GMA Network launched an aggressive “Giyera na sa GMA Prime” campaign on Monday, September 2, signaling a primetime showdown with ABS-CBN’s much-anticipated series ‘Lavender Fields.’

The campaign, heavily promoted across GMA Network’s social media platforms and supported by Kapuso stars, appeared to be a direct response to the premiere of the Kapamilya network’s star-studded drama.

‘Lavender Fields,’ starring Jodi Sta. Maria, Janine Gutierrez, and the returning Jericho Rosales, quickly became a formidable contender in the primetime slot. Sta. Maria’s track record of high-rating shows, Gutierrez’s recent success in the hit series ‘Dirty Linen,’ and Rosales’ return to television after a long hiatus, set high expectations for the show.

Despite GMA Network’s bold promotional efforts, the ratings battle leaned heavily in favor of ABS-CBN. According to NUTAM people ratings released by AGB Nielsen Philippines, ‘Lavender Fields’ secured a 9.9% rating during its 8:00 PM timeslot, outperforming Bea Alonzo’s GMA Netwiork series, which posted an 8.8% rating. The delayed telecast of the GMA Network series managed only a 0.4% rating.

‘Lavender Fields’ not only set a new record for the highest-rated pilot episode of a Kapamilya series in the second slot of Primetime Bida, surpassing the records of ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ and ‘The Iron Heart,’ but it also dominated online platforms. The series achieved over 600,000 peak concurrent views, while GMA Network’s ‘Widows’ War’ struggled to reach 100,000 peak concurrent views.

 

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With these impressive numbers, ‘Lavender Fields’ has solidified its position as the frontrunner in the primetime ratings battle, demonstrating ABS-CBN’s continued dominance in Philippine television despite the stiff competition from GMA Network.