GMA 7's May Line Up

My first time in GMA Network was back when I was a Broadcasting Communication freshman. I was given opportunity to tour the GMA premises again.  I have a relative living at home would envy me because he loves watching any show as long as it is in GMA.

Actual Darna costume worn by Marian Rivera on display at the lobby

Upon entering the gate at Timog, we were led to the lobby where the tour officially starts. The lobby has the exact staircase design from the old building housed the memorable costumes from Encantadia and Darna, a couple of GMA’s “pantaserye” (popular term for TV fantasy series).

Studio 7:The biggest studio of GMA

We toured the different studio were the most watched news and entertainment programs are being done.  The fun part was at the old building where the radio stations are based. This is where we learned about GMA’s beginnings. Global Media Arts, better known as GMA for short was founded by Robert Stewart, better known as Uncle Bob from my childhood.  We first paid a visit at DZBB-594kHz AM, where we chatted with Orly Trinidad about cameras while his show was on the air.

Orly Trinidad of DZBB

We transferred to the FM booth, Baranggay LS 97.1 kHz and one of us got to be part of the radio program and got interviewed by the disc jockeys hosting the show. The topic of the conversation was purely about blogging.

Touring the old GMA building

After the tour, we were led to the cafeteria and had a heavy snack and Ms. Angela Cruz, VP for TV programming enticed us with the upcoming line-up of shows this May. The good thing about this line-up that it is still summer and it will cater to the students who are in vacation as they will take advantage of this time to watch at their homes with their families while school is out.

When we visited the office, their television was tuned on the network's coverage of the Royal Wedding. The News and Public affairs team of GMA 7 and GMA News TV garnered the highest ratings for the coverage. I asked Ms Cruz if I missed a news article on its initial telecast and if I can see the story online. She answered the news coverage can be seen at GMA News Online

The new programs will accommodate the variety of interests among viewers. On May 1, GMA-7 News will give you up to date on what’s happening at the Vatican regarding the proclamation of the late Pope John Paul II’s sainthood at 4:00 PM with highlight telecast at 10:00 PM. The next line up is SECRET GARDEN, a koreanovela that will replace The Baker King starring Ha Ji-won from Hwang Jini and Hyun Bin, leading man from My Name Kim Sam Soon.  Secret Garden begins this May 2 right after I Heart You Pare. I’m sure that diehard Korean fandom will not miss this.

On May 8, GMA-7 will give you ringside access to the much-anticipated fight of Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley. I am sure most of us will go home immediately after masses just to catch up with the fight of the summer season. On May 28, GMA-7 will bring the silver age of Philippine television back as Cesar Montano and Iza Calzado reprised the roles of Vic Vargas and Gloria Diaz for the new generation of viewers and the nostalgic parents.

I personally looking forward for the series, Amaya starring Marian Rivera in the title role because this is an original story set in a pre-colonial Philippines. It was guaranteed well-researched about the time period and it is something hasn’t done in a long time. This will surely be an educational viewing experience.  Amaya airs May 30. I am also looking forward to watch Blusang Itim. The story was based on Philippines’ Aliwan Comics and will be given a fresh new perspective applicable for this generation of viewers. Today’s advance special effects will surely give more emphasis on the story. Blusang Itim airs May 16 on afternoons.

The rest of the line up includes Munting Heredera on May 9, Sisid on May 30, another koreanovela Playful Kiss, My Chubby World on May 14, and Ground Zero, a GMA News and Public Affairs presentation on May 1. Here's the sneak peek of GMA 7's May line up:

GMA-7 unveils new programs and specials airing this May 2011 from Janette Toral on Vimeo.