Kapuso Teleserye and Drama Stars Take Center Stage in Thailand

By: Jovie Calma

 

Filipinos love teleseryes and pretty much glued on their TV screens every night. Few years back, some of the Pinoy TV series are not only popular in the Philippines but also in parts of Asia and Africa. These shows have given our celebrities exposure in the international scene, and they’ve even gone abroad to promote their shows in other countries too. This year, GMA Network will charm the hearts of Thai viewers as top-rating Kapuso drama series are slated to launch in Thailand.

Thai company JKN Global Media acquired over 1,000 hours of GMA dramas through GMA Worldwide including “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real” (The Other Mrs. Real), My Faithful Husband, and Beautiful Strangers, which will air via Bright TV. Kapuso leading men bannered by primetime king Dingdong Dantes, Mikael Daez, and Benjamin Alves graced JKN and Bright TV’s event dubbed, “Have a Bright Day” held in Centralworld, Bangkok last February 20th. The actors serenaded their Thai fans, who welcomed them with loud cheers, as their way of thanking them for their support.

Dingdong thanked JKN CEO Anne Jakrajutatip in an Instagram post for the warm welcome and for bringing Thailand and the Philippines closer via GMA dramas. “It was such a pleasure to be part of GMA Network’s delegation and to personally witness how much our Thai neighbors appreciate the work that we’ve done.” He also extended his gratitude to the cast and crew behind the success of his drama, The Other Mrs. Real.

“It was indeed heartwarming to meet our supporters in Thailand. I’m very much thankful to the Thai viewers for supporting our programs,” said Mikael who starred in My Faithful Husband.

In an Instagram post, Benjamin also sent his gratitude to Ms. Jakrajutatip for inviting them to the grand event of Bright TV. “I am excited about the Thai fans who will be able to watch and enjoy Beautiful Strangers which is set to premiere in March,” Benjamin said. Jakrajutatip, who visited Manila prior to the promotional tour, said that they are grateful for the strong partnership they have with GMA Worldwide. “We love GMA because of the great collaboration that we have with them, their programs are well-produced with good casting and compelling stories that are relatable to the Thai audience. Most importantly, they have a good content sales team and they also have excellent after sales service,” Jakrajutatip said.

Other acquired GMA dramas set to air in Thailand are My Husband’s Lover, Carmela, Rhodora X, My Destiny, Pahiram ng Alaala (Memories of Love), Because of You, Juan Happy Love Story, Meant To Be, I Heart Davao (My Sweet Heart), My Love From The Star, Destined To Be Yours, and Ika-6 na Utos (A Woman Scorned).

GMA FASHIONISTAS SHARE UNFORGETTABLE LOVE MONTH IN DUBAI!

Love Month in the UAE reached the peak of sweetness as GMA stars Carla Abellana, Aicelle Santos, and Andrea Torres shared the love with Pinoys the Kapuso way during the “Pusong Pinoy sa Dubai”. The three talented ladies regaled the Overseas Filipino Workers and other members of the audience with an exquisite celebration of love and beauty last February 15 at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium in Dubai.

Andrea opened the program with a nostalgic song number followed by a lively dance performance which kept the audience wanting for more. Carla, who looked graceful as always, gave a heart-warming rendition of “When You Say Nothing At All”. She also hosted a classic Pinoy Jack En Poy game where select members of the audience competed for prizes courtesy of GMA Pinoy TV. Soul Songstress Aicelle proved why she is one of GMA’s most powerful vocalists with her stellar interpretation of “Go The Distance” and a song from her album. The crowd was also surprised when Aicelle performed a duet with Consul General Paul Raymond Cortes; easily becoming one of the show’s highlights.

To end the show with a bang, Carla, Aicelle, and Andrea looked very regal as they paraded in magnificent gowns created by Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Ryan Pacioles of Atelier Zuhra With help from OSN, which carries GMA Pinoy TV in the Middle East, the three artists also had the chance to meet and take photos with fans after the event. Carla, a first-timer in Dubai, was very grateful to the Filipino community for the warm welcome, especially to GMA Pinoy TV for giving her a chance to meet the Kapuso abroad during the season of love. “I’m grateful that my first trip to Dubai is for work. We really enjoyed our stay and we’re happy that we’re able to entertain our kapuso and kababayan here” she said.

Aicelle, on the other hand, shared her unforgettable experience in Dubai. “I won’t forget that I rocked the runway with world-class craft of our kababayan designers who’s making waves in the fashion industry here in Dubai. And of course, our unforgettable duet with Kapuso and Con Gen (Paul Raymond Cortes) who’s such an exceptional singer!” Aicelle said. For Andrea, seeing a lot of Filipinos in Dubai made the experience a lot more fun and unforgettable. She said that the trip was all worth it. “It’s interesting to note that it feels like home. Our kababayan in Dubai are warm and they truly made us feel at home,” Andrea acknowledged. The successful “Pusong Pinoy sa Dubai” was made possible by the Philippine Consulate in Dubai and the Northern Emirates with the exclusive media sponsorship of GMA Pinoy TV, along with OSN and Volcano Events.

Before I end my article this month, allow me to share my special birthday wishes to Charles Brewer (Mar. 2), Donny Angeles (Mar. 2), Melody Dizon (Mar. 3), Jun-Jun Liggayu (Mar. 3), Tanya Dimitrova (Mar. 6), Rob Ruegsseger (Mar 10), Josephine Castro (Mar. 15), Christine Calma (Mar. 19), and Leila Felix (Mar. 19). In line with the International Women’s Day on March 8th, let’s celebrate US, the phenomenal WOMEN of TODAY! Let’s recognize and celebrate our heroes and SHE-roes! Happy International Women’s Day! To all the men, honor your WOMAN, every home, every heart, every feeling, every moment of happiness is incomplete without her, the one who can complete this world! Allow me to honor the women who brought me into this world and the reason for my being, my mother, Mom, Connie Calma and my late maternal grandmother, my Nanay (+), who lovingly pushed me to celebrate my own UNIQUENESS and taught me that the purpose of life is to live life with a purpose. Thank you for being my inspiration. I love you Momsicle and Nanay! To all Via Times Readers and CPRTV viewers, thank you for your continued support. Until the next issue of Wassup?! Jovie Calma LIVE!

Left to right: Kapuso leading men Benjamin Alves, Dingdong Dantes, and Mikael Daez with JKN’s CEO Anne Jakrajutatip. Photo credits GMA Network

GMA stars Carla Abellana, Aicelle Santos, and Andrea Torres shared the love with Pinoys the Kapuso way during the “Pusong Pinoy sa Dubai”. Photo credits GMA Network

VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma’s throwback photo with GMA Primetime King Dingdong Dantes

VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma had a blast at St. Walter’s School Silver Anniversary Gala with Fr. Mario Quejadas and Maricel Gerona held at Venuti’s Banquets in Addison, IL.