GMA ARTISTS with their Facilitators

The first ever League of Artists graduation day was held recently with 45 Kapuso talents given recognition after an intensive talent development program designed to further enrich their skills in the multi-faceted field of performing arts.

In its constant quest for excellence, GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) has implemented a specialized curriculum called the GMA League of Artists Character Development course spearheaded by David Fabros, head of Talent Development. Talents underwent a grueling three-month workshop, which included various sessions on acting, singing, dancing, and other in-demand skills based on the current industry needs and standards.

During the course, artists were mentored by award-winning directors like Maryo J. Delos Reyes. Voice classes were facilitated by UP Professor Kitchie Molina, while dance and move exercises were handled by professional choreographers Danny Vinculado and Sandy Hontiveros. Moreover, the Kapuso stars were empowered to enhance their communication skills through a hosting workshop under the tutelage of three-time Aliw Awardee for Stage Direction Freddie Santos with the help of speech coaches from Ahead Pro and American Institute of English Proficiency.

And to complete the course’s holistic approach to learning, sessions on PR and professionalism were also handled by no less than German Moreno, GMAAC consultant and revered star maker.

Among the talents who graduated were The League Of Artists (Male): Enzo Pineda, Marc Acueza, Steven Silva, Sef Cadayona, Mikael Daez, Alden Richards, Derrick Monasterio, Kristoffer Martin, Mark Herras, Mike Tan, Rocco Nacino,Benjamin Alves,Dominic Rocco,Aljur Abrenica,Ken Chan, Victor Aliwalas, Rye Burgos, Mikey Bustos, Marvin Kiefer, and Renz Valerio.

The League Of Artists (Female): Chynna Ortaleza , Rich Asuncion, Jonalyn Viray, Maricris Garcia, Aicelle Santos, Stef Prescott, Bea Binene, Bianca King, Gwen Zamora, Kylie Padilla, Louise Delos Reyes, Sarah Lahbati, Bela Padilla, Barbie Forteza, Frencheska Farr, Kim Komatsu, Joyce Ching, Sheena Halili, Rita Iringan, Kris Bernal, Max Collins, Julie Anne San Jose, Rhian Ramos, Diva Montelaba and Lyndt Johnson.

Special awards of merit were also given during the graduation ceremony, recognizing artists who have shown exemplary performance in acting and their overall attitude towards their craft.

Mark Herras bagged the Americano Award for his unwavering commitment to excel in the English proficiency classes.

Tweens Miguel Tanfelix, Lyndt Johnson, and Nicole Dulalia all showed their potential to be the next showbiz superstars with the Most Improved Artist Award, while Enzo Pineda yet again proved his status as one of the country’s most brilliant leading men as the sole recipient of the Best Actor Award. Hosting awardees were Mikael Daez and Julie Anne San Jose. Actress Kylie Padilla also won an award for having the most explosive performance during the acting workshop.

The runaway winner of the night was Chynna Ortaleza who went home with more than one special award, among them the Best Actress Award and Veterana Award for her above professional level performance in the entire course of the program. Hence, she was considered the valedictorian of the batch, receiving the Major League Award.

Making the occasion even more noteworthy were the presence of GMA’s top honchos such as the OIC for the Entertainment Television Group Lilibeth Rasonable, VP for Program Management Joey Abacan, AVP for Drama Productions Redgie Magno, Shirley Pizarro, AVP and Head of Talent Imaging, Marketing, and Branding Simoun Ferrer, and GMA Artist Center Head of Talent Management Arsi Baltazar. The League of Artists Graduation would not be possible without the support of sponsors such as P&G, Unilever, BNY, Erase Placenta Soap, Nestle, Coca Cola, Cenovis, GMA Films, GMA Corporate Communications, GMPI, GMA-PSD, and Dr. Steve Mark-Gan.

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Celebrities Join The BlackBerry Barkada

Research In Motion (RIM) rolled out recently the “Action Starts Here” campaign in the Philippines, inspiring consumers to take action and to stay connected with their barkadas using BlackBerry smartphones.

The campaign is supported by some of the brightest names in Philippine show business who are also long-time BlackBerry users.

Consumers can avail of up to 35% off on BlackBerry smartphones, experience unlimited local and international messaging with BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) for as low as PHP 99/month, and connect with their loved ones with services such as unlimited Facebook for BlackBerry and Twitter for BlackBerry for as low as PHP 599/month.

So who are the stars joining the BlackBerry Barkada? Solenn Heussaff, Isabelle Daza, Liz Uy, Tim Yap, and Raymond Gutierrez. They are among the most talented, fashionable, and in-demand personalities in the Philippines today.

With their busy schedules and fast-paced lifestyles, staying in touch as a barkada might be hard but Solenn, Isabelle, Liz, Tim, and Raymond are hyperconnected with each other through BBM. With BBM, they can send unlimited messages, photos, and voice notes to one another even if they are in different parts of the world.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 7, go to former Rep. Dante Liban, Manila Councilor Lou Veloso, Apa Ongpin, Rosemary Lopez, Zenas Lozada, Ina Bautista, Tootsie Eduque-Marco, Brussells-based Louise Belle B. Hubert, Rhea Vanessa A. Lorenzo, Rose C. Teodoro, Ditas Rodriguez, Cris Garcia, Ricky Medina, Marichelle B. Recio, Ana Marie Costes Lomboy, Eden Miro, Graziela Belen of Canada, and Jecelyn V. Macahindog of MB Entertainment…