With the untimely closure of ABS-CBN, GMA Network, the Kapamilya network’s main rival, has become the go-to of viewers in terms of entertainment and news.
However, the Kapuso network already became no. 1 late February and was the leader of both the main TV market which is Mega Manila, and nationwide based on NUTAM.
But with the closure of its biggest competitor, the Kapuso network’s audience rose to great numbers with a data of 32% to 55% after a month of ABS-CBN’s untimely demise. GMA News TV also shared such good fortune as their audience doubled during the enhanced community quarantine from the previous 2% audience to 4%.
The network also released their own wireless service, the Affordabox, which was originally made to compete with ABS-CBN’s TVPlus, who had been shut down last June, giving the entire stage to GMA’s wireless TV.
With their newly acquired talents from the Kapamilya network and the talented roster that they previously have, they released a series of shows to keep Filipinos entertained during the pandemic.
New shows this 2020
This 2020, and with a lot of opportunities in their hands, GMA Network released several new shows. IThe broadcast giant released new drama series such as ‘Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit’ starring Nora Aunor, Mylene Dizon, Kyline Alcantara, and Zoren Legaspi; ‘Descendants of the Sun: The Philippine Adaptation’ starring Dingdong Dantes and Jennylyn Mercado; ‘Love of My Life‘ starring Coney Reyes, Carla Abellana, Mikael Daez, and Rhian Ramos and; Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday with main stars Barbie Forteza and Kate Valdez.
Meanwhile, ‘Agimat ng Agila’ starring Bong Revilla started its production last February.
The network also released their new variety show ‘All-Out Sundays‘ which is hosted by Alden Richards.
In the talk show department, it released ‘Ilaban Natin Yan!’ hosted by Vicky Morales which tackles family issues such as sibling rivalry, inheritance disputes, adultery, and more. GMA Public Affairs’ newest talk show ‘In Real Life (IRL)’ had its premiere on GMA News TV last November 19.
GMA also came up with a new talent competition show called ‘Centerstage’ which is hosted by Alden Richards and Betong Sumaya.
Even if the year was not good for everyone, the network still managed to rise up from such adversary, even after its decision to defer P376 million allotted for equipment upgrades.
Pandemic Programs
Just like everyone else, GMA network had to adjust in terms of airing and producing shows because of the pandemic. Most of its newly-launched shows got halted because of strict quarantine protocols during the enhanced community quarantine.
As a result of the pandemic, the network was forced to air pre-taped and canned episodes of ongoing programs before launching a new lineup of programs. Meanwhile, other shows, such as ‘Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho‘, newscasts and other breaking news on GMA Network and GMA News TV, continued to air live episodes because of the relevance that they bring to Filipinos.
They produced pandemic-related programs to keep Filipinos informed. In fact, the network incorporated the pandemic with shows specifically designed for it which is a good move in terms of addressing the situation of every Filipino during the lockdown.
GMA News TV launched 5 new shows which they call the ‘New Normal: The Survival Guide’, aimed to address everyone’s concerns during this pandemic.
First is the ‘Newsmaker‘ hosted by Winnie Monsod. It tackles the most controversial issues via online video conference and it is aired every Monday.
Next is ‘Bright Side’ of Kara David is a show that shares uplifting stories to inspire and provide more reasons to look at the brighter side of life. It is aired every Tuesday.
‘Pera Paraan‘ is next in the lineup as it talks and educates viewers about finance while featuring businesses that had success during the pandemic. It is aired every Wednesday and hosted by Susan Enriquez.
‘Home Work’ is about life hacks and a survival guide to survive the quarantine life. It is aired every Thursday and is hosted by Tonipet Gaba and Rovilson Fernandez.
Lastly, ‘Family Time‘ is a show of Drew Arellano where he shows viewers how he handles the life of a parent with three young kids. The show will also feature other families dealing with the restrictions and quarantine.
Coping with the pandemic
When ECQ was lifted, the network grabbed the opportunity to start taping.
They’ve done this by of course complying with the health protocols that the government has imposed. The network assured everyone’s safety, taking the time and resources to have each and everyone be tested first before entering the set, conducting lockdown tapings so that the artists and staff will not have to take swab tests again and again every time they shoot.
With their determination to provide entertainment to their audience, they slowly but surely were able to continue airing programs which were heavily affected by the pandemic.
Getting ready for 2021
GMA revealed many new shows that have been lined up for next year. Heartful Café, My Fantastic Pag-Ibig, Ang Dalawang Ikaw, The Lost Recipe, Love You Stranger, First Yaya, Legal Wives, The Seed of Love, Babawiin Ko ang Lahat, Sanggang Dikit, Lolong, Owe My Love, Taiwan and Only, Catch Me Out Philippines, Sing for Hearts, and Running Man Philippines are all set to come to Philippine television next year.
