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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
The Philippines' largest, most watched and most trusted broadcast media company GMA Network has a special treat for viewers this Kapuso Month as the broadcast media giant makes all its shows here and abroad available in widescreen format. Those who own a flat-screen TV can enjoy their favorite Kapuso programs in a wider scope in terms of what can be seen on screen. The 16:9 widescreen format will be made available on GMA, GTV and GTV Regional TV stations nationwide as well as on digital channels Heart of Asia, Hallypop, I Heart Movies, and Pinoy Hits. Kapuso abroad can have the same viewing experience via GMA international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV.
“Recognizing that a majority of TV homes in the country have already shifted to wider flat-screen TVs from the traditional box-type, and more importantly that our viewers deserve the best that we can offer, GMA will now provide its viewers with a true widescreen viewing experience for all its TV channels. The 16:9 widescreen format allows content creators of GMA to provide better storytelling which translates to a more immersive viewing experience for our audiences. Through a higher spatial resolution, there is more freedom in composition and visual expression,” shares GMA Network's First Vice President and Head of Post Production Paul Ticzon.
“GMA Network budgeted over Php139M in capital expenditure for the acquisition of attendant electronics equipment that facilitate the 16:9 widescreen format delivery through our existing analog and digital terrestrial broadcast network nationwide, as well as re-distribution partners here and abroad. The 16:9 widescreen format can display 33 % more distinct picture information than what we are used to seeing with the traditional screen format. We have chosen to utilize the full height anamorphic process or FHA to make this possible,” adds GMA Network's Senior Vice President and Head of Engineering Group Elvis Ancheta.
From sun up to sun down - whether it's news, entertainment, or sports - GMA gives TV audience an enhanced viewing experience with this latest format. The widescreen format further complements the Network's cutting-edge shows such as the flagship newscast 24 Oras, the award-winning public affairs program Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, the action-packed National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the new primetime program Mga Lihim ni Urduja, and the highly anticipated, soon-to-air series Voltes V: Legacy, among others.
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Jayda Avanzado, Aljon Mendoza, Markus Paterson Headline New iWantTFC Original Series "Teen Clash"
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Jayda Avanzado, Aljon Mendoza, and Markus Paterson are up-and-coming young stars who will rock viewers’ worlds in music, romance, self-discovery, and friendships in “Teen Clash,” an iWantTFC original series that streams for free beginning March 17. “Teen Clash", an adaptation of Ilyn Anne Danganan’s hit Wattpad story, will make viewers’ hearts skip a beat with its coming-of-age story about a young eclectic group’s passion for music and their journey to find their voices in a chaotic world.
In the series, Jayda is Zoe, an aspiring musician who is bent on joining her school’s music jam in order to redeem herself after an unfortunate incident in the past caused her grave embarrassment. In her journey, she encounters the charming songwriter Ice, played by Aljon, Zoe’s potential lover who will later attempt to help her overcome her struggles as a musician. Markus, on the other hand, plays Jude, a dashing rockstar and Zoe’s former singing partner who is now a famous and established artist. Aside from Ice and Jude, Zoe will also encounter a new batch of college mates who are also aspiring to fulfill their dreams of making it big in the music industry.
She meets her new friends-turned-bandmates Yannie (Bianca de Vera), a talented gal who can’t seem to move on from her on-and-off relationship with Xander (Zach Castañeda); Ayumi (Gail Banawis), the smart friend who has a mini rivalry for top honors with Ken (Ralph Malibunas); her cool friend Sab (Fana) who will figure in an unexpected love triangle; and Mandy (Andrea Abaya), the campus darling who makes both guys and girls swoon over her. Meanwhile, Ice has his own clique with Xander, the certified hunk playboy; Ken, the geekishly cute drummer; Josh (Kobie Brown), the alpha wannabe that has a crush on Mandy; and Lloyd (Luke Alford), Ice’s best friend and colleague. Their lives will turn complicated as they deal with clashing ideals, misfit relationships, unexpected romance, and a whole lot of punk-loving music that could change their lives.
“Teen Clash” is directed by Gino M. Santos and produced by iWantTFC and Black Sheep. It streams for free in the Philippines starting March 17 on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) and website (iwanttfc.com). A new episode drops every Friday at 8:00 pm PHT/HKT/SGT. Viewers can get easy access to iWantTFC's content library with its "watch now, no registration needed" feature. Watch iWantTFC on a larger screen with select devices, including VEWD, ROKU, and Amazon Fire streaming devices, Android TV, select Samsung Smart TV models, Telstra TV (in Australia), and VIDAA in select countries. Visit https://bit.ly/iWantTFC_TVDevices for a complete list of compatible devices, sign-in instructions, and account activation.
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Filipinos Can Now Enjoy A Variety Of Content On Netflix At A Lower Subscription Cost
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| (Image Source: Punto! Central Luzon/Netflix Philippines) |
Netflix announced a region-wide update to some of its subscription plans. Subscribers from the Philippines can now enjoy a variety of movies and shows on Netflix at a much lower cost. Users currently subscribed to the Basic Plan will now be paying monthly fees amounting to Php249 (from Php369) while subscribers under the Standard Plan can now enjoy watching their favorite shows with a monthly cost of Php399 (from Php459). Mobile Plan and Premium Plan holders will still retain their same monthly subscription cost – Php149 and Php549 per month, respectively.
New members who sign up will see the new price for the plans immediately. The update will roll out to existing members over the coming weeks from their next billing cycle. Existing members will be notified by email, [as well as within the Netflix app 30 days before the new prices are applied to them]. The exact timing will depend on the specific member’s billing cycle. Netflix has been investing heavily in great new shows and films over the last few years – and has an amazing TV and film slate in the coming months, including Murder Mystery 2, Extraction 2, Heart of Stone, An Inconvenient Love, as well as recently launched titles like You S4, Your Place or Mine, Alice In Borderland 2, Glass Onion: Knives Out, Wednesday, The Witcher. Netflix continuously explores ways to enhance their member’s experience and is more committed than ever to delivering an experience that doesn’t just meet but exceeds their expectations.
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GMA Network's Kapuso Month Celebration Brings Out The Best In Everyone
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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
This Kapuso Month, GMA Network highlights its strong bond with the viewers founded upon love and commitment to being “Buong Puso Para sa Pilipino". Through the pandemic and now in the new normal, GMA assures Filipinos that the Kapuso Network will always be there for them no matter what. Just like a love letter or a classic song, its devotion and service to the public are timeless and forever.
Making the Kapuso Month celebration even more special is the “Love Is Us Always and Forever” music video. The song was performed by Zephanie and Michael Sager with lyrics by Emmanuel Rivera and Jann Fayel Lopez and music by Roxanne Fabian. Adding more kilig in the February campaign are some of the well-loved tandems of the Kapuso Network including Dennis Trillo and Julie Anne San Jose (Maria Clara At Ibarra); David Licauco and Barbie Forteza (Maria Clara At Ibarra); Kelvin Miranda and Kate Valdez (Unica Hija); Michael V. and Manilyn Reynes (Pepito Manaloto); Richard Yap and Carmina Villarroel (Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap); Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo (Luv Is: Caught In His Arms); John Lloyd Cruz and Arra San Agustin (Happy ToGetHer); Rob Gomez and Herlene Budol (Magandang Dilag); Xian Lim and Ashley Ortega (Hearts On Ice); Paul Salas and Mikee Quintos (The Write One); Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali (The Write One); Andre Paras and Jillian Ward (Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap); Manolo Pedrosa and Gabbi Garcia (Mga Lihim Ni Urduja); and Jeric Gonzales and Kylie Padilla (Mga Lihim Ni Urduja).
Completing the star-studded music video are no less than Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera; TiktoClock hosts Pokwang, Rabiya Mateo, and Kuya Kim Atienza; The Clash Panel comprising of Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha, Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, and Comedy Concert Queen Aiai Delas Alas; and The Clash Masters Rayver Cruz and Julie Anne San Jose. Inspired by the high-rating Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Kapuso couples and love teams are also encouraged to join the Kilig Talk with Boy Abunda on TikTok where they will answer questions about their relationships. To elevate the fun and excitement, netizens can also do a “duet” version of this trend. With GMA Network, Filipinos are reminded to find ways to express their feelings and make each day count with their loved ones.
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Migs Bustos Makes Mornings Action-Packed With New Sports Segment Of ABS-CBN TeleRadyo's Sakto
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| Migs Bustos joins ABS-CBN TeleRadyo's early morning show "Sakto" every Thursday in sports segment "Tara, Game!" (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Learning more about Filipino athletes who give honor to the country and those whose potential deserves recognition is now more accessible as Migs Bustos puts the spotlight on different athletes every Thursday in the new sports segment of ABS-CBN TeleRadyo’s “Sakto” called “Tara, Game!” In “Tara, Game!” Migs chats with various Filipino athletes as he envisions the segment to be a platform not just for the sports stars, but more importantly for ‘athletes or teams that need more recognition.’
“Hindi natin alam, merong sobrang galing na atleta from Visayas or Mindanao. ‘Yung the next James Yap or Hidilyn Diaz na nagsimula from humble beginnings. Tayo ‘yung may platform para ikwento ang storya nila,” Migs explained, adding that he hopes more viewers realize that a lot of good values in sports can be applied in real life. The TeleRadyo “Sakto” trio of Amy Perez, Johnson Manabat, and Jeff Canoy are also thrilled to have Migs on the show every Thursday. “Napakahalaga ng espasyong binibigay ni Migs para sa sports, lalo na sa panahon na maraming atleta ang nagtataas ng bandila natin sa buong mundo,” Jeff shared.
Tyang Amy remarked that she is excited to have a sports segment with Migs in “Sakto" while Johnson said he’s looking forward to a happier mood on the set now that Migs is part of their “Sakto” family. “This is a collaboration between ‘Sakto’ and ABS-CBN Sports Digital and we are happy na makapag-work together ang dalawang platform para mapalakas ang sports sa ABS-CBN at Pilipinas,” Migs said. Catch Migs Bustos every Thursday morning on “Tara, Game!” in "Sakto” at 6:00 am on ABS-CBN TeleRadyo, Kapamilya Channel and ABS-CBN News' social media streaming platforms.
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Second Season Of Fight Network Original Series "Diary" To Feature Top Stars Of IMPACT Wrestling And Invicta Fighting Championships
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| (Image Source: 411Mania.com/Anthem Sports & Entertainment) |
Fight Network, a subsidiary of Canada-based Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc., presents 10 all-new profiles of top stars from IMPACT Wrestling and Invicta Fighting Championships, as the popular, original series Diary returns for a second season. Each new episode of Diary also will be available worldwide on the official IMPACT Wrestling or Invicta FC YouTube Channel following their initial premiere on Fight Network every Tuesday at 12:00 pm ET/9:00 am PT (Wednesday, 12:00 mn PHT/HKT/SGT).
Diary puts the spotlight on the larger-than-life athletes of the combat sports realm, providing viewers with a rare and intimate glimpse of the people behind the personas and examining what drives them to greatness—both in and out of the cage and the squared-circle. Season two serves up 10 all-new half-hour episodes, following along with some of the biggest names from the iconic IMPACT Wrestling promotion and the trailblazers from the groundbreaking, all-female MMA organization Invicta FC, as they candidly discuss their greatest trials and triumphs while preparing for the biggest moments of their lives and careers. On its premiere episode, season two of Diary delivers an in-depth look at IMPACT World Champion Josh Alexander — capturing the man they call the “Walking Weapon” in the days before he finally held the promotion’s most coveted prize, as he reflects on his long journey through the grueling indie wrestling scene and prepares for a long-awaited championship opportunity. A special, 64-minute Director’s Cut of this episode, boasting over 18 minutes of unseen footage, will be launched exclusively on the official IMPACT Wrestling YouTube Channel on February 28 at 12:00 pm ET (March 1, 12:00 mn PHT/HKT/SGT).
Other season two highlights include profiles of IMPACT stars such as Knockouts Division powerhouse Jordynne Grace, “The Demon Assassin” Rosemary, blue chip brawler Bhupinder Gujjar, “The Quintessential Diva” Gisele Shaw and reigning X-Division Champion Trey Miguel; as well as Invicta FC standouts such as Jéssica Delboni, currently ranked in the top 10 among global atomweight fighters; flyweight star Karina Rodriguez, and returning veteran Kay Hansen. “Few series capture the humanity behind the athletes quite like Diary does. We are proud to present 10 more all-new profiles, packed with rare insight into these talented combat sports stars, in this upcoming season,” said Anthem Sports & Entertainmeng Vice President of Content Chad Midgley.
