GMA to air Star Cinema movies on its local channels soon!

Two of the country's biggest industry giants in broadcasting and film, GMA Network and ABS-CBN, officially sealed the deal for the airing of Star Cinema movies on GMA's local channels.

Present during the momentous ceremonial signing on Tuesday, April 5, were GMA Network President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong; GMA Network Films, Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes; First Vice President for Program Management Department Jose Mari R. Abacan; Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier-Cruz; Assistant Vice President For Program Management Department Mitzi Garcia; and Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Jojo Aquio.

During his speech, Duavit said he couldn't stop thinking about one particular line from the AVP teaser of the new partnership: "Ang dating imposible, mangyayari."

"Over the years, we both sat across different partners, different individuals formalizing partnerships, but there was one always missing something that many believe was not possible nor probable to us," the GMA president said.

"We're very pleased because the significance of our partnership today ushers in the possibility of a far broader set of conversations, potential partnerships and cooperation that will have the benefit not only mutually to GMA and ABS-CBN but as importantly, if not perhaps more importantly, the benefit of the public we both serve — the Filipino viewer," Duavit added.

"Looking forward, since we have, as they say, broken the ice, there is great optimism that these conversations will start and continue, and we look forward to the possibility of this type of an opportunity again moving forward."

Also present during the ceremony from ABS-CBN were Chairman Mark Lopez; President and Chief Executive Officer Carlo L. Katigbak; Chief Operating Officer for Broadcast Cory V. Vidanes; Group Chief Financial Officer Ricardo B. Tan, Jr.; Managing Director of ABS-CBN Films Productions Olivia Lamasan; Head of International Sales and Distribution Pia B. Laurel; Vice President of Corporate Communications Kane Errol C. Choa; PR Director Christelle Belmonte; and PR Manager Tonichi Tataro.

Katigbak also said a few words of appreciation for what seems to be a first-of-its-kind partnership in the Philippines' media industry.

"Every storyteller's dream is to have as many people as possible experience their creations. And now, because of the kindness of our friends at GMA, we have the special opportunity to bring our Kapamilya stories to a new audience," said Katigbak. 

The ABS-CBN chief also said that they hope "the Kapusos find joy and inspiration in viewing our Star Cinema movies, and we also look forward to a new era of friendship and cooperation within our small industry.

"Maraming salamat [GMA Network] Chairman [and CEO Felipe L.] Gozon, Jimmy, Annette, Philip, Joey, Joel, and all our other friends at GMA who have made this partnership happen. Maraming, maraming salamat po."

For her part, Gozon-Valdes said: "We are so excited with this partnership. ABS-CBN has our respect as a network and content producer. We know that our audience, most especially the Philippine audience, deserve the best that Philippine producers can offer. The entertainment industry is already thrust in the global sphere and we should shine as one.  Many things that seem impossible before can be the truths and realities of tomorrow. This is just the start! We look forward to more collaborations in the future with ABS-CBN."

GMA-7 and ABS-CBN are making the impossible possible, indeed! Your favorite Star Cinema movies will premiere on GMA starting April 2022.  

Some of the notable movies that will air on GMA-7 include "Alone/Together," "How to Be Yours," "Till My Heartaches End," "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank," "Ang Cute ng Ina Mo!," "It Takes a Man and a Woman," "Just The Way You Are," "Fantastica," "Can We Still Be Friends?," "Finally Found Someone," "No Other Woman," "Won't Last A Day Without You," "Must Be…Love," "The Panti Sisters," "Isa Pa With Feelings," "James & Pat & Dave," "Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay," "Feng Shui," "Suddenly It's Magic," and "I Love You, Hater." — LA/JST, GMA News