Giving back to loyal Kapuso fans

MANILA, Philippines - It was a busy month last October for GMA Regional TV. In fact, social media was abuzz with updates and status on various festivals and regional mall shows Kapuso stars graced.

Those who are familiar with mounting regional events and activities would know how challenging arranging one show could be. Just imagine if you have to come up with more than one event and in more than one day. This is one area that the GMA Regional TV Department seems to have mastered for the past few years, carefully crafting out-of-town shows bannered by the network’s leadings stars — all for the end goal of bringing Kapuso fans an experience they will not forget.

“Every time we mount a Kapuso event or activity, whether as part of a festival or an independent mall show or meet-and-greet, we see to it that the public will have a great time,” shared Oliver Amoroso, officer-in-charge of GMA’s Regional TV Department.

This year, GMA continues to be a partner of the country’s biggest festivals, proof to that being on top of the ratings games. GMA is consistent in winning the trust of industry partners such as local government units (LGUs) and private establishments.

Last October, the biggest festivals of Ilocos, Bicol and Bacolod had been made extra memorable by some of the country’s most-sought-after actors to date. Malls as far as in Pangasinan and Cebu were flocked by fans when they found out their favorite Kapuso stars would be there.

Kris Bernal kicked off the week-long celebration of Vigan City’s Raniag Festival and World Costume Festival (WCF) 2016, hosting the WCF Partners Night at the Vigan Culture and Trade Center last Oct. 21. Top-rating telefantasya Encantadia further brightened the World Costume Festival with the presence of Rochelle Pangilinan and Pancho Magno, who were both dressed in their Encantadia costumes, much to the delight of the crowd.

Ilocanos did not let Typhoon Lawin dampen the celebration of their Twilight Festival. Ismol Family mainstay Bianca Umali joined the Raniag Electric Float Parade the next day (Oct. 23).

During the same time, another set of Encantadia stars was in Bacolod City. Rocco Nacino, Klea Pineda, Migo Adecer and Sanya Lopez flew to the City of Smiles for the celebration of MassKara Festival.

Just a week before that, the lead stars of primetime series Someone to Watch Over Me Tom Rodriguez, Lovi Poe, and Max Collins flew to the province to spread kilig and fun to their Negrense fans. That’s a back-to-back Kapuso treat at SM City Bacolod in celebration of the colorful MassKara Festival.

Up north, stars of Afternoon Prime’s Hahamakin ang Lahat spent their Saturday afternoon with Kapusong Pangasinense. The KrisJoy love team returns to TV as Kristoffer Martin and Joyce Ching met their fans at the Activity Center of Magic Mall in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Joining them were Renz Valerio and Bruno Gabriel.

Another Kapuso drama series, Oh, My Mama!, meanwhile, took part in the Kasanggayahan Festival, which commemorates the declaration of Sorsogon as a province. Inah de Belen, Jake Vargas and Jeric Gonzales went to Sorsogon City for a Kapuso Mall Show in Sorsogon Provincial Gymnasium last Oct. 22.

Capping off the October weekend of these regional events was the Alyas Robin Hood Kapuso Mall Show in Gaisano Grand Fiestamall Tabunok in Talisay, Cebu where no other than Dingdong Dantes was present last Oct. 23. One of his leading ladies in the series, Andrea Torres, charmed the crowd as well.

True, it was the time of the week where these celebrities were expected to be taking a break from all their tapings and commitments at work. But like true-blue Kapuso that they are, the actors decided to spend time with their fans. Why? Because they wanted to give back to the people who make their shows successful — even if it meant going outside Metro Manila.

GMA Regional TV is a witness to how these celebrities look forward to meeting their fans in the provinces. “When we go to different parts of the country with our Kapuso stars, we see as well how they get excited to spend time with their fans,” said Amoroso. “Most of them only get to interact with their supporters from the province online so it gives them added joy to be able to meet them in person.”

He added that aside from bringing GMA shows closer to more Filipinos, organizing regional events is also a way for the Kapuso network to thank all the fans for continuously supporting GMA and its celebrities. This series of events last month was definitely just part of a bigger treat.

“Fans can expect more regional events in the coming months. We will continue to work with our trusted partners in bringing our brightest and most-sought-after stars closer to the Filipinos in every part of the country,” said Amoroso.

It may be hard work for some but giving back to the loyal Kapuso viewers is one thing the GMA Regional TV Department is committed to doing in the years to come. Fans can only look forward to these wonderful treats GMA Regional TV has in store for them.