MANILA, Philippines -- With “Amaya” as its biggest production, GMA-7 will launch eight new shows in May, plus two documentaries, and the championship bout of Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley.

Scheduled for May airing are:

“Secret Garden,” May 2, right after “I Heart You Pare” in GMA’s telebabad. The Korean telenovela features the tandem of Ja Ji-won and Hyun Bin. Witness how two very different persons get to understand and admire each other through a magical phenomenon that switched their bodies.

“Munting Heredera,” May 9 on GMA’s telebabad. A family drama, it stars Gloria Romero, Roderick Paulate, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Camille Prats, Katrina Halili, and with the Network’s freshest young discoveries, Mona Louise Rey, Kyle Daniel Ocampo, and Barbara Miguel.

“Blusang Itim,” May 16 on GMA’s Dramarama sa Hapon. The series depicts a woman’s struggle because of her physical appearance. In the key roles are Kylie Padilla, Frank Magalona and Winwyn Marquez. Others in the cast are Carl Guevarra, Gary Estrada, Rita Avila, Jackielou Blanco, and Marissa Delgado, among others.

“Andres de Saya,” May 28. Saturday nights, starring Cesar Montano, Iza Calzado. The teleseries is all fun, and as every Filipino knows, “under the saya” is a Filipino husband who is very much dominated by his wife.

“Sisid,” May 30, an afternoon drama starring Jackie Rice, Dominic Roco and JC Tiuseco. Mostly with exciting underwater scenes.

“Amaya,” May 30, on primetime. GMA producers consider it as the most expensive yet. Stars Glaiza de Castro, Sid Lucero, Michael Daez, Rochelle Pangilinan, among others. The teleseries depicts Filipino culture, traditions and some aspects of Philippine history.

“My Chubby World,” May 14, a kiddie show hosted by Renz Valero, Zyrael Jestre, Deniela Jessica Amable and Gianne Cutler. Airs Saturdays.

Another Korean telenovela, also airing in May is “Playful Kiss.”

The two documentaries are “Ground Zero: Sa Gitna ng Nagbabagang Mundo,” May 1, and “Blessed: John Paul Great: A Pope Who Made History,” May 1.

Of course, the Mosley-Pacquiao championship fight – live – on May 8, is an exclusive GMA coverage.

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Kenny G live at the PICC

Here’s another exciting show to look forward to – “Kenny G Live at the PICC” slated May 23. ARF Entertainment Services announced this entertainment event recently.

Born Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, Kenny G is the noted Grammy winning adult contemporary and smooth jazz saxophonist. He is the biggest-selling instrumental musician of the modern age, with global sales of more than 75 million albums.

Kenny G earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing the longest note ever recorded on a saxophone. Using circular breathing, Kenny G held an E-flat for 45 minutes and 47 seconds at the J&R Music World in New York City. No. 1 hit singles include “By The Time The Night Is Over,” “Forever In Love” and many more.

“Kenny G Live” is supported by Fox International Channels.

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TV show pays tribute to moms

With Mother’s Day nearing, it’s interesting to know that the TV program “Moms Today,” has recently organized “Mommy Power,” a special event for mothers and moms-to-be.

The activity kicked off with “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan,” which tackled specific issues and gave advice to mothers on how to handle and take care of kids.

“A Mommy’s Day Special” briefed mothers on different health issues they should be wary about, like cervical cancer and other illnesses.

One of the major sponsors and organizers of the event was Circulan, a food supplement that promotes good blood circulation.

It contains four herbal ingredients: Gingko biloba, hawthorne berry, lemon balm and garlic oil.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 4, go to musical director Ryan Cayabyab, noted international theater actress Monique Wilson, former beauty queen Stella Marquez Araneta, comedienne Giselle Sanchez, Robbie Joseph, Johanna Jeen Castillo Angeles, May Vega-Soliven, Jopee R. Rejano, Lily Nicolas, former DoT Sec. Peter Garrucho, Laurie Tan, Jun Sy of Tao Corp., Star Magic’s Andrea Torres and Commissioner Nona S. Ricafort… Happy wedding anniversary to Mat and Lita Luga; and Alfredo and Lily Mendoza…