While everyone is encouraged to express care for each other by being at least six feet apart for now, distance is a challenge that GMA Pinoy TV and Kapuso artists have been gladly facing in order to bring joy and love to the Kapuso abroad. Since GMA Pinoy TV’s launch 15 years ago, “bringing Filipinos abroad feel closer to home” has always been its mantra and no pandemic can stop it.
As GMA’s flagship international channel celebrates its 15th anniversary, some of the network’s celebrities share their most treasured memories during their trips with GMA Pinoy TV and their bonding moments with the Kapuso abroad:
“Our every interaction with the Kapuso abroad also serves as a feedback mechanism on what we do and for the programs that we show. I remember talking to a mom in the US where she shared what she liked and what she did not like about our shows and her reasons why. Through that kind of genuine feedback, we also get to apply them in the programs that we are preparing back home. It’s really different when we get to talk to them in person because we see their emotions such as how they get excited or how they are affected by the work that we do, and that is one value that I really treasure whenever I visit the countries.” – Dingdong Dantes
“All my travels abroad with GMA Pinoy TV don’t feel like work at all because of the relationships I’ve made through the years. Friendships were formed everywhere I go and a lot of memories were created. My two favorite memories are the Sikat Ka Kapuso concert, where all of us had a great time, and our show in Calgary last year. The pouring rain in Calgary did not hinder the Kapuso abroad from coming and supporting our show. We all enjoyed the concert despite being drenched in the rain.” – Lovi Poe
“GMA Pinoy TV has built a lot of bridges, not just for the Kapuso abroad but also for me. Through them, I was able to celebrate my mom’s birthday in Arizona after the Adobo Festival in San Francisco, Florida and Texas. Because of them, I was also able to visit the headquarters of Facebook, Google and Apple, and most of all, NASA and Kennedy Space Center. These things were not even part of my work anymore but they permitted me to do it. I will forever treasure those memories and will forever be thankful to GMA Pinoy TV for those rare opportunities they have given me.” – Tom Rodriguez
“I have so many happy memories with GMA Pinoy TV. I remember we went to California with Andre Paras, Kuya Jose, Kuya Wally and Kuya Pao. We were always laughing from our flight and throughout the trip. We went to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego in a span of one week. I was so nervous about that tour because it was my first time going to the US. But when Andre and I danced on stage, the Pinoys were all shouting our characters as Maru and Bryan from That’s My Amboy. We really appreciate the time and the warm welcome they have given us despite being busy with work. The long trip and jetlag were worth it because we were all very happy. After each tour, we were also given the chance to go around the town so I felt like I was Hannah Montana, experiencing the best of both worlds in and out of the limelight.” – Barbie Forteza
“I have a lot of fun memories with GMA Pinoy TV. With them, I was able to perform in front of our Kapuso abroad in Saudi Arabia, the US, Canada, and even played basketball with some of them in Dubai. Those were really good times and I wish we can do it again after this pandemic.” – Rocco Nacino
“Because of GMA Pinoy TV, I was able to set foot in my dream destination — New York! I will never forget that experience — the laughter, the stories, the hugs, and cheers from our Kapuso abroad. As a performer, there’s nothing more fulfilling than bringing a piece of home to our kababayan abroad. I love you guys so much!” – Kyline Alcantara
“GMA Pinoy TV has become a big part of my journey as an artist here in GMA. They’ve allowed me to interact with the Kapuso abroad. This is our way of giving back to them because of their unending support in our shows and our work. As a GMA artist, those are the things that I really truly appreciate, to know that the support we get is not only from the Filipinos here but from Filipinos all over the world. I have to thank a lot of that to GMA Pinoy TV because they’ve given our Kapuso abroad the opportunity to get closer to home.”– Gil Cuerva
“GMA gave me a great opportunity to travel around the world and be with our Kapuso abroad. Our main objective as Kapuso artists is really to bring joy and make them feel not so far from home. To our Kapuso abroad, see you all soon after this crisis. I hope you are all safe and healthy. To GMA Pinoy TV, thank you very much for all the things that you do for our Kapuso abroad. On behalf of all GMA artists, I wish you a happy 15th anniversary! God bless you and more power.” – Alden Richards
For these artists, having the chance to help the Kapuso abroad bring a piece of home with their programs, along with their exclusive tours, fiestas, and concerts abroad gives them a whole level of fulfilment. They have, in turn, felt at home through the warmth of their kababayan in each country that they visit. This, indeed, proves how GMA Pinoy TV brings everyone closer to home and closer together. Happy 15th anniversary, GMA Pinoy TV!