In the past few years, the GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) has proven its excellence in managing and developing "kapuso" talents. In 2005 alone, the GMAAC has conducted a series of Public Acting Workshops for Film and Television, giving birth to batches of new actors and actresses and future stars, and produced three digitalfilms: "Kilig...Pintig...Yanig," "La Funeraria Toti" and "Silip" as culminating activities for the workshops. "La Funeraria Toti" was endorsed no less by the AIDS Society of the Philippines and the Department of Health as the Philippines’ participation to the Candlelight Memorial for HIV/Aids.

The said digital film was sponsored by the Mowelfund as an entry to the International Pink Film Festival and was invited to be an entry to the Freedom Film Festival in Malaysia. Aside from this, the GMAAC has conducted its first Acting Workshop for Theater at the CCP, produced "Mga Kuwentong Kalye," a twin-bill stage presentation of "Ang Paglilitis Ni Mang Serapio" and "Isang Buhay Sa Tambakan" that allowed GMAAC artist to shine not just on television, but on stage as well.

The GMA Artist Center which is home to 108 talents, and some of the brightest, biggest stars in the country today has positioned their talents well, landing lead roles in an average of 10 GMA7 and 4 QTV11 programs such as "Encantadia," "Etheria," "Darna," "Sugo," "Love to Love," "Ay, Robot," "Fans Kita," "My Guardian Abby," and "At Your Service: Star Power.." In 2005, GMAAC artists also conquered the big screen by top-billing as many as 17 local films. Some of these are blockbuster hit "Let The Love Begin," "Lovestruck," "Sigaw," and "Say That You Love Me." The primary source of superb talents has also produced some of the heaviest hit makers on the radio charts these days, coming up with 5-10 record albums in 2005, which includes "On My Own" by Pinoy Pop Superstar, Jonalyn Viray; Boy2 Quizon’s "Biyaheng Reggae," "In The Name of Love" by Yasmien Kurdi; "Bad Boy of the Dance Floor: Mark Herras Dance Hits" and WCOPA Champion, Rizza Navales’ Album.

As a premier talent management and development arm of the biggest network in the country, the GMAAC has created strong and beneficial alliances with local and international entities including the Olympics for the World Championships of Performing Arts, USA; The GMA Artist Center is also actively involved in worthwhile and charitable activities and advocacies such as the Kapuso Foundation, the Philippine National Red Cross, Haribon Foundation, Aids Society of the Philippines, Avon’s Walk-For–A–Cause and Feed the Hungry, a US–based charitable foundation. In line with this, opening 2006 is the Artist Center’s beautifully conceptualized calendar, which will be promoted by Fuji for the entire year.

Breeding the most beautiful and amusing faces and personalities in the entertainment scene, over 100 publications have utilized GMAAC artists in covers and feature articles.

As we usher in the year 2006, the GMAAC welcomes new challenges, opening new doors to its existing talents, and to aid the entertainment industry to thrive by opening workshops to schools and colleges, even to the provinces and continue pursuing new and innovative talent development programs to offer among a myriad of other big plans the GMAAC has set for the year to come. The GMAAC intends to surpass expectations and maximize resources, knowledge, and information to ensure that the GMA Artist Center remains steadfast in being the most bankable talent management and development institution in the local entertainment industry.

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They’re young, they’re hip and they’ve got that electric vibe that makes them fitting trendsetting icons of today’s youth. With their stunning looks, unbridled talent and dynamic, free-spirited lifestyles, these eminent personalities aptly embody the class and elegance of the equally prestigious brand of timepieces and eyewear they proudly flaunt these days.

They’re the fresh new faces behind the latest promotional campaign of world-class watch mogul: TechnoMarine. It’s a timely move that augurs well for the launching of the brand’s much-awaited addition to its trendy line of distinctive watches. Included in the distinguished list of endorsers are Crown Prince of R&B Jay-R, Myx VJ/TV host/actress/model Iya Villania, actress/model Nancy Castiglione, actress/model Cheska Garcia, model/athlete/actor Marco Alcaraz and Myx VJ/actor/TV host Luis Manzano.

Retail Operators Inc. president Raffy Florencio, whose company handles the exclusive distributorship of the TechnoMarine brand in the country, proudly welcomes the newest members of their TechnoMarine family. "We have always been on the lookout for a new breed of fresh, credible faces whose fast-paced lifestyles and values reflect the same timeless elegance and prestige associated with TechnoMarine timepieces," he explains. "Their presence will definitely strengthen the brand’s farreaching and well-established niche in the local market."

Established in 1997 by Frank Dubarry, TechnoMarine’s signature timepieces have already achieved cult classic status thanks to their revolutionary designs. Since its inception, the brand has become synonymous with sophistication, character and product integrity. The company has created a niche where fun and sophistication intertwine – a revolutionary concept in a relatively conservative industry.

TechnoMarine’s commitment to luxury, fashion and precision timekeeping reflects Dubarry’s marketing savvy and inherent passion for style. The brand was borne out of a need to bridge the gap between the high-end prestige stalwarts and the lower end pure fashion brands. The first model TechnoMarine, produced in 1997, sold at 0 and launched an entirely new generation of fine timepieces .

This year, TechnoMarine proudly announces its latest range of new products: The Chrono Color Ceramic Collection, the Hummer Watch, the Diva Dimitri and Maori models. The company also marks its initial foray in the eyewear department with the introduction of its new designs ranging from Jackie-O frames to Swarovski-studded leather temple prescriptive glasses.

The TechnoMarine watch and eyewear lines are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Retail Operators Inc., a holding company that handles such prestigious jewelry and accessory brands including Rafael Jewellry, My Diamond and Morellato.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 9, go to business columnist Rodolfo Romero, Fiscal Ma. Victoria Alba Estoeta, Nenette Claudio, Cely Castro, Cely A. Pili, Lydia Motol, Ody Tensuan, Gina Valdes Rivera, Mrs. Marilu Mendoza, Erick Esguerra, beauty queen Colette Centeno Glazer and singer Icy (Justine Moral)...