GMA Studio Tours: Infotainment within reach

Bright lights, scripts, a flurry of activity, elaborate set designs, glamorous celebrities — these are elements that come to mind when one imagines the set of a television show.

Indeed, the world of television has always fascinated many, whether they aspire to be on camera or behind it, or they simply enjoy the programs from the comforts of their own homes.

What goes on behind the scenes of your favorite entertainment or news program? How are television shows created? Who are the people behind the voices we hear on the radio? What are the stars like in real life?

If you’ve asked yourself these questions, then GMA Studio Tours is definitely an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Central Philippines University students experience fun while learning in GMA

Back in August 2009, after receiving many requests for studio visits from academic institutions, balikbayans and clients, the Kapuso Network launched the GMA Studio Tours to give its stakeholders a glimpse of the world behind the doors of one of the country’s largest broadcast companies.

In the same year, the GMA Studio Tours garnered an Award of Merit at the Philippine Quill Awards, the prestigious award-giving body that recognizes outstanding business communication practices. Over the years, it has evolved from being a go-see through the studios, into an interactive classroom away from school with the help of the network’s vast pool of broadcast experts. Today, with thousands of participants coming through each year, the GMA Studio Tour is more than just a gateway into the station with a heart — it is also a complete learning experience.

As they say, knowledge is best acquired through real-life application, and it is this form of fun and exploratory learning — or infotainment — that is espoused by GMA’s educational Studio Tour program.

StarStruck Ultimate Female Survivor Klea Pineda meets with students from St. Louis University Baguio.

 

From a meet and greet with Kapuso personalities to a walk through the state-of-the-art studios, participants are able to gain a better understanding of the different aspects of television production and a deeper insight into broadcasting processes in the country. 

As participants are welcomed into the network, the tour starts with a background of the company — from its humble beginnings to its position as a multi-awarded leader in the local broadcast industry.

GMA’s resident meteorologist Nathaniel ‘Mang Tani’ Cruz (third from left) shares his knowledge on atmospheric science with students from Romblon State University

 Apart from being able to see the inside of an actual television studio, participants are also briefed on the functions of the equipment being used, the significance of the different set-ups, as well as other production-related information. Moreover, the Studio Tour program also has a special offer specifically for Electronics and Communications Engineering students, which includes an in-depth discussion about broadcast operations from inside GMA’s technical facilities.

Flagship radio stations Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz and Barangay LSFM 97.1 also open their radio booths to welcome the guests and give them a peek into life on the airwaves.

Enhancing the experience, a tour group may also choose to avail of the Speakers Bureau where they can meet and learn from different GMA representatives. The talks can cover a wide range of topics related to the field of broadcasting — including animation, set design, television production and the like.

Furthermore, tour participants can also get the chance to be a part of their favorite Kapuso program and join the studio audience of well-loved GMA shows such as Yan ang Morning! hosted by the Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, and the lifestyle show MARS, hosted by Suzi Abrera and Camille Prats.

With versatile tour packages that meet the needs not just of students from a variety of courses, but of balikbayans, families, groups of friends and the everyday TV viewer, the GMA Studio Tour experience promises to be a fun, exciting and informative learning experience for people of all ages.