MANILA, Philippines — Executives of GMA led by President and CEO Felipe Gozon, bared their forthcoming 2012 shows, the first of which is “Legacy” set for Jan. 16 pilot on GMA Telebabad.

An original drama series, “Legacy” features a powerhouse cast led by Heart Evangelista, Alessandra de Rossi and Lovi Poe with male leads Geoff Eigenmann, Mike Tan and Sid Lucero. Also in the cast are Mark Bautista, Solenn Heussaff, and Sam Pinto together with respected and awarded actors Eddie Garcia and Cherie Gil, Jackielou Blanco, and Maritoni Fernandez. Under the helm of director Jay Altarejos, this glossy drama banks on intriguing storylines and interesting mix of characters.

Next is another original concept “Biritera” with Kapuso prized actor Dennis Trillo sharing stellar billing with two of the Network’s talented drama stars Glaiza de Castro and Angelika dela Cruz. Said to be highly dramatic and heart-rending, the series will introduce a new child singing super talent. It premieres on Feb. 6.

And then, for its Valentine offering, GMA will bring back the reel/real pair of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera via “My Beloved.” Beginning Feb. 13, the reunion project of the celebrity couple is a riveting drama about an angel of death who becomes a mortal and falls in love with a human. Dominic Zapata directs “My Beloved.”

In the Network’s afternoon block are equally exciting new shows led by “Broken Vow” top-billed by fresh tandems: Luis Alandy and Bianca King, and Gabby Eigenmann and Rochelle Pangilinan. Directed by Gil Tejada, Jr., “Broken Vow” premieres Feb. 6.

Afternoon Valentine drama comes in the form of “The Good Daughter,” starring Kylie Padilla and Rocco Nacino. Introduced in the shop is newcomer Max Collins to complete the story’s love triangle. Another dramatic offering from the Kapuso Network is “Hiram na Puso,” a compelling drama series featuring Kris Bernal, Polo Ravales, Bela Padilla and Mark Herras with Gina Alajar and Ayen Munji-Laurel completing the cast. It starts airing on Feb. 20.

To complete the list of upcoming dramas in the afternoon prime block is “Alice Bungisngis and Her Wonder Walis,” headlined by Tween stars Bea Binene, Jake Vargas, Derrick Monasterio and Lexi Fernandez, along with Jean Garcia, and Janno Gibbs. A family-oriented series, it is under the helm of Mark Reyes and premiering on Feb. 6.

Atty. Gozon and Ms. Wilma Galvante expressed great pride in their line-up of shows. “They’re all original drama series, matagal na pinag-isipan at pinag-aralan namin ang mga ito. We’re not so much into fantasy and adventure this time, just drama – but with just a little fantasy in between – but our objective remains to give viewers only the best in entertainment. Pinag-aralan din naming mabuti ang casting, kung saan sila ilaunch na roles,” Wilma said.

“We’re veering away from fantasy, we’re changing the program grid, we’re offering programs that we know will lure both the viewers and the advertisers,” Atty. Gozon said.

In addition, GMA launched its newest infotainment program, “iBILIB,” set to entertain kids and adults alike every Sunday night beginning Jan. 22 after “Kap’s Amazing Stories.” Hosted by Kapuso heartthrob Chris Tiu, this show will showcase canned materials from Japan ’s “Wonders of Horus” where the featured science experiments will be given a local component and magical execution. Joining Chris are Isabelle Daza and Moymoy Palaboy.

Meantime, international singer Charice Pempengco returns to the Kapuso Network with another Valentine concert special in “Charice: One for the Heart,” slated to air this February.

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Sto. Nino images on exhibit

For those interested, the registration of participating images to the Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre del Nino Jesus (founded by Mang Ben Farrales 30 years ago, will be from Jan. 16 to 18, at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the PNB Financial Center lobby along Diosdado Macapagal Ave., Reclamation Area, Pasay City.

On Jan. 19 at 5 p.m., an exhibit of about 750 Sto. Niño images will open at the PNB Gallery Hall. Public viewing is scheduled from Jan. 27-29 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with novena and mass at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

An annual procession of Sto. Niño images will be held at 3 p.m., on Jan. 29, Sunday. It will start from the Philtrade Bldg. corner Roxas Blvd. and Gil Puyat Ave. in Pasay City and will culminate at the Quirino Grandstand.

The 2012 Fiesta Chair is Deo Pamilar, assisted by Vice Chair Titoy Vera. Aside from Mang Ben who is founding chair, other Congregacion officers are Mel Chionglo, chairman of the board, and Jing Chua, president.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Sunday, Jan. 15, go to Ms. Ma. Elena Lagdameo, Jose Y. Dalisay Jr., Gigi Luna, Flor Ragunton of Economy Tours & Travel, Milagros Parungao, Prescilla Reyes, Marilou Gonzalez, Bing Villanueva, Edwin D. Bonoan, Nena Casimiro, Mabel Tuesday Capistrano, Josie de Guzman, Bebot Reyes-Gabriel, Lorna M. Guila, Morinette G. Mangante, Robert Manalastas and Atty. Yvette Yaneza of the Dept. of Finance...