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| A clip from GMA Pinoy TV's Pinoy Abroad Fun Connect featuring the stars of Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kwento (Image Source: GMA Network) |
The pandemic has changed the way we live our everyday ordinary lives, especially on how we maintain personal relationships at a safe distance that makes everything as if our loved ones are in different countries even though, in reality, they are just a few kilometers away from where we live. Distancing, however, is not something new for GMA International, the international arm of the Philippines' largest broadcasting network GMA Network which houses GMA Pinoy TV as well as GMA Life TV, GMA News TV International and GMA On Demand.
Despite the lack of physical presence in these challenging times, GMA Pinoy TV continues to ensure that Filipinos living abroad and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) alike would feel connected and closer to home by bringing them quality Kapuso entertainment, news and public affairs programs and a chance to bond with their favorite Kapuso stars through Pinoy Abroad Fun Connect or FunCons, a series of virtual events streamed live on the official Facebook page and YouTube channel of GMA Pinoy TV where fans can interact with their favorite Kapuso artists through video chat and participate in games with them. Many Kapuso fans and viewers abroad were treated to virtual events featuring the stars of First Yaya, The World Between Us, Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kwento, Legal Wives and Nagbabagang Luha.
Throughout the course of these events, fans were able to learn many new things about the artists as well as preparations and experiences while doing their respective shows. But that didn't stop there as fans are game to take part in various challenges such as the Nagbabagang Linya: The Ultimate Acting Challenge where they get to exercise their acting chops with their favorite stars. Aside from the fans, the featured artists in the FunCons were also game to take various challenges and entertain in front of virtual audience. Among the highlights during these FunCons was when GMA Pinoy TV presented an animated version of the Pepito Manaloto opening created by Jose Antonio Santos with the Japanese rendition of the series' theme song interpreted by Japanese YouTuber Hachi Yoshida. Michael V., on behalf of the series, thanked and commended Santos for his passion and "labor of love" and is heartfully open to a possible collaboration with Yoshida after the pandemic.
Also gracing the series to meet and greet their fans were Kapuso primetime royalties Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera-Dantes last August 25 in celebration of GMA Pinoy TV's 16th year anniversary and new Kapuso leading lady Bea Alonzo to kick off the holiday season in the country. Having these virtual gatherings, indeed, help ease everyone's homesickness wherever they are across the globe. Truth be told, as a firm believer of being stronger together, GMA Pinoy TV knows how to keep Filipinos both here and abroad company. Follow GMA Pinoy TV's social media accounts on the schedule of upcoming Pinoy Abroad Fun Connect events and mechanics on how to virtually take part in these upcoming FunCons.
