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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/GMA Network) |
GMA Network, the largest and leading broadcast station in the Philippines, teams up with Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, the fan-driven global entertainment and publishing arm for WEBTOON and Wattpad, for a series of upcoming TV adaptations of popular Wattpad webnovels via "LUV IS". The first adaptation, "LUV IS: Caught In His Arms", is headlined by fast-rising Kapuso stars Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay, known to fans as “Team Jolly” who will play the lead roles of Florence and Nero. Playing equally important roles are some of the members of Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s “Sparkada” including Vince Maristela, Raheel Bhyria, Michael Sager, Sean Lucas, Caitlyn Stave, Cheska Fausto, Kirsten Gonzales and Tanya Ramos.
The story follows heiress Florence Almero (Sofia) who flees her privileged and wealthy lifestyle after being forced into an arranged marriage by her father. She finds refuge in the home of a close family friend where she meets five men called as the Ferell brothers. Over time, she develops a close bond with the boys and unexpectedly falls in love with one of them. But just when she seems to start settling into her new life, Florence learns the truth behind her mother’s death while an enemy from the past emerges and is eager to take revenge on Florence and her family. "LUV IS: Caught In His Arms" is an adaptation of the hit Wattpad webnovel with the same title from author Ventre Canard. She is an exceedingly popular and prolific Wattpad writer, amassing over 1.7 million followers on the platform, 26 published stories, and 342 million total reads. Caught In His Arms was published in 2020 by Pop Fiction Books.
Its newly-forged partnership with GMA Network will allow Wattpad WEBTOON Studios to continue to connect with Wattpad’s massive local community of more than six million people in the Philippines - one of the platform’s largest markets. The country is home to some of Wattpad’s most influential authors and fandoms, where writers like Jamille Fumah, Abigail De Silva, Tina Lata and Maxine Lat Calibuso have millions of followers and reads for their work. "LUV IS: Caught In His Arms" is slated to premiere on October 3rd and will be aired on Mondays to Fridays on GMA-7 in Mega Manila and GMA Regional TV stations nationwide.
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New "Darna" Mural Affirms Presence Of "Hero" In Everyone
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| Stars of ABS-CBN Entertainment's upcoming primetime action drama "Mars Ravelo's Darna: The Series" Joshua Garcia, Janella Salvador and Jane De Leon with multidisciplinary visual artist Anina Rubio standing and smiling behind the new "Darna" mural. (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
ABS-CBN formally unveiled its “Darna” mural that speaks of empowerment, heroism, and hope inspired by and dedicated to today’s frontliners and everyday heroes. Jane De Leon, lead star of the much-awaited series “Mars Ravelo’s Darna", led the unveiling ceremonies at the ABS-CBN Compound along Eugenio Lopez Drive in Quezon City. “We offer this to our real-life heroes who prove in their own little ways that there is a hero in all of us, that we can always find Darna in everyone,” she said. “Darna” stars Janella Salvador and Joshua Garcia also joined the special tribute.
Multidisciplinary visual artist Anina Rubio, known for her artworks on nature’s beauty and sustainability, designed the huge mural featuring people from all walks of life wearing the Darna insignia. Following its timely theme “Ikaw, ako, tayong lahat si Darna,” the mural paints a picture of a ‘hero’ in every person who manages to bring hope and positivity amid today’s uncertainties and realities. It was commissioned by ABS-CBN in line with the modern-day retelling of Darna’s story, which will highlight the plight of the iconic and courageous Pinay superhero and her heroic battles to help those in need.
Helmed by master director Chito S. Roño together with Avel Sunpongco under ABS-CBN’s JRB Creative Production, “Darna” will soon air on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, and iWantTFC. Catch the latest updates on “Darna,” follow JRB Creative Production on Facebook and Twitter (@JRBcreativeprod) and on Instagram (@JRBcreativeproduction).
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XOXO Returns To OPM Spotlight With Comeback Single "My Miracle"
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| XOXO members (L-R) Riel Lomadilla, Dani Ozaraga, Mel Caluag, and Lyra Micolob (Image Source: Manila Standard/GMA Network) |
Members of the girl group XOXO showcase the different sides of their vocal prowess via “My Miracle,” their latest single under GMA Music. The song, which talks about finding hope through inspiration, amid the hardships encountered along the way, is out now on different streaming platforms available worldwide.
Composed of Riel Lomadilla, Dani Ozaraga, Mel Caluag, and Lyra Micolob, the group can’t deny their joy and excitement as they make a comeback with a brand-new single. “Mixed emotions ang nararamdaman namin ngayon, siyempre we are very happy that we are back on track. May pressure rin na kaunti kasi we see that the P-pop world is really booming, we want to show more of XOXO,” said Dani. “We rehearsed together since wala nang lock-in taping yung iba. Nag-try rin kami mag-vlog para may aabangan sila [XOldier] sa aming Youtube channel.” Meanwhile, Mel shares how different their new song is, “‘My Miracle’ is a ballad. We get to feel the emotions in the song since it’s quite slow. We harmonize as one because of our different types of voice.”
She added that this is a song of hope, “Kahit anong nangyari these past few years, kailangan natin bumangon dahil palaging may positive things sa mga darkness side na nangyayari sa buhay natin.” The group looks forward to releasing more songs this year. “We have plans for that. Our followers have something to look forward to from us,” shared Lyra. Meanwhile, Riel reveals that they also wish to collaborate with other singers. “As a group and as individuals, we have artists that we look up to and we would love to work with but so far it has been a dream of ours to work with an amazing rap artist like Gloc-9 if given a chance,” Riel said. “My Miracle” is composed by Lolito Go and produced by Paulo Agudelo under GMA Music.
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GMA Network's "The World Between Us" Is First Filipino Language Title To Stream On Amazon Freevee
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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/GMA Network) |
GMA Network's "The World Between Us" is now available for streaming on Amazon Freevee in the US. It marks the streaming platform's first-ever show to air in the Filipino language. "We appreciate this growing partnership and are thrilled to have one of our hit programs on their AVOD service Amazon Freevee," says GMA International's First Vice President and Head of Operations Joseph T. Francia. Francia added that the partnership proves that GMA Pinoy TV provides "world-class entertainment that Filipinos worldwide truly deserve."
"The World Between Us" is a romance drama series that proves no matter how deep our divide is, true love can bridge it all. Headlined by Alden Richards and Jasmine Curtis Smith, the show follows the story of Luisito "Louie" Asuncion (Alden) and Emilia "Lia" Libradilla (Jasmine), who grew up together at the home of the Libdradillas. Eventually, they will both feel destined for each other, but people are keen on keeping them apart. Directed by critically acclaimed director Dominic Zapata, "The World Between Us" also features award-winning actors including Dina Bonnevie, Sid Lucero, Tom Rodriguez, and 2016 Cannes Best Actress Jaclyn Jose. It is produced by GMA Entertainment Group and distributed by GMA International.
Amazon Freevee, formerly IMDb TV, is a streaming video service with thousands of international movies and TV shows available on-demand, including Originals and FAST channels. It is available as an app on Fire TV, Fire Tablets, and a free Channel within Prime Video across hundreds of devices. In addition, the streaming platform is also available as an app on third-party devices, including Roku, Samsung smart TVs, and Apple TV 4K, among others.
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ABS-CBN Partners With UpLive For Idol Philippines Season 2
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
ABS-CBN, the premiere media and entertainment company in the Philippines and the country’s leading content provider, has partnered with Uplive, the largest independent global video social entertainment platform, to create an exciting audition process and provide exclusive content that can be easily accessed by more Filipinos who are anticipating the start of the second season of "Idol Philippines". Aspiring singers who wanted to audition in the country’s biggest singing competition only needed to download the app and upload their auditions video using Uplive. Aside from access to the audition process, Uplive subscribers will have access to fun and exciting surprises and updates of the program.
“Idol Philippines” announced its new set of judges comprising of Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Philippines' Most Streamed Female Artist Moira dela Torre, Parokya ni Edgar Frontman Chito Miranda and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano. Robi Domingo will host the new season. Don't miss the new season of Idol Philippines season 2 in partnership with Uplive starting June 25 and airing every Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm on Kapamilya Channel (SKYcable SD channel 8 and HD channel 167, Cignal SD channel 22 and HD channel 23), Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN's Facebook page and ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube channel, A2Z (free TV channel 11 in Mega Manila, SKYcable channel 11, Cignal channel 20) and iWantTFC with delayed telecast on Saturday at 8:30 pm and Sunday at 9:00 pm on TV5.
Be up to date with the latest news on Idol Philippines season 2, follow @idolphilippines on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Uplive, and subscribe to Idol Philippines' YouTube channel. Viewers can also check out Uplive on Facebook (Uplive Philippines), on Instagram (@uplive.philippines) and download the app at www.tinyurl.com/DownloadUplive.
