow @iwanttfc on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantTFC. For inquiries and concerns about the service, users can also send a message on iWant TFC's Facebook page or e-mail support@iwanttfc.com.

Trending 2021: Pinoy Celebrity Couples New Year’s Day Relationship Reveal

Angelica Panganiban and Gregg Homan


Angelica Panganiban, on early morning of January 1 shared a romantic photo of her kissing new boyfriend Gregg Homan under a display of fireworks with a caption: “Kung isa kang pelikuka, sana, wala kang ending,” 



Diego Loyzaga and Barbie Imperial 



Diego Loyzaga made his romantic relationship with Barbie Imperial public on New Year’s day. On Instagram he captioned their photo with, “Happy new year to us [black heart emoji] thanks for making the end of my 2020 memorable. [Let’s] gooo 2021!!



 
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