GMA Int’l keeps the Filipino spirit alive worldwide

MANILA, Philippines - GMA Network through GMA International was at the heart of several key celebrations around the world in commemoration of the Philippines’ 116th Independence Day last month.

“Through GMA’s participation in the annual celebration of Philippine Independence, we strive to keep the Filipino spirit alive all around the globe and instill a sense of nationalism across all generations,” says GMA VP and head of International Operations Joseph Francia. “GMA hopes to create a sense of home wherever there is a Filipino,” he adds.

The festivities began in New York City with Kapuso stars Tom Rodriguez and Heart Evangelista gracing the GMA International booth at the Philippine Independence Day celebration on Madison Ave. last June 1. To the delight of the fans, Tom and Heart posed for photographs with the stream of people at the GMA booth, which was one of the busiest in the area.

On June 7, the city of Carson welcomed Kapuso leading man Geoff Eigenmann in the Philippine Independence Day parade led by Carson City Mayor Pro Tempore Elito Santarina as grand marshall. Geoff entertained the crowd during the GMA variety show and ended the day interacting with fans at the meet-and-greet activity. The celebration was a showcase of Filipino culture with local Filipino performers and booths that served Filipino delicacies and products. The event is an annual activity sponsored by the city and the Philippine Independence Day Foundation, with the support of various Filipino-American organizations in Carson, Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Meanwhile, Kapuso fans in Kuwait were serenaded by Julie Anne San Jose and Gladys Guevarra at Musika at Tawanan 4 last June 13. The event gathered more than 3,000 overseas workers in the region for a night of fun, entertainment and Filipino flavor. The audience was awed by Julie Anne’s powerful performance of hits, while Gladys captured the crowd with her comedic act.

On June 14, GMA International also participated in the Mabuhay Festival in California, an event which drew in over 7,000 individuals. The GMA booth showcased the network’s GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International. 

Completing the series of events were visits from two of GMA primetime’s biggest stars, Dingdong Dantes and Lovi Poe, who are seen on GMA Pinoy TV via Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real.

Dingdong joined his kababayan abroad at Bolingbrook in Chicago on June 21 for the Philippine Fest Piyesta Pinoy 2014, which included vibrant cultural performances by Filipino-American artists and native dance numbers by young Filipino-Americans dressed in traditional attire. The audience was not disappointed as Dingdong entertained them with a song number and mingled with fans all throughout the event. 

Lovi, on the other hand, livened up the crowd at the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show sa Toronto last June 28. With a repertoire of local and foreign songs, she serenaded over 7,000 Filipino-Canadians who attended the Independence Day celebration. Lovi proved to be a hit with the audience as fans lined up at the GMA booth to meet and take photos with the actress. Those who visited the booth were also treated to GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV merchandise. During her visit, Lovi was also invited to participate in the Ms. Philippines Canada coronation ceremony.

Apart from the Independence Day events, GMA International also celebrated the traditional Flores de Mayo Festival in Hawaii last May. Steven Silva and Benjamin Alves participated in the festivities which highlighted the colorful Filipino culture.

Through its presence overseas, GMA International remains instrumental in cultivating the Filipino spirit wherever a Filipino may be, keeping our kababayan both here and abroad “proudly Pinoy, proudly Kapuso.”