Geoff Eigenmann and Carla Abellana

GMA-7 launched over the weekend before its advertising partners and friends its four newest primetime shows. The trade show was an evening of fun and entertainment as a special tribute of gratitude to the advertisers who have consistently supported GMA Network!

The new primetime programs are “Survivor Philippines 2,” “All My Life,” “Rosalinda” and “Darna.”

The trade show was star-studded, with the most bankable GMA Network actress Marian Rivera, donning the iconic Darna costume, leading the network’s stars. And to the surprise of all, and which stirred the audience with joy and admiration, was the appearance of “Pambansang Kapuso” Manny Pacquiao.

Present to welcome GMA Network’s advertising partners and other important guests, are the top bosses of the network headed by Felipe L. Gozon, chairman, president and CEO; Manuel P. Quiogue, marketing and productions president and COO; and Wilma V. Galvante, SVP for entertainment.

“Survivor Philippines 2” is considered as the country’s most popular reality show, to be hosted again by Paolo Bediones. The TV reality show will air this August. The show promises a more action-packed island adventures, tension tribal-filled councils, nerve-wracking immunity challenges, surprising twists, and a new batch of castaways who will play in a game of survival for a chance to win three million pesos!

“All My Life,” which began airing last June 29, topbills the “Royal Couple of Daytime Drama,” Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal, recognized as the hottest pair on TV after the unprecedented success of their afternoon series “Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin.” In “All My Life,” Aljur and Kris play more matured roles mired by the complexities of forbidden love.

“Rosalinda,” an adaptation of a highly successful Mexican telenovela, which premiered July 6, stars newcomer Carla Abellana. Carla won over a number of talented actresses who auditioned for the role. Matinee idol Geoff Eigenmann, who will “Filipinize” the Mexican telenovela, plays the popular character of Fernando Jose Altamirano. He is expected to win the hearts of female viewers in the country!

For the second time on GMA Network, “Darna,” the super heroine and most enduring character in Filipino comics and which was created by Mars Ravelo, will begin airing on August 10 with superstar Marian Rivera as Darna! Marian will don the iconic Darna costume and fly high as the sexiest, most alluring and voluptuous super heroine on primetime TV. Being the network’s unanimous choice to give justice to the popular character, Marian will infuse a brand new level of flavor and excitement to the Filipino classic.

Among the network’s brightest and eligible male stars, Mark Anthony Fernandez, will play the most desirable male lead role.

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Sharon now a Regal Baby

With her appearance via a cameo role in “OMG – Oh My Girl!” and her forthcoming starring role in “Mano Po 6,” megastar Sharon Cuneta is now a Regal Baby. And happiest of course about this development is Regal Entertainment’s matriarch Mother Lily herself.

Aside from Mother Lily, the stars of “OMG” Judy Ann Santos and Ogie Alcasid are also very excited about Sharon’s guesting in their first movie together. Because of her love and deep friendship with young superstar Juday and hitmaker-comedian Ogie, Sharon readily agreed to do the cameo role.

“This is the least I can do for my friends Juday and Ogie and Mother Lily who have all been good to me in my years in show business,” Sharon said. “Like what the movie conveys, real love and friendship prevail – and despite what everyone says about fleeting relationships and tainted power relationships in this industry, my dealings with Juday and Ogie and Mother Lily transcends everything – and will be here forever.”

Said Juday: “We are so happy that Ate Sharon said yes to guesting in ‘OMG.’ This is a fun movie and we made sure she would have such a good and comfortable time during our shoot.”

Shooting was done in Ogie’s hometown in Taal, Batangas and he together with Mother Lily, made sure everyone was well attended to. “We wanted everyone to experience the Batangueño hospitality,” Ogie said. “OMG” is directed by Dante Nico Garcia.

Also starring Roderick Paulate, Carmi Martin, John Prats, John Avila, Nova Villa and with Ms. Regine Velasquez in a special role, “OMG” will hit the big screens nationwide starting on July 29.

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Dr. James G. Dy joins
campaign vs dengue fever

To the entertainment world, Dr. James G. Dy is known as one of the pillars of the Philippine music industry. He is the president of Universal Records and founder of the ASEAN Music Industry Association (AMIA), for which he started the Asean Song Festival. As former Philippine Association of the Record Industry president, he is one of the original crusaders against music piracy.

The other side of Dr. Dy, as chairman and president of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (which owns and operates the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center) is also active in various civic and charitable activities.

The joint effort with the Filipino Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the PCCAI, joins the Department of Health (DoH), under the leadership of Sec. Francisco Duque III, in a nationwide crusade against dengue fever. Together, they build public awareness on the preventive measure against this mosquito-borne viral disease.

Dr. Dy and his association is also active in their advocacy to prevent spread of the A(H1N1) influenza, in the country.

Dr. Dy reminds the public of the grave danger of dengue during rainy season. It is noted that Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center has confirmed 231 admitted cases of dengue fever, in the first half of 2009.

Dr. Dy is also an incumbent governor of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) which joins him in various health and cleanliness information drive all over the country.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Sunday, July 12, go to Don Ado Escudero, Agnes Rustia-Ver, Meelin Raymundo, Trina Kalaw Yujuico, Cathy Garcia Bermundo, Susan Reyes Grau, Del Manahan, Amanda Cunanan, Anita V. Tagay, John Florence Abera, Dr. Chari Ballecer, PJ Dacuycuy, Carmen Macapulay-Peralta, and Vilma Selga… Happy golden wedding anniversary to Tatay Berting and Nanay Linda Rodriguez...