'Now that we're number one, it's tougher for us' - GMA SVP for Entertainment Lilybeth Rasonable

GMA Entertainment TV Drama Group presented a new roster of bigger and bolder Kapuso shows to the press on January 16 at GMA Network Center Building.

Headed by Senior Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth G. Rasonable, the GMA Entertainment executives answered a series of questions pertaining to the upcoming shows which will be showcased this year.

GMA Network rewards its viewers with superior and world-class 2017 program launches

When asked about the overall performance of ETV shows in 2016, Rasonable admitted that it was a challenging year for their team. "It started out rough and tough for us producers. We knew what we wanted to achieve but it was really difficult. We experienced a lot of challenges along the way, but, we knew that at the end of that journey, we would reap what we already worked on."

It was only last September when the ratings for the drama shows started to soar high. But for Rasonable, she still considered 2016 a great year for the ETV Drama Group. "Nabura lahat 'yung pagod, nabura lahat 'yung blood, sweat, and tears, because nakabawi naman nang sobra-sobra," she explained.

According to Rasonable, ETV wants to maintain its lead this 2017. "Definitely, now that we're number one, it's tougher for us. So we're going to be tougher on ourselves. It's not just looking at the competition but making sure that the next projects will surpass what we had achieved," she shared.

Rasonable expects this year to be tougher than 2016. "It's more difficult now. I think 2017 will be more challenging because we have to maintain, if not, even surpass what we have achieved this last quarter. Our Chairman [and CEO] (Atty. Felipe L. Gozon) always tells us, 'you cannot be kampante just because you've already achieved your goal,'" she ended.