1959.

The year when Fidel Castro assumed power, Soviet premier Nikita Krushchev toured the US, Tibet’s dalai lama escaped to India and the USSR’s Lunik III photographed the dark side of the moon for the first time.

It was a year of new beginnings.

It was then that GMA News was established.

Flashforward to 2009.

GMA News is now known as the most respected Philippine news organization garnering local and international awards not only for its newscasts but also for its anchors.

It has set trends as to how news is produced and delivered.

What happened in the past 50 years? What led to GMA News being the leader in its field?

Join the Philippines’ most awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho as she traces the roots of GMA News and shares how the stories it produced impacted on the public. By tracking items involved in news events, Jessica revisits some of the stories GMA News did in the past half century.

As Jessica views the yellow dress Cory Aquino wore in her oath-taking as President of the Republic of the Philippines, reminisce about the bloodless People Power Revolution of 1986.

Set eyes once again on the “Pope Mobile”, the vehicle Pope John Paul II rode when he visited the country, and witness one of GMA News’ landmark coverages.

Check out the equipment used to mount GMA News Live, the first news bulletins in the country aired throughout the day, produced to keep the public aware of the latest updates on the Persian Gulf War in 1991.

Learn about important stories produced with the two electronic news gathering vans first used by Jessica and Arnold Clavio for their coverages as remote reporters of the 15-minute afternoon newscast Saksi back in 1995.

Travel back in time and learn about how GMA News put 50 years of history on air. Don’t miss “Limang Dekada” hosted by Jessica Soho on December 6 airing on SNBO.

In a sudden turn of events, the Optimum star Claudine Barretto transferred to GMA-7!

Claudine Barretto has just signed a two-year contract with GMA-7 earlier today. 24 Oras, the primetime news program of GMA 7, has just reported that Claudine is now a kapuso and she is topbilling a primetime teleserye, a movie and other projects very soon.

Present in the contract signing are GMA’s big bosses like Atty. Felipe Gozon (CEO and President), Mr. Jimmy Duavit (COO and Vice President), Anette Gozon Abrogar (GMA Films President), and Wilma Galvante (SVP for Entertainment TV).

“Everything was really really fast, itong pangyayaring ito. Hindi talaga kami prepared, like yesterday, sinabi ok we’ll sign na today…” Claudine said.

EVP and COO of GMA Network Gilberto Duavit, Jr. is very happy that Claudine signed a two-year contract for GMA.

“Sa wakas! Si Claudine ay maraming tagahangang mga kapuso at isa na ako roon, at di naman kaila na si Raymart ay kapuso rin, so welcome to the family!” he said.

Incidentally, two other kapamilya stars — comedian Bayani Agbayani and BeBench winner Carlo Guevarra — have also transferred to the kapuso network.

VIDEO LINK: 24 Oras – Claudine Barretto Transferred to GMA

The Christmas station ID of the kapuso network has no star to offer but a message that hits the heart in the season of love. The song and video recognizes and celebrates the immense capacity of Filipinos to share love. The Filipino’s ability to go beyond himself and pass on love, even in the midst of the most debilitating of calamities or circumstances, is a big factor why the Filipino always manages to hurdle any storm and emerge from it even stronger.

The song “Sama Sama Tayong Mag Pasalove” was composed by Cecile Borja and written by Candy delos Reyes. It was sung by the La Diva member Aicelle Santos.

VIDEO LINK: “Sama Sama Tayong Mag PasaLove” – GMA Christmas 2009 Station ID

The breakthrough actor of the multi-award-winning indie film “Jay” will now be seen on GMA shows.

His first project in the kapuso network is via the mini-series “Suspetsa” of “SRO Cinemaserye” every Thursday night.

Baron will join Paolo Contis, Jennylyn Mercado, Yasmien Kurdi, Ryan Eigenmann and Nadine Samonte in the said 8-episode telemovie.

Baron became controversial when he was accused for act of lasciviousness by the daughter of Yayo Aguila and William Martinez in an incident in a bar last year.

When asked by Chika Minute regarding the negative publicities surrounding him, he said:

“It makes me understand kung ano ang industriyang ito. Sometimes kailangan yung mga ganyan, nakakatulong din pero sana naman this time yung mga kontrobersya magaganda naman,‘wag naman puro negatibo,” he said.

World View Presents: Think Positive! – A special documentary about HIV and AIDS in the Philippines with Vicky Morales as host airs on April 12, Sunday at 10:30 P.M.

Hole in the Wall – The Philippine version of a popular Japanese game show to be hosted by the funny tandem of Ogie Alcasid and Michael V. in their Yaya and Angelina character. The fun begins on April 20, 2009.

The Power of 10 – The Philippine version of the US game show about surveys airs every Saturday nights after Kap’s Amazing Stories beginning May 10, 2009.

Are You the Next Big Star? – GMA’s newest reality talent competition to be hosted by Regine Velasquez. Airs every Saturday after Pinoy Records starting May 16, 2009.

Survivor Philippines – The Philippine version of the very first reality competition on tv is now on its 2nd season. Coming soon in the Telebabad block of GMA.

Adik Sa ‘Yo – Also coming soon in Telebabad is a romantic dramedy series topbilled by Jolina Magdangal, Marvin Agustin and Dennis Trillo.

Summer Sarap – A GMA News and Public Affairs Special on May 3, Sunday at 10:30 p.m.

Video Link: GMA’s Entertainment to the Extreme Plug

Geoff signed a three-year exclusive contract with GMA Network with the presence of GMA Chairman, President at COO Atty. Felipe Gozon, GMA EVP and COO Gilberto Duavit, and SVP for Entertainment TV Wilma Galvante.

“I’ve been waiting for this day talaga. So, it’s good to be back finally, ready to do best, ready to prove that I belong here,” Geoff said happily.

Geoff’s first project will be the drama anthology SRO Cinema Serye and he will be joined by Marvin Agustin, Maxene Magalona and Sheryl Cruz.

Video Link: Geoff’s Grand Welcome Party on SOP

GMA Network, through its Corporate Communications, released an official statement yesterday, March 9, about JC de Vera’s status as a Kapuso star. Read below:

“Atty. Felipe Gozon together with Annette Gozon Abrogar met with Ms. Annabelle Rama regarding the issue of the contract of JC de Vera. In the meeting, Atty. Gozon explained to Ms. Rama that the option to renew JC de Vera’s contract was with the Network. Ms. Rama understood and said that JC de Vera wants to stay in GMA long term and he just wants to be assured of GMA’s support for his career.

“Atty. Gozon told Ms. Rama that JC de Vera had the support of the station in the past and that there has been no change in this support. Ms. Rama agreed to accept the roles that will be assigned to JC by the Network. As previously planned, JC will soon be appearing in a Sine Novela in GMA’s Sine Novela timeslot.

“Atty. Gozon explained to Annabelle Rama that in the issue of casting talents, if there are any concerns from the talents themselves or their managers, they can always reason out with the Network and the Network will listen to what they have to say. The final decision, however, shall always rest with the Network. Ms. Rama agreed with Atty. Gozon’s point.

“With regard to Ms. Rama’s allegations againt Ms. Galvante, SVP of GMA Network, Atty. Gozon told Ms. Rama that he cannot stop Ms. Galvante if she decides to file a case against Annabelle Rama in her personal capacity. He asked Ms. Rama to try to refrain from further speaking about these issues. He also told Ms. Rama that he would similarly request Ms. Galvante to do the same.

“Atty. Gozon affirms that GMA-7 is a professional organization and that it lives up to one of its core values that its people are its best assets.”

The announcement came out at the same day JC is celebrating his 23rd birthday. The rising young actor is very happy with the outcome.

“Now I have reason to celebrate,” he said.

Now that the heavy favorite is out of the competition, the battle for the Bb. Pilipinas crown tonight will be a part of the network war.

Two former reality competition contestants from rival networks are now competing with each other in Bb. Pilipinas.

From the kapuso corner is 20 years old Richelle Angalot, also known as Rich Asuncion, a former Starstruck contestant. Richelle, hailed from Bohol, stands 5′6″, weighs 118 lbs. and has a vital statistics of 33-24-34 1/2. She is a graduate of UP Diliman with a degree in Tourism.

From the kapamilya corner is 18 years old Priscilla Navidad, a former Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus contestant. Priscilla, hailed from Davao City, stands 5′8″, weighs 118 lbs. and has a vital statistics of 33-25 1/4-35 1/2. She is a graduate of AMA Computer University with a degree in Accountancy, major in Management.

Who will prevail? The kapuso beauty Richelle Angalot or the towering and intelligent kapamilya star Priscilla Navidad? Find out tonight in the coronation night of Binibining Pilipinas 2009 beauty pageant happening at the Araneta Coliseum with a delayed telecast over GMA-7.

Last Monday night, Diether Ocampo has signed a maximum four-year contract with GMA Network as confirmed by Wilma Galvante, GMA 7 Senior Vice President for Entertainment.

According to Galvante, Diether is set to do a Koreanovela adaptations. His first project is the Philippine adaptation of the hit Koreanovela “All About Eve.” Diether will star with other GMA talents like Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Jean Garcia, Eula Valdez and Richard Gomez.

Before signing up with GMA, Diether very kindly informed his bosses at ABS-CBN and Star Circle, the the studio that discovered him and managed his career for quite a long time. Diether was even considered one of the frontliners of Star Circle, as he was included in the cover of the studio’s latest catalogue together with ABS-CBN’s top talents like Claudine Barretto, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby and John Lloyd Cruz.

He will also do movies for GMA Films, the network’s sister company, and some hosting jobs.

Earlier, there were rumors that his former love team Kristine Hermosa was supposed to transfer to GMA but did not materialize.

PRIMETIME TELEBABAD SHOWS:

La Lola – A hit comedy series that originated in Argentina. This Rhian Ramos-JC de Vera starrer will premiere on October 13 replacing Regine Velasquez’s Ako Si Kim Samsoon.

Gagambino – Another Carlo Caparas classic featuring Dennis Trillo in the title role. It will premiere on October 20 replacing Dyesebel starring Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.

Luna Mystica – Mark Anthony Fernandez and Heart Evangelista will team up for the first time in this romance-fantasy series. This is scheduled to premiere on November 17 and will replace Richard Gutierrez’s Codename: Asero, in which Heart is also the leading lady.

DRAMARAMA SA HAPON:

Saan Darating Ang Umaga – Based on a 1983 Viva films movie directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes, the TV version will star Lani Mercado in the role of Nida Blanca and Yasmien Kurdi playing the role originally portrayed by Maricel Soriano. It will replace Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan in mid-November.

GAME SHOWS:

Family Feud – One of the longest-running game shows around the world. The game show’s return to the Philippines will be hosted by Richard Gomez. This will premiere on October 13. Family Feud will occupy the timeslot of Arnell Ignacio’s Gobingo.

Kakasa Ka Ba Sa Grade 5? – This Janno Gibbs’s educational game show will be back for its second season on November 15. It will take over the timeslot of Celebrity Duets, which will have its finals on November 8.

My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad – A franchise of the reality TV sports show created by Survivor’s Mark Burnett. In this show, a number of dads will be paired with their kids and they will compete in each episode playing stunts and answering questions. GMA-7 is still on the lookout for the show’s host, but it is already set to premiere on November 23 after the second season of Tok! Tok! Tok! Isang Milyon Pasok ends.

FUTURE PROJECTS:

Year 2009 promises to be a bigger year for the Kapuso network because of the gigantic projects lined up in the first quarter alone.

First, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera will still be paired together in their next primetime series. Ms. Lilybeth Rasonable revealed that Dingdong and Marian will star in the TV adaptation of the 1980 drama movie Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang, which starred Vivian Velez and the late Eddie Rodriguez.

The lady executives of GMA-7 also confirmed the reports that Richard Gutierrez will don the mask of Zorro as his next project after Codename: Asero.

Another exciting project of the Kapuso network next year is the TV adaptation of Totoy Bato, which starred the King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe, Jr. In the new version, the title role will be portrayed by action superstar Robin Padilla with possibly boxing champ Manny Pacquiao in the cast. But what’s so surprising about Totoy Bato is Robin’s leading lady—Regine Velasquez. This will be the follow-up project of the Asia’s Songbird after the highly-successful Ako Si Kim Samsoon.

Another Koreanovela will be adapted for Philippine TV next year—the hit drama All About Eve. A story of two rival journalists, All About Eve will star Sunshine Dizon and Iza Calzado, who have worked together before in Impostora.

Aside from All About Eve, GMA-7 has also bought the rights of two other Koreanovelas: the romantic comedies Full House and Coffee Prince.

Ms. Wilma Galvante revealed that Full House is really intended for Richard Gutierrez and Marian Rivera, but the casting might change depending on the availability of the two major Kapuso stars. As for Coffee Prince, GMA-7 has yet to decide who will play the lead roles.

As for the highly-anticipated Captain Barbell Meets Darna, Ms. Galvante assured that it will finally push through next year; although she did not disclose whether Richard will reprise his role as Captain Barbell or who will play Darna.

Apparently, the remake of “Rosalinda” was not mentioned as Marian and Dingdong’s next primetime series together is the lesser-known “Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang.”

Source: PEP

One of the alleged memo’s casualties is Paolo Contis, the lead star of Midnight DJ on TV 5. Accordingly, Paolo has been asked to finish his stint in said show. But the actor begged from his home studio to have a graceful exit by finishing the first season.

Undeniably, GMA is the country’s leading network. So, its executives should be thankful that they have reached this far. And they owe it to the viewing public.

ABS-CBN, on the other hand, has been supportive of the newly-revived network by allowing some of its lesser-known talents to appear in the shows of the latter. In fact, TV 5 has been tagged as an extension of the Kapamilya network. Sa ipinapakitang suporta nito sa TV5, tinatrato nito na isa itong kapamilya sa TV industry. Sana tuluy-tuloy ang ganitong mentalidad para mas maging healthy ang competition.

It has been my dream to see the day when stars cross channel just like the old days. Now, it has become boring seeing the same faces in one channel from sunrise to sundown.

As it is, TV5 is now the David among the two Goliaths in the TV industry. But remember, David defeated Goliath. The Berlin Wall collapsed. So had the Twin Towers. Siguro naman kahit gaano katayog ang isang bagay, babagsak at babagsak rin ito.

Kailan kaya talaga nating mapapatunayan na kapamilya at kapuso ng ABS-CBN at GMA ang isa’t-isa maging ang buong industriya ng telebisyon? Just asking…

Source: Journal Online
Author: Joey Aquino

Please take note that the name of stars indicated are tentative and subject to change specially those projects intended for 2009.

SABADO STAR POWER

Celebrity Duets: Year 2
Hosted by: Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid
August 23, 2008 after Pinoy Records

TOK TOK TOK! Isang Million Pasok Year 2
Hosted by: Paolo Bediones with Sexbomb Girls
August 24, 2008 after Kap’s Amazing Stories

GMA TELEBABAD

My Husband’s Woman
August 25, 2008

Survivor Philippines
Hosted by: Paolo Bediones
September 08, 2008

La Lola
Starring: Rhian Ramos, JC De Vera, Marvin Agustin, Angelika dela Cruz, Lovi Poe, Marky Cielo
October 2008 (To replace Kim Sam Soon)

Gagambino
Starring: Dennis Trillo, Nadine Samonte and Katrina Halili
(To replace Dyesebel)

Totoy Bato
Starring: Robin Padilla, Manny Pacqiuao and Sunshine Dizon
January 2009

Full House (Pinoy Edition)
Starring: Dingdong Dantes and Rhian Ramos
2009

Captain Barbell Meets Darna
Starring: Richard Gutierrez
2009

Rosalinda (Pinoy Version of Thalia’s Mexicanovela hit)
Starring: Marian Rivera
2009

GMA SINENOVELA/DRAMARAMA

Una Kang Naging Akin
Starring: Angelika Dela Cruz, Maxene Magalona and Wendell Ramos
Directed By: Joel Lamangan
September 1, 2008 (To replace Magdusa ka)

Upcoming Sinenovela/Dramarama projects

Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa
Starring: Ehra Madrigal

Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin
Saan Darating ang Umaga
Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan
Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit
Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa
Zimatar
Angela Markado
Rosang Agimat
Igorota

GMA/QTV ASIANOVELA

Bambino
Be Strong, Geum Soon
Eyes of Dawn
H.I.T.
Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-Shin
90 Days of Falling in Love
Orange Days
Piano
Rustic Period
Secret
Sleeping Forest
Smiling Pasta
Snow Queen
Sons and Daughters
Tantei Gakuen Q
The Magicians of Love
The Present
The Song of the Prince
Tomato
Wanted, Perfect Family
What is Love
White Tower

ANIME

Death Note
Jang Geum’s Dream

GMA FILMS’ NEXT ATTRACTION

ITALY (I Trust And Love You )
September 17, 2008
Starring: Jolina Magdangal, Dennis Trillo, Rufa Mae Quinto, Mark Herras, Rhian Ramos, Eugene Domingo
Directed by: Mark A. Reyes

Sundo (filming)
Starring: Robin Padilla, Sunshien Dizon, Rhian Ramos and Katrina Halili
October 22, 2008
Directed by: Topel Lee

One True Love (pre-production)
Starring: Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera & Iza Calzado
November 2008
To be directed by: Mac Alejandre

Hollywood or Else… (filming)
Starring: Ariel and Maverick, Stacey with special participation of Renaldo Lapuz, Jasmine Trias, Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha
2009

Ouija 2 (announced)
Starring: Judy Ann Santos & Jolina Magdangal
2009
Directed by: Topel Lee

Dagaw (filming)
Starring: Richard Gutierrez, Dingdong Dantes, Sunshine Dizon, Jewel Mische,
Paolo Bediones & Marvin Agustin
2009
Directed by: Chito S. Rono

Love is Blind and Deaf (pre-production)
Starring: Ogie Alcasid & Regine Velasquez
2009
Directed by: Dominic Zapata

When I Met You (announced)
Starring: Richard Gutierrez & KC Concepcion
February 11, 2009
Directed By: Jose Javier Reyes

Andres Bonifacio Biopic (announced)
Starring: Dennis Trillo
Christmas 2009

via Showbiznest