GMA-7 will be unprecedented in the annals of television history as it unveils six top-notch programs and offers the exclusive airing of this year’s most highly anticipated boxing match – all in the month of May.
This groundbreaking month-long television event is the Kapuso Network’s way of thanking its loyal viewers for making it the number one broadcast station, not just in Mega Manila, but more significantly, in the entire country.
Beginning on the first Monday of the month, viewers will surely get hooked to another Koreanovela that created a craze in Korea. Replacing top-rating Koreanovela “The Baker King”, Secret Garden features the tandem of Hwang Jini lead star, Ha Ji Won, and My Name is Kim Sam Soon leading man, Hyun Bin. Witness how two very different people get to understand and admire each other through a magical phenomenon that switched their bodies. Secret Garden begins this Monday (May 2), right after I Heart You Pare in GMA Telebabad.
On May 8, GMA-7 airs the exclusive coverage and other behind-the-scene footages of the most awaited face-off between Pinoy Boxing Champ Manny Pacquiao and his opponent Shane Mosley. From the events leading to and following the actual fight, Kapusos from all over the globe will be one with the Pound-for-Pound Champ in what could be his most challenging match to date.
The launching of the Kapuso Network’s pioneering family drama for the year, Munting Heredera, comes next. Bannered by esteemed veteran actress Gloria Romero, this original program brings enlightenment and inspiration to the entire household as it tackles universal issues on love, family and life. Joining the award-winning actress are Roderick Paulate, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Camille Prats, Katrina Halili, among others, along with three of the network’s freshest young discoveries, Mona Louise Rey, Kyle Daniel Ocampo, and Barbara Miguel. Munting Heredera airs on GMA Telebabad beginning May 9.
GMA also brings to TV the 80’s movie originally starred by Snooky Serna and written in comics by Elena Patron. Blusang Itim premieres early afternoon on May 16, in GMA Dramarama sa Hapon. Set in the dazzling yet cruel world of fashion, the series depicts a young woman’s struggle because of her physical appearance. Up-and-coming stars, Kylie Padilla, Frank Magalona and Winwyn Marquez continue the legacy of their parents as they topbill the Blusang Itim cast with Carl Guevarra, another leading man in the story. Joining them are seasoned actors, Gary Estrada, Rita Avila, Jackielou Blanco, Marissa Delgado and more.
The Philippine movie classic, Andres de Saya, comes to television, too, with Cesar Montano and Iza Calzado reprising the roles of Vic Vargas and Gloria Diaz. Made for the whole family, Andres de Saya will definitely make Saturday nights more fun as it tells of how the macho man, Andres, turns into an “under de saya” once summoned by his darling, Matilde. The pilot episode of Andres de Saya airs on May 28.
Starting May 30, the network’s unbeatable afternoon drama block further strengthens with the launch of Sisid. Jackie Rice, Dominic Roco and JC Tiuseco will take viewers underwater in this story about pearl-diving, greed and innocent love. With scenes shot in the beaches of Batangas, the series revolves around a precious pearl believed to give riches and true love to its owner.
The stage is set for the grand premiere of GMA-7’s biggest television production in history, Amaya, on May 30. Primetime Queen Marian Rivera no less breathes life to the challenging role of a woman blessed with superpowers, which she will use to guide her people at a time dominated by men. Aside from making television history by being the first ever epic-serye, the show offers a home-viewing experience like no other with its well-researched storyline, amazing visual effects, and first-class production design. The powerhouse cast also includes Glaiza de Castro, Sid Lucero, Mikael Daez, Rochelle Pangilinan, and many others, complete the powerhouse cast.
Another Koreanovela to premiere this May is Playful Kiss, a story based on a popular Japanese manga. It tells of how a beautiful yet clumsy girl, played by Jung So Min, possibly gets a chance with a perfect but cold-hearted guy, portrayed by Kim Hyun Joong, with the help of one playful kiss.
My Chubby World, to begin on May 14, is a kiddie show hosted by Renz Valerio, Zyrael Jestre, Daniela Jessica Amable and Gianne Cutler. Every Saturday, the cute and bubbly hosts will give a thematic presentation on a set of top 7 things that kids are very much interested in.
Meanwhile, GMA News and Public Affairs presents GROUND ZERO: Sa Gitna ng Nagbabagong Mundo in this Sunday’s (May 1) SNBO – an environmental documentary on one of nature’s big events – earthquakes. Fueled by the news and public affairs team’s endeavor to give the public a better understanding of the natural phenomenon, Vicky Morales and a team of GMA’s senior reporters travel from Luzon to Mindanao to find out which cities and provinces are exposed to natural hazards.
Also to watch out for from GMA News and Public Affairs is Sabadabadog – an educational show for children set to premiere by the latter part of May, to be hosted by Tonipet Gaba together with four friendly mascots.
Last but certainly not least, GMA News TV will air the beatification ceremonies Blessed: John Paul II from 4:00 to 6:30 pm on Sunday (May 1) and will rerun the highlights from 10 to 11 pm. Preceding the highlights at 8:45 PM is a documentary on the late pontiff’s life entitled John Paul The Great: A Pope Who Made History. This documentary summarizes the extraordinary life of one of the 21st century’s greatest men, Karol Wotyla, and how he reshaped the papacy from 1978 when he took over the seat of St. Peter up to the day he died in 2005.
The nationwide domination continues with Secret Garden, Munting Heredera, Blusang Itim, Andres de Saya, Sisid, Amaya, My Chubby World, Playful Kiss, the airing of the Pacquiao-Mosley fight, Ground Zero, Sabadabadog, and Blessed: John Paul II this May on GMA-7.—Text and photos courtesy of GMA Network
