Kapuso Network fires opening salvo in Visayas festivals

GMA Network embraces all optimism as it gears to change the face of Philippine television viewing in 2014 with its intriguing line up of drama series set to conquer the airwaves this quarter. And what better way to introduce its opening salvo than by bringing its lead stars, no less, closer to those who give them all the reasons to shine—their supporters.

Gracing three of the country’s major festivals in January—Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan, Cebu’s Sinulog, and Iloilo’s Dinagyang—are the brightest Kapuso artists from up and coming series The Borrowed Wife, Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw, Rhodora X, and Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw.

GMA, being the strategic media partner of the Municipality of Kalibo and Kalibo’s Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (KASAFI), mounts a week-long, colorful celebration of the Mother of All Philippine Festivals, dubbed “Ati-Atihan Festival: The Kapuso Ati-Atihan Festival Celebration, Fiesta Natin ‘to!”.

Last Friday, January 10, it was Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw lead actor Alden Richards together with Max Collins and hosts Mikael Daez and Bettina Carlos who took part in the Mutya ag Lakan Grand Night at the ABL Sports Complex.

Yesterday, January 14, Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes went on his first regional tour for 2014 as he took the stage of Kalibo’s Pastrana Park for a Kapuso Night. A decade-after reunion it was for three of Starstruck’s finest stars—Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, and Yasmien Kurdi, as they joined the said affair together with Rhodora X co-star Mark Anthony Fernandez.

Today, January 15, participating in the Pagdayaw kay Señor Sto. Niño “Sinaot sa Calle” Float Parade around the streets of Kalibo at 2 p.m. are Kapuso homegrown talents Thea Tolentino and Jeric Gonzales, together with Isabelle Daza, Andrea Torres, JC Tiuseco,and Pancho Magno. A sizzling Kapuso Hala Bira Dance Showdown follows at Magsaysay Park starting at 7 p.m. with Julian Trono.

And on January 19, Sunday, the Network airs a live coverage of the pilgrims’ mass at the Kalibo Cathedral titled “Señor Santo Niño de Kalibo Pilgrims’” Mass nationwide, via all GMA Regional TV Stations beginning at 6 a.m.

Happening in Cebu meanwhile, is its grandest celebration in honor of the feast of the Child Jesus, the Sinulog Festival. Kicking off the series of events are the back-to-back Kapuso Mall Shows on January 17, Friday, featuring the well-loved pair of Kristoffer Martin and Kim Rodriguez from Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw and The Borrowed Wife’s Pauleen Luna, TJ Trinidad, Rafael Rosell, and Camille Prats happening at the open parking of the Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall Tabunok at 2 p.m. and at The Terraces, Ayala Center at 5 p.m. Live portions of the latter air over local newscast Balitang Bisdak.

On January 18, Saturday, GMA’s primetime queen Marian Rivera fulfills her promise to the Cebuanos and comes back to celebrate with them once more in another back-to-back Kapuso Mall Show together with her Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw leading man Alden. Also with the pair are Rhodora X’s Jennylyn, Mark, Yasmien, and Mark Anthony who dominate SM City Cebu’s Event Centre first at 2 p.m., with live segments airing in Startalk. At 4 p.m. the Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw and Rhodora X stars move to Gaisano Island Mall Mactan for another round of amusing show.

Marian rises the next day, January 19, to board the Kapuso float with Alden and tour the major streets of Cebu City from 9 a.m. with live updates broadcast over Sunday All Stars. Also participating in the float parade are Jennylyn, Mark, Yasmien, and Mark Anthony.

GMA RTV’s News and Public Affairs, at the same time, delivers its live coverage Buena Mano Sinulog airing from 7 a.m. until noon and Pit Senyor! right after Sunday All Stars on the same day.

Over in Iloilo takes place the bright and lively hala-bira tradition called the Dinagyang Festival. Adding vibrance to the annual fete is Dingdong, once again joined by the Rhodora X main cast Jennylyn, Mark, Yasmien, and Mark Anthony staging a mall show at Robinson’s Iloilo on January 24 at 6 p.m. Set to to conquer the streets of Iloilo on January 25 at 2 p.m. are stars from The Borrowed Wife. Miss Saigon-bound Rachelle Ann Go and Adarna lead star Geoff Eigenmann follow with another Kapuso Mall Show on January 26, 6 p.m. at SM City Iloilo. On the same day, GMA offers a Kapuso Live Coverage of the annual Ati Tribe Competition hosted by Geoff and Isabelle.

“Our Kapuso in the Visayas region have been incredibly supporting and warm towards the Network and its stars, participating in all our activities whenever, wherever. In return, GMA would like to show its appreciation by bringing its powerhouse opening salvo—stars from The Borrowed Wife, Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw, Rhodora X, and Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw —to be with them in three of the most important celebrations of their region,” shares Oliver Amoroso, AVP for Integrated Marketing Services Division of GMA Regional TV.

Highlights of the Network’s participation in the Ati-Atihan, Sinulog, and Dinagyang Festivals will be seen in Let's Fiesta TV Special which airs on January 26, February 2, and February 9 respectively, via the Network’s regional stations in Bicol, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Dagupan, Ilocos, GenSan, Bacolod, and CDO.