GMA Network fortifies regional presence at start of 2013

CEBU, Philippines - Coming from an ex-ceptionally pro-ductive 2012, GMA Network intensifies its commitment to further strengthen its presence all over the country and to reach more viewers this 2013. For January alone, GMA is set to launch its newest originating station and takes part in three of the country’s grandest festivals.

As part of the Network’s aggressive regional expansion efforts, GMA-7 launches the latest addition to its growing number of originating stations in the country: GMA Northern Mindanao.

Strategically located in Cagayan de Oro, GMA Northern Mindanao is expected to service over 1,404,183 estimated television households thereby effectively widening the Network’s reach in the region.

GMA Northern Mindanao, which airs starting January 28, covers parts of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bohol, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Compostela Valley, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, and Maguindanao.

And as the country celebrates three of the country’s grandest festivals this January, GMA Network goes full-blast as it brings its brightest stars and biggest primetime offerings to Aklan’s Ati-Atihan Festival, Cebu’s Sinulog, and Iloilo’s Dinagyang.

In celebration of the Ati-Atihan Festival, homegrown talents Aljur Abrenica and Mark Herras graced the “Mutya Ag Lakan It Kalibo 2013 Grand Pageant Finale and Coronation Night” while a Kapuso Night featuring Kris Bernal, Louise de Los Reyes, and Mark Bautista was warmly received by thousands of Aklanons amid rain showers.

Meanwhile, Cebu’s most spectacular fete Sinulog Festival was celebrated by the Network’s phenomenal primetime programs along with the powerful cast led by Senator Bong Revilla from Indio, GMA’s elaborate and most expensive epicserye to date; Marian Rivera from the heartrending Temptation of Wife; and Dingdong Dantes and Ms. Lorna Tolentino from the daring teleserye Pahiram ng Sandali.

Following the strong presence of the Network in Cebu is its equally exciting participation in the upcoming Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo scheduled at the end of the month. On January 26, Senator Bong, Jennylyn Mercado, and Rhian Ramos – lead stars of the newest Kapuso primetime offering  Indio – will join the Kasadyahan Parade before meeting their fans in a Kapuso Mall Show.

This powerful start to 2013 ensues from the highly successful 2012 the Network has just concluded as GMA keeps its nationwide ratings advantage for the second straight year, according to data from the industry’s leading ratings service provider, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For the period January to December 2012, GMA scored an average total day household audience share of 34.4 percent, outscoring ABS-CBN’s 31.5 percent by 2.9 points, and TV5’s 15.1 percent by 19.3 points.

GMA’s lead in the nationwide ratings was due to the strong performance of its morning and afternoon blocks. In the hotly contested evening block, in turn, GMA narrowed the gap from its closest competitor while increasing its margin over TV5.

“In 2013, we continue to be committed to delivering to our regional viewers and valued partners  nationwide, the best in original programming in both  entertainment and news, the most exciting events all over the Philippines  and the Kapuso brand of  Serbisyong Totoo wherever and whenever it is needed,” says GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon.

The Kapuso Network also successfully launched two originating stations in 2012 - GMA Ilocos and GMA Bicol.